Yahoo Sports High school football preview 2024: Breaking down teams in Iredell County
The Observer is kicking off comprehensive high school football previews for all of the N.C. counties it covers — Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln and Union — along with teams from York and Lancaster counties in upstate South Carolina.
The previews will include breakdowns for all teams, conference predictions and a preseason all-county team.
Here is a look at Iredell County schools:
Team previews
LAKE NORMAN
Head Coach: Jonathan Oliphant (7th year)
2023 Record: 9-2
Conference: Greater Metro 4A
Returning Starters: 11
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Chase Davis, Sr., OL (5-11, 275); Mozes Morris, Jr., RB (5-10, 190); Haines Robitzer, Jr., QB (6-1, 180); Kyle Mosley, Sr., WR (6-3, 175); Jacob Domengeuax, Sr., DL (5-11, 265); Jacob Dorfman, Sr., LB (5-10, 180); Will Minter, Sr., LB (5-11, 195); Teagun Schenck, Sr., DL (6-4, 200); Joey Blumberg, Sr., CB (5-9, 160); Jeremy Mitchell, So., CB (5-8, 155); Memphys Barb, So. LB (6-0, 195).
Key Newcomers: David Di Leo, Jr., LB (6-0, 235); Tyler Davis, Jr., OL (5-11, 280); C.J. Guerrero, Jr., FS (6-1, 175) (Mooresville transfer); Jack Nelin, Jr., DL (6-4, 235); Cooper Riggleman, Sr., WR (6-0, 175); Cannon Wigginton, Sr., WR (5-11, 170); Jayden Nordtveit, Jr., RB/WR/DB (5-10, 185)
Outlook: The Wildcats look to build on a nine-win season with 11 starters back, and they should have plenty of motivation after a 35-0 loss to Independence in the playoffs last November. This season, the Lake Norman offense will feature two juniors: running back Mozes Morris (1,151 all-purpose yards, eight touchdowns), quarterback Haines Robitzer (837 yards passing) as well as senior offensive lineman Chase Davis. The Wildcats’ defense also has experience with a trio of seniors in linebackers — Jacob Dorfman (48 tackles), Will Minter (56 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, three sacks) and defensive end Jacob Domengeuax (42 tackles) back to lead the unit. Lake Norman expects to contend for the Greater Metro 4A conference title, again, and will be eager to prove it can make a playoff run.
Interesting Note: Lake Norman won its first nine games last season, before falling to Mooresville in the regular season finale, and Independence in the opening round of the 4A state playoffs.
MOORESVILLE
Head Coach: Zach Mayo (1st year)
2023 Record: 11-1
Conference: Greater Metro 4A
Returning Starters: 15 (8 offense; 7 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 35
Key Returning Starters: Jamari Farmer, Sr., MLB (6-0, 215); K.J. Gillespie, Jr., DE (6-2, 240); Skyz Carr, Sr., DT (6-1, 245); D.J. Turner, Sr., DE (6-3, 225); Luke Modrak, Sr., OLB (5-10, 175); A.J. Graham, Sr., DB (6-0, 185); Darian Reid, Sr., DB (5-9, 165); Drew Davis, Sr., Center (6-2, 270); Cam Bradley, Jr., OG (5-10, 240); Rhylan Young, Sr., OT (6-3, 310); Amir Reid- Beaty, Jr., OT (6-1, 305); Zyon McGowan, Sr., TE (5-9, 225); Eric Heal, Sr., RB (6-0, 195); Dom Morian, Jr., WR (6-3, 190); Brody Norman, Jr., QB (6-0, 185).
Key Newcomers: John Robinson, Sr., LB (5-10, 185); Chanse Bost, So., WR/DB (5-10, 160); Mason Holt, So., OL (6-4, 255); Joe Hauck, Jr., WR (6-0, 170); Aiden Jones, Sr., OL (6-0, 245); Tristan Compton, Sr., DB (5-11, 165); Trevor Compton, Sr., DB (5-11, 165); Chris Epps, Jr., LB (5-11, 195).
Outlook: Former Blue Devils’ assistant Zach Mayo takes over as head coach. He inherits an experienced team with 15 starters and 35 lettermen returning from a team whose only loss in 2023 was to Mount Tabor in the second round of the 4A state playoffs. The Mooresville offense, which averaged 34 points a game last season, returns junior quarterback Brody Norman (1,950 yards passing, 21 touchdowns, 11 touchdown runs last year), senior running back Eric Heal (739 yards rushing, 11 touchdowns) and all-conference junior receiver Dom Morin (33 catches for 650 yards and four touchdowns). The Blue Devils’ offensive line will also be strong with four starters back, including seniors Drew Davis (center), Rhylan Young (tackle) and juniors Cam Bradley (guard) and Amir Reid-Beaty (tackle). The Mooresville defense, which allowed only 12 points a game last year, returns seven starters, including senior linebackers Jamari Farmer (130 tackles, eight sacks, Indiana University commit) and Luke Modrak (50 tackles), along with junior lineman, K.J. Gillespie (55 tackles, five sacks).
Interesting Note: Mooresville has one of the state’s best records in the last two years, 21-3.
NORTH IREDELL
Head Coach: Andy Howell (3rd year)
2023 Record: 3-7
Conference: Western Foothills Athletic
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Kaleb Sales, Jr., QB (6-0, 175); Zander Faulkner, Sr., LB (6-1, 215); Pete Jackson, Jr., WR/RB/DB (5-9, 175); Cal Cary, Jr., OL/DL (6-5, 285); Brayden Cass, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 265); Tripp Guill, Sr., LB (5-10, 185); Brandon Williams, Sr., WR/DB (5-11, 165); Landon Moore, Sr., LB ((6-2, 195); Josiah Heindl, Sr., WR/DB/P (6-2, 185).
Key Newcomers: Cooper Johnson, Jr., center (6-3, 215); Dominic Rockwell, Jr. WR/DB (5-10, 155).
Outlook: The Raiders have struggled recently with just eight wins in the last five years. This year, coach Andy Howell has some pieces to build around with junior quarterback Kaleb Sales (1,348 yards rushing, 1,003 yards passing, 14 touchdown passes last year), junior running back Peter Jackson (400 yards rushing) and offensive linemen Cal Cary and Brayden Cass. The North Iredell defense will have to reload a bit with senior linebackers Zander Faulkner (68 tackles), Tripp Guill, and Landon Moore back to lead the unit.
Interesting Note: North Iredell’s last winning season came in 2014, when the Raiders went 6-5.
PINE LAKE PREP
Head Coach: Austin Trotter (6th Year).
2023 Record: 7-4
Conference: Catawba Shores 1A/2A
Returning Starters: 5
Returning Lettermen: 10
Key Returning Starters: Mikhail Massey, Sr., S (6-1, 180); Reid Tammaro, Jr., S (6-1, 175); Matthew Mothershed, Jr., OL (6-1, 215); T.J. Kieffer, So., LB (5-11, 185).
Key Newcomers: Cameron Gandy, So., QB (6-1, 185); Dre Norris, Sr., WR/CB (6-1, 175) (Lake Norman transfer); Johntay Gaither, Sr., WR/CB (5-11, 165) (South Iredell transfer).
Outlook: The Pride have been a consistent contender in the Catawba Shores 1A/2A conference. However, with only five starters back, Pine Lake Prep earning a fifth straight winning season will be a challenge. Coach Austin Trotter’s team will feature two new playmakers at receiver — senior transfers Johntay Gaither (South Iredell transfer) and Dre Norris (Lake Norman). Meanwhile, sophomore quarterback Cameron Gandy will lead the offense with senior Matthew Mothershed anchoring the offensive line. The Pride defense is led by sophomore linebacker T.J. Kieffer (85 tackles), and two safeties: junior Reid Tammaro (66 tackles) and senior Mikhail Massey (48 tackles, four interceptions).
Interesting Note: Pine Lake Prep has posted four straight winning seasons, under Coach Austin Trotter, going 31-11 in that span.
SOUTH IREDELL
Head Coach: Lee Linville (2nd year)
2023 Record: 2-8
Conference: Greater Metro 4A
Returning Starters: 16
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Tyler Johnson, Jr., QB (5-11, 175); Landon McClain, Jr., RB (5-7, 170); Adam Sharpe, Jr., WR (5-8, 150); Evan Crater, Jr., WR (6-0, 170); Jackson Miller, Sr., OL (6-1, 250); Brooks Culp, Jr., OL (6-4, 300); Devon Reddy, Jr., OL (6-4, 255); Rashad Howell, Jr., DL ((6-0, 270); Julian Privette, Sr., DL (6-3, 195); Noah Klum, Sr., LB (6-1, 230); Sam Harper, Jr., LB (5-11, 195); Shepherd Kappel, Sr., LB (5-8, 160); D’Keen Glaspy-Mathis, Sr., DB (5-10, 160); Kaeden Everhart, Sr., DB (6-0, 170); Nolan White, Jr., DB (5-10, 170); Jaleal Jordan, Sr., DB (6-1, 160).
Key Newcomers: Malachi Herron, Jr., RB (5-5, 150); Brody Hunt, Jr., WR (6-0, 170); Dylan Bentley, Jr., OL (6-0, 250); Job McCoy, Jr., OL/DL (5-8, 240); Quen’teze Govan, Jr., WR.
Outlook: South Iredell has struggled in the Greater Metro 4A conference going 2-16 in league play over the last three seasons. With 16 returning starters, the team hopes to change that this season. The offense has experienced leaders returning in junior quarterback Tyler Johnson (1,388 yards passing, nine touchdowns, 757 yards rushing, seven touchdowns last year), junior receiver Adam Sharpe (36 catches for 310 yards) and senior offensive lineman Jackson Miller. The defense will feature senior linebacker Noah Klum (92 tackles) with junior linebackers Sam Harper (78 tackles) and Shepherd Kappel (52 tackles). Senior defensive back D’Keen Glaspy-Mathis (44 tackles) also returns.
Interesting Note: South Iredell’s last winning season came in 2018.
STATESVILLE
Head Coach: Rydell Cowan (3rd year)
2023 Record: 8-4
Conference: Western Foothills Athletic 3A
Returning Starters: 11
Returning Lettermen: 27
Key Returning Starters: Jehahj Sherrill, Sr., WR (6-1, 170); Raymon Gray, Sr., RB/LB (5-10, 190); Noah Owens, Sr., WR/DB (6-4, 190); Jayden Rucker, Sr., OL/DL (6-4, 270); A.J. Keaton-Moore, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 170); Davion Summers, Jr., RB/LB (5-10, 180); Timothy Flowers, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 320).
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: The Greyhounds return 11 starters from a team that won eight games and finished second the Western Foothills’ 3A conference standings. The Statesville offense will feature senior receivers Noah Owens and Jehahj Sherrill (29 catches for 709 yards and nine touchdowns), along with senior running backs Raymon Gray. The Greyhounds’ defense will need senior defensive linemen Jayden Rucker and junior lineman Timothy Flowers to be impact players, along with Gray as a two-way linebacker.
Interesting Note: Statesville senior wide receiver Jehahj Sherrill, who averaged 24.5 yards per catch last year, is getting recruiting interest from the Charlotte 49ers and Liberty University, according to Statesville coach Rydell Cowan.
WEST IREDELL
Head Coach: Sean Fitzgerald (1st year)
2023 Record: 6-5
Conference: Western Foothills Athletic 3A
Returning Starters: 11
Returning Lettermen: 14
Key Returning Starters: Ex-Avier Peet, Jr., DB/WR (6-2, 200); Jermaine Cornelius, Sr., DB/WR ((5-9, 160); Cooper Bowman, Sr., OL (6-3, 300); Alijah Williams, Sr., QB (6-0, 175); Thian Stevenson, Jr., RB/LB (5-10, 210); Reese Miller, Sr., OL (5-11, 225); Gabe Harshman, Jr., WR/DB (6-1, 170).
Other Key Returnees: Demarion Dawson, Jr., OL (6-4, 330); Amario Spence, So., RB/LB (6-2, 210); Brogan Teague, Sr., HB/LB (5-9, 180).
Key Newcomers: Phillip Maxey, So., WR/DB (5-10, 165).
Outlook: West Iredell is looking to build on its first winning season since 2010. This year, the Warriors have a solid core to build around with 11 starters returning. The West Iredell offense will feature senior QB Alijah Williams, senior receiver Jermaine Cornelius (40 receptions for 625 yards and five touchdowns) and junior running back Thian Stevenson (634 yards rushing). Seniors Cooper Bowman and Reese Miller anchor the offensive line. The Warriors’ defense features Stevenson (35 tackles, five sacks) at linebacker, while Cornelius (57 tackles, four interceptions) and Ex-Avier Peet (56 tackles) are back to lead the secondary.
Interesting Note: West Iredell head coach Sean Fitzgerald is in his first year as the Warriors’ head coach after spending the last six years as a Lake Norman High assistant.
Conference predictions
Catawba Shores’ 1A/2A Conference
Community School of Davidson; 2. Mountain Island Charter; 3. Bishop McGuinness; 4. Pine Lake Prep; 5. Christ the King; 6. Corvian Charter; 7. Winston-Salem Carver; 8. Winston-Salem Prep.
Greater Metro 4A
Mooresville; 2. Lake Norman; 3. Cox Mill; 4. Hickory Ridge; 5. A.L. Brown; 6. West Cabarrus; 7. South Iredell.
Western Foothills Athletic Conference 3A
Hickory; 2. Statesville; 3. North Lincoln; 4. East Lincoln; 5. West Iredell; 6. St. Stephens; 7. North Iredell; 8. Fred T. Foard.
Preseason all-county teams
OFFENSE
QB: Brody Norman, Mooresville, 6-0, 185, Jr.
RB: Eric Heal, Mooresville, 6-0, 195, Sr.
RB: Mozes Morris, Lake Norman, 5-10, 190, Jr.
WR: Dominic Morin, Mooresville, 6-3, 190, Jr.
WR: Adam Sharpe, South Iredell, 5-8, 150, Jr.
WR: Jehahj Sherrill, Statesville, 6-1, 170, Sr.
OL: Chase Davis, Lake Norman, 5-11, 275, Sr.
OL: Drew Davis, Mooresville, 6-2, 270, Sr.
OL: Jackson Miller, South Iredell, 6-1, 250, Sr.
OL: Reese Miller, West Iredell, 5-10, 225, Sr.
OL: Rhylan Young, Mooresville, 6-3, 310, Sr.
ATH: Kaleb Sales, North Iredell, 6-0, 170, Jr.
DEFENSE
DL: Skyz Carr, Mooresville, 6-1, 245, Sr.
DL: Jacob Domengeuax, Lake Norman, 5-11, 265, Sr.
DL: K.J. Gillespie, Statesville, 6-2, 240, Jr.
DL: Jayden Rucker, Statesville, 6-4, 270, Sr.
LB: Jamari Farmer, Mooresville, 6-0, 215, Sr.
LB: T.J. Kieffer, Pine Lake Prep, 5-11, 185, So.
LB: Noah Klum, South Iredell, 6-1, 230, Sr.
LB: Will Minter, Lake Norman, 5-11, 195, Sr.
DB: Jermaine Cornelius, West Iredell, 5-9, 160, Sr.
DB: A.J. Graham, Mooresville, 6-0, 185, Sr.
DB: Mikhail Massey, Pine Lake Prep, 6-1, 180, Sr.
DB: Ex-Avier Peet, West Iredell, 6-2, 200, Jr.
ATH: Zander Faulkner, North Iredell, 6-1, 215, Sr.
SPECIALIST
K/P: Andrew Cummings, Mooresville, 5-8, 150, Jr.
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Brody Norman, 6-0, 185, Jr., QB.
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Jamari Farmer, 6-0, 215, Sr., LB.
