Wake County’s new Felton Grove High School has made one of its most important hires: the head football coach.

The budding school announced on Thursday that John Mozerka, the former coach at Apex High School, will lead the program. Mozerka stepped down from Apex in December after he led the Cougars for three seasons.

The coach will not have to move, as Felton Grove is located in Apex. The school is set to pull students from the crowding Cougars, Apex Friendship High School, Holly Springs High School, and others.

While at Apex, Mozerka led the Cougars to a co-conference championship in the SWAC and their first playoff victory in 15 years. Apex also set the record for the most regular season wins in the program’s century-long history.

Mozerka will work with Joseph Sharrow, the opening athletic director of the school.

Felton Grove will not field a varsity team in 2025 as there will be no juniors or seniors. The JV team will be the focal point of the program early on.

The Galaxy will compete in the Triangle Six 6A/7A Conference with fellow 6A Middle Creek as well as 7As Cardinal Gibbons, Cary, Holly Springs, and Sanderson.

Here is the full statement that was sent out by Felton Grove High School:

Apex, NC – John Mozerka has been named the first Head Football Coach at Felton Grove High School. In a statement following his appointment, Coach Mozerka expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to lead the football program at the new school, serving the vibrant communities of Apex and Holly Springs.

“I am deeply honored and energized to take on the role of Head Football Coach at Felton Grove High School,” said Mozerka. “The opportunity to build something special here in a community with such rich tradition and passion for sports is truly humbling. I am excited to work alongside our players, coaching staff, and the entire Felton Grove community to create a program that will make everyone proud.”

Mozerka, who has a proven track record of success, most recently led his previous team, Apex High School, to a SWAC Conference Co-Championship in 2022, securing the program’s first playoff victory in 15 years and setting the record for the most wins in a regular season in the program’s 100-year history. Under his leadership, player participation soared by 110%, and he guided his team to back-to-back playoff appearances, consistently competing with some of the top-ranked teams in the state during those playoff runs.

“I look forward to building a culture of excellence at Felton Grove, one that emphasizes hard work, discipline, and community,” Mozerka added. “Together, we will create a legacy for future generations of Felton Grove student-athletes.”