Mecklenburg Co. private school football: Previews, predictions, all-county team

The Charlotte area’s high school football season begins Friday night, when Charlotte Country Day travels to coastal Georgia for a game against Savannah Country Day.

The N.C. High School Athletic Association and N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association officially open the football season next weekend,. So why is Charlotte Country Day playing this week?

Last year, the NCISAA opened the football season on the third weekend of August. This year, openers were moved back to the fourth weekend — the same as the state’’s public schools. Country Day got a waiver to play.

“We had a two-game series scheduled with Savannah Country Day, and we set it for the season opener,” Buccaneers coach Drew Witman said. “But Georgia’s private schools begin this week,” Witman said. “(Savannah Country Day) already had it set on their schedule.”

With the season’s first game kicking off Friday night, The Observer will kick off its high school football preview with a look at Mecklenburg County private school football. Here’s a look at all the teams, notes, our conference predictions and preseason all-area team. We’ll also have a preview for Country Day’s season opener.

Mecklenburg County private school team previews

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN

Head Coach: Chris James (third year)

2024 Record: 7-4, 2-1

Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I

Returning Starters: 15

Returning Lettermen: 29

Key Returning Starters: Jamal Rule, Sr. RB/DB (6-1, 205); Vince Rosen, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 200); Tate Estep, Sr., WR (5-10, 190); Jacob Simmons, Sr., LB/ATH (6-1, 205); Henry Hulbert, Sr., DB/RB (6-0, 205); Cohen Kilgannon, Sr., LB/TE (6-2, 220); Ryder Kilgannon, Sr., LB/DE (6-2, 215).

Outlook: The Knights return 15 starters from a team that went 7-4, which should allow Christian to challenge for conference and state championships. The Charlotte Christian offense will revolve around all-state senior running back Jamal Rule (1,236 yards, 15 touchdowns last year, University of Nebraska commit), but it also has playmakers back, including receivers Tate Estep and Vince Rosen. The Knights’ defense also has multiple standouts such as senior linebacker Cohen Kilgannon (88 tackles) and Jacob Simmons (12.5 sacks). Senior defensive end Ryder Kilgannon (78 tackles, seven sacks) leads the group up front, while fellow seniors Henry Hulbert (five interceptions) and Rosen return in the secondary. The Knights have one of the most challenging non-conference schedules in the area. It includes games with Northwestern (SC), Charlotte Catholic, Independence and Myers Park.

Note: Charlotte Christian twin brothers Cohen and Ryder Kilgannon combined for 166 tackles last season.

CHARLOTTE COUNTRY DAY

Head Coach: Drew Witman (11th year).

2024 Record: 4-7, 0-3

Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.

Returning Starters: 15

Returning Lettermen: 20

Key Returning Starters: Braylon Clark, So., WR (6-3, 195); Nate Dollard, So., CB (6-0, 170); Crandall Wilkins, Sr., RB/DB (6-0, 185); Mac Summerville, Sr., DB/RB (5-10, 175); Mason Vigna, Sr., FB/DL (6-1, 215); Julian Culbertson, Sr., TE/LB (6-2, 200): Sam Jacobson, Sr. RB (5-8, 165); Bobby Wakefield, Jr., LB/FB (6-2, 205); Charlie Stauffer, Jr., OL/DL (6-4, 300); Jack Sumich, Sr., OL/DL (5-11, 210.

Key Newcomers: Kingston Curry, So., WR/DB (6-1, 185); Amir Drissi, Jr., WR/DB (5-9, 165); Jerry Tate, Fr., OL/DL (6-0, 225).

Outlook: The Buccaneers have three straight four-win seasons. With 15 starters back, there are reasons to believe Charlotte Country can be improved. The Country Day offense has multiple playmakers with senior running back Sam Jacobson (678 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns last year), sophomore receiver Braylon Clark (578 yards receiving, four touchdowns, five-star Division I recruit) and senior tight end Julian Culbertson. Seniors Charlie Stauffer and Jack Sumich give the offensive line experience. The Buccaneers’ defensive strength is in the secondary, where seniors Mac Summerville (58 tackles, seven interceptions) and Crandall Wilkins (49 tackles, two interceptions) and sophomore Nate Dollard (Division I recruit) all return. The Country Day front seven features senior defensive end Mason Vigna and junior linebacker Bobby Wakefield (63 tackles).

Interesting Note: Sophomore receiver Braylon Clark has multiple Division I scholarship offers, including schools from the ACC, Big 10 and SEC. 247Sports ranked him a five-star prospect this week.

CHARLOTTE LATIN

Head Coach: Drew Dayton (third year).

2024 Record: 8-3, 1-2

Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.

Returning Starters: 10

Returning Lettermen: 22

Key Returning Starters: Troy Logan, Jr., QB (6-0, 170); Banks Cutter, Sr., TE/DL (6-4, 225); Matthew Barber, Sr., OL/DL (6-3, 265); Trent Barber, Sr., OL/DL (6-3, 245); Myles Gathers, Sr., LB (6-0, 215); Matthew Flynn, Sr., OL/DL (6-5, 245); Dallas Chapman, Sr., LB/RB (6-0, 185).

Other Key Returnees: Hunter Loeffler, Sr., Punter (6-2, 180).

Key Newcomers: Anthony McGill, Jr., WR/DB (6-0, 180) (Butler transfer); Dejon Douglas, Jr., LB/RB (6-1, 190) (Butler transfer); Zavious Dunson, Jr., DL/TE (6-2, 235).

Outlook: The Hawks were one of the most improved teams in the state going last year, after a 2-8 season in 2023. This year, with 10 starters back, Charlotte Latin looks to keep that momentum going with junior quarterback Troy Logan (2,300 yards passing, 25 touchdown passes, three touchdown runs last year) back to run the offense. Logan will operate behind an experienced offensive line led by seniors Matthew and Trent Barber as well as Matthew Flynn. The defense should also be solid in the front seven with the Barber twins, Banks Cutter (15 tackles for loss, three sacks) and Flynn (38 tackles, three sacks) on the line plus seniors Dallas Chapman (76 tackles) and Myles Gathers (97 tackles) at linebacker. The Charlotte Latin defense will also benefit from a pair of Butler transfers — junior linebacker Dejon Douglas (61 tackles) and junior defensive back Anthony McGill (67 tackles), who both should have an immediate impact.

Interesting Note: Charlotte Latin senior punter Hunter Loeffler established himself as one of the top punters in the state, averaging 40 yards per boot last season.

COVENANT DAY

Head Coach: Mike Hawks (second year).

2024 Record: 4-5, 2-1

Conference: NCISAA Big 6 Conference/Division II.

Returning Starters: 10 (5 offense; 5 defense).

Returning Lettermen: 10

Key Returning Starters: Zane Wagner, Sr., OT/DT (6-3, 325); Luke Hoffman, Jr., OL/DL (6-0, 220); Levi Hoffman, Jr., OT/DT (6-4, 220); Dylan Thurman, Sr., WR/DB (6-5, 185); Graham Dennison, Jr., WR/RB/LB/DB (5-8, 165).

Other Key Returnees: Michael Banke, So., RB/DB (5-9, 165); Thomas Barry, So., WR/DB (5-7, 150); James Barry, So., OL/LB (5-10, 175).

Key Newcomers: Sidnee Westbrook (Jr.), Jr., QB /DB (6-1, 180); Mark Henderson (Jr.), Jr., FB/LB (6-1, 200).

Outlook: The Lions have been trending in the right direction, going 17-15 in the last three seasons combined. This year, Coach Hawks has a younger roster that will include a lot of sophomore starters who will have to step in and step up. The Lions’ offensive strength is on the line, where senior Zane Wagner and juniors Levi and Luke Hoffman lead the way. Junior quarterback Sidnee Westbrook Jr., senior receiver Dylan Thurman and junior receiver/running back Graham Dennison will all play key roles. The Covenant Day defense will also look to the Hoffmans and Wagner to help the defensive front with Dennison and Thurman in the secondary.

Interesting Note: Covenant Day has had two winning season in its program history, including 2018 (6-5) and 2022 (8-4).

HICKORY GROVE

Head Coach: Tad Baucom (sixth year).

2024 Record: 8-4, 1-3

Conference: NCISAA Big 6 Conference/Division II.

Returning Starters: 13

Returning Lettermen: 22

Key Returning Starters: Isaiah Ballgrove, Sr., OL/DL (5-11, 225); Zach Pierce, Sr., QB/WR/S (5-11, 160); Reed Rhodes, Sr., TE/DE (6-3, 235); Jesse Blazi, Sr., OL/ILB/FB (5-11, 210); Chris Bryant, Sr., FB/ILB (5-8, 190); Daniel Echevarria, Sr., DL/LB/TE (6-4, 235); Kendall Martin, Sr., WR/LB (6-0, 190); Ty Morris, Sr., SS/FS/TE (6-1, 185); Kanaan Wagoner, Sr., RB/DB/RET (5-6, 130); Parker Greene, Sr., RB/DB (5-9, 165); Noah Belote, Jr., WR/DB (6-0, 165); Kevin Powell, Jr., WR/DB (6-4, 200); David Echevarria, So., QB (6-4, 190); Daniel Myint, So., OL/DT (6-0, 230).

Other Key Returnees: Tay Sturdivant, Jr., OL/DL (6-0, 200); James Kennington, Jr., OL/DL (5-9, 220); Atticus Crosby, Jr., RB/LB (5-11, 175); Jesse Parker, Jr., OL/DL (6-3, 200); Jonathan Tao, Jr., OL/DL (5-11, 185).

Key Newcomers: Nate Dowdy, Jr., WR/RB/DB (6-0, 180); Walter Patrick, So., OL/DT (6-1, 230); Liam Watson, So., RB/LB (5-7, 165).

Outlook: Hickory Grove has enjoyed its best three years in program history, winning 26 games in that span. This year, the Lions return 13 starters from an 8-4 squad. Senior quarterback Zach Pierce (778 yards passing last year) returns with senior running back Kanaan Wagoner and junior receivers Noah Belote and Kevin Powell. Senior Isaiah Ballgrove will lead the offensive line. The Lions’ defense is also experienced. Seniors Daniel Echevarria (55 tackles) and Reed Rhodes (four sacks) return and senior Jesse Blazi (94 tackles, four sacks) leads the linebackers. The Hickory Grove secondary will also be a strength with Belote (four interceptions), Powell (five) and Wagoner (38 tackles) all returning.

Interesting Note: When the game against Asheville Christian was canceled last year because of Hurricane Helene, the Hickory Grove football team loaded up the bus at 6 a.m. that day and drove up to help the people of Asheville for the day.

PROVIDENCE DAY

Head Coach: Chad Grier (6th year).

2024 Record: 9-3, 3-0

Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.

Returning Starters: 17

Returning Lettermen: 42

Key Returning Starters: Zaid Lott, Sr., QB (6-4, 220); Leo Dulaney, Sr., OL (6-6, 295); Gordon Sellars, Sr., WR (6-3, 195); Brendan Ravin, Sr., WR (6-0, 165); Bauer Sodoma, Sr., WR/LS (5-10, 190); Mark Franco, Sr. OL/DL (6-1, 300); Jacob Baggett, Sr., K/P (6-0, 185); Quintin McCray, Sr., LB (6-0, 215); Griff Galloway, Jr., OL/DL (6-3, 255); Tre Geathers, Jr., DB (6-2, 205); Caleb Cooper, Jr., DB/RB (5-11, 200); Moses Poku-kankam, Jr., DB (6-2, 200); Charles Ibe, So., DL (6-2, 285); Hudson Clavin, Sr., DL (6-2, 255); D.C. Carr, Sr., OL (6-1, 285); Justin Abanquah, Jr., LB (5-10, 210); Steele Fletcher, Jr., WR (5-6, 145).

Other Key Returnees: Matthew Hankins, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 230); Max Cassell, Jr., WR (5-10, 155); A.J. Barnes, Jr., WR/DB (5-11, 175); Jace Goodwin, Jr., DL (5-10, 225); Aidan Gallos, Sr., RB (5-9, 190); Christian Liles, Jr., DB (5-9, 172); Cole Cater, Jr., QB (5-11, 165).

Key Newcomers: Ethan Dempsey, Jr., DB/WR/RB/RET (6-3, 200) (Mount Pleasant transfer); Chris Peavy, Jr., Providence Day, OL/DL (6-2, 297).

Outlook: After winning three straight NCISAA Division I titles from 2021-23, Providence Day was 9-3 last year and lost in the state championship game.. This season, the Chargers return 17 starters and plenty of motivation, led by an offense that averaged 40 points per game in ‘24. All-state senior quarterback Zaid Lott (2,869 yards passing, 29 touchdown passes, seven rushing touchdowns, Syracuse commit) is back and has plenty of weapons, like senior receiver Gordon Sellars (50 receptions for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns, Clemson commit), Brendan Ravin (five touchdown catches) and junior Steele Fletcher (four touchdown catches). The Chargers’ rushing attack will feature senior Aidan Gallos and junior Caleb Cooper, running behind all-state tackle, Leo Dulaney (Clemson commit). Mount Pleasant transfer Ethan Dempsey, a junior, will also make an instant impact as a running back (859 yards last year) and receiver (589 yards). Dempsey accounted for 29 touchdowns last season in Cabarrus County.

Providence Day’s special teams return senior kicker Jacob Baggett and senior long snapper Bauer Sodoma. On defense, the Chargers feature junior end Griff Galloway and the linebackers are led by senior Quintin McCray (122 tackles), and junior Justin Abanquah (126 tackles), while juniors Cooper, Dempsey (49 tackles, four interceptions), Tre Geathers (87 tackles) and Moses Poku-kankam will lead the secondary. Providence Day will have a major test from the start with non-conference games against Roman Catholic (PA), Rolesville, Charlotte Catholic, Butler and Rabun Gap-Nacoochee to start the season, but the ultimate goal remains to finish with another state championship.

Interesting Note: The Chargers have three players whose fathers played in the NFL — Steele Fletcher (London Fletcher), Tre Geathers (Robert Geathers) and Jace Goodwin (Jonathan Goodwin).

SOUTHLAKE CHRISTIAN

Head Coach: Caleb Hughes (1st year).

2024 Record: 4-6

Conference: NCISAA Big 6 Conference/Division II.

Returning Starters: 12 (6 offense; 6 defense).

Returning Lettermen: N/A.

Key Returning Starters: Hunter Tedder, Sr., OL/DL (6-5, 315); Selassi Bruton, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 160); Jimmy Lapulosa, Sr., LB (5-11, 185); Kaedin Eddie, Sr., WR (6-2, 160); Jacob Hondros, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 160); Connor Williams, Jr., OL/DL (6-3, 220); Parker Smith, Sr., OL/DL (6-3, 260); John Balcerzak, So., QB/DB/WR (5-11, 150); Evan Hogg, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 175); William Schaefer, Sr., RB (5-5, 120).

Other Key Returnees: Hayden Richards, So., WR/DB (5-10, 155); Joseph Franz, So., OL/DL (6-2, 280); Houston Hudgens, So., DB/WR (5-10, 140); Hudson Akin, Jr., LB (5-10).

Key Newcomers: Cameron Gandy, Jr., QB (6-2, 185) (Pine Lake Prep transfer); Thomas Jenkins, Jr., WR (6-0, 170); Nixon Willis, Jr., RB (5-11, 205) (Lake Norman transfer); Dion Williams, So., WR/DB.

Outlook: SouthLake Christian suffered 20 straight losses from the end of the 2021 season until the season opener in 2024. But the Eagles now can build on a four-win season a year ago as 12 starters return for new coach Caleb Hughes. The offense should get an immediate impact from junior quarterback Cameron Gandy, a Pine Lake Prep transfer, and junior running back Nixon Willis, who transferred from Lake Norman. Gandy will look to get the ball to senior receivers Kaedin Eddie and Jacob Hondros with senior offensive linemen Hunter Tedder, an all-state pick, plus Parker Smith and Connor Williams. The SouthLake Christian defense will need its secondary to lead the unit. Sophomores John Balcerzak (three interceptions), and seniors Selassi Bruton (two interceptions), Evan Hogg and Hondros (57 tackles, three interceptions) all return. All-conference senior linebacker Jimmy Lapulosa (100 tackles) will also play a key role.

Interesting Note: SouthLake Christian will look to earn its first winning season since 2019, when the Eagles went 8-4 overall.

Conference predictions

Big South

1. Providence Day; 2. Charlotte Christian; 3. Charlotte Latin; 4. Charlotte Country Day.

NCISAA Big 6 Conference

1. Asheville School; 2. High Point Christian; 3. Hickory Grove; 4. Covenant Day; 5. SouthLake Christian; 6. Asheville Christian.

Friday’s game

Charlotte Country Day (4-7 in 2024) at Savannah Country Day (5-7), 7:30 p.m. — The Buccaneers prevailed 22-21 last season, with then-freshman WR Braylon Clark catching six passes for 105 yards. Clark returns this season, but the Bucs will have new faces at QB and most other skilled positions. They’re experienced on defense, however, led by junior LB Bobby Wakefield and DBs Mac Summerville (a senior) and Nate Dollard (a sophomore). The host Hornets are in a similar situation — their offense cleaned out by graduation, but several defensive standouts back. LB Hayes Beaver averaged 10.4 tackles a game last season. The team that can get its offense going the best is likely to win this game.

Preseason private All-Mecklenburg team

Offensive Players of the Year: Zaid Lott, Providence Day; Jamal Rule, Charlotte Christian

Defensive Player of the Year: Tre Geathers, Providence Day

OFFENSE

QB: Zaid Lott, Providence Day, 6-4, 220, Sr.

RB: Aidan Gallos, Providence Day, 5-9, 190, Sr.

RB: Sam Jacobson, Charlotte Country Day, 5-8, 165, Sr.

RB: Jamal Rule, Charlotte Christian, 6-1, 205, Sr.

WR: Braylon Clark, Charlotte Country Day, 6-3, 195, So.

WR: Tate Estep, Charlotte Christian, 5-11, 190, Sr.

WR: Gordon Sellars, Providence Day, 6-3, 195, Sr.

TE: Julian Culbertson, Charlotte Country Day, 6-2, 200, Sr.

OL: Matthew Barber, Charlotte Latin, 6-3, 265, Sr.

OL: Leo Delaney, Providence Day, 6-6, 295, Sr.

OL: Chris Peavy, Jr., Providence Day, 6-2, 297, Jr.

OL: Charlie Stauffer, Charlotte Country Day, 6-4, 300, Sr.

OL: Hunter Tedder, SouthLake Christian, 6-5, 315, Sr.

OL: Zane Wagner, Covenant Day, 6-3, 325, Sr.

ATH: Troy Logan, Charlotte Latin, 6-0, 170, Jr.

DEFENSE

DL: Banks Cutter, Charlotte Latin, 6-4, 225, Sr.

DL: Daniel Echevarria, Hickory Grove, 6-4, 235, Sr.

DL: Griff Galloway, Providence Day, 6-3, 255, Jr.

DL: Ryder Kilgannon, Charlotte Christian, 6-2, 215, Sr.

LB: Justin Abanquah, Providence Day, 5-10, 210, Jr.

LB: Quintin McCray, Providence Day, 6-0, 215, Sr.

LB: Jacob Simmons, Charlotte Christian, 6-1, 205, Sr.

DB: Noah Belote, Hickory Grove, 6-0, 165, Jr.

DB: Tre Geathers, Providence Day, 6-2, 205, Jr.

DB: Henry Hulbert, Charlotte Christian, 6-0, 205, Sr.

DB: Mac Summerville, Charlotte Country Day, 5-10, 175, Sr.

ATH: Ethan Dempsey, Providence Day, 6-3, 200, Jr.

SPECIALISTS

K: Jacob Baggett, Providence Day, 6-0, 185, Sr.

P: Hunter Loeffler, Charlotte Latin, 6-2, 180, Sr.

SPEC: Max Cassell, Providence Day, 5-10, 155, Jr.

SPEC: Kanaan Wagoner, Hickory Grove, 5-6, 130, Sr.

LS: Bauer Sodoma, Providence Day, 5-10, 195, Sr.

This story was originally published August 15, 2025 at 5:30 AM.