White Hall High School is betting on a youthful revamp to breathe new life into its struggling football program. Head coach Jason Mitchell, who recently stepped into the top role, is placing seventh, eighth and ninth graders at the heart of the squad, giving them starting spots alongside a handful of returning seniors.
Community and Coaching Support
Mitchell says the shift is about more than X’s and O’s; it’s about building a culture where every player feels valued and part of something larger.
The Bulldogs open the 2026 season on August 28 against Sheridan, a matchup that will test the early chemistry of a team that has seen its win total dip below five in recent years.
Among those seniors, wide receiver Kel McEntire brings All‑State pedigree and a willingness to mentor the younger cohort, echoing a broader trend across the state where programs start players early with the same playbooks.
The coaching staff also hopes that Kory Hope, a senior basketball standout who may qualify for football, can add another dimension to the roster.
The memory of former player Ryan Mallett, who passed away in 2023, still looms over the program, reminding the current squad of the community’s resilience.