The Observer’s 2022 Mecklenburg County private high school football preview
.JPG "Charlotte Christian’s Cade Nicholson carries the football against Providence Day in the first half of a high school football game in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. (Nell Redmond photo)")
Here is our annual look at high school football teams from private schools in Mecklenburg County
CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN
Head Coach: Jason Estep (16th year as Charlotte Christian head coach).
2021 Record: 5-6 (1-4 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.
Returning Starters: 13 (8 offense; 5 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 35
Key Returning Starters: Micah Gilbert, Jr., WR (6-3, 200); Grant Tucker, Sr., WR/LB/DB (6-3, 200); Cam Estep, Sr., QB (6-0, 180); Kyron Jones, Sr., RB/DB (6-1, 200); Danny Stevens, Sr. OL/DL (6-4, 265); Cade Nicholson, Sr., WR/TE (6-2, 215); Ryan Henley, Jr., RB (5-10, 185); Brock Benton, Sr., OL/DL (6-4, 230); Gavin Major, Jr., OL (6-4, 260).
Other Key Returnees: Christian Vann, Jr., RB/DB (6-0, 190); Armonte Ferguson, Sr., WR/DB (5-11, 165); David Hulbert, Sr., TE (6-4, 225); Derrick Brown (Jr.), Sr., DE (6-3, 215); Johnny Montgomery, Sr., LB (5-11, 225); Bryce Young, Jr. DL (6-5, 220).
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: After going 36-4 from 2017-2020 with four straight NCISAA Division I state titles in that span, Charlotte Christian slipped to 5-6 last season with two overtime losses. However, with 13 starters back the Knights have the experience to get right back into conference/state championship contention. The offense has plenty of weapons, including quarterback Cam Estep (1,147 yards passing), running back Kyron Jones (953 yards, 12 touchdowns), wide receivers Grant Tucker and Cade Nicholson, offensive lineman Brock Benton, and juniors Micah Gilbert (40 catches) and Ryan Henley (839 yards rushing, eight touchdowns). The defense will have to be stingier led by all-state defensive lineman Danny Stevens, classmate fellow lineman Derrick Brown, Jr. and all-state linebacker (Grant) Tucker.
Note: Knights assistant coach Bryant Young, the former 49ers NFL star, was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame Saturday
CHARLOTTE COUNTRY DAY
Head Coach: Drew Witman (8th year as Charlotte Country Day football coach).
2021 Record: 2-8 (0-5 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Lettermen: 14
Key Returning Starters: Spencer Mermans, Sr., TE/DE (6-6, 240); Dillon Kercher, Sr., HB/DB (5-8, 155); Michael Woodard, Sr., RB/DB (5-9, 170); Jack Blythe, Sr., WR/DB/LB (6-3, 185); Derrick Boskie, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 300); Rush Grier, Sr., TE/LB (6-0, 235); Josh Boigner, Sr., QB (5-11, 190).
Other Key Returnees: Josh Porter, Jr., OL/DL (6-0, 270); Henslee Hopkins, Jr., LB/DB/RB (5-8, 150); Oscar Hydrick, Jr., HB/LB (6-2, 200); London Rogers-Hicks, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, 145).
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: Charlotte Country Day has struggled of late, going 4-13 in the past two years. With only seven starters back, the Bucs will need big seasons out of new faces to turn that around. The Buccaneers’ defense will have to be strong, led by all-state defensive end, senior Spencer Mermans (58 tackles, six sacks), plus senior defensive backs Dillon Kercher (100 tackles) and Jack Blythe. The Country Day offense will have to put more points on the board, hopefully getting sparks from senior quarterback Josh Boigner, running back Michael Woodard and Mermans at tight end.
CHARLOTTE LATIN
Head Coach: Justin Hardin (5th year as Charlotte Latin head coach).
2021 Record: 8-3 (3-2 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.
Returning Starters: 11
Returning Lettermen: 15
Key Returning Starters: Tyler Hendley, Sr., WR/S (6-2, 170); Aaron Logan, Sr., RB/LB (6-0, 185); Caeden O’Neal, Sr., MLB/TE (6-0, 215); Jackson Scott, Sr., WR/CB (6-1, 170); Jacob Snyder, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 190); Josh Cohen, Sr., WR/LB (6-0, 200); Sam Haines, Sr., RB/DB (5-8, 160); Neil Salvage, Jr., RB/DB (5-9, 185); Jordan Pence, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 185); Max Brumfield, Jr., OL/DL (6-0, 245).
Other Key Returnees: John Dauska, Jr., WR/DB (5-11, 170); Thomas Lucas, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 195).
Key Newcomers: Charlie Smith, So., QB (6-0, 170).
Outlook: Charlotte Latin has been up and down, going 22-16 in the past four years. This season, the Hawks will lean on a strong senior class. The Charlotte Latin offense will look to senior playmakers, receiver, Tyler Hendley, running back, Sam Haines, and junior running back, Neil Salvage as sophomore quarterback, Charlie Smith, gains experience. All-state quarterback Justin Wheeler transferred to Mallard Creek.
The Hawks’ defense is a veteran unit, and include senior linebackers Aaron Logan (all-state, 63 tackles, 6.5 sacks) and Caeden O’Neal (63 tackles), cornerback Jackson Scott (four interceptions) and defensive lineman Jacob Snyder. The Hawks will look to earn their fourth winning season in the last five years and return to the playoffs.
Note: The Charlotte Latin coaching staff includes three former NFL players, including quarterback Anthony Boone (Detroit Lions), wide receiver Maurice Harris (Washington Redskins) and defensive lineman Darius Kilgo (Houston Texans).
COVENANT DAY
Head Coach: Peter McSparin (4th year as Covenant Day head coach).
2021 Record: 3-7 (2-1 in the NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference.
Conference: NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference/Division II.
Returning Starters: 15 (7 offense; 8 defense).
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Weston Shoudy, Sr., WR/DB (5-11, 160); Luke Wilson, Sr., RB/DB (6-0, 170); Brandon Mongerard, Sr., RB/DB (5-7, 160); Drew Turner, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 190); Dane Steel, Sr., OL/DL (6-4, 250); Hamilton Ferguson, Sr., DL (6-0, 215); Alex Koulovatos, Jr., QB/WR/DB (6-0, 170); David Abner, Jr., RB//DE (6-0, 215); Luke Graves, Jr., TE/DE (6-4, 190); Cohen Sears, Jr., DL (5-9, 220); Hudson Shoudy, Jr., OL/DL (5-10, 230); Brandon Vonder, Jr., LB (5-10, 180).
Other Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: Wisdom Whipper Daniel, So., ATH (6-1, 180).
Outlook: The Lions have seven wins in the past three years. But with 15 starters returning, Covenant Day should be improved. The Lions’ offense (18 points per game last year) will look to put more points on the board with junior quarterback/receiver Alex Koulovatos, receiver Weston Shoudy and senior offensive lineman Dane Steel, leading the way. The Covenant Day defense is strong up front with juniors David Abner (57 tackles, 12 tackles for loss) and Luke Graves (six sacks) leading the unit. Covenant Day has the experience to be improved, get back above .500 and get into the playoff picture.
HICKORY GROVE
Head Coach: Tad Baucom (3rd Year at Hickory Grove head coach).
2021 Record: 5-4 (0-3 in the Piedmont Athletic Conference).
Conference: NCISAA Western Conference/Division II.
Returning Starters: 9 (4 offense; 5 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 17
Key Returning Starters: Jordan Adams, Sr., QB (6-3, 210); Vernon Richard, III, Sr., DE (6-4, 180); Chase Clifford, Sr., LB/TE (6-3, 220); Jaylin Hill, Sr., NT/RB (5-8, 245); Damaren Floyd, Sr., MLB/RB/P (6-0, 210); Anthony Hawkins, So., RB/LB (5-8, 180).
Other Key Returnees: Noah Bowen, So., TE/LB (5-9, 165); Jackson Whittier, So., OL/LB (5-11, 170); Michael McCray, So., OL/DL (5-10, 195).
Key Newcomers: Kendall Maxwell, So., WR/DB (5-11, 150).
Outlook: Hickory Grove comes off its first winning season since 2017 with a roster that projects to have over 40 players in 2022. The Lions’ offense will benefit from the return of three-year starting quarterback Jordan Adams (560 yards passing, eight touchdowns) running the show with sophomore running back Anthony Hawkins. On defense, the Lions return all-conference defensive end Vernon Richard III (53 tackles, nine sacks), and linebackers Chase Clifford and Damaren Floyd.
PROVIDENCE DAY
Head Coach: Chad Grier (3rd year as Providence Day head coach).
2021 Record: 8-3 (4-1 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.
Returning Starters: 16 (9 offense; 7 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 21
Key Returning Starters: Josh Holl, Sr., OL (6-6, 305); Tyson Moorer, Sr., OL (6-3, 285); Aidan Cantrell, Sr., OL (6-1, 210); Chase Balzer, Sr., OL (6-6, 265); Jordan Shipp, Jr., WR (6-1, 190); Channing Goodwin, Jr., WR/DB (6-0, 180); Jayden Hollar, Sr., WR (6-3, 192); Chris Peal, Sr., DB/RB (6-2, 194); Liam Groulx, Sr., TE/LB (6-0, 215); Carson Parker, Sr., DL (6-1, 285); Martin Hare, Sr., DL (5-11, 275); Braxton Winston, So., DB (6-0, 170); Keyaan Abdul-Rahim, Sr., LB (5-11, 205); Brody Barnhardt, Jr., DB (6-0, 182); Sydney McCorkle, Sr., K (5-6, 150).
Other Key Returnees: David Sanders, So., OL (6-6, 250); Jake Porter, Sr., K (5-11, 165); Lukas Santwier, Jr., LB (5-9, 180).
Key Newcomers: Jadyn Davis, Jr., QB (6-1, 194); Aidan Ray, So., LB/RB (6-0, 150); Kyle Van Dam, Jr., LB/TE (6-1, 175); Pruett McCoy, Jr., DB/WR (5-11, 150); Austin Nelson, So., LB/RB (5-7, 160); Miles Funderburk, Fr., OL (6-0, 275); Aidan Gallos, Fr., RB (5-9, 165).
Outlook: The defending NCISAA Division I state champions are loaded with the experience and talent to repeat with 16 starters returning. The Chargers’ offense will be led by junior Jadyn Davis (No. 2 quarterback recruit in the nation in class of 2024) who returns to Providence Day after two years at Catawba Ridge (SC). Davis has weapons all over the field including senior running back Chris Peal (682 yards rushing, nine touchdowns), junior wide receivers Jordan Shipp (45 catches) and Chris Goodwin (42 catches) and senior tight end Liam Groulx. The offensive will also benefit from a strong offensive line, featuring seniors Josh Holl (all-state), Tyson Moorer, Aidan Cantrell, Chase Balzer and sophomore David Sanders. The Providence Day defense (which allowed 17 points per game last year) returns seven starters back, led by linemen Carson Parker, Martin Hare, linebacker Keyaan Abdul-Rahim (182 tackles), and defensive backs Brody Barnhardt (100 tackles, six interceptions), Braxton Winston and Peal.
SOUTHLAKE-DAVIDSON EAGLES
Head Coach: Cheron Farley (4th year as SouthLake-Davidson Eagles’ head coach).
2021 Record: 1-7 (1-2 in the NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference).
Conference: NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference/Division II.
Returning Starters: 8
Returning Lettermen: 9
Key Returning Starters: Jim Burham, Sr., WR/S (6-3, 160); Austin Williams, So., RB/OLB (6-2, 170); Nate Aguilar, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 160); Cole Walker, Sr., OL/DL (5-9, 170); Larson Gazzaway, Sr., WR/S (6-3, 185).
Other Key Returnees: Grant Simonson, Sr., QB/CB (6-0, 155).
Key Newcomers: Xander Bowen, Sr., MLB/RB (5-10, 205); Braeden Hanson, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 200); David Alexanian, Jr., MLB/RB (6-1, 185); Power Mba, Fr., OL/DL (6-2, 260); Gavin Mason, Jr., WR/DB (5-8, 155); John Link, Sr., OL/DE (6-2, 195).
Outlook: SouthLake Christian and Davidson Day merged into the SouthLake-Davidson Eagles to create a new era of football for both schools. The team will have a lot of new faces, but is a younger overall roster from a SouthLake Christian team that went 1-7 a year ago. The offense has some pieces like senior QB Grant Simonson, and receivers Nate Aguilar, Jim Burnham and Larson Gazzaway. The Eagles’ defense will have to reload but will rely on two-way starters like Aguilar and Gazzaway.
Conference Predictions
Big South Conference
Providence Day; 2. Charlotte Christian; 3. Charlotte Latin; 4. Charlotte Country Day.
NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference
High Point Christian; 2. Asheville School; 3. Hickory Grove; 4. Covenant Day; 5. SouthLake-Davidson Eagles.
NCISAA Western Football Conference
1. Rabun Gap Nacoochee; 2. Cannon School; 3. Metrolina Christian; 4. Christ School.
All-Observer Preseason Team
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Jadyn Davis, Providence Day, 6-1, 194, Jr., QB.
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Keyaan Abdul-Rahim, 5-11, 205, Sr., LB.
Offense
QB: Jadyn Davis, Providence Day, 6-1, 194, Jr.
RB: Ryan Henley, Charlotte Christian, 5-10, 185, Jr.
RB: Kyron Jones, Charlotte Christian, 6-1, 200, Sr.
RB: Chris Peal, Providence Day, 6-2, 194, Sr.
WR: Micah Gilbert, Charlotte Christian, 6-3, 200, Sr.
WR: Channing Goodwin, Providence Day, 6-0, 180, Jr.
WR: Jordan Shipp, Providence Day, 6-1, 190, Jr.
TE: Liam Groulx, Providence Day, 6-0, 215, Sr.
OL: Brock Benton, Charlotte Christian, 6-4, 230, Sr.
OL: Derrick Boskie, Charlotte Country Day, 6-0, 300, Sr.
OL: Josh Holl, Providence Day, 6-6, 305, Sr.
OL: Gavin Major, Charlotte Christian, 6-4, 260, Jr.
OL: David Sanders (Jr.), Providence Day, 6-6, 250, So.
OL: Dane Steel, Covenant Day, 6-4, 250, Sr.
ATH: Jordan Adams, Hickory Grove, 6-3, 210, Sr.
ATH: Alex Koulovatos, Covenant Day, 6-0, 170, Jr.
Defense
DL: Spencer Mermans, Charlotte Country Day, 6-6, 240, Sr.
DL: Carson Parker, Providence Day, 6-1, 285, Sr.
DL: Vernon Richard, III, Hickory Grove, 6-4, 180, Sr.
DL: Danny Stevens, Charlotte Christian, 6-4, 265, Sr.
LB: Keyaan Abdul-Rahim, Providence Day, 5-11, 205, Sr.
LB: Aaron Logan, Charlotte Latin, 6-0, 185, Sr.
LB: Caeden O’Neal, Charlotte Latin, 6-0, 215, Sr.
LB: Grant Tucker, Charlotte Christian, 6-3, 200, Sr.
DB: Brody Barnhardt, Providence Day, 6-0, 182, Jr.
DB: Armonte Ferguson, Charlotte Christian, 5-11, 165, Sr.
DB: Dillon Kercher, Charlotte Country Day, 5-8, 155, Sr.
DB: Jackson Scott, Charlotte Latin, 6-1, 170, Sr.
DB: Braxton Winston, Providence Day, 6-0, 170, So.
ATH: Nate Aguilar, SouthLake-Davidson Eagles, 5-10, 160, Sr.
ATH: Tyler Hendley, Charlotte Latin, 6-2, 170, Sr.
Specialists
K/P: Damaren Floyd, Hickory Grove, 6-0, 210, Sr.
K/P: Tripp Woody, Charlotte Christian, 5-10, 162, Jr.
This story was originally published August 7, 2022 at 6:30 AM.
