Northside football rode a perfect regular season in 2025, finishing undefeated for the first time in school history and advancing to the second round of the AHSAA playoffs. The achievement set a new benchmark for a program that has long chased its first championship.
Yet the celebration is tempered by turnover. About fifteen seniors have moved on, and the offense will lose the bulk of its production, leaving a young group to fill the gaps.
At the center of the returning leadership is senior quarterback Jackson Rhodes, a four‑year starter who threw for 2,831 yards and 47 touchdowns last year, establishing single‑season records for both yardage and scoring.
Rhodes is widely regarded as one of Alabama’s top quarterbacks, and his teammates repeatedly point to his toughness and willingness to take charge in the locker room.
A Leadership Built on Example
Beyond the numbers, Rhodes stresses that preparation and effort can outweigh pure physical size. At 5‑foot‑8, he sees his own journey as a model for younger players who may doubt their stature.
He says the goal is to show that hard work can level the playing field, a message that resonates with a roster that includes several undersized athletes hoping to earn respect.
Coaches note that Rhodes’ experience gives him a unique perspective on game management, and his willingness to mentor younger teammates could shape the team’s culture for years to come.
As the 2026 season approaches, Northside must blend youthful energy with the seasoned guidance of Rhodes, aiming to translate an historic undefeated run into sustained success.