The Observer’s 2022 Cabarrus County high school football preview
Here is The Observer’s annual high school football preview for teams in Cabarrus County.
A.L. BROWN
Head Coach: Mike Newsome (12th year as A.L. Brown head coach).
2021 Record: 5-5
Conference: Greater Metro 4A Conference.
Returning Starters: 10 (6 offense; 4 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 28
Key Returning Starters: Xavier Chambers, Jr., HB/DB (6-0, 185); Jamare Robinson, Sr., HB/LB (6-2, 180); Kash Smith, Sr., HB/DB (5-9, 160); Ashnah Lowery, Sr., QB/DB (6-0, 170); Derick Brazil, Jr., WR/DB (5-11, 150); Todd Massey, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 230); Michael “Tai” Buster, So., OL/DL (6-3, 245); Ethan Garmon, Jr., LB/OL (5-10, 180); Ty Woods, Sr., K/P (6-0, 170); Gavin Thompson, Sr., TE/DE (6-1, 230).
Other Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: C.J. Gray, So., QB (6-0, 170); Dontavius Strode, Sr., DB/WR (5-10, 180); Nyki Celestine, Sr., LB/TE (5-11, 210).
Outlook: The Wonders struggled in their move back to class 4A and into the Greater Metro 4A conference, going 5-5 overall, including 1-5 in league play last season. This year, A.L. Brown should be improved with senior quarterback Ashnah Lowery, running backs Jamare Robinson and Kash Smith and junior receivers Derick Brazil and Xavier Chambers all returning. The defense will have to reload but has playmakers in Chambers and Lowery in the secondary. Senior kicker/punter Ty Woods will also be a game-changer with his leg.
CABARRUS WARRIORS
Head Coach: Jamie Bolton (3rd year as Cabarrus Warriors’ head coach).
2021 Record: 10-2
Conference: NCISAA Western Football Conference/Division II.
Returning Starters: 11 (6 offense; 5 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 23
Key Returning Starters: Tyler Green, Jr., QB (6-1, 205); Will Jones, Jr., RB (5-10, 198); Gavin Powell, Jr., WR (6-0, 180); Hayes Galloway, Jr., OL/DL (6-4, 305); Amir Morocco, Jr., CB (5-10, 175).
Other Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: Grant Springate, So., WR (6-0, 170); Colin “Deuce” Reese, Jr., WR (5-10, 165); Henry Anthony, So., TE (6-3, 205); Isaiah Neal, Jr., OL (5-11, 250).
Outlook: The Cougars are a team on the rise with 15 wins in two years under Bolton, including a 10-win NCISAA Division II state championship season in 2021. This season, Cannon School should be a legitimate threat to repeat with 11 starters back. The Cougars’ offense, which averaged 40 points per game last season, has several key pieces back including all-state junior quarterback Tyler Green (2,713 yards passing, 33 touchdowns), Will Jones (1,943 yards rushing, 26 touchdowns) and Gavin Powell (34 catches). The defense is led by all-conference cornerback, Amir Morocco (four interceptions).
CENTRAL CABARRUS
Head Coach: Zach Bevilacqua (3rd year as Central Cabarrus head coach).
2021 Record: 3-6
Conference: South Piedmont 3A Conference.
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 18
Key Returning Starters: Michael Forney, Sr., RB/DB (5-10, 185); Adriel Miller, Sr., WR/DB (5-11, 170); Kaden Kline, Jr., QB (6-0, 170); Christian Clemmons, Sr., WR/DB (5-11, 165); Jayden Kibler, Sr., LB (5-9, 190); Chris Burnette, Jr., DB (6-0, 175); Justin Rogers, Jr., OL (5-11, 245); Kevin Martin, Sr., DL (6-1, 210).
Other Key Returnees: Ashton Allen, Jr., DB (5-10, 165); Talan Baker, Jr., WR (5-10, 160); Tylee Barnette, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 220); Jazeo Jaime, Jr., LB (5-11, 185); Tae Edwards, Sr., WR (6-1, 180).
Key Newcomers: Nick Baker, Sr., DL (6-2, 250); Xavier Jean, Sr., DB (5-10, 160); Chinua Ezeigbo, So., WR (6-2, 165); Mason Easley, Jr., RB/DB (5-10, 170).
Outlook: The Vikings took their lumps last year with a younger team. This season, Central Cabarrus should benefit from a veteran squad with 12 starters back. The Vikings’ offense has plenty of weapons with junior quarterback Kaden Kline, senior running back, Michael Forney and senior receiver Adriel Miller. The Central Cabarrus defense also has experience on all three levels with seniors in defensive lineman Kevin Martin, linebacker Jayden Kibler and defensive back Chris Burnette.
CONCORD
Head Coach: Darren Shepherd (1st year as Concord head coach).
2021 Record: 7-4
Conference: South Piedmont 3A Conference.
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Lettermen: 10
Key Returning Starters: Bryson Overcash, Sr., OL (5-10, 260); Kobe Watts-Williams, Sr., WR/OLB (6-2, 188); Nylon Fair-Steele, Sr., WR (5-7, 160); Justin Garland, Sr., OL (6-3, 265); Alex Petroff, So., OLB (6-0, 185); Keyon Phillips, Jr., QB/S (5-9, 175); David Irvin, Sr., ILB (6-0, 205).
Other Key Returnees: Jackson Joseph, Jr., OL (5-10, 280); Tyler Ledbetter, Jr., DB (5-7, 150); Tyler Smith, Sr., TE (6-0, 190).
Key Newcomers: Jeremiah Howard, Jr., DE (6-5, 240); Jerrell Reddick, Sr., RB (5-11, 175); Tyler Anton, Jr., DL (5-10, 250).
Outlook: After winning just four games from 2018 to 2020, the Spiders roared back going 7-4 last year, including a perfect 6-0 to win the South Piedmont conference. This year, Concord will have to reload with only seven starters returning. However, the Spiders have several key pieces back including junior quarterback Keyon Phillips and senior offensive linemen Justin Garland and Bryson Overcash. The Concord defense a trio of linebackers in seniors David Irvin and Kobe Watts-Williams and sophomore Alex Petroff to solidify the unit.
COX MILL
Head Coach: Shawn Baker (3rd year as Cox Mill head coach).
2021 Record: 5-6
Conference: Greater Metro 4A Conference.
Returning Starters: 10 (5 offense; 5 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 22
Key Returning Starters: Tyrell Coard, Sr., RB (5-11, 205); Kendall Harris, Sr., WR (6-1, 182); Sam Cowher, Sr., LB (6-1, 217); Kaisean Robertson, Sr., CB (5-9, 160); Jake Lynch, Jr., C/G (6-1, 285); Saxon Jenkins, Jr., WR (6-1, 174); Caleb Stewart, Jr., DE (5-11, 265).
Other Key Returnees: Zaiyon Evans, Sr., WR (5-8, 155); Jeremiah Jones, Jr., RB (5-9, 160); Nick Jones, Jr., FS (6-2, 165).
Key Newcomers: Dymere Edwards, Sr., QB (6-2, 220) (Julius Chambers’ transfer); Elijah Bates, Sr., FS (5-9, 150).
Outlook: Cox Mill has been up and down the last two years going 8-10 in that span. This season, the Chargers return 10 starters, which gives them the experience to finish in the top half of a competitive, Greater Metro 4A conference and be a playoff contender. The Cox Mill offense will lean on seniors in running back Tyrell Coard (Mercer University commit) and receiver Kendall Harris (Mercer University commit) and junior receiver Saxon Jenkins, to move the chains. Edwards, a Chambers transfer, should bring experience to the quarterback spot. The Chargers’ defense will look to seniors in linebacker Sam Cowher, cornerback, Kaisean Robertson and junior defensive end Caleb Stewart, to help slow opposing offenses.
HICKORY RIDGE
Head Coach: Jupiter Wilson (4th year as Hickory Ridge head coach).
2021 Record: 9-3
Conference: Greater Metro 4A Conference.
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 35
Key Returning Starters: Christian Hamilton, Sr., WR (6-0 180); Jordan Wilkes, Sr., LB (6-1, 220); Kyle Perry, Sr., LB (5-11, 180); Jamari Rodgers-Freeman, Sr., DB (5-8, 165); Vincent Tuders, Sr., LB (6-1, 210); Justin Long, Sr., OL (6-3, 270); Aaron Carey, Sr., RB (6-1, 210).
Other Key Returnees: Caden Haywood, Jr., QB (6-5, 210); Luke Gilbertson, Sr., LB (5-10, 190); Jalen Harris, Jr., WR (6-3, 180).
Key Newcomers: Jayden Hare, Sr., DT (6-2, 310); Jaylen Ussery, Sr., DT (6-2, 305).
Outlook: Hickory Ridge returns the core of a team that went 9-3 overall, including a perfect 6-0 to win the Greater Metro 4A conference title last season. The Ragin’ Bulls’ offense has two dynamic senior playmakers in running back Aaron Carey (570 yards rushing, six touchdowns) and receiver Christian Hamilton (49 catches for 916 yards and 12 touchdowns, University of North Carolina commit). Also, junior quarterback Caden Haywood has looked good in preseason. The Hickory Ridge defense will be strong in the middle with senior linebackers Kyle Perry (100 tackles), Vincent Tuders and Jordan Wilkes making plays all over the field.
JAY M. ROBINSON
Head Coach: Darius Robinson (3rd year as Jay M. Robinson head coach).
2021 Record: 10-2
Conference: Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference.
Returning Starters: 13
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: Daevin Hobbs, Sr., DE/TE (6-5, 265); Isaac Lee, Jr., QB (6-3, 185); Joshua Porch, Jr., DB (5-10, 175); Elias Martinez, Sr., LB (5-10, 185); William Suttles, Jr., RB (5-7, 180); D’Nas White, Jr., DL (6-4, 330); Isaiah Herrera, Jr., DE (6-4, 230).
Other Key Returnees: Brian Rowe, So., DB/WR (5-10, 165); Jamarcus Hunter, So., DB (5-8, 155); Na’Ledge Wright, Jr., DB/RB (5-10, 185).
Key Newcomers: Isaiah King, Jr., OL/DL (6-1, 285); Braylon Cancales, Jr., OL (6-3, 290); Marquis Rogers, Sr., DB (6-0, 175).
Outlook: After winning just one game in 2019, the Bulldogs have turned things almost full circle going 10-2 a year ago. This season, Jay M. Robinson has a veteran team with 13 starters back in the lineup. The Bulldogs’ offense (averaged 36 points per game last season) has plenty of experience with junior quarterback Isaac Lee (621 yards passing, 10 touchdowns) and senior running back William Suttles (657 yards rushing), back to lead the way. The Robinson defense (allowed 12.5 points per game last year) will be its strength with seniors in defensive end Daevin Hobbs (top-ranked senior recruit in the state by multiple publications), linebacker Elias Martinez and defensive back Joshua Porch giving them experience on all three levels of the defense. Robinson has the experience and talent to repeat as conference champions and will have plenty of motivation in the playoffs after a humbling, 60-29 loss to Monroe in the second round (2A playoffs).
MOUNT PLEASANT
Head Coach: Daniel Crosby (1st year as Mount Pleasant head coach).
2021 Record: 6-5
Conference: Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference.
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 20
Key Returning Starters: Keegan Moose, Sr., ATH (5-10, 185); Lawson Little, Sr., QB (6-0, 200); T.J. Blackwelder, Sr., RB/DB (5-9, 205); Colt Kluttz, Jr., DE/OT (6-1, 220); Bo Barbee, Jr., S (5-9, 170); Keandre Stedford, Sr., RB/DB (5-9, 150); Dylan Coln, Jr., LB (5-10, 210).
Other Key Returnees: Austin Kee, Sr., WR (6-2, 200); Jackson Harkey, So., WR (5-10, 170); Chase Thomas, So., LB (6-0, 210).
Key Newcomers: Eli Reed, So., OL/DL (6-0, 285); Levi Furr, So., OL (6-0, 240); Tylin McDowell, So., DL (6-0, 275).
Outlook: Coming off a winning season, Mount Pleasant has talent to do it again under Crosby, in his rookie year. Senior Keegan Moose will be all over the field on offense and defense. Newcomers like Eli Reed and Tylin McDowell are three linemen with great size that will be in the program for several years.
NORTHWEST CABARRUS
Head Coach: Eric Morman (3rd year as Northwest Cabarrus head coach).
2021 Record: 4-6
Conference: South Piedmont 3A Conference.
Returning Starters: 12 (7 offense; 5 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 42
Key Returning Starters: Tevin Tucker, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 185); Khamani Whitecarr, Sr., DE (5-10, 245); Jack Branham, Sr., OL (6-0, 265); Bailey Sagert, Sr., OL (6-3, 275); Isaiah Thompson,, Sr., DE (6-1, 205); Camden Barringer, Sr., WR (6-1, 185); Jemari Nored, Sr., TE/LB (6-1, 235); Alex Walker, Jr., QB (6-0, 185); Ray Jay Waters, Jr., RB (5-10, 185); Casey Provost, Sr., LB (6-0, 185); Henry Forrest, So., K/P (6-0, 175).
Other Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: Jackson Forest, So., LB (6-0, 185); James Milligan, Jr., DB/WR (6-0, 180); Donovan Thompson, Jr., QB/DB (6-0, 185); Jason Gonzalez, Jr., DB (5-10, 170); Le’Darrion Muldrow, So., DE/TE (6-3, 215); Eddie Conover, So., RB/LB (6-1, 205); Dylan Gregory, So., WR/RB (5-10, 170); Nolan Irwin, So., OL (6-4, 265).
Outlook: Morman, a former North Mecklenburg coach, has plenty of returning players with 42 lettermen back. He’s also returning 12 starters, including on offense. The talent and experience is there to post a winning record in 2022.
WEST CABARRUS
Head Coach: Charles McEachin, Jr. (2nd year as West Cabarrus head coach).
2021 Record: 3-7
Conference: Greater Metro 4A Conference.
Returning Starters: N/A.
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Atreyu Cooper, Jr., QB (5-11, 205); Ayden Cannon, Jr., WR/DB (5-11, 160); Michael Cruz, Sr., LB (5-10, 185); Elijah Grier, Sr., OL (6-1, 265); Curtis Fields, Jr., ATH (5-10, 170); Josh Elias, Sr., K (6-1, 155); Jaden Alexander, Sr., RB/LB (5-10, 180).
Other Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: Chaz Knox, So., OL/DL (5-11, 255); Zane Bostick, So., DE/TE (6-2, 230); Jacob Parker, Jr., DB/RB (5-9, 170); Josh Clark, Jr., LB/RB (5-9, 175); Kavar Burton, Jr., RB/LB (6-1); Kieran Collins, Jr., OL/DL (6-3, 225).
Outlook: The Wolverines have gotten off to a respectable start with six wins combined in their first two years as a program. This year, with their first full offseason (limited because of the pandemic last two years), West Cabarrus look to take the next step forward. The Wolverines’ will need two-way standouts like junior quarterback/linebacker Atreyu Cooper and junior receivers/defensive backs, Ayden Cannon and Curtis Fields to play big roles. West Cabarrus should also benefit from a junior varsity team that went 5-1 last season.
2022 Cabarrus County Football Preseason Conference Predictions
Greater Metro 4A Conference
Hickory Ridge; 2. Mooresville; 3. Lake Norman; 4. Cox Mill; 5. A.L. Brown; 6. West Cabarrus; 7. South Iredell.
NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference
Rabun Gap Nacoochee; 2. Cannon School; 3. Metrolina Christian; 4. Christ School.
South Piedmont 3A Conference
Northwest Cabarrus; 2. West Rowan; 3. Central Cabarrus; 4. Concord; 5. Carson; 6. East Rowan; 7. South Rowan.
Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference
Jay M. Robinson; 2. Mount Pleasant; 3. North Stanly; 4. Albemarle; 5. South Stanly; 6. Union Academy.
--JAY EDWARDS
Preseason All-County team
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Christian Hamilton, Hickory Ridge, 6-0, 180, Sr., WR.
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Daevin Hobbs, Jay M. Robinson, 6-5, 265, Sr., DE.
Offense
QB: Tyler Green, Cannon School, 6-1, 205, Jr.
RB: Tyrell Coard, Cox Mil, 5-11, 205, Sr.
RB: Michael Forney, Central Cabarrus, 5-10, 185, Sr.
RB: Will Jones, Cannon School, 5-10, 198, Jr.
WR: Christian Hamilton, Hickory Ridge, 6-0, 180, Sr.
WR: Gavin Powell, Cannon School, 6-0, 180, Jr.
WR: Tevin Tucker, Northwest Cabarrus, 6-1, 185, Sr.
WR/TE: Adriel Miller, Central Cabarrus, 5-11, 170, Sr.
OL: Jack Branham, Northwest Cabarrus, 6-0, 265, Sr.
OL: Hayes Galloway, Cannon School, 6-4, 305, Jr.
OL: Justin Long, Hickory Ridge, 6-3, 270, Sr.
OL: Jake Lynch, Cox Mill, 6-1, 285, Jr.
OL: Bryson Overcash, Concord, 5-10, 260, Sr.
ATH: Keyon Phillips, Concord, 5-9, 175, Jr.
ATH: Alex Walker, Northwest Cabarrus, 6-0, 185, Jr.
Defense
DL: Daevin Hobbs, Jay M. Robinson, 6-5, 265, Sr.
DL: D’Nas White, Jay M. Robinson, 6-4, 330, Jr.
DL: Khamani Whitecarr, Northwest Cabarrus, 5-10, 245, Sr.
LB: Sam Cowher, Cox Mill, 6-1, 217, Sr.
LB: Elias Martinez, Jay M. Robinson, 5-10, 185, Sr.
LB: Kyle Perry, Hickory Ridge, 5-11, 180, Sr.
LB: Jordan Wilkes, Hickory Ridge, 6-1, 220, Sr.
DB: Ayden Cannon, West Cabarrus, 5-11, 160, Jr.
DB: Xavier Chambers, A.L. Brown, 6-0, 185, Jr.
DB: Amir Morocco, Cannon School, 5-10, 175, Jr.
DB: Joshua Porch, Jay M. Robinson, 5-10, 175, Jr.
DB: Kaisean Robertson, Cox Mill, 5-9, 160, Sr.
ATH: Keegan Moose, Mount Pleasant, 5-10, 185, Sr.
ATH: Jamari Rodgers-Freeman, 5-8, 165, Sr.
Specialist
K/P: Ty Woods, A.L. Brown, 6-0, 170, Sr.