{
  "id": 2934808,
  "title": "Countdown to Kickoff: Eastern",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/countdown-to-kickoff-eastern",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-24T03:55:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/countdown-kickoff-eastern-035511139.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Eastern football head coach Roman Morris is confident that his 2026 squad may be the most talented team he has ever coached. This conclusion stems from the fact that his 2025 team successfully claimed the DCSSAA title. Notably, they suffered the loss of their star quarterback, Jeremiah Hubbard, following his graduation. However, Morris remains optimistic about this year's roster, stating that it is well-rounded.\n\nNijel Hubbard, Jeremiah's younger brother and a sophomore, is set to assume the role of starting quarterback. Zion Hubbard, the brother situated between Jeremiah and Nijel, will serve as a senior leader, excelling at both cornerback and wide receiver positions. Coach Morris and his players recently joined Alex Flum to preview the upcoming 2026 season. The Ramblers are scheduled to play a grueling series of matches during the month of September, taking on opponents such as New Town, Flowers, Gonzaga, Georgetown Prep, and Ballou.\n\nEastern's inaugural game will be played at home against New Town on Friday, August 28.",
  "summary": "WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Eastern football head coach Roman Morris believes that this year’s squad might be the most talented team he’s ever coached. He believes that even after his 2025 team won the DCSSAA title. Despite losing their star quarterback Jeremiah Hubbard due to his graduation, Morris said that this year’s team is […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Eastern football coach Roman Morris confident in 2026 squad's talent",
    "Nijel Hubbard, Jeremiah's younger brother, to start as QB",
    "Season opener against New Town on Aug 28"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The team's ability to build on last year's DCSSAA title despite losing a star player suggests a strong program depth that could sustain success under Coach Morris's leadership.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}