High school football preview: Breaking down Mecklenburg private school teams
Today, The Observer kicks off comprehensive high school football previews for all of the N.C. counties it covers — Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln and Union. The previews will include breakdowns for all teams, conference predictions and a preseason all-county team.
Later this month, The Observer will offer a game-of-the-week, most weeks, in each of these counties, thanks to a new partnership with Deer Park water.
In December, all-star teams in each county in addition to the annual All-Observer team will be released.
Coverage begins today with Mecklenburg County private schools.
Team previews
CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN
Head coach: Chris James (1st year).
2022 record: 10-3 (4-1 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.
Returning starters: 11
Returning lettermen: 25
Key returning starters: Micah Gilbert, Sr., WR/DB (6-3, 200); Bryce Young, Sr., DL/OL (6-6, 245); Cross Killen, Sr., LB (5-11, 205); Gavin Major, Sr., OL/DL (6-4, 285); Ryan Henley, Sr., RB/DB (5-10, 190); Christian Vann, Sr., RB/DB (6-1, 200); L.J. Porter, So., RB/DB (5-10, 190); Tate Estep, So., WR (5-10, 165).
Other key returnees: Henry Hulbert, So., WR/DB (5-11, 185); Owen Farrell, Jr., QB/ATH (5-11, 185); Jack Gullickson, So., WR/LB (5-10, 165).
Key newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: Charlotte Christian is entering a new era with former assistant Chris James taking over for Jason Estep, who was head coach for 16 years. James returns 11 starters from a 10-win team that finished as NCISAA Division I state runner-up to rival Providence Day. The Knights offense, which averaged 39 points per game last year, will again look to a strong rushing attack, featuring seniors Ryan Henley (385 yards rushing, six touchdowns) and Christian Vann (356 yards rushing), behind 6-foot-4 285-pound senior Gavin Major. Notre Dame commit senior receiver Micah Gilbert (39 catches for 486 yards, six touchdowns) also gives the Knights a weapon on the outside. The Charlotte Christian defense should also be solid with senior defensive lineman Bryce Young (Notre Dame commit, 92 tackles), senior linebacker Cross Killen (167 tackles) and sophomore K.J. Porter (three interceptions) all back.
Interesting note: Charlotte Christian defensive lineman Bryce Young is the son of former San Francisco defensive tackle and NFL Hall of Famer (2022) Bryant Young. The elder Young also played college football at Notre Dame.
CHARLOTTE COUNTRY DAY
Head coach: Drew Witman (9th year).
2022 record: (4-8, 0-5 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.
Returning starters: 10
Returning lettermen: 17
Key returning starters: Khalel Wright, Jr., QB (6-2, 175); Oscar Hydrick, Sr., LB (6-2, 175); William Dixon, Sr., OL/DE (6-2, 215); David Bach, Sr., OL/DL (6-3, 245); Alston Murphy, Sr., WR/DB (6-3, 165).
Other key returnees: Ben Proffitt, Sr., OL/DL (6-3, 235); Landon Rogers-Hicks, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 155); Kyle Bynes, So., WR/DB (5-10, 160); Henslee Hopkins, Sr., DB/RB/WR (5-9, 155); Josh Porter, Sr., OL/DL (5-11, 250).
Key newcomers: Ryan Nolan, Jr., OL/DL (6-1, 215); Nolan Bates, Jr., FB/DE (6-3, 210); Jacob Johnston, Jr., OL/DL/LB (6-0, 205).
Outlook: Charlotte Country Day is 8-21 in the last three years. This year, junior quarterback Khalel Wright (1,033 yards passing, seven touchdowns, 530 yards rushing) returns with senior offensive linemen David Bach and William Dixon as well as receiver Alston Murphy. Meanwhile, the Country Day defense will depend on senior linebacker, Oscar Hydrick (85 tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception, one sack), Dixon (defensive line, 50 tackles) and Murphy (defensive back, 33 tackles, two interceptions) to help slow down opposing offenses.
Interesting note: Charlotte Country Day coach Drew Witman is 35-38 in his eight years as head coach. Witman followed his father Bob as the Buccaneers’ head coach.
CHARLOTTE LATIN
Head coach: Drew Dayton (1st year).
2022 record: 5-5 (2-3 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.
Returning starters: 8
Returning lettermen: 11
Key returning starters: Neil Salvage, Sr., RB (5-10, 190); Thomas Lucas, Sr., OT (6-2, 210); Jordan Pence, Sr., OT/DE (6-3, 200); Max Brumfield, Sr., OG (6-2, 245); John Dauska, Sr., WR/DB (5-11, 180); Thompson Hord, Sr., WR/DB (5-11, 175).
Other key returnees: Ben Hodge, Sr., Center; Aditaya Banerjee, Sr., OL/DL.
Key newcomers: Carson Clutter, Jr., DB/WR (5-11, 170); Banks Cutter, So., DE/TE (6-2, 200); Dallas Chapman, So., RB/LB (5-8, 165).
Outlook: Charlotte Latin is in a tough position with only starters back for first-year head coach Drew Dayton (former Latin assistant). But the Hawks will lean on an experienced offensive line like seniors Max Brumfield, Ben Hodge, Thomas Lucas and Jordan Pence, who will block for RB Neil Salvage. The Latin defense will also need veterans like seniors John Dauska (three interceptions) and Thomas Hord in the secondary, with Aditya Banerjee, Pence and sophomore Banks Cutter, playing key roles on the defensive line.
Interesting note: Charlotte Latin has posted winning records in five of the last six seasons, going 27-21 in that span.
COVENANT DAY
Head coach: Peter McSparin (5th year).
2022 record: 8-4 (1-2 in the NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference).
Conference: NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference/Division II.
Returning starters: 10
Returning lettermen: 12
Key returning starters: Luke Graves, Sr., TE/DE (6-4, 200); Stephen Shubert, Sr., LB/FB (6-0, 200); Will Andrews, Sr., QB/ATH (6-0, 200)
Other key returnees: Ford Phelan, Sr., TE/LB (5-10, 190); Jeremiah Beamon, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 275); Cohen Sears, Sr., OL/DL (5-11, 240).
Key newcomers: Jonathan Meachem, Sr., QB/LB (6-2, 210); Jaelen Pile, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 180).
Outlook: The Lions return 10 starters from a team that enjoyed the best season in school history last season (8-4), finishing as NCISAA Division II state runner-up to Asheville School. Coach Peter McSparin will have to reload on both sides of the ball, but will look to two-way playmakers like seniors, quarterback/linebacker, Will Andrews, defensive end/tight end, Luke Graves (all-state, 69 tackles, four sacks) and linebacker/fullback Stephen Shulbert to lead the team. The Lions should also have a solid offensive line with seniors Jeremiah Beamon and Cohen Sears back in the lineup. Covenant Day will look to post another winning season and playoff berth to help establish what is still a young program that started in 2017.
Interesting note: Covenant Day will compete in newly organized NCISAA Piedmont Athletic conference with Asheville Christian, Asheville School, Hickory Grove, High Point Christian and SouthLake Christian.
HICKORY GROVE
Head coach: Tad Baucom (4th year).
2022 record: 9-2 (2-0 in the Piedmont Athletic Conference).
Conference: NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference/Division II.
Returning starters: 14 (6 offense; 8 defense).
Returning lettermen: 37
Key returning starters: Anthony Hawkins, Jr., RB (5-9, 195); Will McGraw, Jr., OT (6-2, 305); Hayden Cranfield, Sr., DB (5-10, 170); Ryan Quesinberry, Sr., LB/TE (5-11, 195); Mack Dorminy, Jr., TE/LB (6-1, 195).
Other key returnees: Stephen Dickey, Jr., WR/DB (6-0, 160); Jackson Whittier, Jr., LB (6-0, 195); Kaanan Wagoner, So., KR/PR (5-8, 145).
Key newcomers: Bryce Lofton, Sr., OL (6-4, 345); Gavin Thompson, Sr., RB/DE (6-2, 235); Isaiah Ferguson, Sr., OL (6-2, 305); Jahzir Dukes, Sr., WR/DB (6-2, 170).
Outlook: The Lions return 14 starters from a team that enjoyed the best season in school history at 9-2 a year ago. This year, Hickory Grove will again lean on junior all-state running back Anthony Hawkins (1,700 yards rushing, 17 touchdowns) to carry the load behind a massive offensive line that will feature 6-2, 305-pound Will McGraw, 6-4, 345-pound, Bryce Lofton and 6-2, 305-pound Isaiah Ferguson. The Lions’ defense returns eight starters led by linebacker Ryan Quesinberry (113 tackles, six sacks), all-state defensive back Hayden Cranfield (60 tackles, three interceptions, four sacks) and junior linebacker Mack Dorminy (59 tackles).
Interesting note: With four wins this season, Hickory Grove head coach Tad Baucom will earn his 200th career victory. Baucom is 16-9 at Hickory Grove in three seasons, and 196-142 overall, including a stint with Sun Valley where he coached current Washington Commanders’ quarterback Sam Howell.
PROVIDENCE DAY
Head Coach: Chad Grier (4th year).
2022 record: 12-1 (4-1 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.
Returning starters: 11
Returning lettermen: 29
Key returning starters: Jadyn Davis, Sr., QB (6-1, 205); David Sanders, Jr., LT/DE (6-6, 260); Miles Funderburk, So., OL/DL (6-1, 270); Jordan Shipp, Sr., WR (6-2, 185); Channing Goodwin, Sr., WR (6-1, 185); Brody Barnhardt, Sr., ATH/CB (6-0, 182); Braxton Winston, Jr., CB (6-0, 170); Gage Fragale, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 240); Lukas Santwier, Sr., LB (5-9, 180).
Other key returnees: Aidan Gallos, So., RB (5-9, 165); Kyle Van Dam, Sr., LB/HB (6-0, 185); John Stephens, V, Sr., DE/HB (5-11, 185); Gordon Sellers, So., WR/DB (6-2, 160); Pruett McCoy, Sr., WR/DB (5-8, 155); Josiah Robinson, Sr., ATH (6-1, 188); Austin Nelson, Jr., LB/RB (5-8, 180); Jack Langston, Jr., OL/Dl (6-3, 195); Matthew Mendoza, Jr., ATH (6-0, 180); Zaid Lott, So., QB (6-3, 175); Davis Dudley, Jr., K/P (5-8, 150).
Key newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: The two-time, defending, NCISAA Division I state champions have all the pieces to be the favorite to three-peat as the No. 1 team in the Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 to start the season. The Providence Day offense is centered around Michigan recruit and All-American quarterback Jadyn Davis (3,425 yards passing, 43 touchdowns), who is one of the top rated players in the country. Davis has plenty of weapons with all-state receivers Jordan Shipp (62 catches for 1,088 yards, 14 touchdowns) and Channing Goodwin (68 catches for 962 yards and 15 touchdowns) to go with sophomore running back Aidan Gallos (648 yards rushing) on a unit that averaged 43 points per game last season. The Chargers’ offensive line is also elite, led by junior left tackle David Sanders (No. 1 player in the nation in the class of 2025) and sophomore Miles Funderburk. The Providence Day defense, which allowed 14.6 points per game last year, should also be solid with a veteran secondary featuring senior Brody Barnhardt (N.C. State commit, 102 tackles, four interceptions) and junior Braxton Winston leading the way. The front seven with have to reload a bit but returns senior defensive end Gage Fragale, Sanders and senior linebacker Lukas Santwier back in the lineup.
Interesting note: 80 percent of the players on the Providence Day football team play at least one other varsity sport, according to Grier.
SOUTHLAKE CHRISTIAN
Head coach: Cheron Farley (5th year).
2022 Record: 0-10.
Conference: NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference/Division II.
Returning starters: 13
Returning lettermen: 13
Key returning starters: David Alexanian, Sr., MLB (6-0, 205); Luke Johnston, Sr., DE (6-1, 180); Jacob Hondros, So., Slot (5-9, 155); Austin Williams, Jr., RB (6-1, 180); Tyson Williams, So., QB (6-0, 160); Power Mba, So., OL (6-2, 260); Luke Venturini, So., OL (6-2, 240).
Other key returnees: N/A.
Key newcomers: Caleb Moore, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 245); Trendyn Williams, Fr., DB (5-10, 145); Brody Davy, Jr., Slot (5-11, 150).
Outlook: The Eagles have struggled of late, going 1-17 in the last two years, including an 0-10 season in 2022. This year, SouthLake Christian returns 13 starters. The offense will feature sophomore quarterback Tyson Williams, junior running back Austin Williams, and slot Jacob Hondros. The offensive line features sophomores Power Mba and Luke Venturini. Meanwhile, the defense should be improved with senior middle linebacker David Alexanian (78 tackles), senior defensive end Luke Johnston and Hondros (defensive back) leading the unit. SouthLake Christian earning a win or two this season (or more) would be a major step back in the right direction.
Interesting note: SouthLake Christian has lost 11 straight games dating back to a 21-20 overtime win at High Point Christian, Oct. 22, 2021. The Eagles had back-to-back winning season in 2019 and 2020, going 15-9 overall in that span.
Conference predictions
Big South Conference: 1. Providence Day; 2. Charlotte Christian; 3. Charlotte Latin; 4. Charlotte Country Day.
NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference: 1. Asheville School; 2. Hickory Grove; 3. Covenant Day; 4. Asheville Christian; 5. High Point Christian; 6. SouthLake Christian.
Preseason all-county team
Preseason offensive player of the year: Jadyn Davis, Providence Day, 6-1, 205, Jr., QB
Preseason defensive player of the year: Cross Killen, Charlotte Christian, 5-11, 205, Sr., LB
Offense
QB: Jadyn Davis, Providence Day, 6-1, 205, Jr.
RB: Aidan Gallos, Providence Day 5-9, 165, So.
RB: Anthony Hawkins, Hickory Grove, 5-9, 195, Sr.
RB: Ryan Henley, Charlotte Christian, 5-10, 190, Sr.
WR: Micah Gilbert, Charlotte Christian, 6-3, 200, Sr.
WR: Channing Goodwin, Providence Day, 6-1, 185, Srr.
WR: Jordan Shipp, Providence Day, 6-2, 185, Sr.
OL: Miles Funderburk, Providence Day, 6-1, 270, So.
OL: Thomas Lucas, Charlotte Latin, 6-2, 210, Sr.
OL: Gavin Major, Charlotte Christian, 6-4, 285, Sr.
OL: Will McGraw, Hickory Grove, 6-2, 305, Jr.
OL: David Sanders (Jr.), Providence Day, 6-6, 260, Jr.
ATH: Khalel Wright, Charlotte Country Day, 6-2, 175, Jr.
Defense
DL: Banks Cutter, Charlotte Latin, 6-2, 200, So.
DL: William Dixon, Charlotte Country Day, 6-2, 215, Sr.
DL: Luke Groves, Covenant Day, 6-4, 200, Sr.
DL: Bryce Young, Charlotte Christian, 6-6, 245, Sr.
LB: David Alexanian, SouthLake Christian, 6-0, 205, Sr.
LB: Oscar Hydrick, Charlotte Country Day, 6-2, 205, Sr.
LB: Cross Killen, Charlotte Christian, 5-11, 205, Sr.
LB: Ryan Quesinberry, Hickory Grove, 5-11, 195, Sr.
DB: Brody Barnhardt, Providence Day, 6-0, 182, Jr.
DB: Hayden Cranfield, Hickory Grove, 5-10, 170, Sr.
DB: L.J. Porter, Charlotte Christian, 5-10, 190, So.
DB: Braxton Winston, Providence Day, 6-0, 170, Jr.
ATH: Stephen Shubert, Covenant Day, 6-0, 200, Sr.
Specialists
K/P: Davis Dudley, Providence Day, 5-8, 150, Jr.
SPEC: Kaanan Wagoner, Hickory Grove, 5-8, 145, So.
