Yahoo Sports High school football preview 2024: Breaking down teams in Cabarrus 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.
The previews continue with Cabarrus County public and private schools.
Team previews
A.L. BROWN
Head Coach: Justin Hardin (2nd year)
2023 Record: 5-6
Conference: Greater Metro 4A
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Lettermen: 12
Key Returning Starters: C.J. Gray, Sr., QB (6-2, 200); Tai Buster, Sr., OL (6-4, 280); Mehki Herron, Sr., RB (5-9, 180); Jakeb Johnson, Sr., OL (6-1, 270); Drake Watts, Sr., OL (6-1, 215); Parker Laughlin, Sr., LB (6-0, 190); Jesse Morton, Sr., LB (5-11, 170); Brian Rojo, Sr., K (6-2, 210).
Key Newcomers: Isaiah Wright, Jr., DB (5-11, 160); Matai Grier, Jr., DL (6-1, 265); Keith Kellam, Sr., DB (6-2, 190); Jason Brown, Sr., WR/DB (5-9, 160); Maddox Langley, Jr., WR/DB (6-1, 160); Bryce Morgan, Jr., RB (6-0, 200); Gavin Yow, Jr., DB (6-0, 170); Jameer Langley, Jr., WR (5-11, 165); Mason Cook, Jr., LB (5-9, 165); Marco Almendarez, Sr., OL (6-1, 250); Jaydon Harker, Jr., OL (5-11, 225).
Outlook: Year 1 of the Justin Hardin era of A.L. Brown football was up and down at 5-6 overall. This year, the Wonders have a solid core returning on offense with senior quarterback C.J. Gray back to lead the way with his arm (1,751 yards passing, 19 touchdowns) and his legs (357 yards rushing, seven touchdowns). Gray can hand the ball to senior running back Mehki Herron (1,462 yards rushing, 17 touchdowns) behind a veteran offensive front featuring seniors Tai Buster (Auburn University commit), Jakeb Johnson and Drake Watts. The Wonders’ defense must reload in spots, but can look to senior linebackers Parker Laughlin (82 tackles) and Jesse Morton (45 tackles) for leadership in the middle. The Wonders have the offensive firepower to make a move up the Greater Metro 4A conference standings, but will have to prove they can hang tough on defense in a competitive league.
Interesting note: A.L. Brown senior quarterback C.J. Gray is an N.C. State University baseball commit.
CANNON SCHOOL
Head Coach: Dustin Martin (2nd year)
2023 Record: 5-6
Conference: NCISAA Western Conference/Division I
Returning Starters: 13 (5 offense; 8 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 20
Key Returning Starters: Henry Anthony, Sr., TE/DE (6-5, 235); Mason Mierzwa, Sr., DB/WR (6-4, 195); Landon Mare, Sr., K/P (6-2, 180); Kenan Dixon, Jr., WR (5-9, 150); Ben Majors, Jr., OL (6-3, 225).
Key Newcomers: Jack Nelin, Jr., DE/TE (6-5, 230); Michael Trojan, Jr., QB (6-0, 180).
Outlook: The Cougars have been trending in the right direction with 29 wins in the last four years. This season, coach Dustin Martin’s team returns 13 starters, which should give them a chance to get back above .500. The Cougars’ offense will have to replace all-state quarterback Tyler Green, who graduated, and will look to junior Michael Trojan to operate the offense with targets like tight end Henry Anthony (28 catches for 385 yards, six touchdowns) junior receiver Kenan Dixon (44 catches for 831 yards, four touchdowns) and senior Mason Mierzwa (missed last year with injury). The Cougars will also depend on two-way standouts like Anthony (defensive end) and Mierzwa (defensive back) to lead the unit. Cannon School also has a rare special team’s advantage with senior kicker/punter Landon Mare (averaged 40 yards per punt last year), who can flip the field with his leg.
Interesting note: Cannon School senior defensive end/tight end Henry Anthony is a Harvard University commit.
CENTRAL CABARRUS
Head Coach: Zach Bevilacqua (5th year).
2023 Record: 3-7
Conference: South Piedmont 3A
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 20
Key Returning Starters: Chinua Ezeigbo, Sr., WR (6-3, 200); Brandon Bevilacqua, Jr., OL (6-3, 290); Will Schultz, Jr., OL (6-3, 230); Infinite Morrow, So., OL (6-4, 230); Tristan Clapp, Sr., LB (6-0, 175); Dustin Crump, Sr., LB (5-11, 170); Ish Morrow, Sr., DB (6-2, 190); Kamari McCorkle, Sr., LB/TE (6-3, 190).
Other Key Returnees: Damonte Jones, Jr., RB (6-0, 155); Alex Kossick, Jr., K/P (5-10, 140); Paul Couble, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 240); Quan Carpenter, Sr., DB (5-9, 160).
Key Newcomers: Jeremale Oglesby-Wiggins, Sr., RB (5-7, 150); Kevin Gilyard, So., OL; Lucas Rogers, Jr., QB (6-0, 170).
Outlook: Central Cabarrus has struggled, winning three games in each of the last four seasons. This year, the Vikings have the experience to be improved with 12 starters back. The Central Cabarrus offense will look to senior receiver Chinua Ezeigbo (Division I recruit) to make plays with an experienced offensive line featuring juniors Brandon Bevilacqua, Will Schultz and sophomore Infinite Morrow all back. The Vikings’ defense has senior leaders with linebackers Tristan Clapp, Dustin Crump, Kamari McCorkle and defensive back Ish Morrow all back in the lineup.
Interesting note: Central Cabarrus’ last winning season came in 2019, when the Vikings went 7-5.
CHRIST THE KING
Head Coach: Brian Decker (3rd Year).
2023 Record: 5-6
Conference: Catawba Shores 1A/2A
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 18
Key Returning Starters: Jonah Sithong, Sr., DB (5-11, 180); Rhyus Newgent, Sr., DB (5-10, 180); Joe Mundy, Sr., FS (6-2, 180); Cowen Harris, Sr., SS (6-3, 185); Cam Parks, Sr., DL (5-10, 190); Patrick Walsh, Sr., QB (6-3, 210); J.P. Zimmerman, Sr., RB/LB (5-9, 195); Kyle Corrigan, Sr., WR/DE/P (6-3, 195); Ben Habel, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 185); Jaxson Ehret, Sr., WR (6-1, 195).
Key Newcomers: Carter Stevens, So., WR/DB (5-9, 175); Troy Alderfer, So., TE/DE (6-4, 210); Jameson Ehret, So., QB/LB (6-0, 190); Caden Fritz, So., RB/LB (5-8, 170); Juan Cassanova, So., DL (6-0, 190); Caden Molton, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 210); John Gargano, Jr., LB/RB (5-11, 185).
Outlook: The Crusaders have been trending the right direction with 14 wins in the last two years. This season with 10 starters back, Christ the King has the pieces to get back above .500 and into playoff position. Senior quarterback Patrick Walsh (771 passing yards and nine touchdowns) will need to stay healthy, after playing in only six games as a junior. Walsh has weapons around him with seniors like running back J.P. Zimmerman (742 yards rushing, four touchdowns) and receiver Kyle Corrigan (four touchdown catches). Corrigan is also a weapon in the kicker game as the reigning Catawba Shores 1A/2A conference special teams player of the year. The Crusaders’ defense will lean on an experienced secondary with four seniors back: Cowen Harris (52 tackles), Joe Mundy, Rhyus Newgent and Jonah Sithong (two interceptions).
Interesting note: Christ the King senior running back/linebacker J.P. Zimmerman is a Wingate University lacrosse commit.
CONCORD
Head Coach: Darren Shepherd (3rd year).
2022 Record: 5-5
Conference: South Piedmont 3A
Returning Starters: 10 (4 offense; 6 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 14
Key Returning Starters: Alex Petroff, Sr., RB/DB (5-11, 190); Calee Davis, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 170); Kadein Porter, Sr., DL/TE (6-5, 240); Ayden Semlitz, Sr., OL/LB (5-11, 185); Gabe McLaurin, Jr., DB/RB (5-11, 175); Harrison Grant, Jr., DL (6-1, 215); Andrew Davis, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, Tyrel Weatherspoon, Jr., DL/OL (6-0, 310); 160); Alex Williams, Jr., OL/LB (5-11, 255)
Other Key Returnees: Kaleb Brooks, Sr., DL/TE (5-9, 215); Miguel Flores, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 90); Patrick Fils-Aime, Sr., DB/OLB (5-10, 165); Kari Cooke, So., RB (5-3, 150).
Key Newcomers: Jason Srackngast, Jr., QB (5-10, 160); Carter Starnes, Sr., WR/DB (5-9, 160); Santana Glascoe, Sr., LB/RB (5-8, 170).
Outlook: The Spiders will look to a veteran defense (six starters back) to lead the way with senior Kadein Porter (led team in sacks) and junior Tyrel Weatherspoon (all-conference) back to lead the defensive line. The Concord secondary also provides experience to the unit with seniors Calee Davis (three-year starter), Alex Petroff and juniors Andrew Davis and Gabe McLaurin all back in the lineup. The Concord offense with have to reload in some key spots, but can lean a four-year starter in Petroff at running back behind a solid offensive line led by senior Miguel Flores and junior Alex Williams. The Spiders have only had one winning season in the last five years, giving them motivation to get above .500 and into the playoffs this year.
Interesting note: Concord senior running back/defensive back Alex Petroff is likely to be the first class valedictorian from the football program that played all four years for the Spiders.
COX MILL
Head Coach: Breon Holmes (2nd year).
2023 Record: 5-6
Conference: Greater Metro 4A Conference.
Returning Starters: 9
Returning Lettermen: 28
Key Returning Starters: Jordan Cleaves, Jr., WR/DB (5-9, 160); Micah Bright, Jr., DB (5-11, 165); Marcus Sales, Jr., WR/DB (6-0, 160); Xavier Noje, Sr., OL (6-1, 255); Palmer Thibault, Sr., DL (5-10, 225); CaNajey Boneque, Jr., OLB (6-1, 210); Samuel Aschbrenner, Sr., LS/DL (6-0, 200); Kingston Davis, Jr., DB (5-11, 165).
Other Key Returnees: Jermanye Franklin, Jr., RB (5-7, 150); Dominic Schwind, Sr., LB (5-10, 180).
Key Newcomers: Caylen “Juice” Hall, So., RB; Gavin Ramirez, Jr., TE/WR (6-3, 210); Mason Emery, So., RB (5-10, 170).
Outlook: The Chargers return only nine starters from a 5-6 team a year ago. However, coach Breon Holmes believes his team can contend for Greater Metro 4A conference title this season. The Cox Mill offense will look to multi-faceted playmaker in junior receiver/running back Jordan Cleaves (58 catches for 955 yards and nine touchdowns, 290 yards rushing, four touchdown runs) with senior offensive lineman Xavier Noje helping to pave the way. The Chargers has experience in the secondary in juniors Micah Bright, Cleaves, Kingston Davis and Marcus Sales. Junior linebacker CaNajeh Bonique and senior defensive lineman Palmer Thibault (4 sacks) lead the front seven.
Interesting note: Cox Mill sophomore running back Caylen “Juice” Hall (Mallard Creek transfer) has one of the best names in high school sports in the area.
HICKORY RIDGE
Head Coach: Jupiter Wilson (6th year).
2023 Record: 3-8
Conference: Greater Metro 4A
Returning Starters: 5
Returning Lettermen: 20
Key Returning Starters: Jace McCallum, Jr., DE (6-2, 230); Noah Daughtrey, Sr., OG (6-0, 285); Jack McGowan, Sr., DT (6-3, 250); Cameron Gaines, Sr., Center (5-11, 245).
Other Key Returnees: Joell Wootten, Jr., WR (6-2, 190); Thyzir Dyer, Jr., WR (5-11, 165); David Johnson, Sr., Slot/RB (5-9, 155); Josiah Torres, Sr., RB (5-10, 165); Nick Ciccione, Sr., WR (5-11, 175); Nicholai Lewis, Sr., LB (6-1, 185).
Key Newcomers: Nathan Futch, Jr., QB (5-10, 170); Tristan Crumpler, Jr., DB (5-10, 170); Hayden Hall, Jr., LB (6-0, 200); Christian Torrence, Jr., DT (6-1, 240); Ezekiel Kelly, Jr., LB/S (5-11, 165); Isidore Verla, Jr., OT (6-2, 205); Gavin Passino, Jr., OT (6-3, 250); Chase McCullough, Jr., LB (6-2, 210).
Outlook: Hickory Ridge had its second losing season in the last decade, falling to 3-8 last year. Only five starters are back, but the Ragin’ Bulls do have experience on both the offensive and defensive lines. Hickory Ridge’s offense with lead on senior center Cameron Gaines and his classmate, guard Noah Daughtrey to lead the group. Meanwhile, junior defensive end Jace McCallum (12 sacks) and senior defensive tackle Jack McGowan, anchor their unit. Hickory Ridge will have to have multiple skill players emerge if they are going to get back in the hunt in conference play.
Interesting Note: Hickory Ridge football coach Jupiter Wilson is one of the busiest coaches in the state as he also leads the Ragin’ Bulls’ girls’ basketball team and the Hickory Ridge boys’ and girls’ track teams.
JAY M. ROBINSON
Head Coach: Jason Seidel (2nd year).
2023 Record: 12-1
Conference: South Piedmont 3A
Returning Starters: 16 (7 offense; 9 defense).
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Brian Rowe, Sr., WR (6-2, 175); Tyler Kluttz, Sr., QB/LB (5-11, 190); Xaiver Burnett, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 170); Tristen Brown, Sr., OL (6-3, 280); Elijah Shoe, Jr., OL (6-5, 290); Jaidyn Covington, Jr., OL (5-11, 275); Collin Felker, So., OL (5-11, 240); Dejaun Hall-Butler, Sr., DL (6-5, 230); Mekhi Bond, Sr., DL (6-1, 220); Samuel Davis, Jr., DE (6-2, 215); Andrew Velasquez, Sr., LB (5-10, 190); Nick White, Sr., LB (6-0, 190); Jamarcus Hunter, Sr., DB (5-11, 180); Ricky Torres, Sr., DB (5-11, 165); Isaiah Johnson, Sr., DB (5-11, 175); Cameron Tucker, Jr., DB (5-11, 175).
Key Newcomers: Jon Bissonnette, Sr., QB (6-0, 180); Bryce Johnson, Sr., DB (5-11, 175); Myles Hudson, Sr., LB (6-0, 210) (Hickory Ridge transfer); Dominic Testa, Sr., WR (5-11, 190); Laramie Watson, Jr., RB (5-10, 185).
Outlook: The Bulldogs didn’t miss a beat in their first season back in the South Piedmont 3A conference, going undefeated to win the league with their only loss of the season in a third round playoff game to Dudley. This season, Robinson is loaded with experience as 16 starters return to the lineup. The Bulldogs’ offense (42 points per game last year) will be an air raid with returning senior receivers in Xavier Burnett (54 catches for 1,010 yards and 10 touchdowns), Brian Rowe (50 catches for 1,063 yards and 15 touchdowns, University of South Carolina commit), and Hickory Ridge transfer Dominic Testa (51 catches for 650 yards, nine touchdowns). They will give QB Tyler Kluttz plenty of options. The Robinson offensive line is also a veteran group with senior Tristen Brown, juniors Jaidyn Covington and Elijah Shoe and sophomore Collin Felker all back. The Bulldogs’ defense should also be strong with nine starters back, led by the defensive line that features seniors Mekhi Bond, Dejaun Butler and Samuel Davis. Meanwhile, the secondary is also experienced with seniors like Burnett (three interceptions), Jamarcus Hunter, Isaiah Johnson and junior Cameron Tucker (40 tackles, three interceptions). Robinson has been one of the most consistent winners in the state in the last three years, going 32-5 in that span. This season, the Bulldogs have the combination of experience and talent to not only repeat as SPC champions, but also be a factor deep into the 3A state playoffs.
Interesting note: Jay M. Robinson senior receiver/return specialist, Brian Rowe, returned three punts for touchdowns last season to earn SPC Special Teams’ player of the year.
MOUNT PLEASANT
Head Coach: Daniel Crosby (3rd year).
2023 Record: 5-6
Conference: Yadkin Valley 1A/2A
Returning Starters: N/A.
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Eli Reed, Sr., OL (6-2, 285); Sawyer Icenhour, Sr., OL (6-0, 260); Levi Furr, Sr., OL (6-1, 275); Chase Thomas, Sr., LB (6-0, 205); Jackson Burris, Sr., CB (5-11, 165); Colin Black, Jr., QB (5-9, 165); Ethan Dempsey, Jr., RB/WR/DB (6-2, 195); Kynzer Flynn, Sr., OLB (6-1, 170).
Key Newcomers: Reshine Jones, Jr., DE (6-3, 225); Kelsey Williams, Sr., DL (6-0, 275); Michael Estevez, Sr., DB (5-6, 180); Ayden Smith, Jr., LB (5-11, 215); Tanner Wagoner, Jr., S (6-1, 175); Layne Honeycutt, Sr., OLB (6-0, 175); Bradley Wallace, Jr., S (5-9, 165); Aiden Gray, Sr., OL (5-9, 230); Justin Scott, Jr., OL (6-3, 220); Jared Druschel, Sr., OL (5-8, 200); Roy Barringer, Sr., DL (5-7, 220); Jacob McCoy, Jr., DL (5-9, 260).
Outlook: The Tigers have a veteran group of returning starters on offense with junior quarterback Colin Black and junior running back/receiver Ethan Dempsey (960 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns, 300 yards receiving), making plays behind senior offensive linemen Levi Furr, Sawyer Icenhour and Eli Reed. The Mount Pleasant defense will lean on the experience of senior linebackers Kynzer Flynn and Chase Thomas, while Dempsey and senior Jackson Burris return to lead the secondary. The Tigers are eager to get back above .500 and put themselves in more favorable playoff position.
Interesting note: Mount Pleasant finished 5-6 last year, their first losing season since 2019.
NORTHWEST CABARRUS
Head Coach: Eric Morman (5th year).
2023 Record: 10-2
Conference: South Piedmont 3A
Returning Starters: 13
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Jackson Forrest, Sr., LB (6-1, 225); Nolan Irwin, Sr., OT (6-6, 290); Sam Rodriguez, Jr., OG (5-10, 265); Jameson Carroll, Sr., OT (5-10, 235); Porter Branham, Sr., WR (5-10, 180); Henry Forrest, Sr., WR (6-0, 195); Jason Black, Jr., WR (5-9, 172); Malachi Norris, Jr., DT (6-1, 245); Anderson Lee, Sr., S (6-0, 180); Dylan Gregory, Sr., CB (5-10, 185); Michael Hobbs, Sr., CB (5-10, 180); Jarlon Drye, Jr., RB (5-10, 190); Cam Johnson, Jr., DB (5-9, 175).
Key Newcomers: Hudson Irwin, So., QB (6-4, 175); Kashaun Samuels, Jr., DE (5-10, 195); Terren Miranda, Jr., DL (6-2, 275); Willie Sturgis, Jr., LB (5-10, 205); Jydger Gonazalez, Jr., WR (5-9, 160).
Outlook: Northwest Cabarrus returns 13 starters from a team that looks to build on back-to-back 10-2 seasons. The Trojans’ offense (39 points per game) have a strong foundation up front with senior tackles Nolan Irwin (Elon University commit) and Jameson Carroll as well as junior guard Sam Rodriguez. Senior receivers Porter Branham (50 catches for 931 yards and eight touchdowns), Henry Forrest (25 catches, four touchdowns) and junior Jason Black (33 catches for 487 yards and six touchdowns) will team with junior running back Jarlon Drye (five rushing touchdowns) to give the Trojans some offensive firepower. Meanwhile, the Northwest Cabarrus defense will be its strength with the core of unit that allowed 9.2 points per game last year returning. The front seven is led by senior linebacker Jackson Forrest, who made plays all over the field with 147 tackles, 36 for loss and 17 sacks as a junior. Junior defensive tackle Malachi Norris (57 tackles, seven sacks) will lead the way up front. The Trojans are also experienced on the back end with senior defensive backs Dylan Gregory (76 tackles), Anderson Lee (52 tackles, three interceptions) and Michael Hobbs all back. Northwest Cabarrus has won 20 games in the last two seasons, but will have motivation in the postseason after losing in the second round in the last two 3A state playoffs.
Interesting note: Northwest Cabarrus senior middle linebacker Jackson Forrest is an Old Dominion University (ODU) commit.
WEST CABARRUS
Head Coach: Brian Hinson (2nd year).
2023 Record: 1-9
Conference: Greater Metro 4A
Returning Starters: 14 (7 offense; 7 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: Gael Segovia, Sr., OL (6-1, 260); Liam Ray, Sr., WR (6-0, 175); Jared Street, So., QB (6-0, 170); Mekhi McLaughlin, Sr., LB (6-0, 210); Tristen Clerge, Sr., S (6-0, 165); Aiden McElveen, Jr., DL; Chancellor Jones, Sr., DL (5-10, 245); Cesidio Castricone, Sr., WR (5-7, 170).
Key Newcomers: Jayden Reid, So., WR (6-1, 185); Thomas Strickland, So., DL.
Outlook: After winning three games in each of their first two seasons in 2020 and 2021, the Wolverines have continued to struggle in the past two years going 1-19. However, this season there are reasons for optimism with 14 starters back. The West Cabarrus offense is in good hands with sophomore quarterback Jared Street (1,318 yards passing, nine touchdowns as a freshman) back to lead a unit that also features senior receiver Liam Ray and senior offensive lineman Gael Segovia. The Wolverines’ defense has experience with senior defensive back Tristen Clerge and senior linebacker Mekhi McLaughlin. The defensive front is a strength with senior Chancellor Jones and junior Aiden McElveen leading the line.
Interesting note: West Cabarrus is 7-30 overall in its first four years as a football program.
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 Conference
Mooresville; 2. Lake Norman; 3. Cox Mill; 4. Hickory Ridge; 5. A.L. Brown; 6. West Cabarrus; 7. South Iredell.
NCISAA Western Conference
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee; 2. Christ School; 3. Metrolina Christian; 4. Cannon School.
South Piedmont 3A Conference
Jay M. Robinson; 2. Northwest Cabarrus; 3. West Rowan; 4. Concord; 5. Carson; 6. Central Cabarrus; 7. South Rowan; 8. East Rowan.
Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference
Mount Pleasant; 2. North Stanly; 3. Albemarle; 4. Union Academy; 5. South Stanly.
Preseason all-county team
OFFENSE
QB: C.J. Gray, A.L. Brown, 6-2, 200, Sr.
RB: Ethan Dempsey, Mount Pleasant, 6-2, 195, Jr.
RB: Mehki Herron, A.L. Brown, 5-9, 180, Sr.
WR: Porter Branham, Northwest Cabarrus, 5-10, 180, Sr.
WR: Jordan Cleaves, Cox Mill, 5-9, 160, Jr.
WR: Brian Rowe, Jay M. Robinson, 6-2, 175, Sr.
TE: Henry Anthony, Cannon School, 6-2, 235, Sr.
OL: Brandon Bevilacqua, Central Cabarrus, 6-3, 290, Jr.
OL: Tai Buster, A.L. Brown, 6-4, 280, Sr.
OL: Tristen Brown, Jay M. Robinson, 6-3, 280, Sr.
OL: Nolan Irwin, Northwest Cabarrus, 6-6, 290, Sr.
OL: Eli Reed, Mount Pleasant, 6-2, 285, Sr.
ATH: Xavier Burnett, Jay M. Robinson, 5-10, 170, Sr.
DEFENSE
DL: Dejuan Hall-Butler, Jay M. Robinson, 6-5, 230, Sr.
DL: Jace McCallum, Hickory Ridge, 6-3, 230, Jr.
DL: Malachi Norris, Northwest Cabarrus, 6-1, 245, Sr.
DL: Tyrel Weatherspoon, Concord, 6-0, 310, Jr.
LB: Jackson Forrest, Northwest Cabarrus, 6-1, 225, Sr.
LB: Parker Laughlin, A.L. Brown, 6-0, 190, Sr.
LB: Mekhi McLaughlin, West Cabarrus, 6-0, 210, Sr.
LB: Chase Thomas, Mount Pleasant, 6-0, 205, Sr.
DB: Dylan Gregory, Northwest Cabarrus, 5-10, 185, Sr.
DB: Anderson Lee, Northwest Cabarrus, 6-0, 180, Sr.
DB: Mason Mierzwa, Cannon School, 6-4, 195, Sr.
DB: Cameron Tucker, Jay M. Robinson, 5-11, 175, Jr.
ATH: Alex Petroff, Concord, 5-11, 190, Sr.
SPECIALIST
K/P: Kyle Corrigan, Christ the King, 6-3, 195, Sr.
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Brian Rowe, Jay M. Robinson, 6-2, 175, Sr., WR
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Jackson Forrest, Northwest Cabarrus, 6-1, 225, Sr., LB
