When Tim Adebayo stepped onto the practice field at Mt. Whitney High School this summer, the buzz was unmistakable. A former college player who walked the same streets of Fresno that raised him, Adebayo now stands at the center of a program that has long been overlooked, ready to rewrite its narrative.
A Personal Connection to the Community
Growing up in a neighborhood not unlike the students he now mentors, Adebayo sees more than a team; he sees a pathway out of hardship. He speaks of using football as a vehicle for resilience, grit, and life lessons that extend far beyond the gridiron, hoping to leave a legacy that lifts the entire community.
His own journey — from Fresno City to the University of Hawaii — instilled a work ethic that he now wants to pass on. He believes the discipline learned on the field can reshape trajectories for the underserved youth of Mt. Whitney, turning skepticism about the program’s past into a rallying cry for the future.
Revitalizing the Roster
The offense will be anchored by returning quarterback Levi Young, who amassed 553 yards and seven touchdowns last season, and senior running back Kayden Silvas, a 608‑yard rusher who is poised to become the county’s most celebrated back in 2026. Wideout Jarell Oakes adds a towering presence on the outside, while linebacker Jake Westmoreland, an All‑East Yosemite League first‑team selection, returns to fortify the defense.
The team’s motto — ‘We are the forgotten bunch’ — captures a collective resolve to prove that they are more than a footnote. Their schedule opens on August 21 against San Luis Obispo, a game that will set the tone for a season focused on building pride, not just wins.
Beyond the field, Adebayo’s vision extends to the broader campus culture. By fostering a sense of belonging and achievement, he hopes to turn Mt. Whitney into a place where students see football as a catalyst for personal growth and communal uplift.