Sandalwood Appoints Malik Reaves as New Head Football Coach

Sandalwood High School has announced the hiring of Malik Reaves as its new head football coach, aiming to revitalize a program that has seen a decline in recent years. Reaves, a former player at nearby Fletcher High School, brings a wealth of experience and a strong desire to elevate the team’s performance on and off the field.

Reaves’ appointment comes in the wake of challenging seasons for the Sandalwood Saints, who have struggled significantly since reaching the regional finals in 2020. The team recorded back-to-back 5-5 seasons before a disappointing 0-10 record in 2023. His predecessor, Brad Kessel, managed only one win in two years, leading to his resignation after the season.

The Saints will look to Reaves to restore their competitive edge. He expressed enthusiasm for the role, stating, “What drew me there is just about me wanting to elevate the kids and develop them not just on the field, but off it as well. I know the talent is there, and I’m eager to build that winning culture back. This was an opportunity I couldn’t let pass by.”

Reaves had a successful collegiate career at Villanova University, where he was named a second-team All-CAA selection in his final season in 2017. His experience as a player, including a perfect record against Sandalwood during his high school years, positions him well for this new challenge.

Sandalwood’s football program has a rich history, having produced several successful seasons under former coaches Bob Withrow and Adam Geis. However, the recent downturn has raised concerns among fans and alumni. Reaves is determined to change the narrative, believing that his knowledge and the right tools will help rebuild the team into a powerhouse.

The Saints’ recent struggles culminated in a 29-game losing streak, which finally ended with a victory over Parker in Week 12 of the last season. Reaves sees this as a foundation to build upon, stating, “I’m at the point where I have enough knowledge and the right tools to be able to contribute and build a powerhouse program.”

As Sandalwood prepares for the upcoming season, the community is hopeful that Reaves’ leadership will usher in a new era of success for the Saints, allowing them to reclaim their status as a competitive force in high school football.