High school football preview: Breaking down Cabarrus County teams

Today, The Observer continues its 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 continues today with Cabarrus County schools.

Team previews

A.L. BROWN

Head Coach: Justin Hardin (1st year).

2022 Record: 6-5 (2-4 in the Greater Metro 4A Conference).

Conference: Greater Metro 4A Conference.

Returning Starters: 17

Returning Lettermen: 19

Key Returning Starters: Xavier Chambers, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 195); Gerard Evans, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 165); Chaz Knox, Jr., OL/DL (6-0, 275); Michael Buster, Jr., OL/DL (6-4, 270); C.J. Gray, Jr., QB (6-2, 185); Derick Brazil, Sr., WR/DB (5-11, 165); Todd Massey, Sr., DL/TE (6-2, 240); Ethan Garmon, Sr., LB/TE (6-0, 200); Rhett Hagler, Sr., LB/TE (6-2, 200); Kadan Williams, Sr., WR/DB (5-8, 155); Makhi Nash, Sr., OL/DL (5-9, 220).

Other Key Returnees: Paul Van Horn, Sr., OL/DL (6-5, 260); Grayson Burgess, Sr., TE/LB (6-0, 190); Jaevion Eberhart, Sr., TE/LB (6-1, 200); Jakeh Johnson, Jr., OL/DL (6-1, 260); Braden Baucom, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 280).

Key Newcomers: Mehki, Herron, Jr., RB/LB (5-10, 180); Keith Kellam, Jr., LB/WR (6-2, 180); Deonte Harris, Jr., WR/DB (5-11, 160); Jesse Morton, Jr., WR/DB (5-11, 160); Drake Watts, Jr., OL/DL (6-1, 225); Anthony Glenn, Jr., RB/LB (5-10, 180); Parker Laughlin, Jr., LB/TE (6-0, 170).

Outlook: A new era of A.L. Brown football begins as former Wonders quarterback Justin Hardin returns to his alma mater to lead a team with 17 starters returning. The Wonders’ offense will run through junior quarterback, C.J. Gray (1,259 yards passing, seven touchdowns) who has weapons like senior receivers Derik Brazil (46 catches for 698 yards and three touchdowns), Xavier Chambers (35 catches for 537 yards and five touchdowns) and Gerard Evans (19 catches for 277 yards and six touchdowns). The A.L. Brown defense should also be solid with an experienced front seven led by senior linebackers Ethan Garmon (48 tackles) and Rhett Hagler. The defensive line returns seniors Todd Massey (66 tackles, four sacks), Makhi Nash (55 tackles) and juniors Chaz Knox (60 tackles, seven sacks) and Michael Buster.

Interesting Note: Six of the A.L. Brown coaches on staff played football for the Wonders.

CANNON SCHOOL

Head Coach: Dustin Martin (1st year).

2022 Record: 8-3 (3-0 in the NCISAA Western Conference).

Conference: NCISAA Western Conference/Division I.

Returning Starters: 11 (6 offense; 5 defense).

Returning Lettermen: 23

Key Returning Starters: Colin Reese, Sr., WR/DB (5-9, 160); Tyler Green, Sr., QB (6-2, 205); Henry Anthony, Jr., DE/TE (6-4, 225); Landon Mare, Jr., K/P (6-0, 165); Gavin Powell, Sr., WR (5-11, 170); Luke Fox, Sr., DB/LB (6-3, 175); Max Riley, Sr., WR (6-1, 160); Mason Mierzwa, Jr., DB (6-3, 175); Isaiah Neal, Sr., OL/DT (5-11, 250); Grant Mills, Sr., LS (5-11, 195); Santiago Castaneda, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 235); Hayes Galloway, Sr., OL/DL (6-4, 305).

Other Key Returnees: N/A.

Key Newcomers: Andrew Rodgers; Quinn Frood.

Outlook: Cannon School has enjoyed the best run in program history, winning 19 games in the past two years. This year, new coach Dustin Martin looks to keep the momentum going with 11 starters back. The Cougars’ offense will revolve around senior quarterback Tyler Green (2,361 yards passing, 23 touchdowns), who will try to get the ball to classmates Colin Reese (44 catches for 794 yards, 12 touchdowns) and Gavin Powell (22 catches for 334 yards) with tackle Hayes Galloway giving him time to throw. The Cannon School defense will look to senior defensive tackle Isaiah Neal (37 tackles, four sacks) and all-state defensive back Mason Mierzwa (39 tackles, five interceptions) to stop opposing offenses. The Cougars also have a weapon on specials teams with junior kicker Landon Mare. Cannon School is in a tough, new conference with Christ School, Metrolina Christian and Rabun Gap Nacoochee, but has the experience to be a playoff team.

Interesting Note: Dustin Martin comes to Cannon School after serving as the offensive coordinator at Legion Collegiate (S.C.).

CENTRAL CABARRUS

Head Coach: Zach Bevilacqua (4th year).

2022 Record: 3-7 (2-4 in the South Piedmont Conference)

Conference: South Piedmont 3A Conference

Returning Starters: 14

Returning Lettermen: 20

Key Returning Starters: Kaden Kline, Sr., QB (6-1, 170); Chris Burnette, Sr., S/RB (6-0, 190); Justin Rogers, Sr., OL/DL (5-11, 260); Tylee Barnett, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 250); Talan Baker, Sr., WR (5-10, 170); Rykie Washington, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 160); Jacob Hedrick, Sr., OL/DL (6-3, 235); Alex Kline, Sr., RB/S (6-1, 185); Jazeo Jaime, Sr., LB/HB (5-11, 185); Brandon Bevilacqua, So., OL/DL (6-2, 265); Aiden Black, So., DL (6-1, 250); Chase McDonald, So., OL (5-10, 240).

Other Key Returnees: Jack Colligan, Sr., HB/LB (6-0, 190); Jonah Happes, Sr., K (5-9, 170); Chinua Ezeigbo, Jr., WR (6-2, 180); Emari Russell, Jr., DB/RB (5-10, 160); Mason Easley, Jr., DB/RB (5-10, 170).

Key Newcomers: Kamari McCorkle, Jr., HB/LB (6-2, 180); Tristan Clapp, Jr., DB (5-11, 170); Dustin Crump, Jr., DB (5-10, 175); Nate Alston, Jr., RB (5-8, 175); Damonte James, So., DB/RB (6-0, 160).

Outlook: The Vikings have struggled recently, averaging three wins per season during the past three years. But with 14 starters back, Bevilacqua’s team has the experience to make a move up the South Piedmont standings. The Central Cabarrus offense will have a new look, but the same quarterback — three-year starter Kaden Kline — with senior receivers Talan Baker and Rykie Washington leading the way. The Vikings also return their entire offensive line led by seniors Tylee Barnett, Jacob Hedrick and Justin Rogers. The Central Cabarrus defense will be senior-heavy and led by its secondary, which returns Chris Burnette, Mason Easley, Alex Kline, all back in the lineup.

Interesting Note: Central Cabarrus should benefit from multiple players coming up from a Vikings’ junior varsity team that went 8-1 last season.

CHRIST THE KING

Head Coach: Brian Decker (2nd year).

2022 Record: 9-3 (4-2 in the Catawba Shores 1A/2A Conference).

Conference: Catawba Shores 1A/2A Conference/1A.

Returning Starters: 16 (6 offense; 8 defense; 2 special teams).

Returning Lettermen: 20

Key Returning Starters: Jack Yenichek, Sr., MLB (5-8, 210); John Mundy, Sr., SS (5-9, 175); Ben Habel, Jr., CB/S (5-10, 175); Jonah Sithong, Jr., CB (5-10, 175); Amani Benel, Sr., DE/DT (6-3, 195); James Holland, Sr., LB (5-8, 185); Kyle Corrigan, Jr., P/DT (6-2, 200); Ethion Garcia, Sr., NT/DT (5-10, 245); Kyle Schmidt, Sr., Center (6-0, 185); Chase Wilkinson, Sr., LG (6-2, 265); Cooper Mau, Sr., RG (6-2, 255); Sammy Shores, Sr., LT (6-2, 260); Olusen Oguntoyinbo, Sr., OT (6-3, 270).

Other Key Returnees: Patrick Walsh, Jr., DT/QB (6-2, 200); Rhyus Newgent, Jr., CB (5-10, 165); J.P. Zimmerman, FILL, RB (5-7, 185).

Key Newcomers: N/A.

Outlook: The Crusaders are coming off their best season in school history, a 9-3 season and playoff berth. This season, Christ the King returns 16 starters. The Crusaders’ defense, which allowed 13 points per game last year, will be a strength with eight starters back, led by senior middle linebacker Jack Yenichek (108 tackles, 21 tackles for loss). Also returning are senior defensive linemen Amani Benel and Ethion Garcia as well as linebacker James Holland (64 tackles). The secondary is also experienced with senior John Mundy (66 tackles) and juniors Ben Habel and Jonah Sithong (two interceptions) all returning. The Crusaders’ offense has to replace the major skill positions (quarterback, running back, receiver), but will get the entire offensive line back, all seniors, including center Kyle Schmidt, right guard Cooper Mau, left guard Chase Wilkinson, right tackle Olusen Oguntoyinbo and left tackle Sammy Shores. The Crusaders have the experience to contend for the conference title and will have plenty of motivation going into the playoffs after a one-point loss (14-13 to Hayesville) ended their 2022 season.

Interesting Note: Brian Decker led the program to its first winning season in his first year as head coach last year.

CONCORD

Head Coach: Darren Shepherd (2nd year).

2022 Record: 3-7 (3-3 in the South Piedmont Conference).

Conference: South Piedmont 3A Conference.

Returning Starters: 13

Returning Lettermen: 16

Key Returning Starters: Keyon Phillips, Sr., QB/RB/DB; Jackson Joseph, Sr., OG/DL (5-10, 285); Alexander Petroff, Jr., DB (5-11, 190); Bralen Crowder, Sr., WR (5-10, 160); Isaiah Wright, Sr., DL (6-0, 210); Miguel Flores, Jr., OL (6-1, 275); Calee Davis, Jr., DB (5-9, 160); Weston Bost, Sr., LB (6-0, 185).

Other Key Returnees: Jaelin Watterson, Jr., LB (6-3, 200); Tyler Leadbetter, Sr., RB (5-8, 150); Ayden Semlitz, Jr., DE (5-10, 190).

Key Newcomers: Tim Anderson, Jr., WR (5-7, 135); Justin Johnson, Sr., RB (6-0, 197); Shamel Outlaw, Sr., OL (6-6, 240).

Outlook: After winning the South Piedmont in 2021, Concord slipped back to 3-7 last year, missing out on the playoffs. This season, the Spiders expect to be much improved with 13 starters back, led by senior quarterback Keyon Phillips and a veteran offensive line featuring junior Miguel Flores and senior Jackson Joseph. The Concord defense will look to all-conference juniors Alexander Petroff (56 tackles, three interceptions) and Calee Davis (two interceptions) in the secondary, while senior Isaiah Wright (four sacks) is back to lead the defensive line.

Interesting Note: Concord has just one winning season in the past five years, going 14-36 in that span.

COX MILL

Head Coach: Breon Holmes (1st year).

2022 Record: 9-3 (5-1 in the Greater Metro 4A Conference).

Conference: Greater Metro 4A Conference.

Returning Starters: 9

Returning Lettermen: 15

Key Returning Starters: Saxon Jenkins, Sr., WR (6-1, 180); Devonte Parkes, Sr., OL/DT (6-1, 286); Isaac Donnell, Sr., LB (6-0, 190); Nick Jones, Sr., DB (6-1, 185); Caleb Stewart, Sr., DL (5-11, 245); Jordan Cleaves, So., ATH (5-10, 170).

Other Key Returnees: Jeremiah Jones, Sr., RB (5-10, 160); Shane Otolski, Sr., OL (6-4, 270); Gavin Barber, So., TE (6-3, 230); Izaunti Brooks, Sr., DL (6-2, 255).

Key Newcomers: N/A.

Outlook: After winning eight games combined from 2020-21, Cox Mill won nine games last season. This year, new head coach Breon Holmes wants to jeep that momentum and help the Chargers stay in contention in the Greater Metro 4A conference with nine starters returning. The Cox Mill offense will feature senior running back Jeremiah Jones, receiver Saxon Jenkins and offensive tackles Devonte Parkes to lead the unit. The Chargers’ defense is also a senior-laden group on all three levels with Caleb Stewart (defensive line), Isaac Donnell (linebacker) and Nick Jones (defensive back) all returning.

Interesting Note: Holmes comes to the Chargers from Ardrey Kell, where he served as the offensive coordinator.

HICKORY RIDGE

Head Coach: Jupiter Wilson (5th year).

2022 Record: 6-5 (4-2 in the Greater Metro 4A Conference).

Conference: Greater Metro 4A Conference.

Returning Starters: 10

Returning Lettermen: 30

Key Returning Starters: Caden Haywood, Sr., QB (6-5, 220); Jalen Harris, Sr., WR (6-3, 180); Micah Littlejohn, Sr., WR (5-9, 155); Jake Baucom, Sr., OL (6-3, 250); Connor Shulman, Sr., RB (5-11, 190); Amari Mastrofski, Sr., S (6-0, 175); Jaylen Ussery, Sr., DT (6-2, 260).

Other Key Returnees: Ben Sergent, Sr., LB (6-0, 190); Rodney Garrison, Sr., WR (6-1, 190).

Key Newcomers: Toby Turner, Sr., OL/DL (6-3, 250); Bryce Johnson, Sr., DB (5-10, 170); Dominic Testa, Jr., WR (5-11, 190).

Outlook: Hickory Ridge has been a consistent winner, averaging seven victories per season in Wilson’s four-year tenure. This year, the Ragin’ Bulls’ have solid core back with 10 starters returning. The Hickory Ridge offense will go through senior quarterback Caden Haywood (2,554 yards, 24 touchdowns) who returns with senior running back Connor Shulman, along with senior receivers Jalen Harris (45 catches for 1,103 yards, 11 touchdowns, Coastal Carolina commit) and Micah Littlejohn. The Ragin’ Bulls’ defense will have to reload in some positions but has seniors leaders like defensive tackle Jaylen Ussery and senior safety Amari Mastrofski.

Interesting Note: Haywood, a three-sport star (baseball, basketball, football), has committed to play baseball at Western Carolina.

JAY M. ROBINSON

Head Coach: Jason Seidel (1st year).

2022 Record: 10-2 (5-0 in the Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference).

Conference: South Piedmont 3A Conference.

Returning Starters: 14 (7 offense; 7 defense).

Returning Lettermen: 28

Key Returning Starters: D’Nas White, Sr., DT (6-6, 310);

Other Key Returnees: Isaiah King, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 300); Brian Rowe, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 140); Xavier Burnett, Jr., WR/DB (5-8, 150).

Key Newcomers: Londyn Baker, Fr., WR; Elijah Shoe, So., OL (6-5, 240); Jaidyn Covington, So., OL (5-11, 280); Tyler Kluttz, Sr., LB (6-1, 185).

Outlook: The Bulldogs are coming off back-to-back 10-win seasons and Yadkin Valley conference titles, but now must move back up to class 3A and the South Piedmont. This year, new head coach Jason Seidel inherits an experienced squad with 14 starters returning. Returning for the Bulldogs’ offense are senior all-conference quarterback Isaac Lee, running back Na’Ledge Wright and offensive tackle, Braylon Canales. The Robinson defense is loaded at all three levels, with seniors Isaiah Herrera and D’Nas White (offers from multiple Power 5 teams, including Florida State, South Carolina, Virginia Tech), middle linebacker Braylon Baker and safety Josh Porch.

Interesting Note: Seidel is 50-20 in his coaching career, including a stint at Hickory Ridge.

MOUNT PLEASANT

Head Coach: Daniel Crosby (2nd year).

2022 Record: 8-4 (4-1 in the Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference).

Conference: Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference.

Returning Starters: 9

Returning Lettermen: 20

Key Returning Starters: Dylan Coln, Sr., LB (5-10, 205); Bo Barbee, Sr., S/RB (5-7, 170); Colt Kluttz, Sr., OT/DE (6-0, 225); Levi Furr, Jr., Center (6-2, 250); Sawyer Icenhour, Jr., LT (6-2, 225); Eli Reed, Jr., LG (6-3, 280); Chase Thomas, Jr., LB (6-1, 205); Ethan Dempsey, So., S (6-1, 175).

Other Key Returnees: Charlie Richards, Sr., OL (5-10, 240); Ethan Brawley, Sr., DL (6-0, 250); Jackson Harkey, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 170).

Key Newcomers: Colin Black, So., QB (5-8, 160); Will Harkey, So., CB (5-10, 160); Eli Dempsey, Jr., DE (6-1, 225).

Outlook: The Tigers look to keep the momentum going from an 8-4 record a year ago. The Mount Pleasant offense will run with senior running backs Bo Barbee and Ethan Dempsey behind a veteran line including senior Colt Kluttz and juniors Levi Furr, Sawyer Icenhour and Eli Reed. Meanwhile, the Tigers’ defense will look to all-conference linebackers Dylan Coln and Chase Thomas, as well as all-league defensive backs Barbee and Dempsey. Mount Pleasant has a younger roster, but has the pieces to be a contender to win the Yadkin Valley 1A/2A conference.

Interesting Note: Mount Pleasant junior Tylin McDowell had a stroke last year after the Tigers’ final game last year and has not been cleared to play this season, but remains a part of the team, according to Mount Pleasant football coach, Daniel Crosby.

NORTHWEST CABARRUS

Head Coach: Eric Morman (4th year).

2022 Record: 10-2 (6-0 in the South Piedmont Conference).

Conference: South Piedmont 3A Conference.

Returning Starters: 13 (5 offense; 8 defense).

Returning Lettermen: 40

Key Returning Starters: Alex Walker, Sr., QB (6-1, 195); Jackson Forrest, Jr., MLB (6-0, 210); Dylan Gregory, Jr., DB (5-10, 175); RayJay Waters, Sr., RB (5-10, 200); Henry Forrest, Jr., K/P (6-0, 185); James Milligan, Sr., DB (6-1, 195); Nolan Irwin, Jr., OT (6-6, 273); Ledarrion Menter, Jr., LB/DE (6-3, 235); Eddie Conover, Jr., LB (6-1, 215); Porter Branham, Jr., WR (5-10, 175); Cesidio Castricone, Jr., WR (5-9, 170); Donovan Thompson, Sr., DB (6-1, 190).

Other Key Returnees: Blake Barbee, Sr., Center (5-10, 265); Jameson Carroll, Jr., OG (5-10, 255); Brian Espejo, Sr., OG (6-3, 325); Jordan Stockton, Sr., WR (6-2, 175).

Key Newcomers: Jarlon Drye, So., RB (6-0, 185); Terrin Miranda, So., OL/DL (6-2, 250); Cam Johnson, So., DB (5-10, 165); Kashaun Samuel, So., DB (5-10, 185).

Outlook: The Trojans won 10 games last season, doubling their win total from the two previous seasons combined. This year, with 13 starters back, they are the favorites to repeat as conference champions with all-conference senior quarterback, Alex Walker (2,457 yards passing, 19 touchdowns, 399 yards rushing, seven touchdowns), returning. Walker has a variety of weapons including senior running back RayJay Waters, (781 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns), junior wideouts Porter Branham (32 catches for 402 yards) and Cesidio Castricone (29 catches for 423 yards). The offensive line is led by junior offensive tackle Nolan Irwin. The Trojans’ defense also has a clear leader in junior middle linebacker Jackson Forrest (72 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, eight sacks). The Northwest Cabarrus secondary is its most experienced group with all-conference performers in senior James Milligan (40 tackles) and junior Dylan Gregory (62 tackles, three interceptions).

Interesting Note: The Trojans have a rare weapon on special teams in junior kicker/punter Henry Forrest, the reigning South Piedmont special teams player of the year. Forrest averaged 44 yards per punt last season.

WEST CABARRUS

Head Coach: Brian Hinson (1st year).

2022 Record: 0-10 (0-6 in the Greater Metro 4A Conference).

Conference: Greater Metro 4A Conference.

Returning Starters: 9

Returning Lettermen: 18

Key Returning Starters: Curtis Fields, Sr., DB/WR (5-10, 165); Atreyu Cooper, Sr., QB (5-10, 215); A.J. Dulin, Sr., LB (6-0, 200); Kieren Collins, Sr., DL/OL (6-2, 260); Josh Clark, Sr., LB/RB (5-9, 170).

Other Key Returnees: Dieandre Gallimore, Jr., DB/WR (5-10, 170); Liam Ray, Jr., WR/DB (5-11, 180); Alijah Monroe, So., DB/WR (5-11, 160).

Key Newcomers: Jacar Jones, So., WR (5-11, 170); Jared Street, Fr., QB (5-9, 165).

Outlook: West Cabarrus has struggled through the usual growing pains of a new program, going 6-21 in its first three years, losing 13 straight games to date (last win vs. A.L. Brown, Oct. 8, 2021). This year, former Salisbury football coach Brian Hinson takes over and brings a history of winning with him. The Wolverines’ offense will lean on seniors like quarterback Atreyu Cooper (832 yards, five touchdowns), receiver/returner Curtis Fields (301 yards receiving, 692 yards returning) and offensive lineman Kieren Collins, to help put more points on the board (West scored only 76 points total last year). The West Cabarrus defense will feature senior linebacker, A.J. Dulin (46 tackles), Josh Clark plus Fields (44 tackles, two interceptions) at defensive back.

Interesting Note: Hinson is 64-34 as a head coach, including his time at Salisbury, where he led the Hornets to a state championship in the spring of 2021.

Conference predictions

Catawba Shores 1A/2A Conference

  1. Community School of Davidson; 2. Mountain Island Charter; 3. Christ the King; 4. Pine Lake Prep; 5. Bishop McGuinness; 6. Corvian Charter; 7. Winston-Salem Carver; 8. Winston-Salem Prep.

Greater Metro 4A Conference

  1. Hickory Ridge; 2. Mooresville; 3. Lake Norman; 4. Cox Mill; 5. A.L. Brown; 6. South Iredell; 7. West Cabarrus

NCISAA Western Conference

  1. Rabun Gap Nacoochee; 2. Christ School; 3. Cannon School; 4. Metrolina Christian.

South Piedmont 3A Conference

  1. Northwest Cabarrus; 2. West Rowan; 3. Jay M. Robinson; 4. Concord; 5. Central Cabarrus; 6. Carson; 7. East Rowan; 8. South Rowan.

Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference

  1. Mount Pleasant; 2. North Stanly; 3. Union Academy; 4. Albemarle; 5. South Stanly.

Preseason all-county team

2023 Cabarrus County Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Alex Walker, Northwest Cabarrus, 6-1, 195, Sr., QB.

2023 Cabarrus County Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: D’Nas White, Jay M. Robinson, 6-6, 310, Sr., DT.

Offense

QB: Alex Walker, Northwest Cabarrus, 6-1, 195, Sr.

RB: Jeremiah Jones, Cox Mill, 5-10, 160, Sr.

RB: RayJay Waters, Northwest Cabarrus, 5-10, 200, Sr.

RB: Na’Ledge Wright, Jay M. Robinson, 5-10, 170, Sr.

WR: Derick Brazil, A.L. Brown, 5-11, 165, Sr.

WR: Jalen Harris, Hickory Ridge, 6-3, 180, Sr.

WR: Colin Reese, Cannon School, 5-9, 160, Sr.

OL: Hayes Galloway, Cannon School, 6-4, 305, Sr.

OL: Nolan Irwin, Northwest Cabarrus, 6-4, 265, Jr.

OL: Jackson Joseph, Concord, 5-10, 285, Sr.

OL: Colton Kluttz, Mount Pleasant, 6-0, 225, Sr.

OL: Justin Rogers, Central Cabarrus, 5-11, 280, Sr.

ATH: Tyler Green, Cannon School, 6-2, 205, Sr.

ATH: Caden Haywood, Hickory Ridge, 6-5, 220, Sr.

Defense

DL: Isaiah Herrera, Jay M. Robinson, 6-3, 218, Sr.

DL: Chaz Knox, A.L. Brown, 6-0, 275, Jr.

DL: Todd Massey, A.L. Brown, 6-2, 240, Sr.

DL: D’Nas White, Jay M. Robinson, 6-6, 310, Sr.

LB: Braylon Baker, Jay M. Robinson, 6-3, 225, Sr.

LB: Dylan Coln, Mount Pleasant, 5-10, 205, Sr.

LB: Jackson Forrest, Northwest Cabarrus, 6-0, 210, Jr.

LB: Jack Yenichek, Christ the King, 5-8, 210, Sr.

DB: Ethan Dempsey, Mount Pleasant, 6-1, 175, So.

DB: Dylan Gregory, Northwest Cabarrus, 5-10, 175, Jr.

DB: Mason Mierzwa, Cannon School, 6-3, 175, Jr.

DB: Alexander Petroff, Concord, 5-11, 190, Jr.

DB: Josh Porch, Jay M. Robinson, 5-9, 160, Sr.

ATH: Bo Barbee, Mount Pleasant, 5-7, 170, Sr.

Specialists

K/P: Henry Forrest, Northwest Cabarrus, 6-0, 185, Sr.

RET: Curtis Fields, West Cabarrus, 5-10, 165, Sr.

LS: Grant Mills, Cannon School, 5-11, 195, Sr.