Yahoo Sports High school football preview 2024: Breaking down Union County teams
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.
The previews continue with a look at Union County’s public and private schools.
Team previews
CUTHBERTSON
Head Coach: Duke Howell (2nd year)
2023 Record: 6-5
Conference: Southern Carolinas 4A.
Returning Starters: 14
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: Cole Webster, Sr., DL (6-3, 280); Ryder Kilgannon, Sr., LB (6-2, 222); Cohen Kilgannon, Sr., LB (6-2, 226); Hayden Tully, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 258); Brayden Marvel, Sr., DE/TE (6-3, 210); Jack Fink, Sr., FS (6-2, 193); Cristian Harthan, Sr., P (6-5, 200); Kaden Mattera, Sr., Center (6-0, 259); Aiden Seligman, Sr., WR (6-3, 185).
Other Key Returnees: Logan Williams, Sr., DE (6-3, 238); Hunter Eichelberger, Sr., LB (5-10, 190); Davian Hall, Jr., QB (6-2, 195).
Key Newcomers: Mason Inman, Jr., WR/DB (5-11, 180); Erik Taylor, Jr., CB (6-0, 168).
Outlook: The Cavaliers look to build on their first winning season since 2017. Cuthbertson has the experience to be a factor in the Southern Carolinas conference, with 14 starters returning. Cuthbertson’s front seven on defense will be its strength. That’s where senior defensive linemen Brayden Marvel (72 tackles, six sacks) returns along with Hayden Tully (48 tackles, four sacks) and Cole Webster (73 tackles, six sacks). Ryder Kilgannon (75 tackles) and senior free safety Jack Fink (46 tackles, three interceptions) return in the secondary. The Cavaliers’ offense will have to reload a bit, but has some key pieces like junior quarterback Davian Hall, senior center Kaden Mattera and senior receiver Aiden Seligman to build around.
Interesting Note: Cuthbertson football coach Duke Howell is the father of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell, a former University of North Carolina and Sun Valley High standout.
FOREST HILLS
Head Coach: Jammie Deese (4th year).
2023 Record: 12-2
Conference: Rocky River 2A/3A
Returning Starters: 11
Returning Lettermen: 17
Key Returning Starters: Braxton Grace, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 290); Je’rel Bolder, Sr., WR (6-0, 190); Kemarion Massey, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, 160); Rodney Smith, Sr., RB/LB (5-11, 200); Sam Mullis, Sr., K/P (6-1, 170); Terrel Williams, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 260); Jacoby Leak, Sr., DE (6-0, 225); Zach Dillwork, Sr., QB (6-3, 200); Cam Winnegan, Jr., QB/CB (6-1, 180); R.J. Baker, Sr., OL/NG (5-11, 245); Danny Redfern, Jr., DE (6-0, 210).
Key Newcomers: N/A.
Outlook: The Yellow Jackets return 11 starters from a team that went 12-2, advancing to the 2A state quarterfinals last season. This year, Forest Hills will lean on a veteran offensive line, led by seniors Braxton Grace (Davidson College commit), Terrel Williams and R.J. Baker. The Yellow Jackets have plenty of firepower at the skill positions, featuring receivers in senior Je’rel Bolder (43 catches for 881 yards and 14 touchdowns, N.C. State commit), junior Kemarion Massey (38 catches for 573 yards and eight touchdowns), and senior running back Rodney Smith (455 yards rushing, five touchdowns). Forest Hills also has a game changer on special teams with senior kicker/punter Sam Mullis (four field goals, 55 extra points, 33 yards per punt). Forest Hills looks to challenge Monroe for Rocky River conference supremacy, which will have it prepared for another 2A state playoff run.
Interesting Note: Forest Hills’ senior offensive linemen Braxton Grace (30 pancake blocks) and Terrel Williams (23 pancake blocks) combined for 53 pancake blocks for the Yellow Jackets.
MARVIN RIDGE
Head Coach: Aubrey Carter (10th year).
2023 Record: 6-5
Conference: Southern Carolinas Conference 4A.
Returning Starters: 11 (6 offense; 5 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 22
Key Returning Starters: Manny Lewis, Jr., DL (6-1, 240); Jaxon Clegg, Sr., TE/DE (6-2, 230); Zach Lee, Sr. DB (5-11, 190); Sam Svonovec, Jr., S (6-2, 180); David Starr, Sr., Center (5-9, 245); Aidan McFarland, Sr., OG (6-0, 235); J.T. Etheridge, Sr. DL (6-0, 245); Nolan Rienks, Sr., OL (6-6, 235); Hill Despard, Sr., WR/TE (6-0, 200)
Other Key Returnees: Owen Stroube, Sr., DB/WR (6-2, 175); E.J. Jones, Sr., DL (5-9, 275); Braydon Rediger, Sr., QB (6-3, 190); Luke Wakefield, Sr., RB (5-10, 180); Jackson McNees, Jr., WR/DB (6-1, 175); P.J. Belabe, Sr., OLB/DE (6-1, 225).
Key Newcomers: Evan Culicerto, So., LB (5-9, 185); Luca Duleba, Sr., LB (5-10, 190); Alex Voss, Jr., WR (6-2, 195); Montgomery Edwards, Sr., OL (6-2, 295); Beau Gerrard, Sr., OL (6-2, 250); Levi Haines, Jr., WR (5-11, 175); Ryan Speicher, Sr., CB (6-0, 170); Zane Schumacher, So., DB (5-8, 175); Hudson Murray, Sr., WR (5-10, 175); Ford Fehling, So., K/P (5-10, 170).
Outlook: The Mavericks return 11 starters from a team that had its moments, including a win over 4A state champion Weddington in the regular-season finale. Marvin Ridge’s strength on offensive is up front with senior center David Starr, senior guard Aidan McFarland and senior tackle Nolan Rienks. They’ll block for senior running back Zach Lee. The Mavericks will also need senior receiver/tight end Hill Despard to make plays on the outside. The Marvin Ridge defense is also strong on its front seven with junior Manny Lewis (60 tackles, 8.5 sacks) and senior J.T. Etheridge back to lead the defensive line, while senior Jaxon Clegg (43 tackles) is the top returning linebacker.
Interesting Note: Marvin Ridge coach Aubrey Carter is 61-39 in his nine-year tenure with the Mavericks.
METROLINA CHRISTIAN
Head Coach: Thomas Langley (15th year).
2023 Record: 5-6
Conference: NCISAA Western Conference/Division I.
Returning Starters: 8
Returning Lettermen: 15
Key Returning Starters: J.D. Williams, Sr., RB (5-11, 195); Alex German, Sr., WR (5-10, 170); Preston Broadway, Jr., OL (6-3, 270); DeAngelo Walker, Sr., DB (5-10, 160); Matt Burch, Jr., OL (5-11, 195); Jason Hubbard, Sr., DE (6-0, 205); Cooper Kiehl, Sr. QB (6-0, 170).
Other Key Returnees: Jackson Hedrick, Jr., DL (5-11, 220); Jacob Esquivel, Sr., LB (5-11, 180); Logan Walters, Sr., TE/DE (6-2, 205); Luke Niday, Sr., LB (5-11, 180).
Key Newcomers: Ben Reynolds, So., WR/TE (6-0, 175); Pablo Ocasio, So., WR/DB (6-0, 175); Brayden McIntyre, Jr., OL (6-4, 285); Bryan Alston, Sr., DE (6-1, 180).
Outlook: The Warriors return eight starters from a team that went 5-6 a year ago. The Metrolina Christian offense should be balanced with senior quarterback Cooper Kiehl (506 yards passing, seven touchdowns), senior running back J.D. Williams (569 yards rushing, eight touchdowns) and senior receiver Alex German (35 catches for 565 yards and seven touchdowns) operating behind an experienced offensive front, including juniors Preston Broadway and Matt Burch. The Warriors’ defense will have to reload, but has a veteran line with seniors Jason Hubbard (64 tackles, eight sacks) and junior Jackson Hedrick (28 tackles) leading the way. Meanwhile, the secondary has one starter back in senior DeAngelo Walker (33 tackles, two interceptions). Metrolina Christian, which has three losing records in the last four seasons, looks to move back above the .500 mark and put itself into better playoff position.
Interesting Note: Metrolina Christian junior offensive lineman Preston Broadway had 45 pancake blocks for the Warriors last season.
MONROE
Head Coach: Johnny Sowell (19th year).
2023 Record: 11-2
Conference: Rocky River 2A/3A
Returning Starters: N/A.
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Kaegan Chambers, Sr., QB (6-1, 175); Zion Lindsey, Sr., RB/DL (5-11, 220); Quay Knotts, Sr., DB (5-8, 150); Jesus Jarquin, Sr., DL (6-2, 225); Jordan Young, Sr., DB/WR (6-1, 178).
Outlook: Monroe is 31-6 over the last three years with three straight Rocky River conference titles. This year, the Redhawks have a veteran team led by senior quarterback Kaegan Chambers (1,612 yards passing, 16 touchdowns, 714 yards rushing, nine touchdown runs last year), senior running back Zion Lindsey (646 yards rushing, 12 touchdowns) and senior receiver Jordan Young (34 catches for 812 yards and eight touchdowns). Senior tackle Jesus Jarquin (17 pancakes, 19 knockdown blocks) will pave the way up front. The Monroe defense should also be a strength, led by a secondary featuring senior Quay Knotts (49 tackles, two interceptions) and Young, a five star-recruit who had 66 tackles, four forced fumble and five defensive touchdowns last season. The Redhawks’ defensive line is also experienced, led by Jarquin (68 tackles) and Lindsey (91 tackles, six sacks). Monroe looks to win a fourth straight conference title and will have plenty of motivation in the 2A state playoffs after a heartbreaking 24-23 third-round loss to Bunker Hill ended the 2023 season.
Interesting Note: Monroe senior Jordan Young is a five-star recruit with 31 scholarship offers, including Alabama, Clemson, Florida State and Michigan.
PARKWOOD
Head Coach: Samuel Mobley (2nd year).
2023 Record: 2-8
Conference: Rocky River 2A/3A
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Lettermen: 11
Key Returning Starters: Nicky Hildreth, Sr., OLB (5-9, 200); De’Andrew Williams, Sr. OT/DE (6-1, 215); Van Helms, Jr., DE/TE (6-0, 230); Markayden Truesdale, Jr., FS/WR (5-8, 145); Dillon Brown, Jr., DB (5-8, 155).
Other Key Returnees: Emmett Evans, Sr., QB (5-10, 205); Davian McGriff, Jr., RB (5-8, 145); Raymond Martinez, Sr., DB/WR (5-11, 160); Ben Dyer, Jr., TE/LB (6-0, 205).
Key Newcomers: Amari Lytle, So., RB (5-7, 140); Colson Hill, So., LB/WR (5-9, 155); Grady Harrigall, Fr., WR/LB (6-0, 165); Tyler Surles, Fr., DE/TE (6-3, 190); Anwar Bit, So., WR/FS (6-1, 155); Blake Hopkins, Fr., DT/DE (6-1, 255).
Outlook: Parkwood struggled last season, going 2-8 overall and returning only six starters. This season, the Wolfpack defense is experienced in the front seven with seniors such as defensive end De’Andre Williams, linebacker Nicky Hildreth (70 tackles) and junior defensive end Van Helms. The Parkwood secondary also returns juniors Dillon Brown and Markayden Truesdale. The Wolfpack offense will look to senior quarterback Emmett Evans and junior running back Davian McGriff to help spark a younger overall unit.
Interesting Note: Parkwood head coach and former Wolfpack (and XFL) receiver Samuel Mobley is one of the youngest head coaches in the state at 28 years old.
PIEDMONT
Head Coach: Daniel Dillard (1st year).
2023 Record: 0-10
Conference: Rocky River 2A/3A
Returning Starters: 15 (7 offense; 8 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 20
Key Returning Starters: Javion Davis, Sr., DL (6-2, 260); Wyatt Parker, Sr., OL (6-4, 310); Nathaniel Gagnon, Sr., RB (5-10, 175); Taylor Hardy, Sr., LB (5-10, 190); J.C. Helms, Jr., TE/DE (6-2, 200); Rylan Russ, Jr., DE (6-4, 210); Camden O’Neal, Jr., DB/RB (5-10, 175).
Other Key Returnees: Jake Blakeslee, So., QB (5-10, 165); Jayden Pagan, Jr., LB (6-0, 205);
Cooper Wise, So., WR (5-9, 155).
Key Newcomers: Jasiah Carlton, Fr., RB/LB; R.J. Sherrod, Fr., RB; Deacon Pressley, Fr., OL.
Outlook: Piedmont has struggled in recent years, going 5-41 in the last five years, and hasn’t won a conference game since 2020. However, new head coach Daniel Dillard will benefit from the return of 15 starters this season. The Panthers’ offense will look to the rushing attack with senior Nathaniel Gagnon (400 yards rushing last year) and Camden O’Neal (201 yards rushing, two touchdowns) running behind 6-foot-4, 310-pound senior Wyatt Parker (didn’t allow a sack last year). The Piedmont defense is experienced up front with Javion Davis (48 tackles) and Rylan Russ (48 tackles) in the middle with senior linebacker Taylor Hardy and on the back end with O’Neal back to lead the secondary.
Interesting Note: Piedmont’s last winning season came in 2013, when the Panthers went 8-5.
PORTER RIDGE
Head Coach: Michael Hertz (9th year).
2023 Record: 9-3
Conference: Southern Carolinas 4A.
Returning Starters: 4
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Sawyer Ducey, Sr., DB (5-11, 185); Kisiah Harris, Sr., DB (5-11, 185); Rai’Shawn Elmore, Jr., WR (6-2, 185); Dawson Jones, Jr., DL (6-2, 270).
Outlook: The Pirates have been consistent winners under coach Michael Hertz, with eight straight winning seasons. But that streak will be challenged this season with only four starters returning. The Pirates’ offense will have to reload but can look to junior receiver/running back Rai’Shawn Elmore (431 yards receiving, six touchdowns, 142 yards rushing, one rush touchdown last year) to make plays. The Porter Ridge defense will look to junior defensive lineman Dawson Jones (38 tackles) up front, while senior defensive backs Sawyer Ducey (59 tackles, four interceptions) and Kisiah Harris (32 tackles, four interceptions) give the unit two ball hawks in the secondary.
Interesting Note: Porter Ridge coach Michael Hertz is 60-34 in his eight-year tenure.
SUN VALLEY
Head Coach: Ryan Smith (3rd year).
2022 Record: 8-4
Conference: Southern Carolinas 4A.
Returning Starters: 12 (4 offense; 8 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 19
Key Returning Starters: Brandon Creech, Jr., LB (6-2, 220); Andrew Doody, Jr., WR/TE/LB (6-1, 190); Zach Cullen, Jr., RB/LB (5-11, 195); Wyatt Lineberry, Jr., WR/LB (6-1, 185); DeBrian Coffey, Sr., RB (5-10, 190); Jaylen Flowe, Sr., DB (6-0, 170); Amare Thomas, Sr., DB (6-2, 205); Jaiden Jones, Sr., WR/DB (5-8, 165).
Other Key Returnees: Xavier Flowe, Jr., DE (6-2, 180); Josh Bell, So., RB/LB (5-10, 180).
Key Newcomers: Noah Lineberry, Jr., QB (6-1, 185); Christian Oats, Sr., OL (6-3, 240).
Outlook: Sun Valley got off to its best start (7-0) in school history, before going 1-3 in league play. The Spartans’ defense will be the strength with eight starters back, led by junior linebackers Brandon Creech (137 tackles) and Andrew Doody (81 tackles, three sacks). The Sun Valley secondary is also experienced, with seniors Jaylen Flowe, Amare Thomas and Jaiden Jones leading the group. The Spartans will have to reload on offense with a new starting quarterback, Noah Lineberry, who will have some returning players including running backs Zach Cullen (637 yards rushing, six touchdowns) and DeBrian Coffey (615 yards rushing). Meanwhile, receivers in Doody (21 catches for 276 yards), Jones (43 catches for 608 yards, six touchdowns) and Wyatt Lineberry (28 catches for 407 yards) are back on the outside.
Interesting Note: The 2023 season was the Spartans’ first winning season since Seattle Seahawks quarterback and former University of North Carolina standout Sam Howell led Sun Valley to a 10-3 record during his senior year in high school.
UNION ACADEMY
Head Coach: Jarred Hill (1st year).
2022 Record: 2-9
Conference: Yadkin Valley 1A/2A
Returning Starters: 11 (6 offense; 5 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 23
Key Returning Starters: Eli Williams, Sr., LB (5-9, 195); Michael Hughes, Sr., LB/DE (6-2, 230).
Other Key Returnees: Parker Frashier, So., QB (5-10, 175); C.J. Hartley, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 185); Hammer Bowman, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 165).
Key Newcomers: Breshen Bennett, Sr., WR/DE/DB (6-3, 190).
Outlook: The Cardinals have struggled lately, going 5-34 in the last four seasons. This season, Union Academy returns 11 starters, which gives the team experience. The Cardinals’ defense is solid up front with senior linebacker Eli Williams (138 tackles, four sacks last year) and senior defensive end Michael Hughes (95 tackles, seven sacks) returning. The Union Academy offense will need sophomore quarterback Parker Frashier and senior receivers Hammer Bowman and C.J. Hartley to step into bigger roles.
Interesting Note: Union Academy coach Jarred Hill takes over the program after serving as the Cardinals’ assistant coach for the last three years.
WEDDINGTON
Head Coach: Andy Capone (7th year).
2023 Record: 14-2 (3-1 in the Southern Carolinas Conference)
Conference: Southern Carolinas Conference 4A.
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Nick Diamond, Sr., RB (5-9, 195); Javon Barber, Sr., WR (5-9, 175); Joseph Madden, Sr., TE (6-4, 210); Jimmy Randazzo, Sr., OL (6-5, 302); Braeden Barger, Sr., LB (5-11, 215); T.J. Davis, Jr., LB (6-2, 215); Aiden Harris, Jr., DL (6-3, 255); Drew Harris, Jr. DL (6-2, 230); Caleb Hill, Sr., CB (5-10, 185); James Colonna, Jr., Safety (5-11, 180).
Key Newcomers: Trajen Odom, Sr., DL (6-4, 280); Gregory Fee, Sr., QB (6-5, 205); Bryce Johnson, So., OL (6-3, 295); Jon Manley, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, 160); Anthony Barrino, So., RB (5-9, 175); Kelson Tate, Jr., WR (5-6, 170); Will Melton, Sr., WR (5-9, 175); Stellan Schilder, Sr., CB (6-1, 190).
Outlook: Weddington has been among the best teams in the 4A class in the past five years, going 62-7 in that span. This year, coach Andy Capone has the experience and talent to repeat as 4A state champion. The Warriors’ offense, which averaged 39 points per game last year, will be potent once again with senior running back Nick Diamond (991 yards rushing, 11 touchdowns, 7.2 yards per carry), senior receiver Javon Barber (40 catches for 611 yards and seven touchdowns) and senior 6-foot-5, 302-pound offensive tackle Jimmy Randazzo (Yale University commit) all returning. Senior quarterback Gregory Fee, the backup quarterback last year, will move into the starting role. The Warriors’ defense, which allowed 13 points per game last season, returns a lot of star power: juniors Aiden Harris (93 tackles, 21 tackles for loss), Drew Harris (104 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks) and Panther Creek transfer senior Trajen Odom (54 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, major, Ohio State commit). The back seven is also strong with linebackers including senior Braeden Barger (107 tackles, four sacks) and junior T.J. Davis (92 tackles), while senior Caleb Hill (three interceptions) and junior James Colonna (55 tackles) lead the secondary.
Interesting Note: Weddington football coach Andy Capone is already Weddington’s all-time winningest coach at 77-8 in his six years in charge of the Warriors’ program.
Conference Predictions
NCISAA Western Conference
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee; 2. Christ School; 3. Metrolina Christian; 4. Cannon School.
Rocky River 2A/3A Conference
Monroe; 2. Forest Hills; 3. Anson County; 4. West Stanly; 5. Piedmont; 6. Parkwood.
Southern Carolinas’ Conference/4A
Weddington; 2. Marvin Ridge; 3. Sun Valley; 4. Cuthbertson; 5. Porter Ridge.
Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference
Mount Pleasant; 2. North Stanly; 3. Albemarle; 4. Union Academy; 5. South Stanly.
Preseason all-county teams
OFFENSE
QB: Kaegen Chambers, Monroe, 6-1, 175, Sr.
RB: Nick Diamond, Weddington, 5-9, 195, Sr.
RB: Zion Lindsey, Monroe, 5-11, 220, Sr.
WR: Javon Barber, Weddington, 5-9, 175, Sr.
WR: Je’rel Bolder, Forest Hills, 6-0, 190, Sr.
WR: Jaiden Jones, Sun Valley, 5-8, 165, Sr.
TE: Jaxon Clegg, Marvin Ridge, 6-2, 230, Sr.
OL: Preston Broadway, Metrolina Christian, 6-3, 270, Jr.
OL: Braxton Grace, Forest Hills, 6-2, 290, Sr.
OL: Jesus Jarquin, Monroe, 6-2, 225, Sr.
OL: Jimmy Randazzo, Weddington, 6-5, 302, Sr.
OL: David Starr, Marvin Ridge, 5-9, 245, Sr.
OL: Terrel Williams, Forest Hills, 6-2, 260, Sr.
ATH: Zach Cullen, Sun Valley, 5-11, 195, Jr.
DEFENSE
DL: Aiden Harris, Weddington, 6-3, 255, Jr.
DL: Drew Harris, Weddington, 6-2, 230, Jr.
DL: Manny Lewis, Marvin Ridge, 6-1, 240, Jr.DL: Trajen Odom, Weddington, 6-4, 280, Sr.LB: Braeden Barger, Weddington, 5-11, 215, Jr.
LB: Brandon Creech, Sun Valley, 6-0, 220, Jr.
LB: Cohen Kilgannon, Cuthbertson, 6-2, 226, Sr.
LB: Eli Williams, Union Academy, 5-9, 195, Sr.
DB: Jack Fink, Cuthbertson, 6-2, 193, Sr.
DB: Kisiah Harris, Porter Ridge, 5-11, 185, Sr.
DB: Quay Knotts, Monroe, 5-8, 150, Sr.
DB: Jordan Young, Monroe, 6-1, 178, Sr.
ATH: T.J. Davis, Weddington, 6-2, 215, Jr.
SPECIALISTS
K/P: Sam Mullis, Forest Hills, 6-1, 170, Sr.
SPEC: Anthony Barrino, Weddington, 5-9, 175, So.
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Nick Diamond, Weddington, 5-9, 195, Sr., RB.
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Jordan Young, Monroe, 6-1, 178, Sr., DB.
2024 Union County Preseason Football Team
