2020 High School Football Previews: Union County Schools
CUTHBERTSON
Head Coach: Trey Kavanaugh (2nd year).
2019 Record: 5-7
Conference: Southern Carolinas 3A
Returning Starters: 14
Returning Lettermen: 20
Key Returning Starters: Evan Bernard, Sr., QB (6-0, 175); Seth Eighmy, Sr., WR (6-3, 220); Myles Teasley, Sr., RB (5-9, 165); A.J. Colombo, Jr., WR (5-7, 150); Myles Lopez, Sr., OL (6-4, 300); Andreau Rastia, Sr., LB (5-11, 185); Kurt Petroff, Sr., LB (6-0, 190); Gavin Thomas, Sr., OL/DL (6-6, 225).
Key Returnees: Thomas Stamper, Jr., WR/DB (6-0, 185); Parker Williams, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 150); Tanner Haymore, Sr., FB/LB (5-9, 170).
Key Newcomers: Grayson Goss, So., OL/DL (6-3, 245); Carson Hegele, Jr., WR/DB (5-11, 160); Seth Cohen, So., FB/DL (5-9, 195).
Outlook: The Cavaliers have struggled of late going 13-23 in the last three years combined. But Kavanaugh, made strides last year (5-7) and returns 14 starters from that group. Cavaliers’ senior quarterback Evan Bernard (1,599 yards passing last year) will have plenty of weapons with senior Seth Eighmy (34 catches for 533 yards), and junior A.J. Colombo (54 catches) as well as senior running back Myles Teasley (492 yards rushing, six touchdowns) making plays behind a veteran offensive line. Meanwhile, the Cuthbertson defense, led by senior linebackers Kurt Petroff (78 tackles) and Andreau Rastia (102 tackles) will be tested with a number of prolific offenses within the league (SCC). If Cuthbertson can move up the SCC standings and finish above .500 (for the first time since 2015) and return to the playoffs if would be another major step forward for the program.
CENTRAL ACADEMY
Head Coach: Shane Griffin (1st year in his 2nd stint; also Central Academy head coach 2015-16).
2019 Record: No varsity; 5-5 as J.V. team.
Conference: Rocky River Conference/2A.
Returning Starters: No varsity team.
Returning Lettermen: No varsity team.
Key Returning Players: Jetta Hase, Sr., QB/ATH (6-2, 190); Hunter Walle, Jr., TE/LB (6-3, 230); Roger Melchor, Jr., RB/DB (5-10, 175); Isaac Matos, Jr., DE/LB (6-4, 225); Mitchell Privette, Sr., OL (6-1, 260); Alec Giles, Sr., OL (6-0, 245); Griffin Moore, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 260); Kyle Weston, Sr., DB/K (5-10, 150); Taylor Root, Jr., DB (6-3, 185); Andrew Stroupe, Sr., WR (6-1, 170); Danny Taldo, Sr., LB/DB (6-1, 185).
Key Returnees: Nate Hindes, Jr., OLB/RB (5-8, 160); A.J. Albrecht, Sr., ATH (5-11, 180); Jack Lathan, Jr., OL/DL (6-4, 250); Nicky Viele, Jr., ATH (6-1, 185).
Key Newcomers: Aiden Curry, Jr., ATH (5-8, 160); Brady Ross, Jr., ATH (5-7, 140).
Outlook: Central Academy returns to varsity play after fielding a junior varsity team the past two seasons. There are certain to be growing pains without much varsity experience, but the Cougars have a solid core of players from a JV team that had some success at 5-5 last year. Senior quarterback Jetta Hase will lead an offense that returns all five lineman, including seniors Alec Giles, Griffin Moore and Mitchell Privette. The Cougars’ defense features junior linebacker Hunter Walle.
FOREST HILLS
Head Coach: Jammie Deese (1st year).
2019 Record: 4-7
Conference: Rocky River 2A
Returning Starters: 10
Returnee Lettermen: 18
Key Returning Starters: TyQuan Rushing, Sr., WR/FS (6-2, 170); Jacob Mullis, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 260); Rowen Starnes, Jr., OL (6-1, 280); Brian Smith, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 285); Ahmad Stafford, Sr., RB/CB (5-7, 150); JaDivion Coffey, So., WR/CB (6-0, 165); Zach Barbour, So., TE/DL (6-4, 195); Gage Crowder, So., QB (6-1, 155); Zac Evans, Sr., LB (6-1, 160); Luke Baker, Sr., TE/DE (5-10, 210); Demetrius Barnes, Jr., WR/CB (5-7, 150); Christian Kirby, Sr., OL/DL (5-11, 220).
Key Returnees: N/A.\u0009
Key Newcomers: Evan Greene, So., DE/TE/QB (6-1, 200); Will Guion, So., OL (6-2, 295); Christian Davis, Jr., LB/RB (5-9, 185)
Outlook: The Yellow Jackets are 11-34 in the last four years. But former University of West Florida head coach Jammie Deese looks to breathe new life into a Forest Hills’ team that returns 10 starters. The offense will depend on playmakers like senior wide receiver TyQuan Rushing (34 receptions for 492 yards and five touchdowns) and a veteran offensive line (returns four of five starters) led by senior Brian Smith and junior Rowen Starnes to provide leadership on a younger unit. Forest Hills also needs sophomore quarterback Gage Crowder to step up. The Yellow Jackets’ defense also looks to be improved with seniors in linebacker Zac Evans, defensive end Luke Baker and Rushing headlining the group.
MARVIN RIDGE
Head Coach: Aubrey Carter (6th year).
2019 Record: 6-6 (5-2 in the Southern Carolinas’ Conference).
Conference: Southern Carolinas 3A
Returning Starters: 13 (7 offense; 6 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 26
Key Returning Starters: Sully McDermott, Sr., QB (6-4, 215); Ian Hutter, Sr., WR/CB (5-11, 190); Jeb Despard, Sr., LB (6-0, 215); Tanner Blackwell, Sr., LB (6-0, 210); Devin Reed, Jr., DT (6-1, 275); Jake Young, Jr., DE/TE (6-3, 210); Ethan Robitaille, Sr., WR/S (5-11, 175); Cole Pearce, Sr., OL (6-0, 230); Caden Noonkester, Sr., K/P (6-6, 190); Garrett Jordan, Sr., OL (6-1, 220).
Key Returnees: Jacob Terwilliger, Jr., RB/LB (6-1, 225); Rithrik Mantha, Sr., OL (6-0, 260); Bryce Yaggi, Sr., WR/CB (6-0, 190); Logan Clegg, Sr., DE/LB/LS (6-0, 200); Gavin Scotto, Sr., DT (6-0, 255);
Key Newcomers: Luke Raykovic, Jr., DB/WR (6-3, 180); Alex Meeks, Jr., WR/CB (5-11, 165); William Crawford, Jr., DB/OLB (5-10, 175).
Outlook: Marvin Ridge has been up and down going 12-12 in the last two years. However, with 13 starters back, Marvin Ridge hopes to finish near the top of the league. Senior quarterback Sully McDermott (2,367 yards passing, 25 touchdowns last year), running back Jeb Despard (626 yards rushing last year) and wide receiver Ian Hutter (55 catches for 641 yards) are back to power an offense that averaged 29 points per game last season. Meanwhile, the Marvin Ridge defense has plenty of experience with senior linebackers like Tanner Blackwell (99 tackles), Despard (97 tackles) and junior defensive tackle Devin Reed all returning.
METROLINA CHRISTIAN
Head Coach: Thomas Langley (11th year).
2019 Record: 8-4
Conference: NCISAA Piedmont Athletic
Returning Starters: 14
Returning Lettermen: 23
Key Returning Starters: Andrew Threatt, Sr., OT (6-4, 255); Colton Fitch, Sr., LB (6-0, 215); Tommy Miller, Jr., DB (5-11, 175); Bryce McFerson, Jr., P/K (6-1, 170); Nick Best, Sr., LB (5-11, 195); Christian McLemore, Sr., DT (5-10, 235); Caleb Titherington, Jr., WR (5-11, 160); Ben Carr, Sr., OL (6-1, 280).
Key Returnees: Gunnar Moen, Jr., OLB (5-11, 175); Reece Morgan, So., DB (5-10, 160); Julian Mercer, Jr., LB (5-10, 190); Ryan McEvoy, Sr., QB (6-1, 180); Cam Enos, So., QB (5-11, 170).
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: Metrolina Christian has been a consistent winner averaging seven wins per season in Langley’s decade long tenure, with three straight eight-win seasons (2017-19). This year, the Warriors feature an offensive line with all five starters back, led by seniors Ben Carr and Andrew Threatt. The defense will also be solid with all-state linebacker Colton Fitch (93 tackles) and junior all-state defensive back Tommy Miller (90 tackles), leading the way. Metrolina Christian has lost in the NCISAA Division II state championship game each of the last two years. With 14 starters back, a third finals visit is a real possibility.
MONROE
Head Coach: Johnny Sowell (15th year).
2019 Record: 6-6
Conference: Southern Carolinas 3A
Returning Starters: 11
Returning Lettermen: 14
Key Returning Starters: Omarion Huntley, Sr., OL/DL (6-7, 300); Omarion Rushing, Sr., RT/DL (6-3, 290); Jemarion Rushing, Sr., LT/DL (6-3, 295); Jordan Black, Sr., WR/DB (5-7, 155); Shaleak Knotts, Jr., WR/DB (6-3, 185); Elliott Reid, Jr., WR/DB (5-8, 165); Jack Crump, Jr., LB/RB/P (5-10, 195); Elijah Funderburke, Jr., RB/DB (5-10, 175); Montavious Waters, Jr., DL/OL (5-10, 250); Jadarian Perry, Jr., OL/DL (5-10, 240).
Key Returnees: Michael Wilson, Sr., RB/DB (5-10, 175); Wonnie Brown, Sr., WR/LB (6-1, 180).
Key Newcomers: Romel Wright, Sr., DL/FB/HB (6-2, 245) (Forest Hills transfer).
Outlook: Monroe has been inconsistent over the past three seasons going 18-19. This year, five-star recruit and junior wide receiver Shaleak Knotts (59 catches for 1,006 yards and 14 touchdowns, 19 Division I offers) will be a featured performer. Monroe will also feature a massive offensive front, featuring seniors Omarion Huntley (6-7, 300) and twin brothers Omarion Rushing (6-3, 290) and Jemarion Rushing (6-3, 295). The Redhawks’ defense will need Forest Hills’ transfer, defensive end Romel Wright (105 tackles last year), and junior linebacker Jack Crump (66 tackles) to play big roles.
PARKWOOD
Head Coach: Terry Gittens (1st year)
2019 Record: 7-5
Conference: Southern Carolinas 3A
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Lettermen: 15
Key Returning Starters: Austin Burns, Sr., QB/OLB (6-2, 210); Cody Hardy, Jr., DE/TE (6-5, 240); Trenn Yetter, Sr., OL/DL (6-4, 235); Zack Bevelhymer, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 215); Frazier Williams, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 220); Jay Little, Sr., LB/FB/S (5-10, 185); Jacob Baker, Sr., OL/DL (5-11, 200).
Key Returnees: Brandon Logan, Sr., RB/LB (5-10, 175); Ayden Burkey, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, 160); Jordan Barnes, Jr., WR/DB (6-1, 165).
Key Newcomers: Isaiah Mobley, So., WR/DB (5-11, 165); Cameron Enos, So., QB (5-10, 160); Jaylin Meaders, So., FB/DL/LB (5-10, 190); Wyatt Dawkins, So., LB (5-11, 185).
Outlook: Parkwood was one of the most improved teams in the state going 7-5 overall after 2-9 records in 2017 and 2018. This year, new head coach Terry Gittens (former Cox Mill assistant) has a big challenge to keep that momentum going: Parkwood lost 26 seniors and returns only seven starters from the 2019 team. The Rebels will need two-way playmakers in like quarterback/linebacker Austin Burns (104 tackles, five sacks last year), linemen Zack Bevelhymer and Trenn Yetter and junior defensive end/tight end Cody Hardy (87 tackles, five sacks) to play big roles.
PIEDMONT
Head Coach: Phil Mauro
2019 Record: 1-9 (0-7 in the Southern Carolinas’ Conference).
Conference: Southern Carolinas 3A.
Returning Starters: N/A.
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Players: Ty Nicholas, Sr., DL (6-4, 265); Everette McLaughlin, Sr., WR (6-2, 160); Henry Saunders, Sr., QB (6-1, 180); Clayton Austin, Sr., DB (5-11, 165); Jarrett Rayfield, Sr., RB (5-11, 180); Ryan Whetzel, Sr., TE (6-4, 240); Evan Sawyer, Jr., LB (5-11, 175); Will Hart, Jr., OL (6-2, 260).
Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: Piedmont has struggled of late, going 9-34 in the last four years. The Panthers have an uphill task again this season with a new head coach, Phil Mauro, just named last week, and a younger overall team. Senior quarterback Henry Saunders and classmate Jarrett Rayfield will lead the Piedmont offense that will have to score more points (9 points per game in 2019). Meanwhile, the Panthers’ defense should be solid led by senior defensive end Ty Nicholas (77 tackles, 8.5 sacks).
PORTER RIDGE
Head Coach: Michael Hertz (4th year).
2019 Record: 7-6
Conference: Southwestern 4A
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: Brandon Perry, Sr., RB (6-2, 195); Malik Jordan, Sr., DT (6-1, 270); Braeden Mcalister, Jr., K (6-1, 170); Jon Gamoneda, Sr., DT (5-10, 230); Jason Gonzalez, Sr., OG (6-1, 265).
Key Returnees: Steven Zayachkowsky, So., RB/LB (5-10, 175); David Oden, Jr., TE/DE (6-1, 215); Malachi Howell, Jr., TE/DE (6-2, 210); Myles Carroll, Jr., QB (6-0, 180); Calen Jordan, Jr., RB/DB (6-0, 175).
Key Newcomers: O’Marion Taylor, So., RB (5-10, 195); Tristan Stitt, So., WR (6-5, 170); Aden Beatty, So., LB (6-2, 195); Jason Hertz, So., DE (6-3, 220).
Outlook: Porter Ridge has been consistent of late, averaging eight wins over the past four years. Keeping up that pace will be tough this year as the Pirates return only seven starters. Porter Ridge will need senior tailback Brandon Perry (1,081 yards rushing, 16 touchdowns) to carry the load. Meanwhile, senior defensive tackle Malik Jordan (50 tackles, three sacks) must be big in the middle for his unit to succeed.
SUN VALLEY
Head Coach: Drew Hackett (1st year).
2019 Record: 2-9
Conference: Southern Carolinas 3A
Returning Starters: 15
Returning Lettermen: 44
Key Returning Starters: Gavin Blackwell, Sr., WR (6-0, 165); Michael Gonzalez, Sr., OL (6-4, 265); Adrian Eley, Sr., WR (6-2, 180); Aaron Brannock, Sr., OL (Center) (6-1, 225).
Key Returnees: Deuce Wilson, Sr., RB (5-9, 165); Dominik Szlachetka, Sr., LB (6-1, 195).
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: Life without former All-American quarterback Sam Howell was tough in 2019. From 2016-18, Sun Valley averaged 10 wins a year. Last year, it was 2-9. This year, the Spartans return 15 starters, led by the senior quartet of receivers -- Gavin Blackwell (University of North Carolina commit, 65 catches, nine touchdowns last year), Adrian Eley (39 catches for 504 yards) and offensive linemen Aaron Brannock and Michael Gonzalez.
UNION ACADEMY
Head Coach: Justin Frashier (5th year).
2019 Record: 6-5
Conference: South Piedmont 1A
Returning Starters: N/A.
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Isaac King, Sr., RB/DB (5-10, 190); Connor Bradley, So., TE/LB (6-3, 210); Jackson Plyler, Sr., DB (6-2, 180); Colson Honeycutt, Sr., LB/TE (5-10, 175).
Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: The Cardinals have been up and down the last three years going from 8-5 in 2017 to 3-8 in 2018 back to 6-5 last year. This season, Union Academy will lean on senior running back Isaac King, who ran for 1,766 yards (12.2 yards per carry) and 21 touchdowns last year. The Cardinals’ defense will also be solid with seniors in linebacker Colson Honeycutt, defensive back Jackson Plyler (four interceptions) and sophomore linebacker Connor Bradley (60 tackles, six sacks).
WEDDINGTON
Head Coach: Andy Capone (3rd Year).
2019 Record: 16-0
Conference: Southern Carolinas 3A
Returning Starters: 15 (9 offense; 6 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 30
Key Returning Starters: Will Shipley, Sr., RB (5-11, 200); Bryson Parker, Sr., DB (5-10, 185); Jalen Newman, Sr., DB (6-0, 180); Dante Casciola, Sr., QB (6-1, 180); Austin Pronk, Sr., OL/DL (6-4, 290); Will Owens, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 230); Alex McLaughlin, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 230); Nick Aderholt, Sr., OL/DL (5-11, 250); Joe Zovistoski, Sr., DE/LB (6-2, 205); Cole Wiseman, Sr., DE/LB (6-0, 205).
Key Returnees: Kyle Parsons, Jr., RB/DB (6-0, 190); Kambridge Tuttle, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 170); Trey Gordon, Sr. RB (5-9, 165); Evan Schwartz, Sr., LB (6-0, 205).
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: The two-time, defending 3AA state champions will be loaded once again with reigning N.C. Gatorade player of the year, senior running back Will Shipley (Clemson commit) leading the way for a squad returning 15 starters. Weddington, 31-1 in the last two years, will be tested with Ardrey Kell, Charlotte Catholic and Vance on their schedule early. But with Shipley (2,066 yards rushing, 31 touchdowns last year) senior quarterback Dante Casciola back, along with a veteran offensive line (four seniors) returning with an opportunistic defense led by senior edge rushers, Joe Zovistoski (9.5 sacks) and Cole Wiseman (8.5 sacks), Weddington has all the weapons to win their a straight, 3AA state title.
Union County Conference Predictions
NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference
Metrolina Christian; 2. High Point Christian; 3. SouthLake Christian; 4. Covenant Day; 5. Cabarrus Warriors.
Rocky River Conference
West Stanly; 2. Mount Pleasant; 3. Anson County; 4. Forest Hills; 5. Montgomery Central; 6. Central Academy.
Southern Carolinas Conference
Weddington; 2. Charlotte Catholic; 3. Marvin Ridge; 4. Monroe; 5. Cuthbertson; 6. Sun Valley; 7. Parkwood; 8. Piedmont.
South Piedmont 1A Confererence
1. Mountain Island Charter; 2. Thomas Jefferson Academy; 3. Bessemer City; 4. Community School of Davidson; 5. Union Academy; 6. Pine Lake Prep; 7. Cherryville; 8. Highland Tech; 9. Christ the King.
Southwestern 4A Conference
Myers Park; 2. Butler; 3. Hickory Ridge; 4. Independence; 5. Porter Ridge; 6. Rocky River; 7. East Mecklenburg; 8. Garinger.
Preseason All-County Team
Offense
QB – Sully McDermott, Marvin Ridge, 6-4, 215, Sr.
RB – Will Shipley, Weddington, 5-11, 205, Sr.
RB – Isaac King, Union Academy, 5-10, 190, Sr.
RB – Brandon Perry, Porter Ridge, 5-10, 190, Sr.
WR – Gavin Blackwell, Sun Valley, 6-0, 165, Sr.
WR – Shaleak Knotts, Monroe, 6-3, 185, Jr.
WR – Ian Hutter, Marvin Ridge, 5-11, 190, Sr.
OL – Michael Gonzalez, Sun Valley 6-4, 265, Sr.
OL – Jemarion Rushing, Monroe, 6-3, 295, Sr.
OL – Alex McLaughlin, Weddington, 5-10, 230, Sr.
OL – Jacob Mullis, Forest Hills, 6-2, 260, Sr.
OL – Trenn Yetter, Parkwood, 6-4, 235, Sr.
Specialists
ATH – Dante Casciola, Weddington, 6-1, 180, Sr.
ATH – A.J. Colombo, Cuthbertson, 5-7, 150, Jr.
K/P – Bryce McFerson, Metrolina Christian, 6-1, 170, Jr.
Defense
DL – Joe Zovistoski, Weddington, 6-2, 205, Sr.
DL – Romel Wright, Monroe, 6-2, 245, Sr.
DL – Cody Hardy, Parkwood, 6-5, 240, Jr.
DL – Malik Jordan, Porter Ridge, 6-1, 270, Sr.
DL – Ty Nicholas, Piedmont, 6-4, 265, Sr.
LB – Austin Burns, Parkwood, 6-2, 210, Sr.
LB – Jeb Despard, Marvin Ridge, 6-0, 215, Sr.
LB – Cole Wiseman, Weddington, 6-0, 205, Sr.
LB – Colton Fitch, Metrolina Christian, 6-0, 215, Sr.
LB – Andreau Rastia, Cuthbertson, 5-11, 185, Sr.
DB – Tommy Miller, Metrolina Christian, 5-11, 175, Jr.
DB – Bryson Parker, Weddington 5-10, 185, Sr.
DB – Jackson Plyler, Union Academy, 6-2, 180, Sr.
DB – TyQuan Rushing, Forest Hills, 6-2, 170, Sr.
Union County Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Will Shipley, Weddington, RB, Sr.
Union County Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Romel Wright, Monroe, DE, Sr.
