Alexander Head Football Coach Cody Neal has his sights set on reaching the playoffs in 2024.
Neal, who is in his second year at the helm, said one of the reasons for his optimism is the depth on the team.
Alexander has over 100 players, including nearly 40 freshmen, making the team young but with a lot of experienced athletes, especially on defense.
“We're just excited about the future of Alexander football,” Neal said. “We truly feel like we're on the right path.”
The coach added: “Our goal is always going to be to make the playoffs. You know, that's always going to be, that's how we judge ourselves. That's how I'm going to be judged, I know, as a head coach. So, we certainly feel like getting into the playoffs is a possibility for us.”
Senior middle linebacker Justis Lester is one of the leaders on an Alexander team where defense is the strong suit. Lester played every game at linebacker on last year’s team, and Neal said Lester has “stepped up to where people are going to know his name now.” In addition to leading the defense, Lester will also see some time on special teams and on offense running the ball.
Other seniors Neal expects to be impact players this season include defensive ends Hunter Joyner and Ethan Manda, wide receiver Chris Hutchinson, safety/quarterback Jaylen Kemp and offensive linemen Josh Hagler, Corrie Lovelace and Jalen Haynes.
Neal also called out three juniors he’s excited about this year: Luke Keller and Jasen Dewbre on the offensive line and Kasen Cobb at linebacker.
Neal came into the Alexander coaching job in mid-March of 2023. He didn’t get into the building until around spring break, meaning there was no offseason program. This year, he’s had a full year to work with his players, “teaching our kids accountability, how to lift, how to pack on the muscle.”
“As far as a team, individual, everything is moving in the right direction for us, and it was really just — we had the off season,” he said.
The Cougars opened with a loss at Sprayberry. They travel to Lassiter Friday for a 7:30 kickoff.