High school football preview: Breaking down Gaston County teams
Today, The Observer continues 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 Gaston County schools.
Team previews
ASHBROOK
Head Coach: Darius James (4th year).
2022 Record: 4-7 (3-4 Big South 3A Conference).
Conference: Big South 3A Conference
Returning Starters: 8
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Jamir Fox, Sr., RB (5-10, 185); Trent Mitchell, Sr., LT (6-6, 290); Preston Torrence, Sr., WR (5-10, 175); Tresean Holland, Sr., DB (5-9, 175); Camron Mayfield, Jr., DB/QB (6-0, 190); Jeremiah Pagan, Jr., DL (6-2, 282).
Other Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: Latresky Pressley, Sr., LB (6-1, 195); Caleb Gordon, So., LB/TE (5-11, 190); J.J. Gordon, Jr., DB/WR (5-9, 175).
Outlook: The program has struggled recently, going 17-35 in the past five years. The last winning season was a decade ago. How to end that? The Ashbrook offense will look to the running game, led by senior running back Jamir Fox and 6-foot-6, 290-pound N.C. State commit Trent Mitchell. Senior receiver Preston Torrence also gives the team a weapon on the outside. The defense has experience on all three levels with junior Jeremiah Pagan leading the defensive line. Stuart Cramer transfer, senior Latresky Pressley, steps in at linebacker, and senior Tresean Holland and junior Camron Mayfield areback to lead the secondary.
Interesting Note: Ashbrook’s last winning season came in 2013, when it went 9-4 under former coach Greg Hill.
BESSEMER CITY
Head Coach: Shane Short (2nd year).
2022 Record: 3-8 (3-3 in the South Piedmont 1A/2A Conference).
Conference: South Piedmont 1A/2A Conference.
Returning Starters: 5
Returning Lettermen: 12
Key Returning Starters: Mason Chastain, Sr., LB (5-10, 185); Jaquan Thomas, Sr., DE (5-11, 195); Jashawn Thomas, Sr., OG/DL (5-11, 220).
Other Key Returnees: Kameron Rice, Jr., QB (6-1, 185); Achilles Littlejohn, So., DB (6-0, 165); Isaiah Lipford, Jr., LB (5-10, 175)
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: The Yellow Jackets have struggled of late, going 6-23 in the past three years. With five starters back, Bessemer City will need its defense to be strong. That defense is led by an experienced front seven, including senior linebacker Mason Chastain (126 tackles), junior linebacker Isaiah Lipford and senior defensive end Jaquan Thomas. The Yellow Jackets’ offense has to reload but will look to junior quarterback Kameron Rice and all-conference guard Jashawn Thomas to lead the group.
Interesting Note: Bessemer City’s last winning season came in 2019, when the Yellow Jackets went 7-5 overall.
CHERRYVILLE
Head Coach: Timothy Pruitt (8th year).
2022 Record: 3-9 (1-5 in the South Piedmont 1A/2A Conference).
Conference: South Piedmont 1A/2A Conference.
Returning Starters: 7 (4 offense; 3 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 16
Key Returning Starters: Caleb Hovis, Sr., Center/DT (6-3, 285); Josh Ward, Sr., QB/FS (6-0, 165); Shamyr Moss, Sr., FB (5-10, 230); Hunter Jackson, Sr., DE/TE (6-4, 220); Justin Houser, Sr., DT/P (5-11, 230); Jordan Lowrance, Jr., OT/DE (6-3, 210); Amir Starr, Jr., OG/LB (5-11, 220).
Other Key Returnees: Noah Hollingsworth, Sr., LB (5-10, 195); Liam McIntyre, Jr., LB (5-10, 210); Rayshawn Sewell, Jr., Slot/CB (5-10, 160); David Howell, Jr., SE/CB (6-0, 150).
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: The Ironmen have struggled with only one winning season in the past decade (2018). This year, Cherryville returns seven starters from a team that went 3-9 last year. The Ironmen will look to seniors like quarterback Josh Ward and fullback Shamyr Moss to team with a strong offensive line. That line includs senior Caleb Hovis and juniors Jordan Lowrance and Amir Starr. The Cherryville defense will lean on an experience defensive line, including seniors Justin Houser and Hunter Jackson, Hovis and Lawrence.
Interesting Note: Leeroy Montgomery begins his 45th year as Cherryville’s team manager and ballboy according to coach Timothy Pruitt.
EAST GASTON
Head Coach: James (J.T.) Postell (4th year).
2022 Record: 6-5 (4-2 in the South Piedmont 1A/2A Conference).
Conference: South Piedmont 1A/2A Conference.
Returning Starters: 16
Returning Lettermen: 24
Key Returning Starters: Trenton Sherrill, Sr., QB (6-4, 185); Chase Johnson, Sr., RB/LB (5-11, 180); Johnny Brown, Sr. OL (6-5, 330); Garrett McAulay, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 260); Payton Parker, Sr., TE/DL (6-1, 220); Omarion Pryor, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 170); Tripp Abernathy, Sr., K/P (5-11, 140); Shelden Clark, Sr., LB (5-9, 155); Donovan Reid, Jr., TE/DL (6-3, 240); Kirin Moebes, Jr., LB (6-2, 210); Kamari Ponder, Jr., WR/DB (5-8, 155); C.J. Helms, Jr., WR/DB (5-8, 170); Isaac Brown, Jr., RB/LB (6-1, 190); Antonio Ford, Jr., TE/DL (5-11, 240); Jayce Rowe, Jr., WR/DB (5-8, 150); John Michael Gren, Sr., WR (5-11, 180); Nic McClellan, So., OL/DL (6-2, 265).
Other Key Returnees: Damazia Murphy, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 170); Ethan Hilderbran, Sr., RB/LB (5-9, 175); Aidan Harrelson, Sr., LB (5-11, 180); Charles Watson, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 200); Destry Ballard, Jr., RB/LB (5-9, 170).
Key Newcomers: Houston Summey, Jr., LB (6-0, 180); Nate Woodie, Jr., WR (6-0, 160); Gabe Klouse, Jr., OL/DL (6-1, 220); Elijah Garvin, Jr., RB/DB (5-11, 170); Kevin Escorcia, So., OL/DL (6-0, 200); Blake Burgess, So., OL/DL (6-3, 270).
Outlook: East Gaston is trending in the right direction with 14 wins in the past two seasons, playing in a league with some of the state’s best teams, including Burns and Shelby. Sixteen starters return this season. The East Gaston offense will be run-heavy with senior quarterback Trenton Sherrill (1,204 yards passing, six touchdowns), senior running back Chase Johnson (571 yards rushing) operating behind a big offensive line featuring 6-foot-5, 330-pound Johnny Brown and 6-foot-1, 260-pound Garrett McAulay. The Warriors’ defense has playmakers on all three levels, including senior defensive end Payton Parker (54 tackles, 12 sacks), senior linebacker Shelden Clark (48 tackles) and junior Kirin Moebes (54 tackles) along with junior defensive back Jayce Rowe (49 tackles, six interceptions) leading the secondary.
Interesting Note: After going 1-21 in the 2018 and 2019 seasons combined, East Gaston is 16-15 overall in the past three seasons under coach James Postell.
FORESTVIEW
Head Coach: Chris Medlin (17th year).
2022 Record: 4-7 (3-4 in the Big South 3A Conference).
Conference: Big South 3A Conference.
Returning Starters: 14 (7 offense; 7 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 28
Key Returning Starters: Jaxson Hill, Sr., QB (6-4, 170); Cass Phillips, Jr., OL/DL (6-4, 285); Christian Holland, Jr., RB (5-8, 175); Tylique Alexander, Jr., ATH/KR (5-7, 150); Noah Comer, Sr., LB (6-2, 210); Tripp Dow, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 210); Nicolas Aguilar, Sr., WR (5-11, 165); David Howard, Sr., Slot/DB (5-9, 135); Tyreese Thames, Sr., OL/DL/LB (6-0, 210); Drizton Dunlap, Sr., LB (5-10, 210); De’Shawn Bey, Jr., DB (5-11, 150); Paul Love, Jr., DB (5-10, 170).
Other Key Returnees: Griffin Sutherland, Jr., OL/DL (6-4, 260); Tanner Zill, Sr., WR (5-11, 160); Josh Howard, Sr., DB (5-10, 155); Troy Hansel, Sr., OLB (5-10, 185).
Key Newcomers: J’kwon Wilson, So., OLB (6-1, 205); Elijah Wilson, Jr., OLB (5-11, 185); Tristan Holt, So., RB/Slot (5-7, 145).
Outlook: The Jaguars are 21-22 in the past four years. However, with 14 starters back, including seven on each side of the ball, Forestview has the experience to move up the Big South conference ladder. The Jaguars’ offense will lean on senior quarterback Jaxson Hill (1,200 yards passing), junior running back Christian Holland (900 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns) and receivers in junior Tylique Alexander and senior Nicolas Aguilar. The Forestview defense is also experienced seniors including linebackers Noah Comer (65 tackles) and Drizton Dunlap, defensive lineman Tripp Dow and junior defensive back Paul Love, leading the group.
Interesting Note: Forestview head coach Chris Medlin is two wins shy of 100th career win with the Jaguars. Medlin is 98-92 in his 17 years at the school.
HIGHLAND TECH
Head Coach: Jimmy White (1st year).
2022 Record: 0-11 (0-6 in the South Piedmont 1A/2A Conference).
Conference: South Piedmont 1A/2A Conference.
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: Micah Hinton, Sr., RB/S (5-11, 170); Eli Whitted, Sr., WR/CB (6-1, 172); Alvord Apay-Kese, Sr., WR/CB; Jonah Jefferies, Jr., FB/LB (5-11, 185); Cooper McCraw, Jr., OT/NT (6-5, 275); Carmelo Adams, Jr., RB/CB/LB (5-11, 182); Ryan Kepler, Sr., QB (6-0, 200).
Other Key Returnees: Gordon Dubisky, Sr., Center/DT (6-0, 200); Carson London, Jr., DE/TE (6-5, 215); Hunter Bryan, Sr., OG/DT (6-0, 240).
Key Newcomers: Michael Smith, Jr., OT/DE (6-0, 233); Jalen Bernard, Fr., WR/CB (5-10, 155); Irvin Thompson, Fr., WR/CB (6-2, 165); John Proulx, Fr., TE/DE (5-11, 170).
Outlook: The Rams have lost 24 straight games dating back to a March 19, 2020, win at Bessemer City (27-8). But new coach Jimmy White returns senior quarterback Ryan Kepler, senior running back Micah Hinton and junior fullback Jonah Jefferies. Up front, 6-foot-5, 275-junior Cooper McCraw returns to lead the offensive line. The Highland Tech defensive strength is in the secondary where seniors Alvord Apay-Kese, Hinton, Eli Whitted and junior Carmelo Adams, give the Rams an experienced group.
Interesting Note: Highland Tech’s last winning season came in 2007, when they went 6-4.
HUNTER HUSS
Head Coach: Randy Thompson (4th year).
2022 Record: 3-7 (2-5 in the Big South 3A Conference).
Conference: Big South 3A Conference.
Returning Starters: 10 (5 offense; 5 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 15
Key Returning Starters: Darius Headley, Sr., RB/LB (5-11, 213); Gene Neely, Jr., ATH (5-11, 170); Javorion Brown, Jr., QB (6-0, 170); Damontia Duff, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, 165); Cam Elliott, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 250); Zamarius Gladden, So., ATH/WR/DB (5-10, 165); Jesus Marin, Sr., K/P (5-10, 180).
Other Key Returnees: Moises Pena, Jr., RB/LB (5-9, 180); Talik Chambers, Jr., WR/DB (5-9, 160); Anthony Tate, So., ATH (5-9, 160).
Key Newcomers: Tylik Griggs, Fr., ATH (6-0, 160); JoJo Berry, So., OL/DL (6-1, 205); Kristian Johnson, WR (5-8, 170).
Outlook: Hunter Huss has struggled lately going 5-20 in the past three seasons. This year, the Huskies return 10 starters. The Hunter Huss offense will rely on its run game with junior quarterback Javorion Brown (706 yards rushing, eight touchdowns), junior Gene Neely (419 yards rushing) and senior Darius Headley all returning. On defense, sophomore ZaMarius Gladden (94 tackles) and Neely (107 tackles) lead a strong secondary.
Interesting Note: The Huskies’ last winning season came in 2019 when they went 9-3. Hunter Huss averaged 10 wins per season from 2016-19.
MOUNTAIN ISLAND CHARTER
Head Coach: Robert Washington (9th year).
2022 Record: 6-6 (2-4 in the Catawba Shores 1A/2A Conference).
Conference: Catawba Shores 1A/2A Conference.
Returning Starters: 17
Returning Lettermen: 30
Key Returning Starters: Reggie Daniel, Jr., ATH/DB/KR/PR/WR (6-3, 180); Khiyale Washington, Sr., LB (5-11, 200); Thomas Loving, Sr., ATH/DB (5-11, 185); Cameron Outing, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 270); JaMarcus Boyd, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 250); Reese Johnson, Sr., ATH/DB (6-2, 180); Tanner Baxter, Sr., K/P (5-9, 165); Justice Washington, Jr., WR/Slot (5-7, 140); Josh Moses, Jr., DB (5-8, 150); Aidan Bornhauser, So., OL/DL (5-11, 210).
Other Key Returnees: Caleb Murry, Jr., TE/DE (6-5, 200); Jason Forsythe, Jr., RB (5-7, 175); Nathan Liles, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 275).
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: Mountain Island Charter should be much improved with 17 starters back from a team that went 6-6 overall last season. This year, the Raptors will be led by their defense with senior linebacker Khiyale Washington (135 tackles, 10 sacks) and defensive backs Reggie Daniel (52 tackles, four interceptions, two pick sixes), Josh Moses (51 tackles, two interceptions), Reese Johnson and Thomas Loving all returning. Senior, Cameron Outing should also be a force on the defensive line. The Raptors’ offense will depend on a two-way standout in Daniel (920 all-purpose yards, 470 yards receiving, five touchdowns) and junior Justice Washington.
Interesting Note: Mountain Island Charter senior punter Tanner Baxter averaged 42.4 yards per punt, ranking seventh in the state.
NORTH GASTON
Head Coach: Dan Rothwell (2nd year).
2022 Record: 0-10 (0-7 in the Big South 3A Conference).
Conference: Big South 3A Conference.
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 22
Key Returning Starters: Jurnee Lattimore, Sr., WR/DB (5-11, 160); J.T. Belton, Sr., QB (5-10, 190); Jayvain Knox, Sr., RB/LB (5-11, 195); Trevon Boone, Sr., RB/DB (5-9, 160); Ethan Christenbury, Jr., RB/DL (5-8, 175); Esau Robinson, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 190); Gage Phalin, So., OL/DL (5-10, 225); Desmond Simmons, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 210); Payton Fairbanks, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 200); Dewayne Davis, Jr., RB/LB (5-8, 195); Jacob Powell, Jr., RB/LB (5-8, 170); Nic Friday, Sr., OL/DL.
Other Key Returnees: Antonio Douglas, Jr., DB/RB (6-1, 185).
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: The Wildcats are 4-45 in the past four years with a current 12-game losing streak, including an 0-10 mark a year ago. However, with 12 starters back, there are reasons for optimism. Returnees include senior quarterback J.T. Belton, senior running backs Trevon Boone and Jayvain Knox, and senior receiver Jurnee Lattimore. Boone, Knox and Lattimore will also play key roles on the defense. East Gaston needs “to learn how to win games,” according to coach Rothwell, and if they can get a victory or two this year, especially in league play, he feels it would be a huge step for a program in need of something to build on for the future.
Interesting Note: North Gaston has two conference victories since 2015, with its last winning season coming in 2007, when the Wildcats went 12-3 overall.
SOUTH POINT
Head Coach: Adam Hodge (7th year).
2022 Record: 13-2 (6-1 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South 3A Conference.
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 15
Key Returning Starters: Patrick Blee, So., QB (6-2, 205); Chaynce Ford, Jr., LB (6-0, 215); Winter Kincaid, Sr., LB (6-2, 215); Hudson Spargo, Sr., OL (6-0, 220); Charlie Birthwistle, Sr., K (5-11, 170); Harrison McKinney, Sr., RB (5-8 170); Dawson Tobin, Sr. RB (5-7, 160); Gavin Gibson, Jr., OL (6-4, 230); Luke Weselowski, Jr., OL/DL (6-1, 210); Colby Hamilton, Sr., LB/TE (6-2, 185).
Other Key Returnees: N/A.
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: The Red Raiders return 10 starters from a 13-2 team that advanced to the 3A state semifinals last year. South Point will feature sophomore quarterback Patrick Blee (1,419 yards rushing, 19 touchdowns, 688 yards passing, 10 touchdowns) and senior running backs Harrison McKinney and Dawson Tobin. Senior Hudson Spargo and junior Gavin Gibson return to lead the offensive line. The Red Raiders’ defense should also be solid with junior linebackers Chaynce Ford (153 tackles) and Winter Kincaid (121 tackles) leading the group. Senior kicker Charlie Birtwistle, an N.C. State commit, can change be a game-changer with his leg.
Interesting Note: South Point coach Adam Hodge has been with Red Raiders for 20 years now as a player, assistant coach and head coach. South Point sophomore quarterback Patrick Blee is a Wake Forest baseball commit.
STUART CRAMER
Head Coach: Ben McMillan (11th year).
2022 Record: 4-7 (2-5 in the Big South 3A Conference).
Conference: Big South 3A Conference.
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 20
Key Returning Starters: Jacob Brindle, Sr., OL (6-3, 280); Isaiah Johnson, Sr., WR (5-9, 155); Eli Simonds, Sr., DL (5-11, 240); Landon Mosley, Sr., DL (5-11, 240); Chris Wurster, So., LB (6-2, 185); Javien Robbs, Sr., ATH/WR/FS/QB (6-3, 180).
Other Key Returnees: Omarrus Holland, Sr., LB (5-11, 185); Cameron Scott, Sr., DB (6-0, 170); Justin Wilson, Sr., DL (6-2, 220); Chris Stowe, Jr., ATH (6-2, 180).
Key Newcomers: Kaleb Mason, Sr., DB (5-10, 165); Nic Stultzman, So., ATH/DB (5-10, 160); Aydan Bradley, So., LB (6-0, 190).
Outlook: Stuart Cramer has struggled with three straight losing seasons, going 11-18 in that span. But McMillan believes his team can be improved with 12 starters back in the lineup. The Storm offense will look to versatile playmakers like senior receiver Isaiah Johnson (68 catches for 847 yards, seven touchdowns) and quarterback/receiver/athlete Javien Robbs to help move the ball. Also, 6-3, 280-pound senior Jacob Brindle will lead the offensive line. The Storm defense will bed led by two linebackers: sophomore Chris Wurster (93 tackles) and senior Omarrus Holland.
Interesting Note: Stuart Cramer coach Ben McMillan is the only coach in the school history, going 43-56 in 11 seasons.
Conference predictions
Big South 3A Conference
Crest; 2. South Point; 3. Kings Mountain; 4. Ashbrook; 5. Forestview; 6. Stuart Cramer; 7. Hunter Huss; 8. North Gaston.
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.
South Piedmont 1A/2A Conference
Burns; 2. Shelby; 3. East Gaston; 4. Bessemer City; 5. Cherryville; 6. Thomas Jefferson Academy; 7. Highland Tech.
Preseason all-county team
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Patrick Blee, South Point, 6-2, 205, So., QB.
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Khiyale Washington, Mountain Island Charter, 5-11, 200, Sr.
Offense
QB: Patrick Blee, South Point, 6-2, 205, Sr.
RB: Chaynce Ford, South Point, 6-0, 215, Jr.
RB: Christian Holland, Forestview, 5-8, 175, Jr.
WR: Isaiah Johnson, Stuart Cramer, 5-9, 155, Sr.
WR: Jurnee Lattimore, North Gaston, 5-11, 160, Sr.
WR: Preston Torrence, Ashbrook, 5-10, 175, Sr.
OL: Jacob Brindle, Stuart Cramer, 6-3, 280, Sr.
OL: Garrett McAulay, East Gaston, 6-1, 260, Sr.
OL: Cooper McCraw, Highland Tech, 6-5, 275, Jr.
OL: Trent Mitchell, Ashbrook, 6-6, 290, Sr.
OL: Hudson Spargo, South Point, 6-0, 220, Sr.
ATH: Javorion Brown, Hunter Huss, 6-0, 170, Jr.
Defense
DL: Jeremiah Pagan, Ashbrook 6-2, 282, Jr.
DL: Payton Parker, East Gaston, 6-1, 260, Sr.
DL: Jashawn Thomas, Bessemer City, 5-11, 220, Sr.
LB: Mason Chastain, Bessemer City, 5-10, 185, Sr.
LB: Winter Kincaid, South Point, 6-2, 215, Sr.
LB: Khiyale Washington, Mountain Island Charter, 5-11, 200, Sr.
LB: Chris Wurster, Stuart Cramer, 6-2, 185, So.
DB: Reggie Daniel, Mountain Island Charter, 6-3, 180, Jr.
DB: Gene Neely, Hunter Huss, 5-11, 170, Jr.
DB: Jayce Rowe, East Gaston, 5-8, 150, Jr.
DB: Eli Whitted, Highland Tech, 6-1, 172, Sr.
Specialists
K: Charlie Birtwistle, South Point, 5-11, 170, Sr.
P: Tanner Baxter, Mountain Island Charter, 5-9, 165, Sr.
RET SPEC: Tylique Alexander, Hunter Huss, 5-7, 150, Jr.
