Chase Porter, who has served as an assistant for the Male Bulldogs since 2014, was promoted to head coach ahead of the 2026 season, taking the reins of a program that graduated a veteran‑heavy lineup and now fields a largely inexperienced roster.
The quarterback competition is already drawing attention, with junior Leon Melvin, who completed 25 of 46 passes last year for four touchdowns and two interceptions, squaring off against former Fern Creek High School standout Janson Brumley, who went 7 of 19 with four scores in limited action.
Running backs Tyson Kinsel and Cortney Jones will anchor the offense; Kinsel led the team with 358 rushing yards and five touchdowns last season, while Jones, the second‑leading returning rusher, also contributes on defense at linebacker.
Porter repeatedly stresses the rich traditions of Male football, highlighting the historic Male‑Manual rivalry that dates back to 1893 and the importance of preserving that legacy while nurturing new talent.
Key games on the schedule include matchups against Ballard, St. X, Trinity and DuPont Manual, contests that will test the young squad as they look to add new chapters to a storied program.
A New Era for Male Football
The coaching staff is focused on building varsity experience through practice repetitions and in‑game situations, hoping that the cumulative exposure will translate into stronger performances when the season opens.