High school football is back! Here’s a look at private schools, players and predictions.
High school football season begins Friday in Mecklenburg County.
The state’s public schools won’t start playing until February, but private schools will play this fall. Here is the Observer preview for those private school teams
Team capsules
Cabarrus Warriors
(CANNON SCHOOL/CONCORD ACADEMY MERGER)
Head Coach: Jamie Bolton (1st yea).
2019 Record: 2-8 (0-4 in the NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference).
Conference: NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference/Division II.
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 20
Key Returning Starters: Michael Dickens, Sr., QB (6-0, 185); Jack Shultz, So., OL/DL (6-1, 215); Zack Kellman, Sr., DB/WR (5-9, 170); Myles Stradford, Jr., DL/OL (5-9, 190); C.J. Newton, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 220); Peyton Gates, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 185)
Key Returnees: Todd Pelino, Jr., K (6-1, 175); Colin Gacek, Sr., OL (5-10, 185); Ford James, Jr., LB/DL (6-0, 185).
Key Newcomers: Tyler Green, Fr., QB (6-1, 160); Hayes Galloway, So., OL/DL (6-4, 285); Will Jones, Fr., RB/LB/DE (5-10, 205); Max Riley, Fr., WR/DB (6-1, 175).
Outlook: The Warriors have 12 starters back in the lineup and will need senior quarterback Michael Dickens and an experienced offensive line/defensive line with seniors C.J. Newton and Peyton Gates, junior Myles Stradford, and sophomore Jack Shultz to help carry the load early, while a younger team develops. The Warriors will likely start 12 underclassmen.
CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN
Head Coach: Jason Estep (14th year).
2019 Record: 8-2 (3-1 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.
Returning Starters: 13
Returning Lettermen: 35
Key Returning Starters: Henry Rutledge, Sr., RB (5-10, 175); Mason Diel, Sr., OL (6-1, 250); Matthew Tuomala, Sr., QB (6-1, 195); Jimmy Bailey, Sr., LB (6-2, 225); Hudson Jones, Jr., DL (6-2, 250); Chip Kasay, Sr., RB/DB (5-11, 175); Philip Slaughter, Sr., OL/DL (5-11, 250); Carson Chow, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 175); Cameron Hicks, Sr., LB (6-0, 180); Ben Stokley, Sr., OL (6-2, 240); Will Farrell, Sr., OLB (5-10, 180); Hudson Collins, Sr., WR/DB (5-11, 165).
Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: The Knights are 39-4 in the last four years with three straight, NCISAA Division I state championships. Charlotte Christian will be a title contender again in 2020 with 13 starters back led by senior running back Henry Rutledge (978 yards rushing last year), senior QB Matthew Tuomala and a strong offensive line. On defense, senior linebackers Jimmy Bailey (74 tackles), Will Farrell (47 tackles, four interceptions) and junior defensive lineman Hudson Jones (52 tackles) lead the unit.
CHARLOTTE COUNTRY DAY
Head Coach: Drew Witman (6th year).
2019 Record: 9-2 (2-1 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.
Returning Starters: 11
Returning Lettermen: 23
Key Returning Starters: Russell Tabor, Sr., QB (6-3, 195); Sam Hedrick, Sr., DE/TE (6-3, 245); Eddie Cassels, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 225); Cameron Ray, Sr., WR/DB (5-8, 145); Jack Flowers, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 250); Scott Hosmer, Sr., FB/LB (6-0, 210); Daniel Bach, Sr., FB/LB (6-1, 195); Spencer Mermans, So., DE/TE (6-6, 215)
Key Returnees: Reid Simmons, Jr., RB/DB (5-10, 170); Jordan Erwin, Sr., WR/DB (6-2, 175); Parker Stephens, Jr., OL/DL (6-1, 235); Stephon Wright, Jr., RB/LB (6-0, 205).
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: Charlotte Country Day has increased their win total by one game in each of the past three years, going 9-2 a season ago. This year, the Buccaneers could be even better with all-state, senior quarterback, Russell Tabor (1,498 yards passing, 22 touchdowns) leading the offense with all-conference lineman Eddie Cassels. The Country Day defense features all-state defensive end Sam Hedrick and linebacker Sam Hosmer, back to provide leadership for the unit.
CHARLOTTE LATIN
Head Coach: Justin Hardin (3rd year).
2019 Record: 7-3 (1-2 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Lettermen: 10
Key Returning Starters: Daniel Haughton, Jr., WR/DB (6-0, 170); Grant Tucker, So., DB/WR (6-3, 190); Chase Montgomery, Sr., TE/LB (5-11, 210); Will McCabe, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 200).
Key Returnees: Bruno Lahass, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 245); Ja’Varis Bufford, Sr., RB/DB (5-9, 165); Ryan Lietz, Sr., WR/DB (5-8, 155).
Key Newcomers: Tyler Hendley, So., WR/LB (6-0, 170); Justin Wheeler, So., QB (5-10, 165).
Outlook: Charlotte Latin, 13-8 in the past two seasons, will look to two-way starters like seniors Ja’Varis Bufford, Will McCabe and Chase Montgomery, along with junior Daniel Haughton and sophomore Grant Tucker to challenge in a tough league.
COVENANT DAY
Head Coach: Peter McSparin (2nd year).
2019 Record: 3-7 (1-2 in the NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference).
Conference: NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference/Division II.
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Lettermen: 13
Key Returning Starters: Daniel Nelson, Jr., QB/DB (6-3, 180); Noah Strand, Sr., FB/LB (6-2, 200); Timmy Cotton, Sr., RB/DB (5-10, 170); Peyton Vaughn, Sr., RB/LB (5-6, 155); James Willing, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 175);
Key Returnees: Will Fitch, Sr., RB/DB (5-9, 155); Reid Turner, Jr., Center (6-0, 230).
Key Newcomers: Bryce Lindsey, Jr., RB/LB (5-6, 160); Dane Steele, So., OL/DL (6-2, 230).
Outlook: Covenant Day has gone a respectable 9-12 in its first two seasons as a varsity football program. But with only six starters back life won’t get any easier for a smaller, younger team. The Lions need junior quarterback, Daniel Nelson and senior fullback/linebacker, Noah Strand, to play lead roles if Covenant Day is going to get back near .500 and compete for a playoff berth.
HICKORY GROVE
Head Coach: Tad Baucom (1st year).
2019 Record: 0-8 (0-3 in the NCISAA Western Conference).
Conference: NCISAA Western Conference/Division III.
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 12
Key Returning Starters: Jordan Rowell, Jr., QB/CB (5-10, 155); Sean Dickey, Jr., RB (5-10, 175); Sunny Jackson, Jr., DE/OL (6-4, 210); Chase Hadden, Jr., CB/WR (5-8, 160); Jeffrey McManus, Sr., LB/RB (5-11, 195); Jake Jeu de Vine, Sr., OL/DL (6-4, 270); Dustin Green, Sr., LB/TE (6-3, 185).
Key Returnees: Travis Snell, Sr., RB/LB (5-9, 165).
Key Newcomers: Jasiah Wilson, Sr., DE/WR (6-3, 215); Jordan Adams, So., QB/DE (6-4, 205).
Outlook: Hickory Grove scorws just 42 points in 2019. But former Sun Valley head coach Tad Baucom, Sam Howell’s high school coach, wants to make the Lions good. He returns 10 starters like juniors quarterback Jordan Rowell, junior running back Sean Dickey. On defense, juniors Austin Canfield, Chase Hadden and Dustin Green will be key players. Baucom also expects newcomers like senior Jasiah Wilson (DE/WR) and sophomore Jordan Adams (QB/DE) to be impact players
HICKORY HAWKS
Head Coach: Clifton Bennett (2nd year).
2019 Record: 6-6
Conference: Independent/Homeschool team.
Returning Starters: 11 (5 offense; 6 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 11
Key Returning Starters: Jackson Bennett, Jr., CB/WR (6-0, 165); Tristan Bailey, Sr., RB/S (5-9, 160); Josh Gibson, Jr., LB (5-8, 155); Isaiah Ramsey, Jr., DT/OL (6-2, 220); Noah Stoppard, Jr., WR (6-2, 180).
Other Key Returnees: Seth Blakely, Sr., OT (6-1, 215).
Key Newcomers: Josh Moore, Sr., QB (5-9, 190) (East Burke transfer); Ezekiel Hinkelman, Sr., RB/DE (6-0, 200) (East Mecklenburg transfer).
Outlook: The Hickory Hawks doubled their 2018 win total last season. In 2019, 11 starters are back, including two-way standouts in senior Tristan Bailey (RB/S), juniors Jackson Bennett (DB/WR) and Isaiah Ramsey (OL/DL) and sophomore Clay Blakely (DB/WR). Senior offensive lineman Seth Blakely returns after missing 2019 with an injury. Two transfers -- senior quarterback Josh Moore (East Burke) and senior RB Ezekiel Hinkleman (East Mecklenburg) -- will be impact players.
METROLINA CHRISTIAN
Head Coach: Thomas Langley (11th year).
2019 Record: 8-4 (4-0 in the Piedmont Athletic Conference (PAC)).
Conference: NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference/Division II.
Returning Starters: 14
Returning Lettermen: 23
Key Returning Starters: Andrew Threat, Sr., LT (6-4, 255); Colton Fitch, Sr., LB (6-0, 215); Tommy Miller, Jr., S (5-11, 175); Bryce McFerson, Jr., K/P (6-1, 170); Luke Gaskins, Sr., RB (5-11, 170); Christian McLemore, Sr., DT (5-10, 235); Caleb Titherington, Jr., WR (5-11, 160); Ben Carr, Sr., OL (6-1, 280).
Other Key Returnees: Gunnar Moen, Jr., OLB (5-11, 175); Brian Kearns, Sr., WR (6-2, 190); Julian Mercer, Jr., LB (5-10, 190); Ryan McEvoy, Sr., QB (6-1, 180); Alex Green, Sr., DT/OG (6-0, 245); Ben Blanchard, Sr., DE (6-0, 200).
Key Newcomers: Joe Dilly, Sr., RB (6-1, 190); Conor Taylor, So., DE (6-2, 235); Braxton West, Sr., DL (6-0, 230).
Outlook: Metrolina Christian will lean on an offensive line with all five starters back, led by seniors Ben Carr and Andrew Threatt (Naval Academy commit). The defense will feature all-state linebacker, Colton Fitch (93 tackles) and all-state junior safety Tommy Miller (90 tackles). leading the group. Junior kicker/punter Bryce McFerson (averaged 38 yards per punt, had seven field goals in 2019), is a special teams weapon. Metrolina Christian has lost in the NCISAA Division II state championship game each of the last two years.
PROVIDENCE DAY
Head Coach: Chad Grier (1st year).
2019 Record: 8-3 (1-2 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division II.
Returning Starters: 14
Returning Lettermen: 26
Key Returning Starters: Nickel Fields, Sr., RB (5-10, 190); Marc Magno, Sr., OL/DL (6-4, 270); Zach Lohavichan, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 245); Thomas Flynn, Sr., WR/DB (6-4, 200); Sterling Gabriel, Sr., DB/WR (6-2, 185); Davis Harry, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 160); William Wallace, Sr., K/P (6-0, 210); Dillon Cater, Jr., DE/TE (6-0, 190); Connor Glosson, Jr., DE/TE (6-1, 212); J.T. Smith, So., RB/ATH (5-10, 185); Josh Holl, So., OL/DL (6-6, 250); Carson Parker, So., OL/DL (6-2, 245).
Key Returnees: Jake Olliver, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 270); Nate Abraham, Jr., WR/DB (5-7, 140); James Chan, Jr., DB (5-11, 155); Andrew Sangnuah, Jr., RB/LB (5-5, 170); Jayden Hollar, So., WR/DB (6-2, 190).
Key Newcomers: Jake Helfrich, Sr., QB (5-11, 190) (Charlotte Latin transfer); Grantt Logan, Jr., QB (6-2, 210) (Thomas Jefferson Academy transfer); Liam Groulx, So., TE/ATH (6-2, 205); Channing Goodwin, Fr., WR/DB (6-0, 160); Jay Jones, Sr., LB (5-10, 215); Cameron Nichols, Jr., OL/DL (6-1, 285); Bleu Coleman, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, 160); Chris Peal, So., DB/WR (6-0, 160); Brody Barnhardt, Fr., WR/DB (5-11, 165); Jordan Shipp, Fr., WR/DB (6-0, 160).
Outlook: Grier won four state titles at Davidson Day and takes over a reigning NCISAA Division II state champions. The Chargers return 11 starters led by seniors like running back Nickel Fields, wide receiver Thomas Flynn and offensive linemen Zach Lohavichan and Marc Magno. The Providence Day offense should benefit from transfers like quarterbacks Jake Helfrich (Charlotte Latin), Grantt Logan (Thomas Jefferson Academy), tight end Liam Groulx (Charlotte Christian) and junior offensive lineman Cameron Nichols (Myers Park).
Predictions
Big South Conference
1. Charlotte Christian; 2. Charlotte Country Day; 3. Providence Day; 4. Charlotte Latin
Preseason All-Area Team
Offense
QB – Russell Tabor, Charlotte Country Day, 6-3, 195, Sr.
RB – Henry Rutledge, Charlotte Christian, 5-10, 175, Sr.
RB – Nickel Fields, Providence Day, 5-10, 190, Sr
RB – Ezekiel Hinkleman, Hickory Hawks, 6-0, 200, Sr.
WR – Thomas Flynn, Providence Day, 6-4, 200, Sr.
WR – Cameron Ray, Charlotte Country Day, 5-8, 145, Sr.
TE – Liam Groulx, Providence Day, 6-2, 205, So.
OL – Eddie Cassels, Charlotte Country Day, 6-0, 225, Sr.
OL – Mason Diel, Charlotte Christian, 6-1, 250, Sr.
OL – Zach Lohavichan, Providence Day, 6-3, 255, Sr.
OL – Will McCabe, Charlotte Latin, 6-0, 200, Sr.
OL – Andrew Threat, Metrolina Christian, 6-4, 255, Sr.
OL –Sunny Jackson, Hickory Grove, 6-4, 210, Sr.
Specialists
ATH – Jordan Rowell, Hickory Grove, 5-10, 155, Jr.
ATH – Daniel Nelson, Covenant Day, 6-3, 175, Jr.
K – William Wallace, Providence Day, 6-0, 210, Sr.
P – Bryce McFreson, Metrolina Christian, 6-1, 170, Jr.
Defense
DL – Sam Hedrick, Charlotte Country Day, 6-3, 245, Sr.
DL – Phillip Slaughter, Charlotte Christian, 5-11, 250, Sr.
DL – Hudson Jones, Charlotte Christian, 6-2, 250, Jr.
DL – Isaiah Ramsey, Hickory Hawks, 6-2, 220, Jr.
LB – Jimmy Bailey, Charlotte Christian, 6-2, 225, Sr.
LB – Will Farrell, Charlotte Christian, 5-10, 180, Sr.
LB – Noah Strand, Covenant Day, 6-2, 200, Jr.
LB – Colton Fitch, Metrolina Christian, 6-0, 215, Sr.
DB – Daniel Haughton, Charlotte Latin, 6-0, 170, Jr.
DB – Carson Chow, Charlotte Christian, 5-10, 175, Sr.
DB – Tommy Miller, Metrolina Christian, 5-11, 175, Jr.
DB – Sterling Gabriel, Providence Day, 6-2, 185, Sr.
DB – Tristan Bailey, Hickory Hawks, 5-9, 160, Sr.
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Russell Tabor, Charlotte Country Day, QB, Sr.
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Jimmy Bailey, Charlotte Christian, LB, Sr.
This story was originally published September 24, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
