Sweet 16 countdown: Kings Mountain is drama, controversy free - and determined
Looking for drama or controversy?
You won’t find any of that with the Kings Mountain High football team.
Experience?
“This is definitely our most experienced team in a few years,” says Mountaineers’ head coach Greg Lloyd.
Talent?
“We’ve got some really good returning players, and we’re happy with what we’ve seen from the younger guys,” Lloyd adds.
Depth?
“The numbers are good,” he says. “We were up around 100 kids during the mini-camp we held the last few weeks.”
Surprises?
“If there were any surprises so far, they were the good kind,” Lloyd says.
C’mon, coach … there must be something that has you at least a bit concerned as we start preseason practices, right?
“OK,” Lloyd concedes. “The linebacker corps is a bit thin. But that’s not a big problem, because we have some promising younger players.”
When pushed a bit, Lloyd, entering his 16th season at the helm in Kings Mountain, also notes that the schedule is a bit daunting.
The Mountaineers open Aug. 19 against defending 2A state champion (and local rival) Shelby; then they face Asheville, which was 9-3 a year ago and reached the second round of the 4A playoffs; and then the Mountaineers tackle county rival Burns.
And after that is the Big South 3A conference schedule, complete with another local rival in Crest, along with Gaston County powers South Point, Stuart Cramer and Forestview.
Still, Lloyd says he eager to get the 2022 season going.
A big part of the offense is back from last year, with senior quarterback Lamont Littlejohn (1,585 passing yards), leading receivers Bryson Brown and Jake Lloyd.
And the defense looks solid, led by senior linebacker A.J. Richardson.
Richardson, 5-11 and 235 pounds, has multiple offers from FCS schools and is getting heavy attention from some FBS programs.
“A.J. is such a good run-stopper that we’ll probably play him more on the (defensive) line this season,” Lloyd says. “He can be a disruptive player.”
Richardson also plays running back, especially in short-yardage situations.
Lloyd says the Mountaineers also are deep at that position.
Kicking is another strength on this team. Senior Jaden Ellis converted 37-of-42 conversions and 2-of-3 field goals last season.
“He’s got a strong leg and is a big part of our offense,” Lloyd says.
And sophomore Max Thompson is one of the Big South 3A’s top punters.
The Mountaineers have been knocking on the door for a few seasons. Last year, they reached the 3A playoff quarterfinals, losing to eventual state champion Dudley. In 2019, they marched to the 3A semifinals before losing the memorable 56-49 seven-overtime decision to eventual state champ Charlotte Catholic.
“We’ve had some good teams the last few seasons,” Lloyd says. “We’ve been right there. We’re just trying to make that push, a little bit farther.
Inside Look: Kings Mountain Mountaineers
Head Coach: Greg Lloyd (16th year as Kings Mountain head coach; 18th year overall).
2021 Record: 10-3 (6-1 in Big South 3A conference).
Returning Starters: 17
Returning Lettermen: 30
Key Returners: A.J. Richardson, Sr., LB/DE/FB (5-11, 235); Isaiah Eskridge, Sr., OL (6-3, 295); Jake Lloyd, Sr., DB/Slot (5-11, 180); Lamont Littlejohn, Sr., QB (5-11, 185); Bryson Brown, Jr., WR/DB (5-11, 165); Michael Lubas, Sr., OL (5-9, 225); Zay Smith, Jr., DB/Slot (5-8, 155); Thomas Fair, So., LB/DL/FB (5-10, 225); Jai Currie, Jr., DE (5-10, 200); Max Thompson, So., K/P (5-9, 155).
Fresh Faces: Dalton Smith, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 235); Matthew Rikard, Jr., OL (6-1, 235); Eli Lipscomb, So., OL/DL (5-11, 230).