2026 Team Preview: The Martin Luther King Golden Cougars
Tagged under: District 12, pfn, Team Previews
Willie McGonigle | August 21, 2026
The Martin Luther King Golden Cougars
Head Coach: Jordan Alexander
PIAA District 12
Class 5A
Conference: Philadelphia Public League National Division
2025 Season Record: 1-10
| Key Starters lost |
| Kweli Commeger Zion Valentie Lowe Zahir Austin |
| returning starters (name, Position, HT, WT, Class Year |
| 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 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 |
| Key Newcomers’ name, position* |
| 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 Soph OL Almir Brown 6’4 310 Soph OL Andrew Glover 6’1 280 Fresh WR/DB Derek Perdue 6’6 190 Fresh RB Matai Starkes 5’9 160 Lbs |
Season Outlook
“The MLK Golden Cougars enter the 2026 season with a renewed sense of confidence and experience. After laying the foundation during Year One, Head Coach Jordan Alexander and his staff believe this team has the pieces to take a major step forward.
Offensively, the Cougars return two of their most experienced leaders in four-year player Jaden Staten and two-year starting playmaker Clyde Johnson. Their experience, leadership, and understanding of the program will be instrumental in setting the tone for an offense that is expected to play with speed, physicality, and discipline.
A major addition this offseason is Offensive Coordinator Coach Gus Tolson, who joins the Cougars after a successful run at Edison. Coach Gus brings a proven offensive system, highlighted by developing a 1,500-yard rusher last season. His emphasis on execution, tempo, and physical football aligns perfectly with the identity MLK wants to establish: Play Fast. Play Mean. Play Disciplined.
On the defensive side, the Cougars are anchored by three-year starting linebacker Saleem Jackson, one of the top defenders in the area. Jackson returns after another standout season and will once again lead a defense built around creating turnovers, playing aggressively, and flying to the football. His experience and leadership provide stability while several younger players who impressed during the offseason are expected to make an immediate impact.
Perhaps the biggest improvement has come in the trenches. Both the offensive and defensive lines have made significant strides through a strong offseason in the weight room and summer development. The Cougars expect to be more physical at the point of attack, giving the offense more consistency while allowing the defense to control the line of scrimmage.
With experienced leaders, improved line play, and an energized coaching staff, expectations inside the program continue to rise. The Golden Cougars understand that success won’t be handed to them it must be earned every day through preparation, accountability, and relentless effort.”
Jordan Alexander
08-22
|
vs. Vaux Big Picture (0-0) |
– |
08-28
|
vs. Northampton (0-0) |
– |
09-05
|
@ William Allen (0-0) |
– |
09-11
|
@ Roxborough (0-0) |
– |
09-19
|
@ Father Judge (0-0) |
– |
09-25
|
vs. Benjamin Franklin (0-0) |
– |
10-02
|
@ Thomas Edison (0-0) |
– |
10-09
|
vs. Olney (0-0) |
– |
10-16
|
vs. Audenried Charter (0-0) |
– |
10-24
|
@ Academy at Palumbo (0-0) |
– |
11-26
|
vs. Olney (0-0) |
– |
