The Shadow
LOW MOOR – Alleghany had a spectacular first season of Cougar football following a 9-2 overall record, which included a home regional playoff game in the very tough Region 3C.
With a plethora of talent moved on after graduating, Alleghany will look to fill in those pieces, including Purcel Turner who led the team with 26 total touchdowns and was a nightmare for opposing teams in both offense, defense, and special teams.
The Cougars though return their leading passer in Des Jordan who threw for 1,696 passing yards last season, including 21 TD passes, while completing over 60% of his pass attempts. Jordan who is only entering his junior season also had 325 yards in the ground and seven rush scores.
Another key returner for the offense is a key piece for Jordan at the receiver core in senior Xzavier Hayslett. Hayslett led Alleghany in receptions last year with 45, while reeling in six touchdown receptions.
The Cougars will have a gap in the rush attack as they lost over 450 rushing yards and six touchdowns from Neeko Jeter. Senior Hunter Knighton who was third on the team in receptions with 16, has the most experience in the run game after tallying 286 yards on the ground on 36 carries and three scores. With Turner now graduated and a member of the Roanoke College football team, watch out for a breakout season for Knighton.
Meanwhile on the defensive side, the team is only returning six starters, which includes lead tackler Gavin Via. Via led the team with 79 total tackles, including a team-best 21 tackles for a loss. Via will lead a defense that forced 21 turnovers a year ago.
Junior Jay Godfrey could be in for a be in for a breakout season in the Cougars secondary following a two-interception campaign during his sophomore season.
This will be Alleghany’s final run in the Three Rivers District as they will move to the Shenandoah District next year.
The Cougars open up the 2024 season on Friday with road trip against Waynesboro (Shenandoah District) in a non-district contest at 7:00 p.m.
