Yahoo Sports High School Football Gameday: Your guide to Friday’s games
Here is a preview of this weekend’s high school football games involving Mecklenburg County teams, plus some of the other top games in the area. Won-loss records listed are from last season.
Live scores
Thursday
Independence 24, Myers Park 21: Independence ran out to a 24-0 halftime lead and then had to hold on. The Patriots won on an interception in the final seconds.
Weddington 13, Providence Day 7: Weddington leaned on its run game and a stellar defensive performance to beat Sweet 16 No. 1 Providence Day at Bank of America Stadium.
The teams met twice before, with Weddington winning 28-7 in 2021 and the Chargers rolling 52-32 in 2022.
Friday
MECKLENBURG SCHOOLS
Hough (11-2) vs. Northwestern (11-2), in Charlotte Kickoff Night at Memorial Stadium, 5:15 p.m. — These two Carolinas powers open the doubleheader with a game matching Hough’s strong defense against Northwestern’s air-raid attack. Trojan QB Finley Polk, a Gardner-Webb commit, threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 38 touchdowns last year. Hough DE Cameron Cyr had 15 tackles for loss and five sacks in 2023 and will lead the pressure on Polk.
Ardrey Kell (7-4) vs. Providence (5-6), in Charlotte Kickoff Night at Memorial Stadium, 8 p.m. — The nightcap of this doubleheader features neighborhood rivals. Ardrey Kell, which beat the Panthers 10-7 last season, has a huge and talented offensive line protecting QB Gavin Adams. Providence features standout QB Jackson Debe, who threw for 2,170 yards and 26 touchdowns last season as a sophomore.
Berry Academy (2-8) at East Mecklenburg (2-7), 7 p.m. — New head coach Darius Robinson leads a Berry team with 11 returning starters, including seven on defense. That defense will be tested by East Mecklenburg’s ground game, led by James Bailey III. The Eagles’ defense also should be solid, so scoring might be at a premium.
Cannon School (5-6) at Christ the King (5-6), 7 p.m. — Cannon School’s new QB, Michael Trojan, looked effective with 189 passing yards in last week’s opening 28-21 loss to Columbia’s Cardinal Newman. The host Crusaders are led by senior QB Patrick Walsh, who passed for 771 yards despite missing five games due to injury in 2023.
Carolina Bearcats (0-0) at Hickory Grove Christian (9-3), 7 p.m. — The Bearcats return to the field after not having a team in 2023 due to a lack of players. WR’s Jaylen Mack and Zion Gomes will test a Hickory Grove defense that picked off five passes last week in a 35-0 blanking of the South Wake Lions. Sophomore Kevin Powell had two of those picks.
Chambers (8-4) at Clover (9-3), 7:30 p.m. — This is a first-time meeting of two strong teams. Chambers, with hopes of dethroning Hough in the Queen City 3A-4A, has a strong offense that features N.C. State commit Aarion Concepcion. He had 51 receptions a year ago. Clover returns 14 starters from a team that won the S.C. Region 3 5A title. Among those returnees is all-state RB Landon Stone (2,400 yards, 24 touchdowns).
Charlotte Christian (8-4) at Cox Mill (5-6), 7 p.m. — A year ago, Cox Mill opened against Weddington and suffered a lopsided loss. Now the Chargers open with a team that could be among the area’s best. Charlotte Christian QB Owen Farrell passed for 1,962 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, and the Knights have added RB Jamal Rule, who rushed for 2,712 yards and 36 touchdowns at Salisbury. They will test a Cox Mill defense that returns most of its linebackers and secondary.
Charlotte Latin (2-8) at Mitchell County (9-3), 7:30 p.m. — Are the Hawks as strong as they looked a week ago, in a 52-20 rout of Ravenscroft? Sophomore QB Troy Logan completed 19-of-24 passes for 270 yards in that game, and Carson Clutter rushed for 120 yards and three touchdowns. The host Mountaineers averaged 330 rushing yards a game last year but lost their top two running backs. Mitchell County beat the Hawks 16-7 last year in the mountains.
Community School of Davidson (11-2) at West Iredell (6-5), 7:30 p.m. — The Spartans travel north, hoping to launch another big season. Their high-scoring offense is led by Brandon Albert, who rushed for 1,195 yards and had 1,012 receiving yards last season. West Iredell is coming off its first winning season in 13 years, and there’s plenty of returning talent, led by QB Alijah Williams and RB Thian Stevenson.
Fort Mill (2-9) at Ballantyne Ridge (0-0), 7 p.m. — Fort Mill’s last winning season was in 2014, and the Yellow Jackets’ hopes this year are built around a solid offensive line (led by OT Grayson Sykes) protecting QB Quinn Kelly, who threw for 1,000-plus yards last year. For Ballantyne Ridge, this is the beginning. It’s the new school’s first varsity football game, and the roster is loaded with freshmen and sophomores.
Garinger (0-10) at Hopewell (3-7), 7 p.m. — Now it’s former Independence/Tennessee standout DeAngelo Lloyd’s turn to get Garinger’s program off the ground. The Wildcats should have a solid defense, but the offense needs to make progress. Hopewell features one of the area’s best offensive lines, led by Jackson Kerley and Jonathan Taylor.
Harding (1-9) at Corvian Community (6-6), 7 p.m. — It’s Year 2 of coach J.T. Stone’s building project at Harding, and the Rams are very young this season. Sophomore QB Jonquarius Moody leads the offense. Corvian, in its third season, hopes to build on a 2023 campaign that included a 1A playoff victory. QB Andre Jackson is a true standout, accounting for 2,000-plus yards total offense and four interceptions and five forced fumbles on defense last fall.
High Point Christian (8-3, 3-2 NCISAA Big 6) at SouthLake Christian (0-9, 0-5), 7 p.m. — High Point Christian had a strong team, to start with. But now the Cougars, who trounced Wake Christian 52-13 last week, have added transfer RB Jaylen Moore. He rushed for 1,824 yards in two seasons at Reagan, transferred to East Forsyth in the offseason, and now has moved to High Point Christian. SouthLake Christian last week snapped a 21-game losing streak, pummeling GRACE Christian 54-13. Jakai Vinson returned a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns, along with a touchdown pass reception.
Lake Norman (9-2) at North Mecklenburg (5-6), 7 p.m. — L.ake Norman has been a juggernaut in recent seasons and should be strong again, with RB Mozes Morris (1,151 total yards in 2023). Defense looks like the strong suit for North Mecklenburg this season, with 300-pound Tennessee commit Charles House anchoring the line and three solid linebackers behind him.
Olympic (3-7) at West Mecklenburg (4-6), 7 p.m. — It’s the second annual Air Traffic Classic (if you don’t understand, just spend a little time either of these airport-area schools). It also could be called the Experienced Team Classic, as Olympic has 17 returning starters and West Mecklenburg 19. QB Chance Cato (2,207 passing yards in 2023) leads the Olympic attack. West Meck has a solid defense, featuring DB Mark Foster.
Palisades (3-7) at West Charlotte (9-4), 7 p.m. — The visiting Pumas should be solid defensively, featuring LB Kendric Davis (an East Carolina commit who had 146 tackles last year) and several transfers. West Charlotte, with 14 returning starters, is a 3A state title contender. The Lions have one of the state’s best receivers and kick returners in K.D. Cotton.
Porter Ridge (9-3) at Rocky River (3-7), 7 p.m. — Few teams have been decimated more by graduation and transfer than Porter Ridge, which has been a consistent winner in recent years. The Pirates have only four returning starters but have several promising young players. Rocky River plays for the first time under new head coach Kenneth McClamrock, former head coach at Central Cabarrus and East Rowan. QB Ramir Watson, coming off a promising freshman season, leads the offense.
Rolesville (12-2) at Butler (12-2), 7 p.m. — The visiting Rams lost to Weddington in the 4A championship last season and are among the East favorites to reach the finals again. Senior QB Braden Atkinson, a Mercer commit, threw for 3,701 yards, 46 touchdowns and just four interceptions last season. The Rams are loaded again this year.
And this is Glenwood Ferebee’s debut as Butler head coach. The Bulldogs, who lost 21-19 to Rolesville in the opener last year, have a standout QB of their own in senior Zach Lawrence, a UMass commit who threw for 2,507 yards in 2023. It isn’t beyond the realm of imagination that these teams could have a rematch in the state finals.
South Mecklenburg (3-7) at Charlotte Catholic (9-4), 7 p.m. — These teams are neighborhood rivals, but the rivalry has been lopsided in recent years. Charlotte Catholic has won 17 of the last 18 meetings (the Sabres won in 2008), and the games haven’t been close in recent years. This time, South Mecklenburg has an experienced offensive line and a strong RB in Cash Hunter. The host Cougars, under new head coach Keith Emery, are returning to their run-first philosophy and feature RB’s Jake Andersen and Hugh O’Brien.
Swain County (11-2) at Charlotte Country Day (4-7), 7 p.m. — The Maroon Devils pummeled Charlotte Country Day 34-0 last year in Bryson City and will make the 200-mile trip to south Charlotte for a rematch. Swain County is rebuilding its offense, while the Buccaneers have experience in QB Khalel Wright, who rushed for 84 yards and passed for 78 in the team’s season-opening victory last week over Savannah Country Day.
West Columbus (12-2) at Lake Norman Charter (6-3), 7 p.m. — The bad news for Lake Norman Charter: West Columbus was 12-2 a year ago and reached the 1A state semifinals. The good news: RB Jahan Lesane-Powell (544 rushing yards) is among few experienced returnees. Lake Norman Charter QB David Wignot can run or throw effectively, and the Knights have an experienced defensive secondary.
Winston-Salem Prep (1-9) at Bonnie Cone Leadership (0-0), 7 p.m. — Welcome to varsity football, Eagles. Bonnie Cone Leadership, a Huntersville charter school, plays its first game as an independent. The visitors are a member of the Catawba Shores 1A-2A Conference.
TOP AREA GAMES
A.L. Brown (5-6) at West Rowan (5-6), 7:30 p.m. — Brown has won six straight meetings with the Falcons. The Wonders are led by QB C.J. Gray, who passed for 1,751 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. West Rowan has an experienced team and is expected to battle Jay M. Robinson and Northwest Cabarrus for the South Piedmont 3A title.
Jay M. Robinson (12-1) at Hickory Ridge (3-8), 7 p.m. — What a contrast these teams present? The visiting Bulldogs have 16 players back from a team that didn’t lose until deep in the 3A playoffs a year ago. WR Brian Rowe, a South Carolina commit, had 1,063 receiving yards in 2023. Hickory Ridge, meanwhile, has only five returning starters and is in rebuild mode.
Spartanburg (6-6) at South Pointe (8-4), 7:30 p.m. — The visiting Vikings were hurt by turnovers (including 14 interceptions) last season but have an experienced team returning in 2024. South Pointe features QB J’Zavien Currence, who has 40 Division I college offers. Currence also is a standout on defense, with 67 tackles and five interceptions last season.
York (8-4) at Indian Land (6-5), 7:30 p.m. — York was 8-4 last year but has a lot of new faces in the starting lineup. The Cougars have two standout receivers in Jay McCoy and Akelay Mason. Indian Land moves up to the 5A ranks this year, with an experienced offensive line but new faces in many of the skill positions.
Saturday
Mallard Creek (7-5) vs. Prince Avenue Christian (14-1), in Turf Kings Invitational at Westside High in Anderson, S.C., 4:30 p.m — In the opener of a doubleheader in Anderson, Mallard Creek faces the two-time defending Georgia Division 1 state champions. In factor, the Wolverines have won three of the last four D1 titles. They will not have Georgia’s all-time leading passer, Aaron Philo, who has graduated after breaking Trevor Lawrence’s career yardage record. But the Wolverines have their two top receivers back from last year, in sophomore Hudson Hill (84 catches, 1,230 yards) and junior C.J. Dockery (55 catches, 915 yards). Prince Avenue Christian typically reloads each season.
Mallard Creek counters with a potentially explosive offense, keyed by QB Evan Rambert. The Mavericks have speedy running backs and receivers, along with seven returning starters on defense. The 7 p.m. nightcap of this doubleheader pits Georgia’s Creekside (10-3) against Westside (14-1), the defending S.C. 4A state champion.
The picks
(Note: This year, former Butler High and state champion Brian Hales will be joining The Observer’s weekly pick-em crew)
This weekend’s schedule
(all kickoffs at 7 p.m., unless noted otherwise)
(won-loss records are from 2023)
THURSDAY
Keep Pounding Classic
(at Bank of America Stadium)
Independence (11-4) vs. Myers Park (7-4), 4
Providence Day (12-1) vs. Weddington (14-2), 8
FRIDAY
Charlotte Kickoff Night
(at Memorial Stadium)
Hough (11-2) vs. Northwestern (11-2), 5:15
Ardrey Kell (7-4) vs. Providence (5-6), 8
Big 6 (NCISAA)
High Point Christian (8-3, 3-2) at SouthLake Christian (0-9, 0-5)
Mecklenburg nonconference
Berry Academy (2-7) at East Mecklenburg (2-8)
Cannon School (5-6) at Christ the King (5-6)
Carolina Bearcats (0-0) at Hickory Grove Christian (9-3)
Chambers (8-4) at Clover (9-3), 7:30
Charlotte Christian (8-4) at Cox Mill (5-6)
Charlotte Latin (2-8) at Mitchell County (9-3), 7:30
Community School of Davidson (11-2) at West Iredell (6-5)
Fort Mill (2-9) at Ballantyne Ridge (0-0)
Garinger (0-10) at Hopewell (3-7)
Harding (1-9) at Corvian Community (6-6)
Lake Norman (9-2) at North Mecklenburg (5-6)
Olympic (3-7) at West Mecklenburg (4-6)
Palisades (3-7) at West Charlotte (9-4)
Porter Ridge (9-3) at Rocky River (3-7)
Rolesville (12-2) at Butler (12-2)
South Mecklenburg (3-7) at Charlotte Catholic (9-4)
Swain County (11-2) at Charlotte Country Day (4-7)
West Columbus (12-2) at Lake Norman Charter (6-3)
Winston-Salem Prep (1-9) at Bonnie Cone Leadership (0-0)
Area nonconference
A.L. Brown (5-6) at West Rowan (5-6), 7:30
Ashbrook (4-7) at Forest Hills (12-2)
Avery County (4-7) at Cherryville (2-9), 7:30
Cabarrus Stallions (5-6) at Mountain Island Charter (8-4), 7:30
Concord (5-5) at Piedmont (1-9)
Davie County (7-4) at Mooresville (11-1)
East Gaston (8-3) at North Gaston (5-6), 7:30
East Rutherford (5-6) at Bessemer City (6-6), 7:30
Forestview (2-8) at Burns (8-4), 7:30
Highland Tech (0-10) at Palmetto Christian, SC ( (SC), 7:30
Hunter Huss (4-7) at Draughn (8-3), 7:30
Jay M. Robinson (12-1) at Hickory Ridge (3-8)
Lincolnton (6-6) at South Point (6-5), 7:30
Marvin Ridge (6-5) at Reagan (4-7)
Monroe (11-2) at Central Davidson (6-6)
Mount Pleasant (5-6) at Jesse Carson (4-6)
North Iredell (3-7) at South Iredell (2-8)
Northwest Cabarrus (10-2) at West Cabarrus (1-9)
Parkwood (2-9) at Cuthbertson (6-5)
South Rowan (3-7) at Union Academy (2-9)
Statesville (8-4) at Alexander Central (5-6), 7:30
Stuart Cramer (0-10) at East Lincoln (8-4), 7:30
Sun Valley (8-4) at Central Cabarrus (3-7)
Trinity Christian (9-2) at Metrolina Christian (5-6)
West Lincoln (9-3) at North Lincoln (8-4), 7:30
S.C. nonconference
Chambers (8-4) at Clover (9-3), 7:30
Chapin (6-5) at Catawba Ridge (1-9), 7:30
Fort Mill (2-9) at Ballantyne Ridge (0-0)
Great Falls (2-8) at North Central (4-7), 7:30
Lancaster (3-10) at Chester (10-3), 7:30
Lewisville (10-2) at Central Pageland (3-8), 7:30
Nation Ford (5-6) at Blythewood (4-7), 7:30
Northwestern (11-2) vs. Hough (11-2), at Memorial Stadium, 5:15
Rock Hill (6-5) at River Bluff (5-6)
S.C. Spartans (0-6) at Buford (1-9), 7:30
Spartanburg (6-6) at South Pointe (8-4), 7:30
York (8-4) at Indian Land (6-5), 7:30
SATURDAY
Turf Kings Invitational
(at Anderson, SC, Westside High)
Mallard Creek (7-5) vs. Prince Avenue Christian, GA (14-1), 4:30
Creekside, GA (10-3) vs. Westside, SC (14-1), 7
Open date – Covenant Day, Pine Lake Prep
