High school football preview: Breaking down Iredell County teams
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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 with Iredell County schools.
Team previews
LAKE NORMAN
Head Coach: Jonathan Oliphant (6th year).
2022 Record: 7-4 (3-3 in the Greater Metro 4A Conference).
Conference: Greater Metro 4A Conference.
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 30
Key Returning Starters: Antonio Griffin, Sr., Slot (5-6, 150); Andrew Chullis, Sr., WR/TE (5-11, 185); Trea Sechrest, Sr., FB/TE (5-11, 200); Cam Neal, Sr., WR (6-2, 185); Mozes Morris, So., RB (5-11, 185); Kavin White, Sr., QB/ATH/DB (5-11, 190); Tate Smith, Sr., LB (6-0, 200); Ethan Cameron, Sr., LB/DE (6-2, 210); Peter Geraffo. Sr., LB (6-0, 200); Keaton Hunt, Sr., OL (6-4, 280); Ethan Calloway, Sr., OL (6-7, 300); Bailey Sanders, Sr., OL (6-2, 250).
Other Key Returnees: Ryan Joyce, Sr., OLB (6-0, 195).
Key Newcomers: Jake Lynch, Sr., OL (6-3, 285) (Cox Mill transfer); Joey Lembo, So., RB (5-9, 185).
Outlook: Lake Norman is a team on the rise, with three winning seasons in a row, going 20-10 in that span. This year, with 12 starters back, the Wildcats look to contend for a Greater Metro 4A conference title. The Lake Norman offense will lean on a massive offensive line that features seniors like 6-foot-7, 300-pound LSU commit Ethan Calloway, 6-4, 280-pound Keaton Hunt, 6-3, 285-pound Jake Lynch, and 6-2, 250-pound Bailey Sanders. The veteran offensive line should give running backs like sophomore Mozes Morris (635 yards, seven touchdowns as a freshman) and seniors Antonio Griffin (271 yards rushing) and Trea Sechrest (526 yards rushing, six touchdowns) plenty of room to run. The Wildcats’ defense will be solid with senior linebackers Ethan Cameron and Pete Geraffo and defensive back Kavin White (three interceptions) leading the unit.
Interesting Note: Lake Norman senior Kavin White is one of the more versatile players in the county, could line up at position in the offensive backfield, including quarterback, and will play a key role in the Wildcats’ secondary.
MOORESVILLE
Head Coach: Joe Nixon (4th year).
2022 Record: 10-2 (6-0 in the Greater Metro 4A Conference).
Conference: Greater Metro 4A Conference.
Returning Starters: Caleb Edstrom, Sr., MLB (5-11, 205); Jamari Farmer, Jr., LB (5-11, 185); Xzavier Booker, Sr. DL (6-3, 305); Jay Wilson, Sr., DB (5-9, 160); Josiah Hunter, Sr., DB (5-10, 165); A.J. Graham, Jr., WR/DB (6-1, 175); Ziquel Adams, Sr., DB (5-10, 155); Landon Young, Jr., DL/LB (6-2, 220); Marley Samuels, Sr., OLB (6-0, 175); Randy Fulmore, Sr., WR (5-8, 160); Tiquan Cromartie, Jr., DB (6-0, 155); Drew Davis, Jr., OL/DL (6-3, 255); Mason Richards, Jr., P (6-1, 145); Jacob Monsour, Sr., K (5-8, 140).
Returning Lettermen: Carter Elkin, Sr., QB (5-10, 165); Nahiem Harrison, Sr., WR (5-8, 160); Ryan Williams, Sr., DE (6-0, 195); Jalen Wright, Sr., TE/HB (6-1, 205); Bryan Calderon, Sr., WR (5-11, 150); Jason Schutt, Sr., WR (5-8, 150); Alec Lawrence, Sr., OL (5-10, 250).
Key Newcomers: A.J. Baker, Sr., RB (5-8, 175) (Lake Norman transfer); Eric Heal, Jr., RB (5-11, 185); D.J. Turner, Jr., DE (6-3, 210); Zyon McGowan, Jr., TE (5-9, 195); Jaiden Ferrell, Jr., WR (6-0, 165).
Outlook: Mooresville returns 15 starters and 51 lettermen from a team that won 10 games last year. The Blue Devils’ offense will need senior quarterback Carter Elkin to step in to a bigger role as well as Lake Norman transfer, senior running back A.J. Baker. Senior wide receiver Randy Elmore (19 catches, 404 yards receiving) will be a reliable target on the outside. The Mooresville defense will be the strength of this team with linebackers in senior Caleb Edstrom (134 tackles, Greater Metro 4A conference defensive player of the year) and junior Jamari Farmer (124 tackles) leading the way. Xzavier Booker, a 6-foot-3, 305-pound defensive tackle who had 92 tackles last season, will also be a force up front. The Blue Devils’ secondary is also experienced with seniors Ziquel Adams, Josiah Hunter, Jay Wilson and junior A.J. Graham all back in the lineup. Mooresville also returns both kickers — junior punter Mason Richards and senior kicker Jacob Monsour.
Interesting Note: Mooresville head coach Joe Nixon has 92 career wins, giving him a chance to earn his 100th career victory this season. Nixon is 20-11 in three seasons as the Blue Devils’ head coach.
NORTH IREDELL
Head Coach: Andy Howell (2nd year).
2022 Record: 2-8 (2-5 in the Western Foothills Athletic Conference.
Conference: Western Foothills Athletic Conference (3A).
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: Holden McGree, Sr., NG/Center (6-2, 265); Noah Ivey, Sr., OG/DT (6-3, 245); Paxton Cook, Sr., OG (5-11, 210); Will Akers, Sr., QB/ATH (5-11, 175); Jayden Nordtveit, So., ATH/SB (5-10, 175); Kaleb Parks, Sr., DB/WR/RB (6-0, 170); Ian Smith, Sr., LB (6-2, 190); Jack Blackler, Sr., SS/RB (5-9, 175); Tripp Guill, Jr., DB (5-11, 185); Zander Faulkner, Jr., RB (6-0, 205).
Other Key Returnees: Colt Wright, Sr., LB (6-1, 210); C.J. Sawyer, Sr., OLB (5-11, 190); Quentin Carter, Sr., OLB (6-1, 205); Cole Williams, Sr., OLB (6-0, 180); Kyle Osborne, Sr., DE (5-11, 225); Quy Bailey, Sr., DT (6-1, 235).
Key Newcomers: Cal Cary, So., OT (6-5, 275); Kaleb Sales, So., QB (5-11, 180); Harold Jackson, So., ATH (5-9, 165).
Outlook: The Raiders have only eight wins in the last five years, including two winless seasons (2019, 2020) in that span. However, North Iredell is going in the right direction with five wins in the last two years combined. Coach Andy Howell looks to help his team carry that momentum forward with 10 starters back. The offense will look to senior quarterback/athlete Will Akers and an experienced offense line, led by seniors Paxton Cook, Noah Ivey and Holden McGee, to play lead roles. The North Iredell defense also has seniors leaders in Ivey and McGee up front, Ian Smith at linebacker and Jack Blackler and Kaleb Parks in the secondary.
Interesting Note: North Iredell’s last winning season came in 2014 when the Raiders went 6-5.
PINE LAKE PREP
Head Coach: Austin Trotter (5th Year).
2022 Record: 10-2 (5-1 in the Catawba Shores 1A/2A Conference).
Conference: Catawba Shores 1A/2A Conference/2A.
Returning Starters: 4
Returning Lettermen: 12
Key Returning Starters: Jack Smith, Jr., OL/DL (6-3, 265); Ryan Connotillo, Jr., DE/OL (6-2, 215); Gabe Bolivar, Sr., RB/DE (5-7, 190); Cole Jensend, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 220).
Other Key Returnees: Alec Brown, Jr., WR/CB (5-8, 135); Sam Kern, Jr., OL/DL (6-3, 240).
Key Newcomers: Jake Johnson, Jr., QB (6-0, 160); Reid Tammaro, So., WR/S (6-1, 170).
Outlook: The Pride have won consistently under Trotter, going 28-14 in his four-year tenure, including a 10-2 record from a season ago. This season, a younger team will have to take their lumps as they lost eight seniors to graduation on both sides of the ball. The Pride defense should be their strength where juniors Jack Smith (76 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, Ryan Connotillo (10.5 sacks, 23.5 tackles for loss) and senior Gabe Bolivar (nine sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss) all return. The offense will lean on an experience group up front with Smith (92 percent, blocking grade last year), Connotillo and Cole Jenseon (90 percent grade) headlining the unit.
Interesting Note: Pine Lake Prep senior Jack Smith is playmaker on the offensive and defensive lines for the Pride, but also a difference maker on special teams, where he had three blocked kicks a year ago.
SOUTH IREDELL
Head Coach: Lee Linville (1st year).
2022 Record: 4-7 (1-5 in the Greater Metro 4A Conference).
Conference: Greater Metro 4A Conference.
Returning Starters: 8 (3 offense; 5 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: Caleb Donaldson, Sr., OLB (6-2, 175), Rayshaud, Rowzee, Sr., DL (6-2, 210); Fischer Hall, Sr., LB (5-8, 195); Kaeden Everhart, Jr., DB (5-9, 155); Gage White, Jr., WR (5-8, 150); Noah Klum, Jr., OL (6-1, 215).
Other Key Returnees: Drew Bryant, Sr., WR (6-2, 165); Julian Prevette, Jr., DL (6-0, 200); Jackson Miller, Jr., OL (6-1, 230).
Key Newcomers: Tyler Johnson, So., QB (5-8, 165); Julius Stevenson, Jr., DB (5-11, 170); Brooks Culp, So., OL (6-1, 270).
Outlook: South Iredell has struggled recently going 14-25 in the four years combined. With a first-year head coach and a younger team with only eight starters back, the Vikings will feature senior linebackers Caleb Donaldson and Fischer Hall. They will join classmate Rayshaud Rowzee to give South Iredell a solid front seven. The Vikings’ offense will feature receivers like junior Gage White (33 catches last year) and senior Drew Bryant playing bigger roles.
Interesting Note: First-year head coach Lee Linville is a former North Iredell coach, where he went 15-20 in his tenure.
STATESVILLE
Head Coach: Rydell Cowan (2nd year).
2022 Record: 7-4 (6-1 in the Western Foothills Athletic Conference).
Conference: Western Foothills Athletic Conference/3A.
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 27
Key Returning Starters: Jeremiah Heaggans, Sr., OL/DT (6-2, 310); Mekiauyn Davis, Sr., DB/WR (5-10, 155); Raeshawn Brown, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 270); Davin Clark, Sr., DB/WR (5-10, 160); Raymon Gray, Sr., LB/RB (5-11, 190); Jayden Rucker, Jr., OL/DL (6-5, 240); Keandre Williams, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 260).
Other Key Returnees: Noah Owens, Jr., DB/WR (6-5, 190); Jehahj Sherrill, Jr., WR/DB (6-0, 150); Tyreek Carter, So., RB/LB (5-10, 190).
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: Statesville has been a consistent winner, averaging nine victories over the past five seasons. With 12 starters back, the Greyhounds have the experience to contend in the Western Foothills’ 3A conference again. Statesville will rely on its offensive and defensive lines, which both feature seniors Raeshawn Brown, Jeremiah Heaggans, Keandre Williams and junior Jayden Rucker. The Greyhounds’ defense will feature junior linebacker Raymon Gray and senior defensive back Mekiauyn Davis to make plays.
Interesting Note: Statesville junior wide receiver/defensive back Noah Owens is one of the school’s most versatile athletes as a key player on the Greyhounds’ varsity baseball, basketball and football teams.
WEST IREDELL
Head Coach: Matt Wilson (2nd year).
2022 Record: 2-8 (1-6 in the Western Foothills Athletic Conference.
Conference: Western Foothills Athletic Conference/3A.
Returning Starters: 14 (7 offense; 7 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 26
Key Returning Starters: C.J. Ferguson, Sr., RB/MLB (6-2, 210); Jaylon Whitaker, Sr., C/DT (6-0, 215); Eli Josey, Sr., RB/LB (5-10, 185); Tristan Hopkins, Sr., RB/LB (5-11, 190); Jermaine Cornelius, Jr., WR/DB (5-9, 150); Cade Gaither, Sr., QB (5-10, 170); Antonio Steele, Jr., OL/DL (6-0, 260); Cooper Bowman, Jr., OL/DL (6-4, 310).
Other Key Returnees: Alijah Williams, Jr., QB/ATH/LB (6-1, 185); Reese Miller, Jr., OL/DL (5-11, 215); Braydon Sorel, Jr., OL/DL (5-11, 220); Dorian Howard, Sr., SB/DE (5-11, 210); Rashard White, Sr., DT (6-1, 205); Simon Jeffreys, Sr., WR/DB (5-8, 175); Garrison Head, Sr., TE/LB (5-10, 170).
Key Newcomers: Ex-Avier Peet, So., SS (6-1, 195); Braylen Daniels, So., OL/DL (6-4 280); Zavion Chipley, So., RB/DB (5-9, 160); Gabe Harshman, So, WR/DB (6-3, 175); Thian Stevenson, So., RB/DE (5-11, 225).
Outlook: The Warriors have struggled in the last three seasons, going 4-21 in that span. But with 14 starters back and a full off-season program under coach Wilson, there are reasons to believe West Iredell can be improved. The offense will feature seniors like quarterback Cade Gaither, running backs Eli Josey and C.J. Ferguson to be playmakers with Cooper Bowman, Antonio Steele and Jaylon Whitaker paving the way up front. Meanwhile, the West Iredell defense is also senior laden with Ferguson, Josey and Tristan Hopkins giving them an experienced linebacking corps, while Whitaker leads the defensive line.
Interesting Note: West Iredell’s last winning season came into 2010, when the Warriors went 7-5.
▪ NOTE: Langtree Charter will have a junior varsity team this season with coach Kevin Olsen, brother of former Carolina Panthers tight end, Greg Olsen leading the team. The Lions’ hope to have a varsity team as soon as possible, according to Langtree Charter athletic director Brian Johnson.
Conference predictions
Catawba Shores’ 1A/2A Conference
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
Hickory Ridge; 2. Mooresville; 3. Lake Norman; 4. Cox Mill; 5. A.L. Brown; 6. South Iredell; 7. West Cabarrus.
Western Foothills Athletic Conference 3A
East Lincoln; 2. Hickory: 3. Statesville; 4. North Lincoln; 5. West Iredell; 6. St. Stephens; 7. North Iredell; 8. Fred T. Foard.
Preseason all-county team
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Carter Elkin, Mooresville, 5-10, 165, Sr., QB
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Caleb Edstrom, Mooresville, 5-11, 205, Sr.
Offense
QB: Carter Elkin, Mooresville, 5-10, 165, Sr.
RB: C.J. Ferguson, West Iredell, 6-2, 210, Sr.
RB: Mozes Morris, Lake Norman, 5-11, 185, So.
WR: Randy Fulmore, Mooresville, 5-8, 160, Sr.
WR: Gage White, South Iredell, 5-8, 150, Jr.
OL: Ethan Calloway, Lake Norman, 6-7, 300, Sr.
OL: Cole Jensen, Pine Lake Prep, 6-1, 220, Sr.
OL: Jake Lynch, Lake Norman, 6-3, 285, Sr.
OL: Holden McGee, North Iredell, 6-2, 265, Sr.
OL: Keandre (K.J.) Williams, 6-2, 260, Sr.
ATH: A.J. Baker, Mooresville, 5-8, 175, Sr.
Defense
DL: Xzavier Booker, Mooresville, 6-3, 305, Sr.
DL: Ryan Connotillo, Pine Lake Prep, 6-2, 215, Jr.
DL: Jeremiah Heaggans, Statesville, 6-2, 310, Sr.
DL: Jack Smith, Pine Lake Prep, 6-3, 265, Jr.
LB: Caleb Donaldson, South Iredell, 6-2, 175, Sr.
LB: Caleb Edstrom, Mooresville, 5-11, 205, Sr.
LB: Jamari Farmer, Mooresville, 5-11, 185, Jr.
LB: Pete Geraffo, Lake Norman, 6-0, 200, Sr.
DB: A.J. Graham, Mooresville, 6-1, 175, Jr.
DB: Josiah Hunter, Mooresville, 5-10, 165, Sr.
DB: Kavin White, Lake Norman, 6-0, 190, Sr.
DB: Jay Wilson, Mooresville, 5-9, 160, Sr.
ATH: Ian Smith, North Iredell, 6-2, 190, Sr.
Specialist
K/P: Jacob Monsour, Mooresville, 5-8, 150, Sr
