Gaston County high school football: Previews, predictions, all-county team
Who are the top teams and top players in Gaston County as the 2025 high school football season begins this week? Read on.
ASHBROOK
Head Coach: Darius James (7th year)
2024 Record: 10-3, 5-2
Conference: Big South 5A/6A
Returning Starters: 16
Returning Lettermen: 39
Key Returning Starters: Martino Smith, Sr., RB (5-10, 190); Jonathan Moore, Sr., OL (6-3, 285); Caleb Gordon, Sr., LB (6-1, 225); Keenan Early, Sr., DB (6-1, 180); Keegan Davis, Sr., OL (6-3, 280); Jaylen Dickey, Sr., OL (6-2, 300); Ben Gregory, Sr., LB (6-0, 210); Savion Lindsay, Jr., RB (5-9, 200); A.J. McClain, Jr., QB (5-9, 175); Quamell Scott, Sr., DL (6-2, 250);
Other Key Returnees: Xy’meire Carpenter, Sr., CB/WR (6-1, 180); Keaton Blanton, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 175); Kei’Brian Thompson, Sr., DE (6-1, 215).
Key Newcomers: T.J. Armstrong, Sr., QB (6-3, 200); Riley Hicks, Jr., ATH (5-10, 185); Tyler Morgan, Jr., WR (6-2, 180).
Outlook: The Green Wave were one of the most improved teams in the state last season going 10-3, after a 4-7 record in 2023. This year, with 16 starters returning, Ashbrook looks to carry that momentum into contending for the Big South conference title and a state title. Ashbrook starts at No. 2 in the 6A statewide poll. The Green Wave offense will lean on its rushing attack which features Martino Smith (1,022 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns) and junior Savion Lindsay (476 yards rushing, five touchdowns). The Ashbrook offensive line is also experienced, featuring seniors Keegan Davis, Jaylen Dickey and Jonathan Moore. Junior A.J. McClain (1,069 yards passing, 13 touchdown passes, four touchdown runs) will run the show at quarterback. The Green Wave defense, which allowed just 13 points per game last season, will also be a strength. Senior linebackers Caleb Gordon (141 tackles, Big South defensive player of the year, Arkansas commit) and Ben Gregory (two sacks) lead the front seven. Senior defensive linemen Quamell Scott (48 tackles, three sacks) and Kei’Brian Thompson (53 tackles) also play big roles up front. The Ashbrook secondary is led by the senior trio of Keaton Blanton, Xy’meire Carpenter and Keenan Early.
Note: Ashbrook’s 10-win season last year was the most wins since the 2004 season when the Green Wave finished 10-4.
BESSEMER CITY
Head Coach: Kyle Creed (1st year)
2024 Record: 8-5, 4-2
Conference: Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A
Returning Starters: 13
Returning Lettermen: 19
Key Returning Starters: Gavin Chastain, Sr., QB (6-0, 170); Keon Smith, Sr., RB (5-8 165); Marcus Smith, Sr., DB/WR (6-1, 185); Jailynn Newton, Sr., DL/HB (6-0, 205); Walt McCoy, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 150); Vontavious McGill, Jr., OL (6-0, 245); Jayden Owens, Jr., LB/RB (5-10, 195).
Other Key Returnees: C.J. Hill, Jr., WR/DB (6-1, 150); Brayden Jones, So., DE/OL (6-2, 250); Ardian Tolbert, Jr., QB/DB/WR (6-1, 145).
Key Newcomers: Jamarvion Garvin, So., WR (5-9, 170); Jamari Starr, So., DB/WR (6-3, 175).
Outlook: The Yellow Jackets have improved their win total in each of the past five years, going from one win in 2020 to eight last season. With 13 starters returning this fall, Bessemer City hopes to continue that momentum. The Yellow Jackets’ offense should be strong with senior quarterback, Gavin Chastain, who passed for 2,143 yards and 17 touchdowns, while running for seven more scores, back to lead the way. Senior running back Keon Smith (1,227 yards rushing, 11 touchdowns), senior receiver Walt McCoy (35 catches, five touchdowns) and junior running back Jayden Owens (567 yards rushing, five touchdowns) also return. All-conference junior offensive guard Vontavious McGill anchors the offensive line. The Bessemer City defense features senior defensive back Marcus Smith (79 tackles, three interceptions, two pick sixes, all-conference, team defensive most valuable player). Also back is junior defensive back C.J. Hill. The Yellow Jackets’ front seven will lean senior Jailynn Newton (63 tackles, six sacks) and sophomore Brayden Jones on the line with Owens (54 tackles) back at linebacker.
Interesting Note: Bessemer City senior quarterback Gavin Chastain is just 119 yards passing short of the school record.
CHERRYVILLE
Head Coach: Patrick Bowman (2nd year)
2024 Record: 3-8, 2-5
Conference: Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A
Returning Starters: 15 (8 offense; 7 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: Jackson Heavner, Jr., RB (5-11, 170); Enijahe Whitworth, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, 150); Jayden Adams, So., QB (5-11, 160); Maddox Carrigan, So., OL/DL (6-2, 230); Justin Harris, Sr., LB /RB (6-2, 240).
Other Key Returnees: Jackson Mayhue, So., LB/RB (5-8, 170); Zack Deaton, Jr., OL/LB (6-3, 225).
Outlook: Cherryville has struggled in recent times, winning just 13 games combined in the past five years. Could this year begin a change? There are 15 starters back including sophomore quarterback Jayden Adams, junior running back Jackson Heavner, and sophomore offensive lineman Maddox Carrigan. The Cherryville defense features senior linebacker Justin Harris. The Ironmen haven’t won more than three games in the last five years, and there is real optimism around the school that things will change this season.
Note: Cherryville’s last winning season came in 2018, when the Ironmen finished with a 7-5 record.
EAST GASTON
Head Coach: Nate Medici (1st year)
2024 Record: 4-7, 3-3
Conference: Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Debron Johnson, Jr., RB/LB (5-10, 170); Nickolas McClellan, Jr., OG (6-2, 270); Zane Dodd, Sr., OG (6-0, 180); Kayden Charity, Sr., WR/DB/K (6-2, 140); Parker Stafford, Sr., TE/LB (6-0, 200).
Other Key Returnees: Chris Leavy, So., RB (5-9, 170); Logan Furr, Jr., QB (6-1, 180).
Outlook: After three straight winnings seasons from 2021-23, East Gaston dropped to 4-7 a year ago. This season, the Warriors look to get back on track with six returning starters and new head coach, Nate Medici, the school’s former defensive coordinator. The East Gaston offense will be led by quarterback Logan Furr, running back Debron Johnson, and senior receiver Kayden Charity. The Warriors have an experienced offensive line with seniors Zane Dodd and Nickolas McClellan back in the lineup. The East Gaston defense will feature McClellan (33 tackles) leading the defensive line and Johnson (three sacks) back at linebacker.
Note: Medici, the new head coach, is a 2020 graduate of East Gaston, wherehe played offensive line. Medici said “it is very special to be the head coach at East Gaston.”
FORESTVIEW
Head Coach: Chris Rayfield (2nd year)
2024 Record: 1-9, 1-6
Conference: Big South 5A/6A
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 22
Key Returning Starters: Cooper Phillips, Sr., QB (6-0, 160); Tristan Holt, Sr., Slot/WR/DB (5-7, 145); Marcus Rhodes, Jr., S/RB (5-11, 175); Kamarion Dye, JR., WR/DB (5-7, 145); Jaydin Phillips, Jr., Center/DL (5-11, 290); Rex Champion, Jr., OL/DE (6-2, 260); Semaje Bennett-Collins, Sr., OL/DE (6-0, 220); Tyheem Bowers, Sr., LB/RB (5-8, 190); Palaris Newsome, Jr., LB/RB (5-11, 185).
Other Key Returnees: Logan Harper, Sr., LB (6-1, 205).
Key Newcomers: Achilles Littlejohn, Sr., S/WR (6-0, 175)
Outlook: Forestview has struggled recently, going 3-17 in the past two seasons. This year with 12 starters back, the Jaguars should be improved. The Forestview offense features senior quarterback Cooper Phillips (1,206 yards passing, eight touchdowns), along with senior running back/receiver Tristan Holt (650 all-purpose yards, five touchdowns) and junior running back Marcus Rhodes. Junior center Jaydin Phillips will key on the offensive line. The Jaguars’ defense has a wealth of experience, starting up front where senior Semaje Bennett-Collins (33 tackles) and junior Rex Champion (45 tackles, three sacks), lead the defensive line. Also back are senior linebackers Tyheem Bowers (45 tackles) and Logan Harper (39 tackles) as well as junior ‘backer Palaris Newsome (34 tackles). Senior Achilles Littlejohn adds a physical presence to the secondary alongside juniors Kamarion Dye and Rhodes (27 tackles).
Note: Forestview senior linebacker Logan Harper, worked hard this offseason and was named defensive team captain for his efforts, according to Jaguars head coach Chris Rayfield.
HIGHLAND TECH
Head Coach: Jimmy White (3rd year)
2024 Record: 3-7, 0-6
Conference: Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A
Returning Starters: 11
Returning Lettermen: 21
Key Returning Starters: Irvin Thompson, Jr., WR/TE/S (6-3, 175); Emmanuel Berry, Sr., DE (6-3, 275); Travis Woods, Sr., OT/DT (6-0. 275); Eden Barnes, Sr., LB/RB (5-10, 150); Graham Kennington, Sr., TE/DE (6-5, 225); Jaydien Bates, Sr., CB/RB (5-11, 135); Michael Smith, Jr., DE/TE (6-0, 245); Jalen Bernard, Jr., CB/RB/WR (5-11, 150).
Other Key Returnees: Robert “Abe” Davis, Jr., LB/WR (6-0, 150); Alex Moulds, JR., WR/S (6-0, 145); Nicholas Schwartz, So., OL/DL (6-0, 265).
Key Newcomers: Julien Costner, Fr., QB (5-9, 150); Chris Carmona, So., LB/DE (5-11, 175).
Outlook: Highland Tech has 11 starters returning. The Rams’ offense needs versatile playmakers like junior receiver/running backs Irvin Thompson and Jalen Bernard to have big years operating behind senior linemanTravis Woods. The Highland Tech defense has experience up front with seniors Emmanuel Berry (34 tackles), Graham Kennington, Woods, and junior Michael Smith all back. Senior Eden Barnes and junior Abe Davis return at linebacker and the secondary is also experienced with senior Jaydien Bates, Bernard and Thompson all returning.
Note: Highland Tech coach Jimmy White helped the Rams to three wins last season after the program had only one win in the previous four seasons.
HUNTER HUSS
Head Coach: Randy Thompson (6th year).
2024 Record: 4-6, 3-4
Conference: Big South 5A/6A
Returning Starters: 14
Returning Lettermen: 22
Key Returning Starters: ZaMarius Gladden, Sr., DB/WR/ATH (5-11, 165); Anthony Tate, Sr., DB/ATH (5-9, 165); Amonti Hunter, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 265); JoJo Berry, Sr., OL/DL (6-3, 240); Ian Dunham, Sr., LB/DL (6-0, 230); Quincy Fortenberry, Jr., DB (5-8, 170); Jaykelan Littlejohn, Jr., WR/S (6-1, 175).
Other Key Returnees: King Gardin, So., DL/OL (5-11, 265); O.B. Lockhart, Jr., WR (6-2, 165); Nysier Dawkins, Jr., TE (6-3, 220); Nas Davis, Jr., WR (6-2, 165).
Key Newcomers: Ethan Pressley, Sr., QB (6-3, 218) (East Gaston transfer); J.J. Mackins, So., ATH (5-9, 170).
Outlook: The Huskies have had five straight losing seasons. This year, with 14 starters back, Hunter Huss looks to move above .500. Senior receivers ZaMarius Gladden (26 catches for 387 yards, four touchdowns) and Jaykelan Littlejohn (22 catches for 516 yards, seven touchdowns) return senior quarterback Ethan Pressley (1,600 yards passing, 18 touchdowns) joins the team after transferring from East Gaston. Seniors JoJo Berry and Amonti Hunter lead the offensive line. The Hunter Huss defense has an experienced secondary with seniors Quincy Fortenberry, Gladden (61 tackles, two interceptions), Littlejohn and Anthony Tate (63 tackles) all returning. The Huskies’ defensive line is also solid with seniors Berry, Hunter and Ian Dunham leading the way.
Note: Hunter Huss’ last winning season came in 2019, when the Huskies finished with a 9-3 record.
MOUNTAIN ISLAND CHARTER
Head Coach: Robert Washington (11th year)
2024 Record: 7-6, 4-3
Conference: Catawba River 1A/2A/3A
Returning Starters: 11
Returning Lettermen: 22
Key Returning Starters: Jason Eaton, Sr., DL/HB (6-1, 240); An’Dre Ramseur, Jr., ATH/WR (5-8, 150); Aamir Gilcreast, Sr., RB (5-9, 160); Javon Boyd, Jr., ATH/QB/WR (5-10, 160); Aidan Bornhauser, Sr., OL/DL/LB (6-0, 240); Javen Boyd, Jr., OL/DL (6-0, 265); Joe Oliver, Sr., DB/WR (6-0, 170); Ethan Cuarda, Jr., LB/HB (5-8, 185); Morgan Green, Jr., RB/LB (5-10, 200); Kayden Clark, So., ATH/DB (5-8, 150); Shamar Ellis, Sr., LB (6-0, 195).
Other Key Returnees: Kent N’guyen, Jr., OL/DL (5-8, 200); Brock Marosz, Sr., LB (5-11, 190); Zach Holland, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 280); Trevor Helms, Sr., ATH (5-9, 150).
Outlook: Mountain Island Charter returns 11 starters from a team that went 7-6 a year ago. This season, the Raptors should have a productive offense with playmakers like junior receiver An’Dre Ramseur (829 yards receiving, nine touchdowns) and senior running back Aamir Gilcreast (727 yards rushing) getting a lot of touches. Junior quarterback Javon Boyd will also play a key role. Senior Aidan Bornhauser and junior Javen Boyd are back to lead the offensive line. The Mountain Island Charter defense has a game-wrecker up front in senior defensive end Jason Eaton, who had 83 tackles and 17 sacks as a junior. The secondary also has experience with senior Joe Oliver (86 tackles, four interceptions) and sophomore Kayden Clark (40 tackles, four interceptions). Senior linebacker Shamar Ellis (46 tackles) will also be a key player in the front seven.
Note: Mountain Island Charter has posted four straight seasons with a .500 or better record, winning 30 games in that span.
NORTH GASTON
Head Coach: Darrel Wilson (2nd year)
2024 Record: 3-7, 1-6
Conference: Big South 5A/6A
Returning Starters: 11
Returning Lettermen: 23
Key Returning Starters: Keshad Wright, Sr., QB (5-7, 160); Donnavyn Thorne, Sr., WR/DB (5-9, 165); Kameron Dial, Sr., DB/WR/LB (6-3, 170); Desmond Simmons, Sr., OL (6-2, 280); Gage Phalin, Sr., OL/DL (5-8, 235); Keldon Williams, Sr. RB/WR/DB (5-8, 165); Jordan Rouse, Sr., DL (5-9, 245).
Other Key Returnees: Nysair Gray, Sr., DL (6-0, 250); Zykel Williams, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 245); Rylan Barber, Jr., WR/LB/DB (5-9, 165).
Key Newcomers: Jaylen McKoy, Jr., WR (5-9, 155); Rodrick Brown, Jr., WR/DB (6-0, 150).
Outlook: The Wildcats return 11 starters from a team that went 3-7 a season ago. This year, North Gaston looks to improve with a senior-heavy roster. The Wildcats’ offense returns senior QB Keshad Wright (840 yards passing, 10 touchdown passes) and senior receivers Kameron Dial (two touchdown catches), Donnavyn Thorne (497 yards receiving, seven touchdowns) and Keldon Williams. North Gaston also has an experienced offensive line with all-Big South conference seniors Gage Phalin and Desmond Simmons both returning. The Wildcats’ defense also has a solid front with Phalin (four sacks) and Jordan Rouse (33 tackles) on the line. The secondary is also experienced with Dial (42 tackles) and Williams (40 tackles) back to lead the unit.
Interesting Note: North Gaston won just one game overall from 2020-22 and has eight wins combined in the past two seasons.
SOUTH POINT
SOUTH POINT
Head Coach: Adam Hodge (9th year)
2024 Record: 9-2, 7-1
Conference: Big South 5A/6A
Returning Starters: 13
Returning Lettermen: 30
Key Returning Starters: Patrick Blee, Sr., QB (6-0, 210); Gavin Smith, Sr., DB (6-0 180); Khamari Crawford, Sr., DB (5-10, 160); Peyton McCarn, Sr., TE/DE (6-4, 210); Ashton Owenby, Sr., OL (6-0, 190); Andrew Wright, Sr., OL (6-3, 290); Zeke Pruitt, Sr., DB (6-0, 185); Reid Jefferies, Sr., OL (5-11, 190); Christian Stowe, Jr., DE (6-4, 220).
Other Key Returnees: Jesse Ledford, Jr., WB (5-11, 180); Eddie Brach, Sr., DT (6-3, 310).
Key Newcomers: Kaveaun Pless, So., FB (5-11, 190); Gregory Blair, Jr., DT (6-3, 265).
Outlook: South Point returns 13 starters from a team that went 9-2 last year with the only two losses coming to Ashbrook (both by just three points). The Red Raiders’ senior quarterback Patrick Blee (1,054 yards rushing, 14 touchdown runs, Wake Forest baseball commit) will have a veteran offensive line that feature three players who have been three-year starters: seniors, Reid Jefferies, Ashton Owenby and Andrew Wright. The South Point defense is also experienced. Senior defensive end Peyton McCarn and junior Christian Stowe are back up front. The Red Raiders’ secondary should be elite with all-state senior Gavin Smith (62 tackles, nine interceptions) and classmates Khamari Crawford (four-year starter, all-conference) and Zeke Pruitt (three-year starter) all returning.
Note: Coach Adam Hodge has averaged nearly nine wins per season in his eight-year tenure as South Point head coach, going 71-27 in that span. Hodge has been with the South Point program for 21 years overall, as a player, then assistant and now head coach.
STUART CRAMER
Head Coach: Ashton Simmons (1st year)
2024 Record: 2-8, 1-6
Conference: Big South 5A/6A
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 20
Key Returning Starters: Chris Wurster, Sr., LB/TE (6-2, 215); Aydan Bradley, Sr., WR/LB (6-1, 195); Amari Broome, Jr., OL/DL (6-1, 270); Brayden Fortenberry, Jr., RB/LB (6-1, 190); Qualteau Hawkins, Jr., TE/DE (6-3, 250); Landon Lee, Jr., WR/DB (6-3, 200); Anthony Smith, Jr., OL /DL (6-0, 330).
Key Newcomers: Cody Alexander, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, 135).
Outlook: The Storm return 12 starters from a team that looks to build on 2-8 record after going 0-10 in 2023. This season, the Stuart Cramer defense should be its strength, with all-conference junior Amari Broome (41 tackles, two sacks) leading the unit. Three linebackers also return — senior Aydan Bradley (48 tackles, all-conference), senior Chris Wurster (all-conference, 67 tackles) as well as junior Brayden Fortenberry (56 tackles). The secondary will be led by junior Landon Lee. The Storm offense with have to reload in the backfield but has playmakers in junior tight end Qualteau Hawkins (27 catches for 336 yards, five touchdowns) and Lee (four touchdown catches) with Broome and Smith also back to lead the offensive line.
Note: Coach Ashton Simmons becomes only the second head football coach in school history. He is a former assistant coach at Mount Airy, North Surry and Starmount Highs.
Conference predictions
Big South 5A/6A: 1. Crest; 2. South Point; 3. Ashbrook; 4. Kings Mountain; 5. Hunter Huss; 6. Forestview; 7. North Gaston.
Catawba Valley 1A/2A/3A: 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.
South Piedmont 2A/3A/4A: 1. Shelby; 2. Lincolnton; 3. Burns; 4. West Lincoln; 5. Bessemer City; 6. Stuart Cramer; 7. East Gaston; 8. Cherryville; 9. Highland Tech.
Preseason all-county team
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Patrick Blee, South Point, 6-0, 210, Sr., QB.
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Caleb Gordon, Ashbrook, 6-0, 215, Sr., LB.
OFFENSE
QB: Patrick Blee, South Point, 6-0, 210, Sr.
RB: Aamir Gilcreast, Mountain Island Charter, 5-9, 160, Sr.
RB: Keon Smith, Bessemer City, 5-8, 165, Sr.
RB: Martino Smith, Ashbrook, 5-10, 190, Sr.
WR: Jay’Kelan Littlejohn, Hunter Huss, 6-1, 175, Jr.
WR: Donnavyn Thorne, North Gaston, 5-9, 165, Sr.
WR: An’Dre Ramseur, Mountain Island Charter, 5-8, 150, Jr.
TE: Qualteau Hawkins, Stuart Cramer, 6-3, 250, Jr.
OL: Vontavious McGill, Bessemer City, 6-0, 245, Jr.
OL: Jonathan Moore, Ashbrook, 6-3, 285, Sr.
OL: Ashton Owenby, South Pointe, 6-0, 190, Sr.
OL: Gage Phalin, North Gaston, 5-8, 235, Sr.
OL: Andrew Wright, South Point, 6-3, 290, Sr.
ATH: Gavin Chastain, Bessemer City, 6-0, 170, Sr.
DEFENSE
DL: Jason Eaton, Mountain Island Charter, 6-1, 240, Sr.
DL: Peyton McCarn, South Point, 6-4, 210, Sr.
DL: Jailynn Newton, Bessemer City, 6-0, 205, Sr.
DL: Quamell Scott, Ashbrook, 6-2, 250, Sr.
LB: Shamar Ellis, Mountain Island Charter, 6-0, 195, Sr.
LB: Caleb Gordon, Ashbrook, 6-0, 215, Sr.
LB: Justin Harris, Cherryville, 6-2, 240, Sr.
LB: Chris Wurster, Stuart Cramer, 6-2, 215, Sr.
DB: ZaMarius Gladden, Hunter Huss, 5-11, 165, Sr.
DB: Joe Oliver, Mountain Island Charter, 6-0, 170, Sr.
DB: Gavin Smith, South Point, 6-0, 180, Sr.
DB: Marcus Smith, Bessemer City, 6-1, 185, Sr.
ATH: Khamari Crawford, South Point, 5-10, 160, Sr.
SPECIALIST
K/P: Wilson London, South Point, 6-2, 175, So.
This story was originally published August 19, 2025 at 6:30 AM.