Mount Vernon 2026 football jamboree

The Mount Vernon Mountaineers hosted Forsythe, McDonald County and Strafford high schools to kick off the 2026 football season with exhibition play on Friday night.

Each school got a chance to play against one another, taking turns on both offense and defense. While there were highlights on both sides of the ball for all schools, hosting Head Coach Tom Cox feels like a jamboree is a great way to start the season.

"It's real important to see different schemes, different abilities, different types and styles of coaching and playing," he said. "It helps us getting ready for the long season."

Cox's Mountaineers showed promise with several offensive touchdowns and multiple forced turnovers. They start their 2026 season with a matchup against a Nevada Tigers team that finished the 2025 season 8-4.

McDonald County High School starred in the jamboree as well, using its quarterbacks to rush for long touchdowns on multiple occasions. The Mustangs open up their 2026 schedule with a visit to Marshfield.