Pike Liberal Arts head coach Mario White resigns hours before semifinal matchup

Troy, AL – Hours before the Pike Liberal Arts School Patriots were slanted to take the field in the AISA playoff semifinals, head coach Mario White abruptly resigned.  

The Troy private school released a statement which read, “Coach Mario White has resigned effective immediately. Coach Rush Hixon has been named interim Varsity Football Head Coach and Athletic Director and will lead our team through remainder of the playoff season.”

The Patriots, without White, knocked off the Glenwood Gators 29-6 last Friday night to advance to the AISA-AAA state title game for the second consecutive season.  PLAS will face Tuscaloosa Academy (7-4) Friday night at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl.  

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At the time of his departure the Patriots had posted a 10-1 record and a region title in 2021.  

White was in his second season at the helm of the Pike program.  In his first year he lead the Patriots to 10-2 mark and school’s first state title since winning back-to-back crowns in 2008 & 2009.  

Prior to accepting the Patriots head coaching position in 2020 he worked with the University of Alabama’s strength and conditioning program.  His career head coaching record currently stands at 21-3.