Union County high school football: Previews, predictions, all-county team
Who are the top teams and top players in Union County as the 2025 high school football season begins this week? Read on.
Team Previews
CUTHBERTSON
Head Coach: Duke Howell (3rd year)
2024 Record: 7-4, 202
Conference: Southern Carolina 6A/7A
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Lettermen: 13
Key Returning Starters: Mason Iovino, Sr., RB (6-0, 205); Erik Taylor, Sr., WR/SS (6-0, 170); Mason Inman, Sr., WR/SS (6-0, 190); Danny Divers, Sr., OL (6-2, 265); Micah Carsto, Sr., LB (6-1, 215); Pat Laughlin, Sr., FS (6-3, 195).
Other Key Returnees: Sam Sinyard, Sr., DE/TE (6-5, 248); Brady Williamson, Jr., TE/DE (6-3, 235); Liam Bryns, Sr., DL (6-1, 250).
Key Newcomers: Sean Johnson, Sr., CB (6-1, 165); Trey Thijssen, Sr., OL (6-4, 305); Rohan McLeod, Jr., OL (6-4, 265).
Outlook: The Cavaliers are trending up, with 13 wins in two seasons under Howell. However, with only six starters back, Cuthbertson will need a big year from senior running back Mason Iovino, who rushed for 1,298 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Senior receiver Mason Inman and senior offensive lineman Danny Divers also return. On defense, Cuthbertson will feature senior defensive end Sam Sinyard (three sacks), linebacker Micah Carsto (58 tackles) and defensive backs Pat Laughlin and Erik Taylor.
Note: Cuthbertson had back-to-back winning seasons in the past two years for the second time in school history after also doing it in the 2014 and 2015.
FOREST HILLS
Head Coach: Jammie Deese (6th year)
2024 Record: 10-4, 4-1
Conference: Rocky River 4A/5A
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 15
Key Returning Starters: Cam Winnegan, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 190); Danny Redfern, Sr., DE/TE (6-0, 210); Josiah Oxendine, Sr., QB (6-0, 195); Kebryn Tanner, Sr., DE/OT (6-3, 235); Sean Strough, Sr., DE/OT (6-0, 230); Ryan Walker, Sr., DB/WR (5-11, 190); Tyquan Taylor, Sr., DE/OG (6-0, 240); Chris Baker, Jr., LB/RB (5-11, 210); Kia Phinazee, Jr., DL/OG (6-1, 295); Curt Williams, Sr., DB/WR (6-2, 185); Kylan Polk, Jr., RB/WR (5-8, 170).
Outlook: The Yellow Jackets have averaged nearly 10 wins per season in last four years under Deese. This year, Forest Hills return 10 starters to try to maintain that tradition. They include senior QB Josiah Oxendine, senior receiver Ryan Walker (33 catches for 347 yards) and junior running back Kylan Polk (437 yards rushing, nine touchdowns). The Forest Hills’ defense is experienced up front, where seniors Danny Redfern (59 tackles) and Tyquan Taylor (38 tackles) plus junior Kia Phinazee (51 tackles) all return. Deese expects junior linebacker Chris Baker (81 tackles) to play a key role. The Yellow Jackets’ secondary will be a strength with seniors Walker, Cam Winnegan (two interceptions) and Curt Williams (66 tackles, two interceptions) back from last fall.
Note: Deese has 39 wins in five years.
MARVIN RIDGE
Head Coach: Aubrey Carter (11th year)
2024 Record: 5-7, 1-4
Conference: Southern Carolina 6A/7A
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 24
Key Returning Starters: Manny Lewis, Sr., DL (6-1, 265); Alex Voss, Sr., WR (6-3, 210); Brady Morgan, Sr., LB (6-0, 200); Evan Culicerto, Jr., LB (5-9, 200); Sam Svonovec, Sr., S (6-2, 190); Jackson McNees, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 175); Zane Schumacher, Jr., RB/DB (5-9, 190); Levi Haines, Sr.., WR (6-1, 170); Ford Fehling, Jr., K/P (6-1, 180); Haiden Ratike, Sr., K/P (6-1, 170).
Other Key Returnees: Brennan O’Neill, Sr., OL (6-2, 240); Chase Wakefield, Jr., DT (6-1, 245); Walker Patel, Jr., OL (6-1, 250); Cole Hawkins, Jr., RB (5-8, 175); Sawyer Brown, Jr., DL (6-0, 200); Brendan Hicks, Sr., DB (5-9, 165); Jake Robbins, Jr., RB/LB (5-10, 205).
Key Newcomers: Cooper Meek, Jr., TE/WR (6-2, 210); Tino Delissio, So., WR (6-0, 160); Adam Aoun, Jr., QB (5-10, 175) (East Mecklenburg transfer); Bryce Rozema, Jr., OL (6-4, 265); Kolston Burnette, So., OL (6-0, 265); Thomas Spicer, Jr., LB (6-0, 200).
Outlook: The Mavericks have been up and down, going 28-23 overall in the past five years. This season, Marvin Ridge’s defense should be the strength of the team. Senior defensive end Manny Lewis (67 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, Appalachian State commit) returns with a pair of starting linebackers from a year ago — junior Evan Culicerto (88 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, six sacks), and Brady Moran (58 tackles). The Mavericks’ secondary is also experienced. Seniors Jackson McNees (55 tackles) and Sam Svonovec (62 tackles) and junior Zane Schumacher (60 tackles) all return. On offense, senior receivers Alex Voss (45 catches for 696 yards and seven touchdowns, Boston College commit) and Levi Haines return. The Mavericks also have two strong kickers: Reigning conference special teams player of the year, junior Ford Fehling (made 14 of 17 fields goals), and senior punter Hunter Ratike (averaged 41.2 yards per punt) are both back.
Note: Carter has 66 wins in his 10 years.
METROLINA CHRISTIAN
Head Coach: Thomas Langley (16th year)
2024 Record: 6-5, 1-1
Conference: NCISAA Western Division I.
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Lettermen: 15
Key Returning Starters: Preston Broadway, Sr., OL/DL (6-3, 280); Jaxon Williams, Jr., LB/RB (5-10, 190); Cameron Kiehl, So., WR/DB/K (6-0, 170); Matthew Burch, Sr., TE/D (6-0, 210); Micah Crenshaw, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, 150); Jaiden McKnight, Jr., RB (5-10, 165); Brayden McIntyre, Sr., OL (6-5, 295).
Other Key Returnees: Phillip Steele, Jr., OL/DL (6-3, 290); Kyler McColter, Jr., LB (5-11, 185); Seth Roberts, Jr., OL/DL (6-0, 230).
Key Newcomers: Brock Alexander, Sr., DE (5-11, 185); Alex Haynes, Jr., DB (5-11, 170); Isaiah Mayes, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 180); Forrest Robertson, Jr., TE/DL (6-3, 230).
Outlook: The Warriors return just five starters from a 6-5 team and will depend on junior RB .Jaiden McKnight-Quick and a big offensive line, led by seniors Preston Broadway (6-3, 280, East Carolina commit) and Brayden McIntyre. Senior tight end Matthew Burch and sophomore receiver Cameron Kiehl, will also be key playmakers on the offense. The Metrolina Christian defense will be led by junior linebacker Jaxon Williams (45 tackles) and a pair of defensive backs — Kiehl and junior Micah Crenshaw.
Note: Langley is the second longest tenured coach in Union County (behind Monroe’s Johnny Sowell) and is entering his 16th year. His career record is 88-57.
MONROE
Head Coach: Johnny Sowell (21st year)
2024 Record: 15-0, 5-0
Conference: Rocky River 4A/5A
Returning Starters: 10 (6 offense; 4 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 12
Key Returning Starters: Brayden Smith, Sr., DB (5-11, 180); Nymir Kendall, Sr., RB (5-11, 195); Bryson Simpkins, Sr., TE/LB (6-2, 205); Jeremiah Lindsey, Sr., LB (5-9, 180); Mario Jackson, Jr., RB/LB (5-8, 185); Tony Barrino, Jr., OL/DL (6-1, 195); Caniyus Rushing, Jr., OL/DL (6-4, 265); Jayden Caudle, Sr., DB/WR (5-7, 145).
Other Key Returnees: Jamere Allison, Sr. DB (5-8, 150); Te’Ohn Clyburn, Sr., DB (5-8, 140); Kevin Lopez Ramirez, Jr., K (5-10, 165).
Key Newcomers: Jysen Shephard, Sr. QB (5-11, 170).
Outlook: Monroe returns 10 starters from last year’s 2A state championship undefeated squad. This year, key Redhawks on offense will include senior RB Nymir Kendall (919 yards rushing, 18 touchdowns) and junior back Mario Jackson (409 yards rushing, six touchdowns). The Monroe defense is led by senior linebackers Jeremiah Lindsey (103 tackles) and Bryson Simpkins, while Caniyus Rushing will play a key role on the defensive line. The Redhawks’ secondary features seniors Jayden Caudle and Brayden Smith (66 tackles). Monroe has been one of the most consistent teams in state in the last three seasons, going 38-4 in that span. This year’s Redhawks are younger, but talented enough to keep that run going.
Note: Sowell (199-82) is just one win from getting his 200th career victory. Sowell is in his 21st year as Monroe’s football coach, but has now worked at the school for 39 years.
PARKWOOD
Head Coach: Samuel Mobley (3rd year)
2024 Record: 3-8, 2-5
Conference: Rocky River 4A/5A
Returning Starters: 15
Returning Lettermen: 23
Key Returning Starters: Van Helms, Sr., DE (6-1, 230); Blake Hopkins, So., OG/DT (6-2, 260); Tyler Surles, So., DE/TE (6-4, 220); Micah Davis, Sr., WR (5-11, 150); Nisaih Smith, Jr., WR/FS (5-11, 160); Amarri Lyttle, Jr., RB/DB (5-8, 155); Markayden Truesdale, Sr., WR/DB (5-9, 155).
Other Key Returnees: Ben Dyer, Sr., LB/TE (6-1, 205); Brian Hogan, Jr., DB (5-7, 150); Dillan Brown, Sr., DB (5-9, 160)
Key Newcomers: Chase Forrest, So., LB (5-10, 180); Smith Barlowe, Jr., QB (6-1, 170); Ryder Quigley, Jr., LB (5-10 180).
Outlook: Parkwood has experience at the skill positions with junior running back Amarri Lyttle, senior receivers Micah Davis (34 catches), Nisaih Smith and Markayden Truesdale all returning. The Wolfpack defense features sophomore defensive linemen Blake Hopkins (50 tackles) and Tyler Surles (42 tackles) along with senior Van Helms (40 tackles, five sacks). Senior linebacker Ben Dyer (50 tackles) will also be a key in the front seven.
Note: Parkwood has had two winning seasons (6-3 in 2021) and (7-5 in 2019) in the past decade.
PIEDMONT
Head Coach: Daniel Dillard (2nd year)
2024 Record: 2-8, 0-5
Conference: Southern Carolina 6A/7A
Returning Starters: 13
Returning Lettermen: 19
Key Returning Starters: Rylan Russ, Sr., DE (6-4, 236); James “J.C.: Helms, Sr., LB/TE (6-2, 217); Kenyon Flowers, Sr., WR/DB (5-9, 160); Jack Blakeslee, Jr., QB (5-10, 180); R.J. Sherrod, So., RB/DB (5-9, 160); Cooper Wise, Jr., WR (5-9, 170); Cam O’Neal, Sr., DB/RB (5-10, 171).
Other Key Returnees: Haven Poplin, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, 140); Jayden Pagan, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 210); Davis Weycker, Jr., LB (6-1, 210).
Key Newcomers: Eli Chambers, Jr., DL (6-1, 245); Ethan Ofori, So., DL (6-6, 230).
Outlook: The Panthers are 6-42 in the past five seasons. This year, Piedmont moves up to a tougher Southern Carolina conference with some county heavyweights. But 13 starters are back, including junior quarterback Jack Blakeslee (918 yards passing, seven touchdowns), sophomore running back R.J. Sherrod and a trio of passing catchers in seniors Kenyon Flowers (receiver), J.C. Helms (tight end) and junior receiver Cooper Wise. The Panthers’ defense also has multiple playmakers like senior defensive end Rylan Russ, Helms (64 tackles) at linebacker and Flowers, Sherrod and senior Cam O’Neal back to lead the secondary.
Note: Piedmont’s last winning season came in 2013, when the Panthers went 8-5 overall.
PORTER RIDGE
Head Coach: Michael Hertz (10th year)
2024 Record: 5-6, 0-4
Conference: Southern Carolina 6A/7A
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 20
Key Returning Starters: Rai’Shawn Elmore, Sr., WR (6-2, 195); Keenan Sullivan, Jr., QB (6-1, 190); Dawson Jones, Sr., DT (6-2, 285); Will Taylor, Sr., LB (6-2, 190); Ryan Ladimir, Sr., K (5-8, 160).
Other Key Returnees: Christian Myers, Sr., WR (6-3, 170); Makai Henriquez, So., DE (6-4, 200).
Outlook: After winning 24 games combined from 2021-23, Porter Ridge slipped to 5-6 last year. This season, the Pirates return 10 starters, including junior quarterback Keenan Sullivan and senior receiver/running back Rai’Shawn Elmore (347 yards receiving, seven touchdown catches, 169 yards rushing, six touchdowns). The Porter Ridge defense is solid in the front seven where senior Dawson Jones (74 tackles) and sophomore Makai Henriquez (56 tackles, 6.5 sacks) return. Senior linebacker Will Taylor (106 tackles) will also play a key role. The Pirates also have a difference maker on special teams with senior kicker Ryan Ladimir, who made all 32 of his extra points and four of five field goals (long of 40 yards) last season.
Note: Porter Ridge went 5-6 last season, its first losing campaign since 2015, when the Pirates went 1-10 overall.
SUN VALLEY
Head Coach: Ryan Smith (4th year)
2024 Record: 9-3, 4-1
Conference: Southern Carolina 6A/7A
Returning Starters: 17
Returning Lettermen: 34
Key Returning Starters: Noah Lineberry, Sr., QB (6-0, 190); Zach Cullen, Sr., RB/LB (5-11, 205); Brandon Creech, Sr., LB (5-10, 225); Andrew Doody, Sr., WR/TE/LB (6-2, 195); Xavier Flowe, Sr., DE (6-1, 190); Wyatt Lineberry, Sr., WR (6-1, 195); Brayden Hood, Sr., OL (6-3, 290).
Other Key Returnees: Josh Bell, Jr., RB/LB (5-9, 185); Braylon Reynolds, Sr., DB/WR (5-11, 180).
Key Newcomers: Joseph Jones, Jr., DB (6-0, 190).
Outlook: The Spartans have a senior-laden group back with 17 starters returning from a team that went 9-3 last year. The Sun Valley offense should be explosive. Senior quarterback Noah Lineberry (2,700 yards passing, 32 touchdowns last season) returns with a group of seniors — running back, Zach Cullen (850 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns) and receivers Andrew Doody (48 catches for 527 yards, six touchdowns) and Wyatt Lineberry (58 catches, four touchdowns). The Sun Valley defense also has multiple playmakers like senior defensive end Xavier Flowe (five sacks), senior linebackers Brandon Creech (136 tackles) and Cullen.
Note: Sun Valley coach Ryan Smith, who earned the Southern Carolina conference coach of the year last season, led the Spartans to their most wins last year (nine) since 2018, when former Sun Valley star, and now Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback, Sam Howell, led his team to a 10-3 record.
UNION ACADEMY
Head Coach: Mason Sledge (1st full season)
2024 Record: 5-6, 1-4
Conference: Yadkin Valley 2A/3A
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 10
Key Returning Starters: Parker Frashier, Jr., QB (5-11, 170); Stephen Gonzales, Sr., K/P (6-0, 170); Jaxx Rape, Jr., OL (6-2, 240); Cooper Martin, Sr., OL (6-2, 240); John Leon, Sr., LB (5-10, 205); Kayden Crooke, Sr., WR (5-9, 150); Jordan Smith, Sr., LB (6-2, 195).
Outlook: The Cardinals are looking to build on their best season since 2019. This year, Union Academy returns 10 starters, including junior QB Parker Frashier (1,750 yards passing, 16 touchdowns, 455 yards rushing), senior receiver Kayden Crooke (27 catches) and pair of offensive lineman — senior, Cooper Martin (four-year starter) and junior Jaxx Rape. The Cardinals’ defense is solid up the middle where senior linebackers John Leon and Jordan Smith (53 tackles) return. Union Academy also has a rare weapon in senior all-state kicker/punter Stephen Gonzales, who can be a game-changer with his leg. Last season, Gonzales was 6 for 8 on field goals (long of 47 yards) and averaged 43 yards per punt, with 42 touchbacks on kickoffs (out of 43 attempts).
Note: Union Academy won five games last year, matching its combined win total from 2020-23.
WEDDINGTON
Head Coach: Andy Capone (8th year)
2024 Record: 13-1, 4-0
Conference: Southern Carolina 6A/7A
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: Aiden Harris, Sr., DL (6-4, 265); Andrew Harris, Sr., DL (6-3, 240); T.J. Davis, Sr., LB (6-3, 225); Kelson Tate, Sr., WR (5-8, 180); Jon Manley, Sr., WR/PR (5-10, 150); Brody Anson, Sr., RB (6-1, 190); James Colonna, Sr., S (6-1, 185); Bryce Johnson, Jr., OL (6-3, 295).
Other Key Returnees: Ace Clements, Jr., CB (5-10, 180); Matthew McCoy, Jr., TE (6-3, 220); Brenan Schauer, Sr., LB (6-0, 195); Ethan Devore, Sr., LB (6-0, 205); Walker Powell, Sr., QB (5-11, 180).
Key Newcomers: Miles Funderburk, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 270); Cole Kopittke, So., RB/DB (6-0, 170).
Outlook: The Warriors have been one of the best teams in the state in the past seven years, winning 90 games in that span. This season, Weddington has the experience and talent to be a state championship contender (7A) again with 12 starters back. The Warriors’ defense will be its strength, where seniors in Aiden Harris (82 tackles, 13.5 sacks, South Carolina commit), twin brother, Andrew Harris (81 tackles, seven sacks, South Carolina commit) and Miles Funderburk (Providence Day transfer) making up one of the top defensive lines in the state. Senior linebacker T.J. Davis (62 tackles, Notre Dame commit), senior safety James Colonna (48 tackles, three interceptions) and junior cornerback Ace Clements will also play key roles for a unit that allowed just under 14 points per game last year. The Weddington offense should also be strong with senior running back Brody Anson (800 yards rushing, eight touchdowns) and receivers Jon Manley (five touchdowns, Delaware State commit) and Kelson Tate (six touchdowns, Delaware State commit). Funderburk and junior Bryce Johnson, give the Warriors’ experience on the offensive line.
Note: Capone is already the winningest coach in school history, going 90-9 in seven seasons, and has a good chance to earn his 100th career victory in his eighth season.
Conference predictions
Catawba Valley: 1. North Stanly; 2. North Rowan; 3. Mountain Island Charter; 4. South Stanly; 5. Union Academy; 6. Bonnie Cone Academy; 7. Albemarle; 8. Thomas Jefferson Academy.
NCISAA Western Conference: 1. Rabun Gap-Nacoochee; 2. Christ School; 3. Metrolina Christian; 4. Cannon School.
Rocky River 4A/5A Conference: 1. Monroe; 2. Forest Hills; 3. Mount Pleasant; 4. Anson County; 5. Parkwood; 6. West Stanly.
Southern Carolina Conference 6A/7A: 1. Weddington; 2. Sun Valley; 3. Charlotte Catholic; 4. Marvin Ridge; 5. Cuthbertson; 6. Porter Ridge, 7. Piedmont.
Preseason all-county team
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Noah Lineberry, Sun Valley, 6-0, 190 Sr., QB.
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Aiden Harris, Weddington, 6-4, 265, Sr., DE.
OFFENSE
QB: Noah Lineberry, Sun Valley, 6-0, 190, Sr.
RB: Zach Cullen, Sun Valley, 5-11, 205, Sr.
RB: Mason Iovino, Cuthbertson, 6-2, 205, Sr.
RB: Nymir Kendall, Monroe, 5-11, 195, Sr.
WR: Rai’Shawn Elmore, Porter Ridge, 6-2, 195, Sr.
WR: Kelson Tate, Weddington, 5-8, 180, Sr.
WR: Alex Voss, Marvin Ridge, 6-3, 210, Sr.
TE: Andrew Doody, Sun Valley, 6-2, 195, Sr.
OL: Preston Broadway, Metrolina Christian, 6-3, 280, Sr.
OL: Danny Divers, Cuthbertson, 6-2, 265, Sr.
OL: Miles Funderburk, Weddington, 6-0, 270, Sr.
OL: Brayden Hood, Sun Valley, 6-3, 290, Sr.
OL: Bryce Johnson, Weddington, 6-3, 295, Jr.
ATH: Brody Anson, Weddington, 6-1, 190, Jr.
ATH: Parker Frashier, Union Academy, 5-11, 170, Jr.
DEFENSE
DL: Aiden Harris, Weddington, 6-4, 265, Sr.
DL: Andrew Harris, Weddington, 6-3, 240, Sr.
DL: Dawson James, Porter Ridge, 6-2, 285, Sr.
DL: Manny Lewis, Marvin Ridge, 6-1, 265, Sr. LB: Evan Culicerto, Marvin Ridge, 5-9, 200, Jr.
LB: T.J. Davis, Weddington 6-3, 225, Sr.
LB: Jeremiah Lindsey, Monroe, 5-9, 180, Sr.
LB: Brandon Creech, Sun Valley, 5-10, 225, Sr.
DB: James Colonna, Weddington, 6-1, 185, Sr.
DB: Brayden Smith, Monroe, 5-11, 180, Sr.
DB: Erik Taylor, Cuthbertson, 6-1, 170, Sr.
DB: Curt Williams, Forest Hills, 6-2, 185, Sr.
ATH: Will Taylor, Porter Ridge, 6-2, 190, Sr.
SPECIALISTS
K: Ford Fehling, Marvin Ridge, 6-1, 180, Jr.
P: Stephen Gonzales, Union Academy, 6-0, 170, Sr.
SPEC: Kenyon Flowers, Piedmont, 6-0, 165, Sr.
