Rebels Look to Future Under Coach Hodge

McKENZIE (July 2) — The McKenzie Rebels are entering another season of football under the leadership of Coach Keith Hodge, a veteran mentor known for building programs centered on discipline, teamwork, and character development.

Hodge addressed members of the Rotary Club of McKenzie on Tuesday, July 21 on the campus of Bethel University.

Hodge brings a philosophy that prioritizes developing young people into strong students and citizens alongside athletic success.

The Rebels are preparing for the upcoming season with a roster of 54 players, a group that includes 24 freshmen and eight seniors. Hodge notes that this depth is essential for a Class 1A program, allowing for more efficient practices and increased participation across the board.

Community and player engagement has become a hallmark of the program’s offseason. The team recently hosted a youth football camp with over 90 participants and is organizing a large-scale meet-and-greet at the home stadium to showcase the football, cheer, and band programs to the community. The team has also scheduled some pre-season scrimmages at Bethel University’s newly improved stadium.

These efforts are part of a broader initiative to strengthen the program’s ties to the town and ensure the team remains a visible, positive force.

The schedule presents significant challenges, beginning with a rivalry game against Huntington and a high-stakes matchup against Christian County, Kentucky, a consolidated school with approximately 2,200 students. Hodge acknowledges the disparity in size and depth but views these games as vital opportunities for growth and strategic development.

Player leadership remains a cornerstone of the team, even as key athletes recover from injuries. Senior Lelan Gordon, a four-year contributor who has successfully rehabilitated a torn labrum, continues to anchor the team as a multi-position player and long snapper. Off the field, Gordon is managing a growing mowing business with plans to pursue horticulture after graduation. Sophomore linebacker Dawson Reeder, also returning from an ACL injury, has spent his summer working in construction, an experience that has led him to reconsider his post-high school plans and now contemplate college.

Hodge is supported by a dedicated coaching staff, including Trey Cantrell, Ben Hargett, Austin Chapman, Merritt Spence, Kentrell Diggs, Coach Tyler Reeder, and Chris Wall. The program is also seeing a resurgence in its feeder system, with middle school coach Jay Taylor credited for boosting participation numbers and strengthening the long-term pipeline for the Rebels.