The Observer’s 2022 Iredell County high school football preview
Here is The Observer’s annual look at high school football inside Iredell County.
LAKE NORMAN
Head Coach: Jonathan Oliphant (5th year as Lake Norman head coach).
2021 Record: 8-4
Conference: Greater Metro 4A Conference.
Returning Starters: 12 (6 offense; 6 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 32
Key Returning Starters: Jack Baker, Sr., S (6-3, 195); Matthew Haynes, Sr., OL (6-4, 275); Jackson Miller, Sr., WR/TE (6-2, 200); Chase Wigginton, Sr., DB/ATH (6-3, 185); Jawayne Torrence, Sr., DL (6-0, 320); Ryan Peacock, Sr., WR/ATH (5-10 170); Liam Courtney, Sr., OL (6-4, 265); A.J. Baker, Jr., RB (5-8, 165).
Other Key Returnees: Sam Martin, Sr., DL (6-1, 260); Tate Smith, Jr., LB (6-1, 200).
Key Newcomers: Kavin White, Jr., QB/ATH (5-11, 185) (South Iredell transfer); Ethan Calloway, Jr., OL (6-7, 300).
Outlook: Despite returning only four starters in 2021, the Wildcats enjoyed their best season since 2016, going 8-4 and advancing to the second round of the 4A state playoffs. This year, Lake Norman has 12 starters back, including the influx of talent from a junior varsity team that went 10-0 last year. The Wildcats’ offense will lean on an experienced offensive line featuring seniors Matthew Haynes, Liam Courtney and 6-foot-7, 300-pound junior Ethan Calloway, a major Division I prospect. Playmakers include seniors A.J. Baker, Jackson Miller and juniors Kavin White and Chase Wigginton. The Lake Norman defense will have to be stingy (allowed 16.8 points per game last year) in a league full of potent offenses with seniors in safety Jack Baker, a 320-pound, defensive tackle Jawayne Torrence and defensive back Wigginton.
MOORESVILLE
Head Coach: Joe Nixon (3rd year as Mooresville head coach).
2021 Record: 7-4 (5-1 in the Greater Metro 4A Conference).
Conference: Greater Metro 4A Conference.
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 35
Key Returning Starters: Jawarn Howell, Sr., RB (6-2, 205); Jamere Cherry, Sr., QB (6-0, 185); Caleb Edstrom, Jr., LB (5-10, 200); Xzavier Booker, Jr., DL (6-2, 290); A.J. Graham, So., ATH (6-1, 175); Ray Watson, Jr., DL (5-9, 240); Max Ortegon, Sr., OL (6-4, 290).
Other Key Returnees: Kyjuan Westmoreland, Sr., RB/WR (5-8, 165); Landon Young, Jr., DL (6-1, 230); Kendyn Smith, Jr., OL (6-1, 225); Terrell Simonton, Sr., WR (6-2, 215).
Key Newcomers: Carter Elkin, Jr., QB (5-10, 170); Jamari Farmer, So., LB (6-0, 200); Randy Fulmore, Jr., WR (5-9, 165).
Outlook: Mooresville has been up and down in recent times going 29-27 in the past five years. This year, the Blue Devils return 10 starters from a 7-4 squad, led by seniors running backs Jawarn Howell (1,027 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns), Kyjuan Westmoreland, and senior quarterback Jamere Cherry. The Mooresville defense will look to juniors like linebacker Caleb Edstrom (70 tackles, 14 tackles for loss), defensive lineman Xzavier Booker (61 tackles, five sacks) and Ray Watson to lead the unit.
NORTH IREDELL
Head Coach: Andy Howell (1st year as North Iredell head coach).
2021 Record: 3-6 (3-4 in the Western Foothills’ Athletic Conference).
Conference: Western Foothills’ Athletic Conference (3A).
Returning Starters: N/A.
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Tayven Rucker, Sr., OLB (6-0, 205); Tanner Lentz, Sr., DE (6-1, 215); Chance Weatherman, Sr., OG (5-10, 230); Noah Ivey, Jr., OT (6-3, 240); Shane Nicholson, Jr., DT (6-5, 260); Holden McGee, Jr., Center (6-2, 250); Sabino Mercer, Jr., RB (5-9, 175); Ian Smith, Jr., LB (6-3, 195); Bronson Leonard, Sr., OLB (6-0, 175).
Other Key Returnees: Zander Faulkner, So., RB (6-0, 225); LaDainian Sales, Sr., CB (5-10, 170); Brodie Anderson, Sr., WR/CB (6-0, 170).
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: North Iredell lost 25 straight games from 2018-21, before winning three games last season to match their win totals from 2017-20. This year, coach Andy Howell looks to keep that momentum going with junior running back Sabino Mercer running behind an experienced offensive line, featuring juniors Holden McGee and Noah Ivey and senior Chance Weatherman. The Raiders’ defense should also be improved with senior linebackers Bronson Leonard and Tayven Rucker teaming with defensive end Tanner Lentz.
PINE LAKE PREP
Head Coach: Austin Trotter (4th Year as Pine Lake Prep head coach).
2021 Record: 6-4 (4-2 in the Catawba Shores’ 1A/2A Conference).
Conference: Catawba Shores’ 1A/2A Conference.
Returning Starters: 17 (9 offense; 8 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 24
Key Returning Starters: Nick Reid, Sr., QB/FS (5-11, 175); Noah Murphy, Sr., RB/SS (5-11, 165); Aidan Ziegler, Sr., WR/CB (6-1, 165); Wes Sunderland, Sr., LB/TE (6-0, 200); Hudson Stalun, Sr., LB (5-10, 180); Jack Smith, So., OL (6-2, 250); Ryan Connotillo, So., OL/DL (6-2, 220); Ronan Mahoney, Sr., FB/LB (5-8, 180).
Other Key Returnees: Gabe Bolivar, Jr., RB/DB (5-6, 160); Jacob Lewis, Jr., TE/OLB (6-3, 185); Joe White, Sr., WR/CB (5-11, 165); Griffin Perley, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 240); Cole Jenson, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 218).
Key Newcomers: Alec Brown, So., QB/RB/CB (5-9, 160).
Outlook: Pine Lake Prep returns 17 starters from a team that is on the rise going 14-5 in the past two seasons. The Pride offense will look to seniors in quarterback Nick Reid (666 yards passing last year) and running back Noah Murphy (833 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns) to help the offense put more points on the board (21 points per game last year). Meanwhile, the Pine Lake Prep defense (allowed 16 points per game last year) should be a strength with senior playmakers in linebackers Hudson Stalun (137 tackles), Wes Sunderland (53 tackles, 5.5 sacks), defensive back Aidan Ziegler (four interceptions) and sophomore defensive lineman Jack Smith (47 tackles, 4.5 sacks) all back in the lineup.
SOUTH IREDELL
Head Coach: Mitch Johnson (1st year as South Iredell head coach).
2021 Record: 2-8 (1-5 in the Greater Metro 4A Conference).
Conference: Greater Metro 4A Conference.
Returning Starters: 11
Returning Lettermen: 35
Key Returning Starters: Brice Warren, Sr., QB (6-0, 205); Jaylin Neal, Sr., RB (5-9, 225); Adrian Mumford, Sr., WR (5-11, 175); Nathan Sanders, Sr., OL (6-1, 255); Austin Mozeley, Sr., OL (6-1, 225); Jackson Miller, Sr., OL (6-2, 225); Sacari Stevenson, Sr., LB (6-2, 225); Luke Winterhalter, Sr., S (6-1, 185); Yvito Jolifier, Sr., CB (6-1, 175); Michael Eichhorn, Sr., LB (6-1, 195); Zach Braunstein, Sr., LB (6-0, 205).
Other Key Returnees: Fischer Hall, Jr., LB (5-10, 205); Jaiden Farrell, Jr. DB (6-0, 175); J’Quan Dobbins, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 185); Gage White, So., WR (5-8, 165).
Key Newcomers: Will Vuuk, Sr., WR (6-6, 225); Nolan Clark, Sr., WR (6-6, 205); Ben Cotton, Sr., ATH (6-0, 175).
Outlook: South Iredell has struggled in recent times with only 10 wins in the last three years combined. But with 11 starters back, the Vikings have the experience to move up in the middle the Greater Metro 4A conference standings with new coach Mitch Johnson leading the way. The offense will lean on seniors in quarterback Brice Warren (953 yards passing, 336 yards rushing last year), running back Jaylin Neal (666 yards rushing) and a veteran offensive line featuring senior Austin Mozeley, and sophomore Jackson Miller. The South Iredell defense is also a veteran group with senior linebackers Zach Braunstein (46 tackles), Michael Eichhorn, Sacari Stevenson and safety, Luke Winterhalter, leading the unit.
STATESVILLE
Head Coach: Rydell Cowan (1st year as Statesville head coach).
2021 Record: 12-1 (7-0 in the Western Foothills’ Athletic 3A Conference.
Conference: Western Foothills’ Athletic Conference/3A.
Returning Starters: 14
Returning Lettermen: 22
Key Returning Starters: Steven Hamby, Sr., OL/DL (6-6, 290); Titus Myers, Sr., WR (6-2, 190); Kelyn Watts, Sr., DL (6-2, 270); Juelz MartinezN Sr., OL (5-10, 215); Sam Buckner, Sr., K (5-9, 170); Steven Smith, Sr., WR (5-9, 165); Kemari Daniels, Sr., DB (5-7, 160); Kedrion Dukes, Sr., DB (5-8, 160); Jaylin Himes, Jr., WR/RB (5-9, 170); Mekiaun Daniels, Jr., DB (5-9, 155); Justin Davidson, Sr., RB (5-9, 160); Jeremiah Heaggans, Jr., DL (6-4, 305).
Other Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: First-year coach Rydell Cowan gets the rare opportunity to take over a Statesville program with 14 starters back from a 12-1 team that advanced to the 3A state quarterfinals last season. The Greyhounds’ offense (38 points per game last year) will look to keep rolling with senior playmakers like wide receivers Titus Myers (361 yards) and Steven Smith (546 yards and nine touchdowns) with 6-foot-6 290-pound, Steven Hamby, paving the way on the offensive line. Meanwhile, the Statesville defense is experienced with seniors Juelz Martinez and Kelyn Watts on the defensive front, and Kemari Daniels (56 tackles, two interceptions) and Kedrion Dukes (66 tackles, two interceptions) leading the defensive backfield.
WEST IREDELL
Head Coach: Matt Wilson (1st year as West Iredell head coach).
2021 Record: 1-7 (1-6 in the Western Foothills’ Athletic Conference.
Conference: Western Foothills’ Athletic Conference/3A.
Returning Starters: 12 (6 offense; 6 defense).
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Jeremiah Glaspy, Sr., WR/DB (6-2, 185); Tristan Hopkins, Sr., RB/LB (6-0, 180); Bud Dalton, Sr., RB (5-10, 220); J.P. Loaiza, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 260); Eli Josey, Sr., RB/LB (5-11, 185).
Other Key Returnees: Jermaine Cornelius, So., WR/DB (5-10).
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: Former Alexander Central assistant Matt Wilson is bringing a new energy to a program that has struggled going 2-13 in the past two seasons with their last winning campaign coming in 2010 (7-5). Wilson is focused on the “New West Iredell,” where he hopes to establish the run game with senior Bud Dalton getting the ball early and often behind classmate offensive lineman J.P. Loaiza and company. Wide receivers in senior Jeremiah Glaspy, and sophomore Jermaine Cornelius give the Warriors players who can make plays in space. The West Iredell defense will have to stingier with linebackers Tristan Hopkins, Eli Josey and Dalton making plays.
2022 Iredell County Football Preseason Conference Predictions
Catawba Shores’ 1A/2A Conference
Community School of Davidson; 2. Mountain Island Charter; 3. Pine Lake Prep; 4. Winston-Salem Carver; 5. Bishop McGuinness; 6. Winston-Salem Prep; 7. Christ the King.
Greater Metro 4A
Hickory Ridge; 2. Mooresville; 3. Lake Norman; 4. Cox Mill; 5. A.L. Brown; 6. West Cabarrus; 7. South Iredell.
Western Foothills Athletic Conference 3A
East Lincoln; 2. Hickory; 3. Statesville; 4. North Lincoln; 5. St. Stephens; 6. North Iredell; 7. West Iredell; 8. Fred T. Foard.
--JAY EDWARDS
Preseason All-County Team
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Jawarn Howell, Mooresville, 6-2, 205, RB, Sr.
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Hudson Stalun, Pine Lake Prep, LB, Sr.
Offense
QB: Brice Warren, South Iredell, 6-0, 205, Sr.
RB: Jawarn Howell, Mooresville, 6-2, 205, Sr.
RB: Noah Murphy, Pine Lake Prep, 5-11, 165, Sr.
RB: Jaylin Neal, South Iredell, 5-9, 225, Sr.
WR: Titus Myers, Statesville, 6-2, 160, Sr.
WR: Steven Smith, Statesville, 5-9, 165, Sr.
WR/TE: Jackson Miller, Lake Norman, 6-2, 200, Sr.
OL: Ethan Calloway, Lake Norman, 6-7, 300, Jr.
OL: Steven Hamby, Statesville, 6-6, 290, Sr.
OL: Matthew Hynes, Lake Norman, 6-4, 275, Sr.
OL: Max Ortegon, Mooresville, 6-4, 290, Sr.
OL: Jack Smith, Pine Lake Prep, 6-2, 250, So.
ATH: Bud Dalton, West Iredell, 5-10, 220, Sr.
ATH: Nick Reid, Pine Lake Prep, 5-11, 175, Sr.
Defense
DL: Xzavier Booker, Mooresville, 6-2, 290, Jr.
DL: Tanner Lentz, North Iredell, 6-1, 215, Sr.
DL: Jawayne Torrence, Lake Norman, 6-0, 320, Sr.
DL: Kelyn Watts, Statesville, 6-2, 270, Sr.
LB: Caleb Edstrom, Mooresville, 5-10, 200, Jr.
LB: Bronson Leonard, North Iredell, 6-0, 175, Sr.
LB: Hudson Stalun, Pine Lake Prep, 5-10, 180, Sr.
LB: Wes Sunderland, Pine Lake Prep, 6-0, 200, Sr.
DB: Jack Baker, Lake Norman, 6-3, 195, Sr.
DB: Kedrion Dukes, Statesville, 5-8, 160, Sr.
DB: Chase Wigginton, Lake Norman, 6-3, 185, Sr.
DB: Luke Winterhalter, South Iredell, 6-1, 185, Sr.
DB: Aidan Ziegler, Pine Lake Prep, 6-1, 165, Sr.
ATH: Kemari Daniels, Statesville, 5-7, 160, Sr.
ATH: A.J. Graham, Mooresville, 6-1, 175, So.
Specialist
K/P: Sam Bucker, Statesville, 5-9, 170, Sr.