Auburn Knights try to take the next step with LeRoy McFadden leading the way

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — The Auburn Knights made the IHSA playoffs last season. Now, they’ll try to top that this season with a new head coach.

The Knights were headed in the right direction last season when they won five games and made their way into the 7A playoffs. It was their first playoff appearance since 2019.

“Knowing that we can make it to the playoffs, that just boosted our guys’ confidence like a lot,” said offensive and defensive lineman Derrick Townsend.

Despite that playoff breakthrough, a head coaching change was made at Auburn. Willie Tolon was replaced by Auburn assistant LeRoy McFadden. He once was a student at Auburn before he finished high school in Minnesota, and then he played college ball and professional football. McFadden has been an assistant coach at a couple other Rockford schools. This is his first head coaching job.

“It’s a great opportunity to be back where I started. It all started for me at, and being able to help these kids out means the world to me.”

The biggest thing McFadden wants to instill at Auburn is…”We’re going to be very, very disciplined. Discipline is always going to be first.”

McFadden’s an imposing figure. Townsend says the kids listen to him.

“I feel like the guys have warmed up very well to coach McFadden. Coach McFadden, he’s been pushing us to a different, to a way different level.”

“I know he’s really pushed me to my limit so far,” said quarterback Xzavier Lindhe. “He’s a great guy. All the coaches I’m dealing with [] they keep pushing me every day harder and harder.”

Lindhe played some quarterback last year at Guilford. He and Michael Jones could rotate at quarterback for the Knights. They’ll both have a big, athletic target to throw to in 6-4 Tazheer Henderson.

Townsend, Isaiah Lee and sophomore Josh Rundblade will be some of the Knights’ key linemen.

McFadden won’t say if the Knight’s will be primarily a running team or a passing team.
“I want to see us prevail. That’s it. We’re going to do what the defense gives us.”

McFadden says senior Phil Horton will be one of the leaders on defense at middle linebacker.

“Phil is all over the place fast! He did great last year, and he’s a ballhawk.”

Henderson will also be a factor on defense coming off the edge as a returning defensive end/linebacker. Teven Tennial should be one of the best safeties in the NIC-10.

“I don’t set no expectations (on the season),” said McFadden. We’re going to let it play out as they play right now. We’re just building. One thing we’re going to do is come out and play hard.”

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