As he starts to get a grip on St. Aloysius’ football program, new head coach Walker Mosby is preaching a simple philosophy.

“I want these guys to understand that as long as I compete, good things are going to happen,” Mosby said. “Our saying is discipline, toughness, attitude — DTA ­— so we’re going to be disciplined on the field; we’re going to be physically and mentally tough; and our attitude’s always going to stay positive.”

The Flashes seem to be taking it to heart as they progress toward the 2024 season opener two months from now. They played three 7-on-7 scrimmages during the first half of the summer schedule in June.

July will include weights, conditioning and playbook installation before practice officially begins July 29.

More than 30 players have regularly attended workouts, which has been another positive sign, and Mosby said he’s encouraged by what he’s seen so far.

“Practices have been fantastic. We’ve had really good numbers to start summer practice,” Mosby said. “We’ve done some 7-on-7s at MRA, which I really think will benefit us in the passing game offensively and defensively.”

The Flashes were limited to only a few days of spring practice because most players were committed to other sports. Even so, Mosby said he started to see what he’s got to work with. The June workouts continued that process.

“We still got to scrimmage each other and learn these kids really, really well. And we’re still learning them each day,” he said. “The great thing is these workouts and the 7-on-7s have really shown what some of these guys can do. We’ve had some surprises from some younger guys. It’s been great experience for them.”

St. Al will play a preseason scrimmage at home against Lamar School on either Aug. 8, 9 or 10 — the exact date and time have not yet been set — and then the season opener Aug. 23 at defending MAIS Class 5A champion Adams County Christian School. The home opener is Aug. 30 vs. Cathedral.

The Flashes will carry a 19-game losing streak into the season and are coming off the school’s first winless season in 110 years. Their last win was in the 2022 season opener against Park Place.

Mosby is hoping the start of his tenure can help put that in the rear view mirror.

“It has been tough in years past, but we’re not worried about the past,” Mosby said. “We’re worried about the present and the future, and developing these guys into great young men not only on the field but off the field.”

2024 ST. ALOYSIUS SCHEDULE
All games start at 7 p.m.
Aug. 23 — at Adams County Christian
Aug. 30 — Cathedral
Sept. 6 — at East Rankin
Sept. 13 — *Tri-County
Sept. 20 — *at Clinton Christian
Sept. 27 — *Central Hinds
Oct. 4 — at Riverfield
Oct. 11 — Columbia Academy
Oct. 18 — Manchester
Oct. 25 — *at Winston Academy
*MAIS District 2-4A games