The Observer’s 2022 Union County high school football preview
Here is The Charlotte Observer’s annual look at high school football in Union County.
CUTHBERTSON
Head Coach: Andy Markatine (1st year as Cuthbertson head coach).
2021 Record: 6-7
Conference: Southern Carolinas’ Conference
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Lettermen: 18
Key Returning Starters: Dominick Kelley, Sr., OL/DL (6-5, 260); Reece Morgan, Sr., DB (5-10, 165); Parker Burke, Jr., QB (6-1, 190); Keenan Jackson, Jr., WR (6-3, 190); Rocco Fazzolari, Jr., DE (6-4, 210); Drew Bryant, Sr., RB (5-7, 160); Evan Taylor, Jr., DB (6-3, 170).
Other Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: Cuthbertson had a breakout campaign in 2021, winning three of its past four games, including two playoff victories to finish 6-7 overall. This year, the Cavaliers face a new challenge with just seven starters back and a new head coach. But the team has some key pieces to build around on offense, like junior quarterback Parker Burke (1,967 yards passing, 21 touchdowns last year), wide receiver Keenan Jackson (52 catches for 772 yards and nine touchdowns) and senior offensive lineman Dominick Kelley. Meanwhile, seniors like defensive back Reece Morgan (40 tackles), linebacker Peyton Williams and junior defensive end Rocco Fazzolari (69 tackles, four sacks) are back to lead the defense.
FOREST HILLS
Head Coach: Jammie Deese (3rd year as Forest Hills’ head coach).
2021 Record: 7-5 (2-2 in the Rocky River Conference).
Conference: Rocky River 2A/3A Conference (2A).
Returning Starters: 18
Returning Lettermen: 30
Key Returning Starters: Caiden Smith, Jr., LB/RB (6-0, 202); Ross Smith, Jr., WR/RB/DB (6-0, 175); Ephraim Deese, Sr., DE/TE (6-4, 220); Christyan Washington, Jr., WR/DB (5-9, 150); Jaquavion Smith, Jr., LB/WR (6-0, 195); Aidan Smith, Sr., OL/DL (5-11, 240); Zach Barbour, Sr., DE/TE (6-5, 240); Braxton Grace, So., OL/DL (6-2, 270); Gael Moreno, Jr., K (5-9, 180); Gabe Crowder, Sr., QB/ATH/DB (6-1, 170); Cameron Tillman, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 250); Je’rel Bolder, So., WR/DB (6-0, 190); Dakota Potter, Jr., WR/DB (6-1, 175); Jordan Bennett, Jr., RB/LB (5-10, 190); Christian Davis, Sr., RB/LB (5-10, 210); Kemarion Massey, So., WR/DB (5-10, 150); Jamar Little, Jr., OL/DL (5-10, 210); Ahmir Stafford, Jr., WR/DB (5-8, 150).
Other Key Returnees: Jamarion Crowder, Sr., WR/DB (6-2, 160); Josh Rivera, Jr., WR/DB (6-1, 155); Josh Tillman, Sr., WR/DB (5-8, 155).
Key Newcomers: Brady Hibbard, Jr., QB (6-2, 190) (Providence transfer); Rodney Smith, So., RB/LB (5-10, 190); Anderson St. Clair, Sr., TE/LB (6-2, 210) (Union Academy transfer).
Outlook: Forest Hills enjoyed its first winning season since 2015, going 7-5 in Deese’s first full season in charge of the program. The Yellow Jackets will look to build on that success and should have a great opportunity to succeed with 18 starters returning. The Forest Hills’ defense is experienced on all three levels with senior defensive linemen Ephraim Deese (43 tackles, 11 tackles for loss) and Zach Barbour returning along with junior linebackers Caiden Smith (137 tackles) and Jaquavion Smith (42 tackles, three sacks) and junior defensive backs Josh Rivera (three interceptions), Ross Smith, Ahmir Stafford and Christyan Washington. The Yellow Jackets’ offense will benefit from multi-dimensional athletes like seniors Gabe Crowder (837 yards passing, 557 yards rushing last year) and Christian Davis (seven touchdowns), along with juniors Ross Smith and Washington (20 catches for 336 yards and six touchdowns). Sophomore Je’rel Bolder has scholarship offers from Duke North Carolina, N.C. State, South Carolina, Wake Forest, among others, and Providence transfer, junior quarterback Brady Hibbard, should have also have an immediate impact.
MARVIN RIDGE
Head Coach: Aubrey Carter (8th year as Marvin Ridge head coach).
2021 Record: 8-3 (4-1 in the Southern Carolinas’ Conference).
Conference: Southern Carolinas’ Conference/4A.
Returning Starters: 11 (6 offense; 5 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 38
Key Returning Starters: Evan Medders, Jr., QB (6-0, 200); Sean McFarland, Sr. OT (6-3, 265); Cole Searight, Jr., WR (6-0, 190); Amani Tchamwa, Jr., DE/LB (6-2, 230); Nate Rawls, Jr., LB (5-11, 205); Finlay Mitchell, Jr., LB (6-0, 210); Ian McFarland, Sr., OL (5-9, 205); King Carter, Sr., OL (6-1, 230); Michael Quinn, Sr. DB (5-11, 190); Kai Greer, Jr., OT (6-6, 270); Jackson Moore, Sr., K/P (5-11, 165).
Other Key Returnees: Jackson Gibbs, Jr., WR/CB (6-1, 185); Jeremiah Liszewski, Jr., RB (5-9, 170); Jack Steup, Sr., OL (6-0, 260); Clayton Kelley, Sr., RB (5-10, 175); Dawson Jones, Jr., K/P (6-0, 170); Mark Arthur, Jr., WR/DB/LB (6-1, 175); Cody Coleman, Sr., TE (6-0, 205); Jake Schumacher, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, 170).
Key Newcomers: E.J. Jones, So., DL (5-11, 275); Tanteh Yongho, Jr., OL/DL (6-0, 270); Jaxon Clegg, So., TE/LB (6-0, 195): Owen Stroube, So. CB/WR (6-2, 180); Brody Keefe, So., WR (6-1, 175).
Outlook: The Mavericks were up and down from 2018-20, going 16-14 in that span. In 2021, Marvin Ridge took a step forward going 8-3 overall, finishing second to Weddington in the Southern Carolina conference, while beating then four-time state champ Charlotte Catholic in the opening round of the 4A playoffs. This year, 11 starters are back, including junior quarterback Evan Medders (1,953 yards passing, 18 touchdowns, 758 yards, 10 more touchdowns). Marvin Ridge also returns four of its five offensive lineman: seniors King Carter, Ian McFarland and Sean McFarland as well as junior Kai Greer. The Marvin Ridge defense should also be strong with junior linebackers Nate Rawls (84 tackles) and Finlay Mitchell (82 tackles) joining senior defensive end Amani Tchamwa (52 tackles, seven sacks) and senior defensive back Cole Searight (72 tackles) on a unit that allowed just 16 points per contest last season.
METROLINA CHRISTIAN
Head Coach: Thomas Langley (13th year as Metrolina Christian head coach).
2021 Record: 10-2 (4-0 in the NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference).
Conference: NCISAA Western Football Conference/NCISAA Division II.
Returning Starters: 13
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: Reid Eighmy, Sr., QB (6-1, 210); Payton Reeder, Jr., OL (6-5, 280); Dallas Allen, Jr., OL/DL (5-11, 265); Jake Dooley, Jr., LB (5-11, 185); J.D. Williams, So., RB (5-10, 175); Sam Washam, Sr., WR/DB (5-11, 175); Colby Medlin, Sr., DT (6-0, 240).
Other Key Returnees: Zach O’Donoghue, Sr., WR (6-1, 185); Coleman Strange, Jr., WR/DB (6-3, 170); Zach McDaniel, Sr., OL (5-11, 245); Baylor Halstead, Jr., LB (5-11, 185); John Francis, Sr., OL (6-3, 270); DeAngelo Walker, So., DB (5-9, 150).
Key Newcomers: Layton Duke, Sr., RB (6-0, 195) (Piedmont transfer); Davis Leatherwood, Sr., WR (6-4, 195); Matthew Gaskins, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, 185); Zach Potts, Sr., WR (5-10, 155).
Outlook: Metrolina Christian returns 13 starters from a 10-2 squad that made it to the NCISAA Division II state semifinals last season. The Warriors’ offense (averaged 31 points per game last year) will be led by senior quarterback Reid Eighmy (1,743 yards passing, 24 touchdowns last year) with sophomore running back J.D. Williams (679 yards rushing, eight touchdowns). Also on the team are Piedmont transfer, senior running back Layton Duke (1,047 yards rushing, nine touchdowns), and junior offensive lineman Payton Reeder. The Metrolina Christian defense features an experience front seven with senior Colby Medlin and junior Dallas Allen (six sacks) on the line with junior Jake Dooley (87 tackles) and senior Sam Washam (38 tackles) leading the linebacking corps.
MONROE
Head Coach: Johnny Sowell (18th year as Monroe head coach).
2021 Record: 8-2 (4-0 in the Rocky River Conference).
Conference: Rocky River Conference 2A/3A (2A).
Returning Starters: 11
Returning Lettermen: 22
Key Returning Starters: Bryce Davis, Sr., WR/LB (6-2, 190); Khamoni Robinson, Sr., QB/WR/S (6-0, 165); Nate Crosby, Jr., RB/LB (5-10, 190); Jordan Young, So., WR/DB (6-0, 160); Kamari Laney, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 300); Cread Simpson, Sr., LB/RB (5-8, 190); Elijah Shaw, Sr., MLB/P (6-0, 205); Peyton McGhee, Jr., C/DT (6-1, 300); Josiah Knotts, Sr., CB/RB (5-7, 160); Rydasion Richardson, So., DE/OL (6-2, 190); Brajon Allen, Jr., LB/RB/CB (5-10, 160).
Key Newcomers: Isaiah Kennedy, Jr., CB/RB (5-9, 170); Zion Lindsey, So., RB/LB (5-9, 195).
Outlook: Monroe’s return to the Rocky River conference equated to their best season since 2016 and a league title at 8-2 overall. Coach Johnny Sowell returns a veteran team (11 starters back) led by senior quarterback Khamoni Robinson (2,263 yards passing, 31 touchdowns), junior running back Nate Crosby (1,079 yards rushing, nine touchdowns) and offensive lineman Kamari Laney (6-foot-1, 300 pounds) on an offense that averaged 41 points per contest last season. Meanwhile, the Monroe defense will be stout again (allowed 12.5 points per game) featuring senior linebackers Bryce Davis (47 tackles, seven sacks), Elijah Shaw and Cread Simpson as well as sophomore defensive back Jordan Young (three interceptions).
PARKWOOD
Head Coach: Tim Boyd (1st year as head coach).
2021 Record: 6-3 (3-1 in the Rocky River Conference).
Conference: Rocky River Conference 2A/3A (3A).
Returning Starters: 13
Returning Lettermen: 13
Key Returning Starters: Cam Enos, Sr., QB (6-0, 180); Wisdom Holmes, Sr., RB (5-8, 180); Zack Johnson, Sr., OL (6-2, 280); Isaiah Mobley, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 195); Demarion Reynolds, Sr., OLB/WR (6-3, 180); Jaylin Meadors, Sr., RB/LB (6-0, 190).
Other Key Returnees: Triston Staton, Sr., CB/WR (6-0, 180).
Key Newcomers: Jordan Samuels, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 180); Manny Redfern, Jr., DT (6-2, 250); Brandon Helms, Sr., DL (6-2, 245); Tim Boyd (Jr.), So., WR/DB (5-11, 180).
Outlook: The Parkwood football family suffered a terrible loss when former head coach Terrence Gittens passed away suddenly in April. However, the Wolfpack hired a new coach in Tim Boyd to help lead a veteran team with 13 starters back from a squad that won its first playoff game since 2014 a year ago. The Wolfpack offense has plenty of firepower with senior playmakers like quarterback Cam Enos (1,369 yards passing, 16 touchdowns), running back Wisdom Holmes (1,600 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns) and wide receiver Isaiah Mobley (40 catches for 689 yards and five touchdowns). The Wolfpack defense also has veteran leadership with linebackers Jaylin Meadors (70 tackles, six sacks), Demarion Reynolds (55 tackles, eight sacks) and Mobley (three interceptions) leading the unit.
PIEDMONT
Head Coach: Aaron Braswell (2nd Year as Piedmont head coach).
2021 Record: 2-8 (0-5 in the Southern Carolinas’ Conference).
Conference: Southern Carolinas’ Conference/4A.
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: Justin Smith, Sr., RB/Slot (5-11, 175); Reece Lester, Sr., OL (6-4, 240); Josh Goodman, Sr., OL (6-2, 270); Aaron Goodman, Sr., OL (6-3, 265); Devine Stevenson, Sr., DB/WR (6-0, 150); Jake Evert, Sr., DB/WR (6-1, 165); Garrett Ollis, Jr., QB (6-2, 210); Chase Fesmire, Sr., TE/DE/QB; Garrett Britt, Sr., LB (5-6, 180); Landon Davis, Sr., LB/RB (5-7, 180).
Other Key Returnees: Dalton Renfroe, Sr., DE/LB (6-1, 200); Noah Brown, Sr., C/OL (5-10, 225); Aidan Pitoniak, Sr., S (5-9, 155); Cody Baucom, Sr., LB (5-7, 160).
Key Newcomers: Javion Davis, So., DL (6-2, 260); Chase Tanner, Jr., Slot/CB (5-7, 140); Tai’Yon Mackey, Jr., WR/TE/DE (6-4, 190); Landon Ezzell, Jr., RB/LB (5-7, 175); Isaias Leyva, Jr., OL/DL (6-0, 250); Devin Butera, Jr., DE/LB (6-0, 215); Kamanai Townsend, Jr., Slot/CB (5-8, 165); Jamier Payne, Sr., LB/WR (6-0, 185); Daniel Goodman, So., WR/DB (5-7, 150); Wyatt Parker, So., OL (6-2, 265).
Outlook: Piedmont has struggled, with only nine wins in the past five years combined. This year, the Panthers will lean on their running game with senior Justin Smith, and two quarterbacks — senior Chase Fesmire and junior Garrett Ollis — carrying the load behind a veteran offensive line that includes Aaron Goodman, Josh Goodman and Reece Lester. The Piedmont defense will have to be stout to keep their team in games with senior defensive back, Devine Stevenson leading the unit.
PORTER RIDGE
Head Coach: Michael Hertz (6th year as Porter Ridge head coach).
2021 Record: 9-2 (3-2 in the Southern Carolinas’ Conference).
Conference: Southern Carolinas’ Conference/4A.
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: Steven Zayachkowsky, Sr., RB/LB (5-10, 190); Jason Hertz, Sr. OL/DL (6-2, 240); Tristan Stitt, Sr., WR/DB (6-4 195); Connor Whitten, Sr., OL (6-2, 270); Harrison Johnson, Jr., LB (6-2, 215); Jonah Karklow, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 175); Danny Kennedy, Jr., RB (5-8, 170).
Other Key Returnees: Jatavien Taylor, Jr., LB/RB (6-2, 195); Aden Beatty, Jr., LB (6-2, 195); Ronnie Taylor, Sr., DE (6-0, 200); Kyral Jordan, Sr., DE (6-2, 190).
Key Newcomers: Dezhan Clark, Jr., DL (5-11, 240); Samaad Peoples, Jr., RB (5-8, 190).
Outlook: The Pirates have been consistent, averaging eight wins per season over the last five years. They have six straight winning seasons, including a 9-2 mark a year ago. This year, 12 starters are back. Porter Ridge will rely on several two-way starters like running back/linebacker Steven Zayachkowsky (559 yards rushing, 90 tackles), receiver/defensive back Tristan Stitt (193 yards receiving, three touchdowns, five interceptions) and offensive/defensive lineman Jason Hertz (40 tackles) to help keep the Pirates in the upper half of the SCC and in playoff position.
SUN VALLEY
Head Coach: Ryan Smith (1st year as head coach).
2021 Record: 2-8 (1-4 in the Southern Carolinas’ Conference).
Conference: Southern Carolinas’ Conference/4A.
Returning Starters: 8
Returning Lettermen: 19
Key Returning Starters: Landon Thomas, Sr., WR (6-1, 180); Toney McFadden, Sr., RB (5-8. 170); Jaeden Goeller, Sr., RB/WR (5-8, 165); Jalan Lockhart, Sr., DE (6-0, 190); Eli Fletcher, Sr., WR/DB (6-2, 190); Baron Thomas, Jr., DE (6-3, 225); Brady Turiff, Jr., QB (6-2, 195).
Other Key Returnees: Braylon Martin, Jr., DB (6-1, 180); Carter Suozzi, Sr., OLL (6-1, 240); Nebiyu Tegegne, Sr., OL (6-0, 235).
Key Newcomers: Jayden Blackmon, Jr., LB/TE (6-1, 205); Amare Thomas, So., WR/DB (6-2, 180).
Outlook: The Spartans have struggled in recent years going 4-23 in the last three seasons. This year, former Sun Valley quarterback and new head coach Ryan Smith looks to breathe new life into the program. Smith has some pieces to build around with junior quarterback Brady Turiff (1,109 yards passing, eight touchdowns last year), senior running back, Toney McFadden (974 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns) and senior wide receiver, Landon Thomas (33 catches for 338 yards) helping to put points on the board. Defensive ends Jalan Lockhart and Baron Thomas will help lead the defense.
UNION ACADEMY
Head Coach: Justin Frashier (7th year as Union Academy head coach).
2021 Record: 0-11 (0-5 in the Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference.
Conference: Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference.
Returning Starters: 8
Returning Lettermen: 8
Key Returning Starters: Noah Tyson, Sr., OT/DT (6-4, 300); C.J. Harity, So., WR/DB (6-2, 170); Connor Griffin, Sr., RB/DB (5-11, 155).
Other Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: Joey Sherrin, So., LB/FB (6-2, 185); Miles McGinnis, So., QB (6-0, 160); Caleb Ballard, So., DB/WR (5-9, 140).
Outlook: Union Academy has lost 12 straight games, including going 0-11 season a year ago. This year, the team has only eight starters back and will rely on two-way starters like senior offensive/defensive tackle Noah Tyson, senior running back/defensive back Connor Griffin and sophomore wide receiver/defensive back C.J. Harity (600 yards receiving last year).
WEDDINGTON
Head Coach: Andy Capone (5th year as Weddington head coach).
2021 Record: 12-2 (5-0 in the Southern Carolinas’ Conference).
Conference: Southern Carolinas’ Conference 4A.
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 35
Key Returning Starters: Griffin Reimer, Sr., TE/LB/DB (6-3, 230); Zymill Patterson, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 170); Jack Collins, Sr., LB (6-2, 205); Josh Moraja, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 260); Frank Geosits, Sr., OL/DL (6-3, 295); Sam Neely, Jr., CB (6-2, 180); Knox Willingham, Sr., QB/DE/LB (6-2, 200).
Other Key Returnees: Tyler Budge, Jr., QB (6-3, 190); Vinny Jordan, Sr., RB (5-11, 185); Brett Williams, Sr., WR/K (6-1, 170); Bryson Dermid, Sr., WR/S (6-3, 190).
Key Newcomers: Kobe McGill, So., RB (5-7, 155) (Arizona transfer); Evan Gilbert, Sr., WR (5-10, 180).
Outlook: Weddington has been one of the best teams in the state in the past four years, going 50-4 with two state championships (2018, 2019). This year, the Warriors return 12 starters from a 12-win, 4A state quarterfinalist that will have something to prove on offense after losing its top passer, rusher and receiver. Weddington has two QBs this year — senior Knox Willingham and junior Tyler Budge — along with senior wide receiver Zymill Patterson (365 yards receiving, five touchdowns), senior tight end Griffin Reimer (592 yards receiving) and senior offensive linemen Josh Moraja and Frank Geosits. Meanwhile, the Warriors’ defense, which allowed 14 points per game last season, returns senior linebackers Jack Collins (117 tackles, 6.5 sacks), Reimer (81 tackles) along with defense end Willingham (7.5 sacks) and defensive back Patterson (73 tackles, three interceptions).
Conference Predictions
NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference
Cannon School; 2. Metrolina Christian; 3. High Point Christian; 4. SouthLake Christian.
Rocky River 2A/3A Conference
Monroe; 2. Parkwood; 3. Forest Hills; 4. West Stanly; 5. Anson County.
Southern Carolinas’ Conference/4A
Weddington; 2. Marvin Ridge; 3. Porter Ridge; 4. Cuthbertson; 5. Sun Valley; 6 Piedmont.
Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference
Jay M. Robinson; 2. Mount Pleasant; 3. North Stanly; 4. Albemarle; 5. South Stanly; 6. Union Academy.
Preseason All-Area team
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Khamoni Robinson, Monroe, 6-0, 185, Jr., QB
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Jack Collins, Weddington, 6-2, 205, Sr., LB
Offense
QB: Khamoni Robinson, Monroe, 6-0, 185, Jr.
RB: Nate Crosby, Monroe, 5-10, 190, Jr.
RB: Wisdom Holmes, Parkwood, 5-8, 180, Sr.
RB: Toney McFadden, Sun Valley, 5-8, 170, Sr.
WR: Keenan Jackson, Cuthbertson, 6-3, 190, Jr.
WR: Isaiah Mobley, Parkwood, 6-1, 195, Sr.
WR: Christyan Washington, Forest Hills, 5-9, 150, Jr.
TE: Griffin Reimer, Weddington, 6-3, 230, Sr.
OL: Dominick Kelley, Cuthbertson, 6-5, 260, Sr.
OL: Kamari Laney, Monroe, 6-1, 300, Sr.
OL: Josh Maraja, Weddington, 6-2, 260, Sr.
OL: Sean McFarland, Marvin Ridge, 6-3, 264, Sr.
OL: Payton Reeder, Metrolina Christian, 6-5, 280, Jr.
OL: Connor Whitten, Porter Ridge, 6-2, 270, Sr.
ATH: Layton Duke, Metrolina Christian, 6-0, 195, Sr.
ATH: Evan Medders, Marvin Ridge, 6-2, 200, Jr.
ATH: Parker Burke, Cuthbertson, 6-1, 190, Jr.
Defense
DL: Dallas Allen, Metrolina Christian, 5-11, 265, Jr.
DL: Rocco Fazzolari, Cuthbertson, 6-4, 210, Jr.
DL: Amani Tchamwa, Marvin Ridge, 6-2, 230, Sr.
DL: Knox Willingham, Weddington, 6-2, 200, Sr.
LB: Jack Collins, Weddington, 6-2, 205, Sr.
LB: Bryce Davis, Monroe, 6-2, 190, Sr.
LB: Caiden Smith, Forest Hills, 6-0, 202, Jr.
LB: Steven Zayachkowsky, Porter Ridge, 5-10, 190, Sr.
DB: Ross Smith, Forest Hills, 6-0, 175, Jr.
DB: Zymill Patterson, Weddington, 6-0, 170, Sr.
DB: Cole Searight, Marvin Ridge, 6-0, 190, Jr.
DB: Devine Stevenson, Piedmont, 6-0, 150, Sr.
DB: Tristan Stitt, Porter Ridge, 6-4, 195, Sr.
ATH: Nate Rawls, Marvin Ridge, 5-11, 215, Jr.
Specialist
K/P: Jackson Moore, Marvin Ridge, 5-11, 165, Sr.
