Season Preview: Whaler Football Begins New Era Under Fernando Jones

The Whaler football team begins their 2026 season on Saturday and will be led by new leadership following the hiring of Fernando Jones as head coach in May. Jones, who is currently the Director of Operations for the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club, has a strong connection to the island’s student population and is excited for the opportunity to coach this group and help them build on last year’s 9-1 season.

“I'm pumped. For me, it’s great to interact with them in a different sort of way than at the club,” Jones said. “It's way more direct. Way more direct mentoring. But I know them so well from the club, and obviously from coaching CPS (football) too. It's a fun experience. There will be ups and downs, but I know them and they know me. I trust them and hopefully they trust me. I’m ready to go and they are too.”

David Guillen-Taveras is entering his senior season as a prime breakout candidate. He will likely get a bulk of the touches week in and week out, but the Whalers - who have Morgan Perry returning as offensive coordinator calling plays - have other playmakers such as Justin Torres and Kydon Whitfield as well.

“David is a great weapon back there,” Jones said. “If we are going to be successful, he will be a big reason why. This will be a big senior year for him. He’s been productive and he works extremely hard, He is an awesome athlete in space.”

At quarterback, senior Eli MacIver takes over under center following the departure of Burke Lombardi, who moved off island to play football and basketball at St. George’s School. Jones has liked what he has seen from MacIver under center and is excited about the athleticism he brings.

“Eli is just so solid,” Jones said. “He is so gifted athletically, and I’ve always had a ton of respect for him as a kid and as an athlete. I think he is going to be awesome at the quarterback position.”

The offensive line will feature center Keegan Bedell, as well as Evan Cranston and Jordan Fox who have impressed in camp.

“I feel good about our athleticism on the offensive line,” Jones said. “I feel great about that. No one is very big, but I feel great about our athleticism."

Defensively, Mark Willett returns as defensive coordinator and Jones is excited to have him by his side.

"I feel so great about the defense," Jones said. "We'll be able to attack a lot. We don't have a lot of returning players on that side, but a lot of kids know what they're doing and that aspect is good. Coach Willett has this defense so dialed in... so I feel excellent about that unit.

The Whalers will host East Bridgewater at 2 p.m. on Saturday. You can view their full schedule here.