For the matthewson story: Cody Matthewson addresses his team after its Round 1 win over Logan-Magnolia last season. Photo by Mark Reno
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
ACGC’s head football coach Cody Matthewson announced on his social media yesterday that he is leaving after eight years with the district. In the post, Matthewson thanked his players, parents, staff and the entire ACGC community for their support during his several years representing the black and gold Chargers.
“While I am moving on, a piece of me will always belong here. I will forever be grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the people who made these years so special. Once a Charger, always a Charger,” Matthewson said.
Matthewson had recently been named the principal of ACGC High School. He stepped down as the boys track and field coach after several years of success with the program. During his time as the track and field coach, Matthewson’s teams won three State Qualifying Meet Championships and placed in the top 10 of the State Championship three times, including runner-up in 2025. His teams were WCAC champions twice, qualified 48 athletes, had 22 medalists and four state champions, and set two state meet records.
Matthewson led the ACGC football team to great success as well, especially in the last three seasons. ACGC made five playoff appearances in a row starting in 2021. The Chargers were 46-8 in those five seasons and 30-3 in the last three. ACGC was one win from reaching the state playoffs at the UNI dome four out of those five years, reaching the quarterfinals in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Since 2023, the Chargers won three straight district championships. Since 2016, the Chargers have had 48 First Team All-District selections, 29 All-State selections, 11 Academic All-State Selections, and two players selected to the Shrine Bowl. Matthewson himself was selected to the coaching staff of the 2026 Shrine Bowl.
The coach leaves an undeniable impression on both programs he coached and the district as a whole.