Mount Allison football coach Scott Brady has turned his attention to next season after the Mounties finished 2026 with one win and seven losses.
Brady returned to Mount Allison as head coach in May 2025, only a few months before training camp. It was a roster loaded with freshmen this year, meaning many had a steep learning curve as they adjusted to university-level football.
The Mounties won their first game against Acadia on September 4. It would be their only victory of the season, leaving them outside the Atlantic University Sport playoffs. Mount Allison scored on a few trick plays, and first-year defensive back Khael Perry was among the young players who made an impact. Acadia also capitalized on a Mounties mistake just before halftime.
“We really didn’t play all that well in that game. I think the one thing we did was compete the entire way through the game,” Brady said.
Perry started all eight games and was among the conference’s leading tacklers, according to Brady. He also described wide receiver Nolan Cheeseman as having a fantastic season.
Cornerback Woody McRae moved into a starting role late in the season. Brady also sees potential in defensive back Aaron Alder and defensive end Quin Kendziora, although he said staying healthy has been a challenge for Kendziora. The Faria twins both played defensive tackle as freshmen. It’s a tough position to learn at the university level, Brady said, and he was encouraged by their performances.
On offence, wide receiver Brett Renner scored a couple of touchdowns and started several games. Quarterback Justin Charles made some explosive plays, although Brady wants him to improve as a passer.
The freshmen also had to adjust to the amount of preparation involved in university football. Players met with coaches at 2 pm each day during the season, then practiced from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.
Mount Allison played Saint Mary’s three times. On September 26, Saint Mary’s led 24–0 against Mount Allison before the home team scored 17 unanswered points in the second half. The Huskies held on to win 24–17.
The teams met again on October 23. Saint Mary’s was ahead 17–0 at halftime, but Mount Allison held the Huskies scoreless in the second half and put seven points on the board. The game ended 17–7.
“We need to play better football, but the willingness, the want to, the effort, the work ethic is all there,” Brady said.
Mount Allison needed to beat Acadia on October 31 to reach the playoffs. Instead, the Mounties fell behind 30–0 early in the third quarter. They scored three touchdowns in the second half but lost 34–20. Brady pointed to turnovers, trouble picking up first downs and difficulties defending Acadia’s running game. He was also unhappy with the team’s performance on special teams.
“There’s no moral victories. We weren’t good enough, and we have a long way to go still,” Brady said.
The players had a week off before returning to strength training four days a week. Brady wants a bigger, stronger and more athletic team next season, with two morning speed and agility sessions being added in January.
Recruiting will continue through roughly the end of January. Brady hopes the next recruiting class will allow Mount Allison to hold more complete spring practices, giving the coaching staff more time to work on fundamentals and technique.
He also plans to meet individually with players and coaches to hear their thoughts on the season and what could be improved. Mount Allison hired full-time coaching staff during the past offseason, and the group is reviewing its practices, meetings and strategies on offence, defence and special teams.
“I always tell people it’s gonna take twice as long and be twice as hard as anybody expects when you’re rebuilding a program like this,” Brady said.
The university’s smaller, close-knit environment is something he thinks appeals to certain athletes, although he said continued support from the university and alumni will be important if the Mounties are to compete nationally.
Asked what keeps him coaching through difficult seasons, Brady spoke about his relationships with players and what happens to them after university.
“I love the interaction with the guys and feeling like you’re making a positive impact on their life,” he said.
Former players sometimes return and tell him how lessons learned through football helped them in their careers and personal lives. Those conversations are among the parts of coaching he values most.
Brady coaches players ranging in age from 18 to 24, including students who are away from home for the first time. He spoke about the mental health difficulties young men can face at university. For athletes who have spent much of their lives playing football, their performance can affect how they see themselves. Brady said he values the opportunity to create a safe space where players can talk about those challenges and receive support as they adjust to university life.
“I think this place deserves to have a football program that they can be extremely proud of,” Brady said.
Theodore Ramharack holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Western University and a diploma in Broadcast Journalism. He recently completed an internship with CBC News’ The National.
Originally from Ontario, he moved to Sackville to join CHMA as a local journalist and is excited to get to know the Tantramar region and share stories from the community.
