ALA-Johnston 2026 Season Preview

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The 2026 squad may have some unfamiliar names, but by the end of the season, they should have plenty of accolades.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">ALA-Johnston Patriots Season Preview</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Info</h3>   Head Coach: Nate Blackburn   2025 Record: 4-7   2026 Conference: Quad County 2A/3A/4A   Returning Starters (Offense): 5   Returning Starters (Defense): 5   Key Games: @ Wake Prep Academy (9/11), @ Roanoke Rapids (10/23), vs. Nash Central (10/30)   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Storyline</h3>   In this new age of high school football, smaller charter schools are fighting for their lives. American Leadership Academy is no exception. The Patriots are known for their player development, actually placing a couple of guys at the college level in recent seasons. But often, they pay the price in terms of outgoing transfers. The Patriots have to replace their quarterback, leading rusher, and leading receiver, and only one of those guys graduated.   It's another reloading year for the Patriots, who are by far the smallest school in their conference. Still, they get some pieces back, and a slight step forward defensively would put them in a spot to make a 2A playoff run.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Players</h3>    Each of the last two seasons, ALA has had an offensive playmaker break out in a major way. To me, the choice is simple. Beasley was third on the team in receiving last year and has some experience at running back. He has great size, and he's difficult to bring down in the open field, especially when he gets matched up on smaller defensive backs.     Every team needs a stalwart left tackle, especially a team that isn't afraid to air it out, and Donovan showcased that last season and has had a strong offseason. He has a great first step as a pass blocker, and his punch in the running game has steadily improved. He's added weight, which has helped against bigger edge rushers. It's nice for a team to have an established tackle, and Donovan fits the bill.     A multi-year starter, Trahan missed nine games last season, and he was sorely missed. He had 77 tackles and five sacks as a sophomore and was off to a great start in 2025 before going down early. Assuming he can stay healthy, Trahan will be the anchor of what should be an improved defense. His leadership cannot be overstated, as the Patriots will have a young unit, and the senior linebacker will be vital to the defense's success.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Biggest Losses</h3>   Kegian Blanchard | WR- ALA's top receiver last season transferred out east to North Lenoir after breaking out as a sophomore. In addition to Beasley, expect rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2249285' first='Brayden' last='Godwin'] to make some noise in that shifty slot receiver role.   Ian Wands | QB- After an up-and-down season last year, Wands transferred out to Willow Spring. The Patriots are high on rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1688645' first='Ronnie' last='Cattelona'], who should lead the offense in 2026.   Josh Crenshaw | OL/DL- Crenshaw was massive for ALA last season, literally. He played both ways, thriving on the interior. On offense, look for guard [player_tooltip player_id='1650544' first='Grant' last='Bazemore'] to step up, while [player_tooltip player_id='2192554' first='Noah' last='Ennis'] is a huge interior presence defensively.   Anthony Jimenez | RB- Jimenez broke out in 2025, running for over 1,600 yards. Expect [player_tooltip player_id='2249308' first='Cam' last='Thaxton'] to get the bulk of the carries in 2026.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Candidates</h3>    Cattelona certainly isn't finished growing, but he'll get the chance to showcase his skills in 2026. We really liked his leadership qualities when he attended our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/prep-redzone-exposure-camp-underclassman-accolades/">Prep Redzone Exposure Camp</a>. At the time, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/prz-exposure-camp-qb-analysis/">I thought</a> he wouldn't start this season, and there may be some growing pains, but he's a high-upside kid who could elevate the entire offense.     This is less of a depth chart look and more of a "this guy is probably too talented to keep off the field" pick. I was <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/prz-exposure-camp-db-analysis/">highly impressed</a> with the rising sophomore at our Prep Redzone Exposure Camp, whose length, speed, and coverage skills stood out, even amongst some of the top defensive backs in the state. I think he'll find his way into the starting lineup and make some noise.     I mentioned earlier that the defense will be young, but it's a talented unit. The Patriots may have to endure some of the mistakes that accompany inexperience, but they have the instincts to cause some issues for offenses. Massey is a guy who could step in and fill the role of one of a few departing linebackers.     Thaxton was a Junior Varsity star three years ago in his football debut, but he's been patiently awaiting his chance to start ever since. The rising senior averaged 6.5 yards per carry on 58 carries last season and also had a few catches out of the backfield. He's a guy who can reliably pick up four or five yards every play because he's patient and always works to fall forward.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Verdict</h2>   As the smallest school in a cross-classification conference, ALA-Johnston has an uphill battle. The offense has never struggled to score points, and I expect that trend to continue in 2026. The question will be whether or not the defense can take a slight step forward.   That's a young but talented unit, and a gettable non-conference slate should set the Patriots up for the conference schedule and ultimately, the playoffs. Expect the Patriots to push even some of the better teams in the conference, and when the 2A playoffs roll around, don't be surprised if they make a run.   A special thanks to ALA-Johnston head coach Nate Blackburn for sharing his prospect sheet and thoughts on his team.

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