Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia, is turning a new page in its football program. On Wednesday, the school announced the hiring of alumnus Milton Powell as its new head football coach—a move that also sees Powell taking on the role of athletic director.

Powell, who shared the news on social media, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to his alma mater. “I am honored and excited to return to Bishop Ireton to lead its athletics programs and football team,” he said in a school press release. “Bishop Ireton is an outstanding institution and a special community that has had a tremendous impact on my personal and professional growth. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our coaches, student-athletes and families as we continue to build upon the strong tradition of excellence at Bishop Ireton.”

The Cardinals are hoping Powell can spark a turnaround. Over the past decade, the program has posted just one winning season—a 7-4 campaign in 2023. That success was short-lived, as the team struggled to a 2-8 record in 2025, finishing ranked No. 212 in the state according to the final Virginia High School Football Massey Rankings. Powell’s first challenge will be replacing approximately 20 seniors who graduated, leaving a young roster in need of leadership and development.

Bishop Ireton, a private Catholic college preparatory school in historic Alexandria, serves students in grades 9–12. Guided by the teachings of St. Francis de Sales, the school emphasizes academic excellence, faith formation, and leadership—values that Powell aims to translate onto the gridiron. For fans tracking Virginia high school football, keeping up with scores and standings is easier than ever, offering a real-time look at how the Cardinals and other teams across the state are performing this season.