“Jovante called and I said yes,” Knox said.

He’d show up to practices but did not coach during games because he was busy watching his son, Gus Alexander, play football at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame. When the Knights didn’t make the playoffs, Knox was able to start attending games. And now Washington Prep (5-8) has reached the City Section Division III championship game and will play Jordan on Friday at Birmingham.

“Man, this has been crazy,” said King, who has let the assistants do most of the coaching. King continues to do double duty attending football and basketball practices.

“I love what he has done for our football program during his time coaching and still giving his time today to help these young men,” King said of Knox. “I thank him for helping because he could have told me no.”

Sesame Mixon has been a dual threat with his arm and legs at quarterback and running back/linebacker Freeman Hopkins has made critical contributions.