After years as an assistant coach, Jemison High School’s MK Taylor got his first crack at the main headset on Aug. 20 as the Panthers opened the 2026 season.
“It was great, and I appreciate the opportunity,” Taylor said. “Wish I could have put a better product out here, but we are going to keep working and hopefully get this thing going as the season goes on.”
Taylor’s first game at the helm against Thorsby High School on Aug. 20 started off very well. His first offensive drive went for a touchdown to tie the game at 8-8. The Panthers hung with the Rebels in the first half, but younger players forced onto the field and a thin roster for Jemison caused the game to get away from them down the stretch.
It was clear the Jemison players have rallied and responded to Taylor’s leadership already. Despite the scoreboard not being in their favor, they played a hard-fought game to the final whistle. Evident in the fumble-return touchdown late in the game.
“I think we had some young guys that just weren’t prepared to play,” Taylor said. “I still believe in them, I think they have the ability to do it, but I think on defense especially, having those young guys it showed, unfortunately.”
This season is Taylor’s fifth season with the Jemison program and spent the last two seasons as its defensive coordinator. He grew up in Oxford and played under hall of fame Alabama high school football coach Josh Niblett who won seven state championships. Niblett is currently the tight ends coach under Deion Sanders at The University of Colorado.