Yahoo Sports High school football preview 2024: Breaking down teams in Gaston 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 Gaston County schools.
Team previews
ASHBROOK
Head Coach: Darius James (5th year)
2023 Record: 4-7
Conference: Big South 3A
Returning Starters: 15
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: J.J. Gordon, Sr., RB/DB (5-10, 180); Jeremiah Pagan, Sr., DT (6-2, 280); Caleb Gordon, Jr., LB (6-1, 215); Jonathan Moore, Jr., OL (6-3, 280); Martino Smith, Jr., RB/LB (5-10, 185); Camron Mayfield, Sr., QB/WR (5-11, 190); Jaylen Dickey, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 275); Benjamin Gregory, Jr., LB (6-0, 205).
Other Key Returnees: Keegan Davis, Jr., OL (6-3, 260); Darrell Leach, Jr., DL (5-10, 250); Keenan Early, Jr., WR/DB (6-1, 160).
Key Newcomers: Savion Lindsay, So., RB (5-9, 175); Kenmarion Lyons, So., DL (6-1, 270).
Outlook: The Green Wave has struggled recently, with just 16 total wins in the past five years. This season, Ashbrook returns 15 starters. James feels the Green Wave defense will be strong in the front seven, led by senior defensive tackle Jeremiah Pagan and All-Big South conference junior linebackers Caleb Gordon and Martino Smith. The Ashbrook offense will look to senior running backs J.J. Gordon and Smith, who will go both ways, to make plays behind a big offensive line led by juniors Jaylen Dickey (6-2, 275) and Jonathan Moore (6-3, 280).
Interesting Note: Ashbrook’s last winning record in a full season came in 2013, when they went 9-4. The Green Wave was also 4-3 in the COVID-19 shortened, 2020 season.
BESSEMER CITY
Head Coach: Shane Short (3rd year)
2023 Record: 6-6
Conference: South Piedmont 1A/2A
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Sireco Logan, Sr., LB (5-11, 200); Gavin Chastain, Jr., QB (6-0, 170); Nazir Owens, Jr., OT/DT (6-2, 340); Von McGill, Jr., OG (6-0, 240); Demarcus Cousins, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 330); Kameron Rice, Sr., WR/LB (6-0, 200); Isaiah Lipford, Sr., WR/DB (5-8, 165); Walt McCoy, Jr., WR/DB (5-9, 160); Zaimer Holmes, Jr., DT (5-9, 315); Eli Shaw, Sr., DE (6-0, 210); Joe Williams, Jr., DE (6-1, 190); Marcus Smith, Sr., DB (5-11, 185).
Key Newcomers: Eric Hatten, Sr., RB/DB (5-10, 170); Myron O’Banner, Sr., DB (6-2, 180); Jaden Owens, So., LB (5-10, 190).
Outlook: Bessemer City doubled its win total in 2023, going 6-6, including a first-round playoff victory. With 12 starters back, the Yellow Jackets have a chance to earn their first winning season since 2019 and make a deeper playoff run. The Bessemer City offense will revolve around senior quarterback Gavin Chastain (1,082 yards, 19 touchdown passes) along with receivers Kameron Rice, a senior, and junior Walt McCoy. The team also has a big offensive line, featuring senior Demarcus Cousins (6-0, 330) and juniors Von McGill (6-0, 240) and Nazir Owens (6-2, 340). The Yellow Jackets’ defense will lean on seniors Sireco Logan (75 tackles, 11 sacks), Rice (three interceptions). Also returning are junior defensive end Joe Williams (61 tackles, 12 tackles for loss) and senior defensive back Marcus Smith (41 tackles).
Interesting Note: Bessemer City has increased its win total in each of the past four years, going from one win in 2020 to two in 2021, three in 2022 and six last year.
CHERRYVILLE
Head Coach: Patrick Bowman (1st year)
2023 Record: 2-9
Conference: South Piedmont 1A/2A
Returning Starters: 8
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: Andron Patterson, Sr., QB/DB (6-2, 205); Rayshawn Sewell, Sr., WR/DB (5-9, 175); Jordan Lowrance, Sr., DL/OL (6-4, 220); Amir Starr, Sr., MLB (5-11, 220); David Howell, Sr., RB/DB.
Other Key Returnees: Jackson Heavner, So., WR (5-11, 160).
Key Newcomers: Jayden Adams, Fr., ATH (6-0, 175).
Outlook: The Ironmen have 13 wins in the past five years combined. Their last winning season was in 2018 (7-5). This year, Cherryville and first-year coach Patrick Bowman return eight starters to try to change that history. The Ironmen offense will need seniors like quarterback Andron Patterson, running back David Howell and receiver Rayshawn Sewell to lead a younger lineup. The Cherryville defense will also look to senior leaders like defensive lineman Jordan Lowrance, linebacker Amir Starr and Howell and Sewell in the secondary.
Interesting Note: Cherryville coach, Bowman, is a former Crest assistant.
EAST GASTON
Head Coach: Bret Story (1st year)
2023 Record: 8-3
Conference: South Piedmont 1A/2A
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 12
Key Returning Starters: Kingston Curry, So., WR/DB (5-11, 165); Kamari Ponder, Sr., DB/WR (5-9, 165); Donovan Reid, Sr., DE/TE (6-2, 230); C.J. Helms, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 160); J’Marion Blair, Sr., LB/TE (6-0, 170); Isaac Brown,, Sr., RB/LB (6-1, 200); Gabe Klouse, Sr., OL (6-1, 200); Antonio Ford, Sr., OL/DL (5-11, 240); Nick McClellan, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 270); Kennard Coleman, Jr., OL/DL (5-11, 240).
Other Key Returnees: Luke Bryant, Jr., WR/DB (6-2, 170); Jeremiah Benton, Jr., RB/DB (5-9, 160); DeBron Johnson, Jr., LB/RB (5-9, 160); Zane Dodd, Jr., LB/OL (5-11, 180).
Outlook: East Gaston has been trending in the right direction, going 22-13 in the past three years. First-year coach Bret Story will look to build on that success with 12 starters returning. The East Gaston offense will feature senior playmakers like running back Isaac Brown (1,008 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns) and receiver, C.J. Helms, who will benefit from an experienced offensive line. Up front, seniors, Antonio Ford and Gabe Klouse and juniors, Kennard Coleman and Nick McClellan all return. The Warriors’ defense is led a defensive line that includes Ford and senior Donovan Reid with senior Ja’Marion Blair returning at linebacker. The secondary also has experience with seniors Helms and Kamari Ponder returning along and sophomore Kingston Curry (43 tackles, three interceptions).
Interesting Note: Coach Story, most recently a Hickory Ridge assistant, also has a lot of experience coaching college football in the Division II ranks.
FORESTVIEW
Head Coach: Chris Rayfield (1st year)
2023 Record: 2-8
Conference: Big South 3A
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Lettermen: 15
Key Returning Starters: Christian Holland, Sr., RB (5-9, 175); Deshawn Bey, Sr., DB (5-11, 145); Jamarius Durham, Sr., LB (5-8,160); Paul Love, Sr., DB/WR (5-11, 165); Jameson Phillips, Sr., LT/DL (6-5, 260); Griffin Sutherland, Sr., OL/DL (6-5, 265); Elijah Wilson, Sr., DE/WR/RB (5-11, 180).
Key Newcomers: Rex Champion, So., LB/TE (6-2, 220); Logan Harper, Jr., LB (6-0, 195); Tristian Holt, Jr., RB/Slot/DB (5-7, 140); Marcus Rhodes, So., LB/RB (5-10, 190); Kamarion Dye, So., DB/WR (5-7, 135).
Outlook: Forestview returns only seven starters from a team that struggled last year at 2-8. Coach Chris Rayfield looks to help recharge the Jaguars with a heavy dose of senior running back Christian Holland (1,030 yards rushing, seven touchdowns) and a big offensive line that includes seniors Jameson Phillips (6-5, 260) and Griffin Sutherland (6-5, 265). Forestview’s defense has experience on all three levels with Phillips and senior Elijah Wilson (35 tackles) back on the defensive line with senior linebacker Jamarius Durham (49 tackles, five sacks, two fumble recoveries) also back. Seniors Paul Love (51 tackles, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries) and Deshawn Bey (two interceptions) lead the secondary.
Interesting Note: Forestview head coach Chris Rayfield is a 2003 Forestview graduate. He was a former assistant football coach who was also the Jaguars’ head boys’ basketball coach from 2016-23.
HIGHLAND TECH
Head Coach: Jimmy White (2nd year).
2023 Record: 0-10
Conference: South Piedmont 1A/2A
Returning Starters: 13
Returning Lettermen: 13
Key Returning Starters: Jonah Jefferies, Sr., RB/LB (5-10, 190); Carmelo Adams, Sr., RB/CB (5-10, 185); Irvin Thompson, So., QB/WR/S; Jalen Bernard, So., WR/RB/CB (5-11, 165); Cooper McCraw, Sr., OL/DL/TE/P (6-6, 275); Lincoln Davis, Sr., OL/DL (5-11, 245); Carson London, Sr., TE/DE (6-5, 190); Alan Matias Luna, Sr., K (5-10, 175).
Other Key Returnees: Michael Smith (Jr.), So., TE/DE/OL/DL (6-0, 200); Trystan Redlinger, Jr., RB/LB (5-8, 145); Graham Kennington, Jr., TE/DE (6-4, 180);
Key Newcomers: Kendall Sherrill, Fr., WR/DB (5-11, 145); Keith “Kap” Porter, Fr., OL/DL (5-11, 175).
Outlook: The Rams haven’t won a game since 2020, going 0-31 in the past three years. This season, there is some optimism to get back in the win column with 13 starters returning. The Highland Tech offense feature senior running back Carmelo Adams and Jonah Jefferies (479 yards rushing last year). The Rams’ defense will need seniors like defensive end Cooper McCraw and defensive backs Adams, Jefferies and sophomore Irvin Thompson to help keep the team in games.
Interesting Note: Highland Tech’s last win game on March 19, 2020 when it won 27-8 at Bessemer City. The Rams’ last winning season (6-4) came in 2007.
HUNTER HUSS
Head Coach: Randy Thompson (5th year).
2023 Record: 4-7
Conference: Big South 3A
Returning Starters: N/A.
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Gene Neely, Sr., DB/ATH (6-0, 183); Javarion Brown, Sr., QB (6-1, 175); ZaMarius Gladden, Jr., DB/ATH (5-11, 170); Talik Chambers, Sr., WR/DB (5-9, 170); Javerian Jefferies, Jr., LB (5-11, 200); Anthony Tate, Jr., ATH (5-9, 165); Ian Dunham, So., DL (6-0, 230); Moises Pena, Sr., LB/RB (5-9, 205); T.J. Blackwell, Sr., OL (6-3, 265).
Key Newcomers: Jakeylan Littlejohn, So., WR (6-0, 180); Quincy Fortenberry, So., ATH (5-9, 170); Jayden Crawford, So., OL/DL (5-10, 255).
Outlook: The Huskies look to build on their best season (4-7) since 2019 (7-4) with a veteran group returning. The Hunter Huss offense is led by senior quarterback Javarion Brown (1,118 yards passing, 10 touchdowns; 779 yards rushing, seven touchdowns), junior receivers ZaMarius Gladden (32 catches for 382 yards), and senior receiver Gene Neely (186 yards receiving, four touchdowns). The Huskies’ defense will be the team’s strength, especially in the secondary with Neely (132 tackles, three interceptions), Gladden (117 tackles, two interceptions)and senior Talik Chambers (36 tackles) all back. Junior linebacker Javerian Jefferies will also play a key role as the Huskies look get back into thick of the Big South conference race.
Interesting Note: The Huskies have won only nine games combined in the past four seasons, after going 9-3 in 2019, alone.
MOUNTAIN ISLAND CHARTER
Head Coach: Robert Washington (10th year).
2023 Record: 8-4
Conference: Catawba Shores’ 1A/2A
Returning Starters: 11
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Justice Washington, Sr., WR/DB (5-9, 160); Grayson Harvey, Sr., QB (6-1, 190); Caleb Murry, Sr., DE/TE (6-5, 210); Josh Moses, Sr., DB (5-9, 165); Nathan Liles, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 270); Elijah Gary, Sr. OL/DL (6-2, 260); Alex Waring, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 230); Jason Forsythe, Sr., LB (5-8, 200); Aamir Gilcreast, Jr., RB (5-9, 165); Caleb Shin, Sr., DB (5-7, 150); Dylan Johnson, Sr., WR (6-0, 170).
Key Newcomers: Javen Boyd, So., OL/DL (5-11, 230); Javon Boyd, So., WR/DB (5-10, 155); Juelz Phillips, So., WR (5-10, 150); Christan Jones, So., ATH (6-1, 170); Morgan Green, So., RB/LB (5-10, 190).
Outlook: Mountain Island Charter returns 11 starters from a team that won eight games last year. This season, the Raptors have lots of firepower on offense with senior quarterback, Grayson Harvey (3,440 yards passing, 22 touchdowns last year) and senior receiver Justice Washington (62 catches for 1,303 yards and eight touchdowns) returning. Senior Elijah Gray headlines a veteran offense line with classmates Nathan Liles and Alex Waring. The Mountain Island Charter defense will feature senior defensive end Caleb Murry (59 tackles, five sacks) and senior defensive backs Josh Moses (50 tackles) and Washington (40 tackles). The Raptors have been a consistent winner, averaging seven wins per season over the last five years. That should continue in ‘24.
Interesting Note: Mountain Island Charter senior quarterback Grayson Harvey has college football recruiting interest from Ivy League schools like Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton and Yale, among others, according to Raptors’ head coach Robert Washington.
NORTH GASTON
Head Coach: Darrel Wilson (1st year)
2023 Record: 5-6
Conference: Big South 3A
Returning Starters: 9
Returning Lettermen: 18
Key Returning Starters: Gage Phalin, Jr., OL/DL (5-7, 235); Desmond Simmons, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 270); Donnavyn Thorne, Jr., DB/WR (5-9, 160); Dwayne Davis, Sr., RB/LB (5-8, 200); Isaiah Ewing, Sr., QB/DE (5-11, 155); Kameron Dial, Jr., WR/DB (6-2, 160); Michael Nix, Sr., TE/LB (5-9, 180);
Other Key Returnees: Kaden Brown, Jr., ATH (5-6, 160); Keshad Wright, Jr., QB (5-10, 160); Seth McGaha, Jr., RB/DL (5-6, 165).
Key Newcomers: Keldon Williams, Jr., WR/DB (5-6, 150).
Outlook: The Wildcats are looking to build on their best season (5-6 last year) since going 6-6 in 2013. While North Gaston is still younger overall (nine starters back), the team gained valuable experience last year, first-year coach Darrel Wilson feels. Wilson is a former Hunter Huss assistant and standout player at Huss and Appalachian State. His first team at North Gaston will feature senior quarterback Isaiah Ewing (869 yards passing, seven touchdowns, four rushing touchdowns last year). The Wildcats’ defense has several playmakers back including senior linebackers Dwayne Davis (54 tackles) and Michael Nix (62 tackles) and junior defensive backs Kameron Dial (50 tackles) and Keldon Williams (41 tackles, three interceptions).
Interesting Note: North Gaston had its last winning season in 2007, when the Wildcats went 12-3.
SOUTH POINT
Head Coach: Adam Hodge (8th year).
2023 Record: 6-5
Conference: Big South 3A
Returning Starters: 15
Returning Lettermen: 20
Key Returning Starters: Chaynce Ford, Sr., LB/FB (6-0, 200); Patrick Blee, Jr., QB/FS (6-1, 200); Kam Crawford, Jr., WB/DB (5-10, 160); Andrew Wright, Jr., OL/DL (6-3, 260); Ashton Owenby, Jr., OL/DL (5-10, 180); Peyton McCarn, Jr., TE/DE (6-3, 200); Reid Jeffries, Jr., OL/DL (5-10, 200); Garrett Tidd, Sr., WB/DB (5-10, 165); Luke Weselowski, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 250); Gavin Smith, Jr., WB/DB (6-0, 170).
Other Key Returnees: David Bray, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 270); Eddie Brach, Jr., OL/DL (6-3, 300); Ryan Paysuer, So., OL/DL (5-10, 200).
Outlook: After winning 24 games in 2021 and 2022 combined, the Red Raiders were 6-5 with a first round playoff loss to Statesville last season, which is not up to their usual lofty standard. However, with 15 starters returning, South Point plans a return to form. The school’s famous rushing attack will feature senior fullback Chaynce Ford (1,283 yards rushing, 19 touchdowns) running behind a veteran offensive line, where senior Luke Weselowski and juniors Reid Jeffries, Ashton Owenby and Andrew Wright all return. Junior quarterback Patrick Blee is also a major weapon. He had 1,178 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore. The South Point defense returns Weselowski (53 tackles) on the defensive line to compliment an experienced secondary with senior Garrett Tidd (84 tackles) and juniors, Kam Crawford and Gavin Smith.
Interesting Note: Coach Hodge is in his 21st season with the Red Raiders as a player, assistant and now head coach. Hodge is 62-21 in seven years as South Point’s head coach.
STUART CRAMER
Head Coach: Ben McMillan (12th year).
2023 Record: 0-10
Conference: Big South 3A Conference.
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 15
Key Returning Starters: Chris Wurster, Jr., LB (6-2, 195); Landon Lee, So., DB/WR (6-3, 180); Aydan Bradley, Jr., DE/LB (6-1, 190); Dominick McCorkle, Jr., RB/LB (5-11, 200); Brayden Fortenberry, So., DL/LB (6-2, 205); Qualteau Hawkins, So., TE/DE (6-2, 215); Anthony Smith, So., OL (6-0, 300).
Other Key Returnees: Amari Boone, So., DL (6-0, 260).
Outlook: Stuart Cramer has only 14 wins in the past five years, including an 0-10 record last season. This year, the Storm will again field a younger overall team, but are “coachable and talented with potential,” according to coach Ben McMillan. The Stuart Cramer defense will be a strength with junior linebackers Chris Wurster (96 tackles) and Ayden Bradley leading the unit. The Stuart Cramer offense needs to be more consistent, McMillan said, which will require players like junior running back Dominick McCorkle and sophomore receiver Landon Lee and sophomore offensive lineman Anthony Smith to play bigger roles to put the team in position to win games.
Interesting Note: Stuart Cramer will be one of the youngest teams in the state this season with 12-14 sophomores in the starting lineup, according to McMillan.
Conference predictions
Big South 3A Conference
South Point; 2. Crest; 3. Kings Mountain; 4. Ashbrook; 5. Hunter Huss; 6. North Gaston; 7. Stuart Cramer; 8. Forestview.
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.
South Piedmont 1A/2A Conference
Shelby; 2. Burns; 3. East Gaston; 4. Bessemer City; 5. Cherryville; 6. Thomas Jefferson Academy; 7. Highland Tech.
Preseason all-county team
2024 Gaston County Preseason Football Team
OFFENSE
QB: Grayson Harvey, Mountain Island Charter, 6-1, 190, Sr.
RB: Isaac Brown, East Gaston, 6-0, 200, Sr.
RB: Chaynce Ford, South Point, 6-0, 200, Sr.
RB: Christian Holland, Forestview, 5-9, 175, Jr.
WR: ZaMarius Gladden, Hunter Huss, 5-11, 170, Jr.
WR: Justice Washington, Mountain Island Charter, 5-9, 160, Sr.
TE: Peyton McCarn, South Point, 6-3, 200, Jr.
OL: DeMarcus Cousins, Bessemer City, 6-0, 330, Sr.
OL: Elijah Gary, Mountain Island Charter, 6-0, 330, Sr.
OL: Cooper McCraw, Highland Tech, 6-6, 275, Sr.
OL: Gage Phalin, North Gaston, 5-7, 235, Jr.
OL: Luke Weselowski, South Point, 6-0, 250, Sr.
ATH: Patrick Blee, South Point, 6-1, 200, Jr.
DEFENSE
DL: Jordan Lowrance, Cherrvyille, 6-4, 220, Sr.
DL: Caleb Murry, Mountain Island Charter, 6-5, 210, Sr.
DL: Jeremiah Pagan, Ashbrook, 6-2, 280, Sr.
DL: Joe Williams, Bessemer City, 6-1, 190, Jr.
LB: Jamarius Durham, Forestview, 5-8, 160, Sr.
LB: Caleb Gordon, Ashbrook , 6-1, 215, Jr.
LB: Sireco Logan, Bessemer City, 5-11, 200, Sr.
LB: Chris Wurster, Stuart Cramer, 6-2, 195, Jr.
DB: Kam Crawford, South Point, 5-10, 160, Jr.
DB: Kingston Curry, East Gaston, 5-11, 165, So.
DB: Paul Love, Forestview, 5-11, 165, Sr.
DB: Gene Neely, Hunter Huss, 6-0, 183, Sr.
DB: Garrett Tidd, South Point, 5-10, 165, Sr.
ATH: Rayshawn Sewell, Cherryville, 5-9, 175, Sr.
SPECIALIST
K/P: Alan Matias Luna, Highland Tech, 5-10, 175, Sr.
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Grayson Harvey, Mountain Island Charter, 6-1, 190, Sr., QB.
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Gene Neely, Hunter Huss, 6-0, 183, Sr., DB/ATH.
