Cross Football Putting In The Work This Summer

By David Shelton

Senior Writer

Cross – Having firmly established themselves as one of the premier football programs on the Class A level, the 2026 Cross High Trojans are looking to take the next step.

Cross has been a true state championship contender for the last several years but they have yet to finish the job. The Trojans were 11-2 last season and are 46-10 since the 2022 seaason.

With some experience back this fall, head coach Shawn Wright sees championship potential in his team.

“Like everyone else on this level, we have to stay as healthy as we can,” Wright said. “With all of our key guys on the field, we can play with team in class A. We have a lot of potential if we can fill some holes.”

Wright and the Trojans completed spring practice and the work has continued four days a week.

“The commitment level has been good,” Wright said. “We were missing some guys due to track in the spring but we have them all during the summer. The biggest thing with spring practice was identifying guys who can step in as starters or provide us some depth. The attitude and work ethic of the guys has been on point. I’m pretty pleased.”

Offensively, Wright will look to quarterback Tyler Harris to lead the way. This season will be his third as a starter and his experience cannot be overstated. Harris passed for 1,619 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.

“He’s very smart and he sets a great example,” the coach said. “He prepares more than any player I have coached. Nothing rattles him.”

Senior Mah’ky Green is back for his third season as well and should be among the leading rushers in Class A this season. Green topped 1,600 yards with 16 touchdowns last season.

The Trojans also return four offensive linemen, led by Jalen Broughton. Broughton is the lone returner on the defensive front.

Wright says the strength defensively will be at linebacker where Kahlil Levine, Jimmy Smith, Jakobe Jones and Keyawn Wilson return. All four also will spot time at running back.