The 2021 Charlotte Observer regional high school football preview
Charlotte Observer Regional High School Football Teams to Watch
Alexander Central: Alexander Central has been a consistent winner, averaging nine wins per season over the last four seasons under Coach Butch Carter. The Cougars return 10 starters, but have some key playmakers on both sides of the ball with senior defensive end, Ryheem Craig (89 tackles, 8.5 sacks) leading his unit. Meanwhile, the Cougars’ younger offense will need seniors in quarterback, Lance Justice (1,322 total yards, 20 total touchdowns last year) and offensive lineman, Landon Dula, back to help carry the load. Alexander Central has the talent to compete for the Northwestern 3A/4A conference title, and should be motivated in the postseason after first-round exits in each of the past four years.
Crest: Crest has improved its record in each of Coach Nick Eddins three seasons at the helm. This year, the Chargers have plenty of firepower on both sides of the ball, starting with senior running back, T.J. Ruff (1,296 yards rushing, 23 touchdowns last year) and junior quarterback, D.J. Fuller (1,475 yards passing last year). The Crest defense is also filled with playmakers in the front seven with linebackers, Nick Beason (86 tackles) and Eli Wesson (96 tackles, four sacks) and junior, defensive end, Eli Hall (52 tackles). The Chargers also have a rare special teams’ weapon in senior kicker, Blake Roderick, to help control field position. Crest has the experience to contend in a loaded, Big South 3A conference. The Chargers will be battled-tested, with a schedule that includes Hunter Huss and Kings Mountain, preparing for the stress of the postseason.
Hibriten: Hibriten has been one of the most successful teams in the state in the last four seasons, going 55-4 in that span. The Panthers return 18 starters from an 11-2 squad, which gives them the experience to post double-digits wins again in 2021. Hibriten will be led by senior quarterback, Daren Perry (912 yards rushing, 16 touchdowns, 1,108 yards passing, 15 touchdowns). Perry has plenty of help in senior fullback, Noah Isbell (503 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns), kicker, Griffin Bryson (8 for 10 onfield goals, 60 extra points). Meanwhile, the Hibriten defense also returns nine starters with seniors in safety, Marcus Jones (54 tackles, five forced fumbles) and linebackers, Nodre Battle and Isbell leading the group. Hibriten will be the favorite to win their fifth straight conference title on their way to another deep playoff run, where they have proven to be on the short list of 2AA state contenders in recent history.
Kings Mountain: Kings Mountain has been one of the most consistent teams in the state, winning 12 games in each of the last four seasons. This spring, the Mountaineers return 15 starters from a team with plenty of motivation after a 56-49, seven overtime loss to Charlotte Catholic ended their 2019 season (3A semifinals). Kings Mountain is loaded on offense with seniors in quarterback, Ethan Reid (2,840 yards passing and 44 touchdowns last year), running back, Rashaad Brooks (1,409 yards rushing last year) leading the charge. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers’ defense will also be strong with senior linebackers, Dameon Wilson (Missouri commit, 123 tackles), Chance Cannon (77 tackles), and senior defensive lineman, Robert Lipscomb (seven sacks), Javari Rice (Fordham University commit, 28 tackles for loss last year), who are all capable of making game-changing plays. Kings Mountain will look to challenge for the Big South conference title, but ultimately will be focused on what has to feel like unfinished business in the postseason.
Maiden: Maiden returns 14 starters from a 9-4 team that went last season. The Blue Devils will have another potent offense (33 points per game), led by junior quarterback, Ethan Rhodes (2,272 yards passing, 29 touchdowns last year), senior running back, Amarion Craig (1,266 yards rushing, 19 touchdowns), senior wide receiver, Brennan James (665 yards receiving, eight touchdowns), and a veteran offensive line with three starters back. The Maiden defense should also be a strong point led by seniors in defensive end in Harris (80 tackles, five sacks) and James (defensive back), and junior defensive back, Chayson Bass, leading the unit. Maiden has the combination of experience and talent to win the South Fork 2A conference title. The veteran, Blue Devils’ team will also be a squad no one wants to face in the 2AA state playoffs with their ability to run the ball and play defense.
Mountain Island Charter: Mountain Island Charter enjoyed their best year in school history, going 11-3 with a trip to the 1AA state quarterfinals last season. This spring, the Raptors look to build on that momentum with 16 starters returning. The Mountain Island Charter offense will need athletes, Jadon Robinson (Campbell commit, wide receiver) and Gabe Stephens (North Carolina commit, receiver) to be playmakers for a unit that has to reload at several key positions. Meanwhile, the defense looks to seniors in linebackers, Nick Burrows (66 tackles) and Stephens (85 tackles, 11 sacks), and defensive backs, Christian Hunter (three interceptions) and Robinson to help slow opposing offenses. The Raptors also have big weapon in senior kicker, Todd Pledger, on special teams. Mountain Island Charter has the experience have a good chance to repeat as South Piedmont 1A conference champions on their way to the postseason, where a veteran team makes them a dangerous playoff matchup.
North Rowan: North Rowan is used to winning, averaging nine victories per season over the last four seasons. New head coach, Nygel Pearson, has the pieces to keep things rolling with seniors in quarterback, Kyree Sims (1,029 yards passing, nine touchdowns; 385 yards rushing), receiver, Kendrell Goudes and offensive lineman, Kevin Krider, back to lead a veteran
group. The Cavaliers’ defense should also be stout with senior-laden unit led by ball-hawking, safeties in Xzaviar “Zay” Davis (six interceptions last year) and Jaharion Graham (130 tackles, three interceptions) and cornerback, Jyrik Scott. North Rowan has the experience to contend for another Yadkin Valley 1A conference title and be a factor deep into the 1AA state playoffs (1AA state quarterfinalist last season).
Richmond Senior: Richmond Senior returns 10 starters from a team went 13-1, with their only loss coming to eventual state champion, Vance, in the 4AA state semifinals. The Raiders, who averaged 41 points per game last year, will boast another potent with senior running back, Jaron Coleman (740 yards rushing) senior wide receivers, Tremel Jones (31 catches for 485 yards) and Dalton Stroman (Appalachian State commit, 716 yards receiving, nine touchdowns). Junior quarterback, Kellan Hood, will have to step in and step up to replace his older brother (Caleb Hood, now at the University of North Carolina). The Richmond defense should also be strong with senior all-state linebacker, C.J. Tillman (105 tackles, 21 tackles for loss) making plays all over the field. Richmond Senior was one win away from a chance to compete for a 4AA state title last year. This year, a senior-laden team will want nothing less than a chance to finish their careers as state champions.
Salisbury: Salisbury tied a school-record with 13 wins last season, advancing to the 2AA state
Championship game, before losing to Shelby. The Hornets return a wealth of talent with 13 starters back in the lineup. The Salisbury offense will be potent once again with senior quarterback, Vance Honeycutt (1,500 yards passing, 600 yards rushing, University of North Carolina baseball commit) leading the unit. The Hornets’ defense returns of six of their front seven from a group that allowed 10 points per game last season. Salisbury will look to defensive linemen in senior, Zae Clay, junior, Nick Hall, and junior linebackers, Jaiden Gaither and Jalon Walker, to help shutdown their opponents. Salisbury has everything they need to make a run at the Central Carolinas’ conference title, while they look to prove they can be 2AA state contenders again in 2021.
Shelby: Shelby has averaged 14 wins per season over the last seven seasons with six, 2AA state title in that same span. This year, Coach Mike Wilbanks and company will have to reload with only nine starters returning. But no one will be feeling sorry for the Golden Lions, who will lean on a dominant defense early on with all-state junior defensive end, Malaki Hamrick (19 sacks last year) and defensive tackle, Santana Hopper, and defensive backs, Torrian and Tyler Arrington (Gardner-Webb commit), all back in the lineup. Shelby returns only three starters on offense, where senior running back, Omar Phillips (850 yards rushing last year) will have to
play a big role with classmates in wide receiver, Jacari Shell and offensive lineman, Shayle Gash. Shelby will have to grow up quickly to live up to its own, lofty expectations, but no one will be surprised if the Golden Lions find a way to develop playmakers to help make them legit, 2AA state contender again this spring.
Charlotte Observer Regional High School Football Players to Watch
Zeek Biggers, West Rowan: Georgia Tech signee lives up to his last name at 6-foot-6, 325-pound defensive tackle can dominate the line of scrimmage with his size, strength.
Ryheem Craig, Alexander Central: The 6-foot-3, 215-pound defensive end, Louisville signee is a menace in opposing backfields with 89 tackles, including 21 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks last season.
Jaleel Davis, Richmond Senior: N.C. State signee, 6-foot-6, 310-pound offensive tackle paves the way for an offense that averaged 41 points per game last season.
Malacki Hamrick, Shelby: 6-foot-4, 200-pound junior defensive end had 129 tackles, 19 sacks last year, will pick between Appalachian State, Notre Dame, North Carolina, Ohio State and Penn State later this month.
Kiylan Miller, Chase: Coastal Carolina signee, 6-foot-3, 180-pound safety/wide receiver can do it all with 67 tackles, two interceptions, 20 total touchdowns, including 12 rushing, five receiving, a kick return, a punt return and pick-6 for a score.
T.J. Ruff, Crest: Howard University commit, 5-foot-10, 170-pound running back is a versatile player with 1,296 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns on the ground, while grabbing 22 passes for 307 yards and four more scores.
Gabe Stephens, Mountain Island Charter: University of North Carolina signee can contribute in multiple positions with 85 tackles and 11 sacks on defense, while catching four touchdown passes on offense.
Jalon Walker, Salisbury: The 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker had 121 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions for the 2AA state runner-up, is down to Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, North Carolina and Ohio State for his college football destinations.
Rico Walker, Hickory: The 6-foot-5, 220-pound sophomore defensive end/wide receiver already has offers from Mississippi State, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia Tech, according to Hickory football coach, Russell Stone.
Dameon “Day Day” Wilson, Kings Mountain: The University of Missouri signee looks to be even more distributive to opposing offenses after recording 123 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss, four sacks, eight hurries, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries last season.
Charlotte Observer Regional High School Football Players - Up Next
Malik Corry, Hunter Huss: The 5-foot-9, 180-pound running back (685 yards and four touchdowns last year) can be just as effective at receiver (375 yards receiving) and as a defensive back (22 tackles, one interception) and is rising on many recruiters’ radars.
Daniel Carter, North Lincoln: The 6-foot-2, 205-pound senior, Davidson College commit had 89 tackles and four interceptions for the Knights’ defense last season, while also averaging six yards per carry as a running back.
Zay Davis, North Rowan: The 5-foot-8, 180-pound safety is a turnover maker with six interceptions, two fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns in his junior season.
Darren Harrington, Anson County: The 6-foot, 205-pound senior edge can wreck an offense with 50 tackles, including 20 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and two forced fumbles as a junior.
Daren Perry, Hibriten: The 6-foot-1, 170-pound quarterback will have the ball in his hands early and often again this season after passing for 1,108 yards and 15 touchdowns, while rushing for 912 yards and 16 scores as a junior.
Ethan Reid, Kings Mountain: The 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior quarterback looks to carry the momentum from a monster junior season, when the Big South conference player of the year passed for 2,840 yards and 44 touchdowns, while running for 11 more scores.
Ethan Rhodes, Maiden: The 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior quarterback (2,272 yards passing, 29 touchdowns) forms one of the state’s most dynamic backfields with senior running back, Amarion Craig (1,266 yards, 19 touchdowns)
Cam’Ron Sweezy, Burns: The 6-foot-3, 185, Wilkes University (PA) commit can make plays with his arm (1,891 yards passing and 25 touchdowns last season) or legs (10 touchdowns last season), taking Burns all the way to the 2AA state semifinals.
C.J. Tillman, Richmond Senior: The 6-foot, 230 senior is a playmaker on every down with 105 tackles, including 21 stops for loss and five sacks last season, earning a Shrine Bowl selection.
Dakota Twitty, Thomas Jefferson Academy: The 6-foot-5, 215-pound junior wide receiver also an ACC, SEC recruit, according to Thomas Jefferson Academy football coach, Jerry Cash.
Charlotte Observer Regional Football Public Schools’ Conference Predictions
Big South Conference
Crest; 2. Kings Mountain; 3. Hunter Huss; 4. Forestview; 5. Ashbrook; 6. Stuart Cramer; 7. North Gaston.
Central Carolinas’ Conference
Salisbury; 2. Oak Grove; 3. North Davidson; 4. Ledford; 5. Thomasville; 6. Central Davidson; 7. South Rowan; 8. East Davidson; 9. Lexington; 10. West Davidson.
North Piedmont Conference
Statesville; 2. West Rowan; 3. South Iredell; 4. East Rowan; 5. Carson; 6. North Iredell.
Northwestern 3A/4A Conference
Alexander Central; 2. Watauga; 3. Freedom; 4. Hickory; 5. South Caldwell; 6. McDowell; 7. St. Stephens
Northwest Foothills’ 2A Conference
Hibriten; 2. Draughn; 3. Bunker Hill; 4. West Iredell; 5. West Caldwell; 6. Fred T. Foard; 7. East Burke; 8. Patton.
Rocky River Conference
West Stanly; 2. Mount Pleasant; 3. Anson County; 4. Forest Hills; 5. Montgomery Central; 6. Central Academy.
Sandhills’ Athletic Conference
Richmond Senior; 2. Pinecrest; 3. Scotland County; 4. Hoke County; 5. Jack Britt; 6. 71st High; 7. Lumberton; 8. Purnell Swett.
South Fork 2A Conference
Maiden; 2. North Lincoln; 3. East Lincoln; 4. Newton Conover; 5. Lincolnton; 6. West Lincoln; 7. Bandys; 8. Lake Norman Charter.
South Piedmont 1A Conference
1. Mountain Island Charter; 2. Thomas Jefferson Academy; 3. Pine Lake Prep; 4. Bessemer City; 5. Community School of Davidson; 6. Union Academy; 7. Cherryville; 8. Highland Tech; 9. Christ the King.
Southwestern 2A Conference
Shelby; 2. Burns; 3. South Point; 4. R.S. Central; 5. Chase; 6. East Rutherford; 7. East Gaston.
Yadkin Valley 1A Conference
North Rowan; 2. North Stanly; 3. Albemarle; 4. South Stanly; 5. North Moore; 6. Chatham Central; 7. South Davidson.
Preseason All-Region Team
Offense
QB – Ethan Reid, Kings Mountain, 6-4, 220, Sr.
RB – Christian Barber, North Stanly, 5-11, 190, Sr.
RB – Amarion Craig, Maiden, 6-0, 185, Sr.
RB – T.J. Ruff, Crest, 5-10, 170, Sr.
WR – Dalton Stroman, Richmond Senior, 6-4, 200, Sr.
WR – Dakota Twitty, Thomas Jefferson Academy, 6-5, 215, Jr.
WR/TE – Gabe Stephens, Mountain Island Charter, 6-4, 220, Sr.
OL – Blake Davis, Kings Mountain, 6-5, 295, Sr.
OL – Jaleel Davis, Richmond Senior, 6-6, 310, Sr.
OL – Grant Lawrence, Watauga, 6-3, 290, Jr.
OL – Nathan Linkous, Stuart Cramer, 6-5, 315, Sr.
OL – Collin Sarratt, Crest, 6-0, 280, Sr.
ATH – Daren Perry, Hibriten, 6-1, 170, Sr.
Specialists
ATH/SPEC – Cam’Ron Sweezy, Burns, 6-3, 185, Sr.
ATH/SPEC – Ethan Rhodes, Maiden, 6-2, 200, Jr.
K – Griffin Bryson, Hibriten, 5-10, 160, Sr.
P – Todd Pledger, Mountain Island Charter, 6-8, 185, Sr.
Defense
DL – Zeek Biggers, West Rowan, 6-6, 325, Sr.
DL – Ryheem Craig, Alexander Central, 6-3, 215, Sr.
DL – Malaki Hamrick, Shelby, 6-4, 200, Jr.
DL – Darren Harrington, Anson County, 6-0, 205, Sr.
LB/DE – Rico Walker, Hickory, 6-5, 220, So.
LB – C.J. Tillman, Richmond Senior, 6-0, 230, Sr.
LB – Jalon Walker, Salisbury, 6-3, 225, Jr.
LB – Dameon “Day Day” Wilson, Kings Mountain, 6-0, 230, Sr.
DB – Tyler Arrington, Shelby, 5-10, 175, Sr.
DB – Daniel Carter, North Lincoln, 6-2, 205, Sr.
DB – Zay Davis, North Rowan, 5-8, 180, Sr.
DB – Marcus Jones, Hibriten, 5-10, 170, Sr.
DB – Kiylan Miller, Chase, 6-3, 180, Sr.
All Charlotte Observer Regional Offensive Football Player of the Year: Ethan Reid, Kings Mountain, Sr., QB.
All Charlotte Observer Regional Defensive Football Player of the Year: Jalon Walker, Salisbury, Jr., LB.
All Charlotte Observer Regional Football Coach of the Year: Bryan Till, Richmond Senior.
