Shaq Washington's name has been synonymous with success for Maple Heights football.
Eight years after helping the Mustangs capture their only state championship as their star quarterback, the 25 year old is the head coach of a 10-0 Maple Heights team primed to make a deep run in the Division II playoffs.
"To come back home to the city that loves me and I love, and be able to have early success and kind of bring some excitement back and some pride back to the city, I love it," Washington said.
When Maple Heights hired Washington in May -- at the age of just 24 -- the Mustangs were looking to bounce back from a 4-6 campaign in 2017.
"He just brought a whole other feel to the field," senior receiver and safety Antoine Holloway II said. "It's like the team just has this energy that we didn't have (before)."
Washington has exceeded early expectations so far. Last Friday, Maple Heights erased a 14-point deficit to defeat rival Cleveland Heights, 28-21, and win the Lake Erie League championship outright.
"It feels amazing," Washington said moments after the victory. "For this group to accomplish as much as they have in such a short period of time and now to be able to host a (playoff) game in the community that we all love, it's just very exciting."
In between his time at Maple Heights, Washington starred as a receiver for the University of Cincinnati, setting the Bearcats' all-time record with 240 receptions and earning a spot in the Nippert Stadium Ring of Honor. He then tried out for the San Diego Chargers, but a hamstring injury derailed Washington's NFL dreams and set a new plan in motion.
"One day I knew I would be a head coach (but) never this soon," Washington said. "I probably envisioned myself playing in the National Football League right now, but at the same time, I'm forever grateful for this community and this city to accept me to come back."
Not only are Washington's Mustangs unbeaten, but they're also averaging 42.8 points per game and have scored at least 40 points on six occasions. Their high-powered offense has embraced a fast-paced style of play embodied by their former quarterback and current rookie coach.
"It's a very talented, talented group of kids and they come out and compete each and every day," Washington said of his team. "We're a young coaching staff, but they listen to everything we say and they give it a hundred percent, and I think that's why we've been so successful so far."
Washington's Mustangs will look to continue their success in the postseason, which begins Friday against Youngstown Boardman at Maple Heights Stadium.