LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – West Lauderdale High School has named a familiar face to lead its boys soccer program, announcing that championship-winning girls coach Brandon Rodgers will take over the team while continuing his current role.
Rodgers, who has led the Lady Knights for four years and guided them to the 2026 Class 4A state championship, was introduced to the boys team Thursday morning.
“I’m excited about it,” Rodgers said. “It will obviously be a little bit extra on my plate, but we’ve got people in place to help me with that.”
A West Lauderdale graduate and former boys player, Rodgers said the opportunity carries personal significance. He played for the Knights and was part of a state championship team during his time at the school.
“I grew up out here, played out here, graduated from here,” he said. “I’m looking to do the same thing as a coach now.”
Rodgers said he plans to bring a possession-based style of play to the boys program, similar to what he has implemented with the girls team.
“I want to put the ball on the ground,” he said. “We knock the ball around, keep possession and work hard. If we lose the ball, we’re looking to win it back.”
Athletic Director Daniel Knox said Rodgers’ track record and character made him a natural fit for the position.
“We were looking for a high-character person with great morals,” Knox said. “He’s done a great job with the girls program, and we know he’s going to hold our students to a high standard both on and off the field.”
Joining Rodgers on the boys staff is assistant coach A.J. Neal, a 2020 West Lauderdale graduate returning to his alma mater. Neal has been serving as a teacher’s assistant and is expected to move into a classroom role next school year.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity,” Neal said. “It’s been a big goal of mine to get back out here, get coaching and work with the kids.”
Neal said his background includes experience around athletics at the collegiate level, having attended the University of Mississippi and worked with the football program, while maintaining a strong connection to soccer.
Rodgers said he believes the transition to coaching both teams will be manageable with the support of his staff and expressed optimism about the future of both programs.
