Martin Luther King Looks to Turn Experience into Wins in 2026
The Martin Luther King Golden Cougars enter the 2026 season determined to turn last year’s close losses into victories.
Head coach Jordan Alexander’s team finished 1-10 in 2025, but the Golden Cougars were much more competitive than the final record suggests. Six of their losses came by eight points or fewer, including one-point setbacks against Boys’ Latin and a two-point loss to Academy at Palumbo.
With several experienced leaders returning, a new offensive coordinator and one of the most productive linebackers in Philadelphia back to anchor the defense, King believes it has the pieces to make significant progress in the Philadelphia Public League’s National Division.
New Coordinator Takes Over the Offense
Martin Luther King will feature a new offensive approach under offensive coordinator Gus Tolson.
The Golden Cougars want to establish a physical identity, play with greater tempo and eliminate the mistakes that prevented them from finishing drives last season. Tolson arrives after directing an offense that produced a 1,500-yard rusher at his previous school.
King returns several experienced skill-position players who should benefit from the new system.
Senior running back Jaden Staten enters his fourth varsity season and will be counted on to provide leadership and production in the backfield. His experience should be valuable as the Golden Cougars attempt to establish a more consistent rushing attack.
Senior wide receiver Clyde Johnson is the team’s most proven offensive playmaker. Johnson caught 20 passes for 340 yards and five touchdowns last season, averaging 17 yards per reception. A two-year starter, he possesses the speed and open-field ability to produce explosive plays whenever the football is in his hands.
Senior Lacey Johnson also returns at wide receiver and should take on a larger role within the passing game.
The offensive line will be built around junior Mikaal Alexander, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound returning starter who gives King size and experience up front. His ability to create running lanes and protect the quarterback will be critical to the offense’s development.
The Golden Cougars must replace several key graduates, including Kweli Commeger, Zion Valentie Lowe and Zahir Austin, but the coaching staff is encouraged by the progress made throughout the offseason.
“Our experience, combined with the work our players have put in this offseason, gives us confidence that our offense will continue to take the next step this season,” Alexander said.
Jackson Anchors an Aggressive Defense
Junior linebacker Saleem Jackson enters the season as one of the top returning defensive players in the Philadelphia Public League.
Jackson produced an outstanding sophomore campaign, recording 105 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, four sacks, 10 forced fumbles, one interception and two defensive touchdowns.
Those numbers demonstrate his ability to impact every area of a game. He can stop the run, pressure the quarterback, create turnovers and turn takeaways into points.
Now entering his third season as a starter, Jackson will be responsible for anchoring the middle of a defense that wants to play fast and attack opponents.
The linebacker corps also returns junior Kaden Finney, who gives the Golden Cougars another experienced defender at the second level.
King should have plenty of size along the defensive front. Senior Hassan Allen, listed at 6-foot and 280 pounds, returns alongside 320-pound junior Kaleb Davis. Their ability to occupy blockers and control the interior will allow Jackson and Finney to pursue the football.
Junior defensive back Micah Jones returns to lead the secondary after gaining valuable varsity experience last season.
Defensive coordinator Corey Johnson wants the unit to establish an aggressive identity centered around pressure and takeaways.
“We want to be an aggressive, attacking defense that plays fast, creates turnovers and sets the tone every time we take the field,” Alexander said. “Several of our younger players have taken major steps forward, and we’re excited to see them earn their opportunities.”
Johnson Gives Special Teams Big-Play Potential
Special teams will be a major point of emphasis for the Golden Cougars in 2026.
King returns one of the area’s most dangerous return specialists in Clyde Johnson, who scored two kickoff-return touchdowns last season.
His ability to change field position or score with a single touch gives the Golden Cougars a significant weapon. Opponents will have to decide whether to kick the ball to Johnson or risk giving King favorable field position.
The coaching staff also expects competition among several younger players to improve both the coverage and return units.
King wants its special teams to play with effort, discipline and attention to detail while creating momentum-changing opportunities.
Players to Watch
Saleem Jackson, Jr., LB: Dominant defensive playmaker who totaled 105 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 10 forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns.
Clyde Johnson, Sr., WR/Returner: Explosive offensive and special-teams threat who caught five touchdown passes and returned two kickoffs for scores.
Jaden Staten, Sr., RB: Four-year veteran expected to lead King’s physical rushing attack.
Mikaal Alexander, Jr., OL: Massive returning lineman who will anchor the offensive front at 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds.
Hassan Allen, Sr., DL: Experienced interior defender who gives King size along the defensive line.
Kaden Finney, Jr., LB: Returning linebacker expected to form a strong combination with Jackson.
Kaleb Davis, Jr., DL: A 320-pound defensive lineman capable of occupying multiple blockers in the middle.
My thought on Martin Luther King
Martin Luther King’s 2025 record does not tell the full story.
The Golden Cougars were only a few plays away from winning several additional games, and their ability to compete late into contests provides optimism entering the new season. The next step will be learning how to finish close games and maintain consistent execution for four quarters.
The offense will be built around Staten’s experience, Johnson’s explosiveness and a more physical approach under Tolson. Defensively, Jackson gives the Golden Cougars an elite playmaker around whom the coaching staff can build an aggressive unit.
There are still positions to fill and young players who must prove themselves under varsity pressure. However, King has experienced leaders at several important positions and a coaching staff emphasizing discipline, speed and physicality.
Should the offensive line develop, the younger defenders emerge and the Golden Cougars protect the football, Martin Luther King has the potential to become one of the Philadelphia Public League’s most improved teams in 2026.
Head Coach: Jordan Alexander
Assistant Coaches:
Darnell Baldwin Associate Head Coach/ Corners
Gus Tolson Assistant Head Coach / OC
Corey Johnson DC
Eric Lee RB
Calvin Shakoor Safety’s
Marquis Guyton DL
Tavio Thomas WR
Coach Kenny WR
Coach Matt LB
Coach Chip DL
Coach Brandon LB
Coach Tony Offensive Quality Control
Coach Palm QB Pass Game coordinator
Team Name: Martin Luther King Golden Cougars
District: 12
Class: 5A
League: Philadelphia Public League, National
2025 Record: 1-10
8/22 South Philadelphia (6A) 7:00 pm W 13-6
8/29 William Allen (6A) 7:00 pm L 24-36
9/05 @ George Washington (6A) 7:00 pm L 12-19
9/13 @ Mastery North Charter (5A) 2:00 pm
9/19 Belmont Charter School (1A) 7:00 pm L 14-20
9/26 Philadelphia Central (6A) 3:00 pm L 6-18
10/03 @ Frankford (5A) 3:00 pm L 15-19
10/10 Boys Latin Charter School (4A) 7:00 pm L 19-20
10/18 @ John Bartram* (3A) 1:00 pm L 6-42
10/24 Academy of Palumbo (5A) 4:00 pm L 14-16 at Germantown Supersite
11/27 Olney (5A) 10:00 am L 0-18 Thanksgiving Day Game at Germantown Supersite
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Vaux (Big Picture Philly) (3A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Northampton (6A) 7:00 pm
9/05 @ William Allen (6A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Roxborough* (4A) 3:00 pm
9/19 @ Father Judge (6A) 12:00 pm
9/25 Benjamin Franklin* (4A) 7:00 pm at Germantown Supersite
10/02 @ Thomas Edison* (5A) 3:00 pm
10/09 Olney* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/16 Universal Audenried Charter* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/24 @ Academy of Palumbo* (5A) 3:00 pm
11/26 Olney* (4A) 10:00 am Thanksgiving Day game
Key Starters Lost:
Kweli Commeger
Zion Valentie Lowe
Zahir Austin
Offensive Starters Returning:
Clyde Johnson Sr WR 5’9 170
Jaden Staten Sr RB 5’10 170
Mikaal Alexander Jr OL 6’4 300
Lacey Johnson Sr Wr 5’7 150
Defensive Starters Returning:
Saleem Jackson Jr LB 6’0 200
Hassan Allen Sr DL 6’0 280
Kaden Finney Jr LB 5’11 190
Kaleb Davis Jr. DL 5’11 320
Micah Jones Jr. DB 5’10 160
Special Team Starters Returning:
Sr Returner Cylde Johnson 5’9 170
Key Newcomers:
Soph Edge Omari Hardware 6’1 190
Soph DB Ian Smith 5’10 150
Soph DB Calin Shakoor 6’0 170
Jr DB Amin Tiller 6’1 170
Jr WR Elijah Brunson 6’0 180
JR LB Tyzier Smith 6’0 180
Sr WR Andre Smith 5’3 140
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Saleem Jackson 105 tackles 25 tackles for loss 4 sacks 10 forced fumbles 1 interception 2 defensive touchdowns
Clyde Johnson 20 Catches for 340 yds 5 TD
2026 Offensive Outlook: Offensively, we want to play with a physical mindset, play fast, and stay disciplined. We’re excited to welcome our new offensive coordinator, Coach Gus, who joins us after leading an offense that produced a 1,500-yard rusher at his previous school. We have a strong group of leaders returning, including two-year starter Clyde Johnson and four-year veteran Jaden Staten. Their experience, combined with the work our players have put in this offseason, gives us confidence that our offense will continue to take the next step this season.
2026 Defensive Outlook: We want to be an aggressive, attacking defense that plays fast, creates turnovers, and sets the tone every time we take the field. We’re returning three-year starter Saleem Jackson, who will anchor the middle of our defense with his leadership and experience. This offseason, several of our younger players have taken major steps forward, and we’re excited to see them earn their opportunities and prove themselves once the season begins.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Special teams is going to be a major emphasis for us this season. We believe it’s a phase of the game that can completely change momentum, create field position, and win football games. Our expectation is to play with great effort, discipline, and attention to detail every time we step on the field.
We’re excited about the playmakers we have returning, led by Clyde Johnson, who scored two kickoff return touchdowns last season and has proven to be one of the most dangerous return specialists in the area. His ability to change a game with one touch gives us confidence every time the ball is kicked his way. Along with Clyde, we have several young players competing for roles on our coverage and return units, and we’re looking forward to seeing that competition elevate our special teams throughout the season.