Lexington County’s newest football team is entering its second season of varsity ball and is hoping to achieve its first win in history this season.

American Leadership is under new leadership following a 0-9 inaugural season. The Patriots will be coached by last year’s defensive coordinator, Kemper Amick. He takes over for Robin Bacon, who stepped down after last season.

Amick spent years as Columbia’s head coach before retiring. He was pulled out of retirement and took the ALA job to help build the program from scratch.

“ Coach Bacon, he left everything in good shape, and we have the benefit of kids going from sophomore to junior, and junior to senior year, which is when you see most of the improvements,” Amick said.

Amick took the job to help the team’s continuity. He wanted to avoid a long, drawn-out search and make sure the players could get to work right away.

He will implement his own ideas and schemes, but overall, the team is looking to build off what they started in year one.

 ”The kids understand more now that they have to be a little tough,” Amick said. “I go back to sacrifice. They have to sacrifice a little bit more to get where we need to be.”

While wins are nice, Amick said a successful year is more about playing the right way and making sure everything operates smoothly.

“Our goal is  getting everybody on the bus and to the game and getting their uniforms right,” Amick said. “ As far as wins and losses go, hopefully, we’ll be able to get our first win ever at this school. Hopefully, it’ll happen this year and then we’ll go from there.”

Offense

ALA’s offense and defense will be led by a group of returning players.

Leonard Pressley is set to play on both sides of the ball. He will be the team’s primary receiving target on offense. Amick praised him for his athleticism and believes the team’s revamped wing-t offense will highlight his abilities.

Jackson Sheriff will serve as the team’s main running back. Sheriff dealt with injuries last season and has been a pleasant surprise through the spring and summer workout periods.

Ayden Mitchum will lead the offensive line. Amick also pointed Mitchum out as a player who will greatly benefit from the team’s new offensive scheme.

Caleb Sanders is moving to tight end after bouncing around a few spots on defense last season. He will be expected to contribute in both the pass and run games.

Brice Cook will be the man under center. He will come out of the gate as the team’s starting quarterback after playing some receiver last season. He earned the role as the year went on and has shown tremendous improvement, Amick said.

Defense

Chris Parnell will play on both sides of the ball but spend most of his time on defense. This season, he will line up as one of the team’s starting linebackers.

Greg Kempson will play on the defensive line. He is coming off a season-ending knee injury and will look to bounce back in 2025.

Nico Terry is one of the new faces in the building. He transferred to American Leadership and will play cornerback.

2025 American Leadership Schedule 

Week 0 - at Thornwell - Aug. 22

Week 1 - vs. Camden Military - Aug. 29

Week 2 - vs. Clear Dot Charter - Sept. 5

Week 3 - at Ridge Spring-Monetta - Sept. 12

Week 4 - BYE

Week 5 - at Thomas Sumter - Sept. 26

Week 6 - at Saluda* - Oct. 3

Week 7 - at Strom Thurmond* - Oct. 10

Week 8 - at Batesburg-Leesville* - Oct. 17

Week 9 - at Ninety Six* - Oct. 24

Week 10 - at Pelion* - Oct. 31

Note: (*) indicates a game against a region opponent