Madison Football 2026 Preview | Coach Justin Counts on Building Championship Teams

We kick off our 2026 Northern Virginia high school football coverage with Madison head coach Justin Counts, leader of one of the region's premier public-school football programs.Coach Counts reflects on Madison's remarkable 2025 season, including the Warhawks' unexpected run to the VHSL state semifinals, the heartbreaking finish against eventual champion Oscar Smith, and the leadership that helped transform a team that was below .500 midway through the season into one of Virginia's best.Looking ahead to 2026, Coach Counts discusses replacing another talented senior class, competing for Concorde District and Northern Region championships, and adapting his offense to new personnel. He also shares thoughtful perspectives on the rise of private football academies, why public-school football still matters, the value of multi-sport athletes, modern preseason practice, and the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome.One of Northern Virginia's most respected coaches, Justin Counts offers insight not only into winning football games, but into building successful young people.