Yahoo Sports High school football preview 2024: Breaking down Rock Hill-area 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 today with a look at Observer-area S.C. schools.
Team previews
ANDREW JACKSON
Head Coach: Jeremy Smith (2nd year)
2023 Record: 9-4
Conference: Region IV 2A
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 15
Key Returning Starters: Jy’Kevius Johnson, Sr., WR (6-4, 177); Bryce Peterson, Sr., DB/WR (6-0, 165); Tavarus Kelly, Sr., OL (6-2, 294); Dallas Vick, Sr., QB (5-10, 180); Qua’Ran Hall, Sr., RB/LB (5-11, 170).
Other Key Returnees: Zeke Clyburn, Jr., WR (6-3, 171); Kam McGill, Jr., LB (6-0, 185); Tyre Gaddy, Jr., DB (5-10, 155); Curt Thomas Horton, Jr., K/WR (5-10, 153); Nick Carter, Jr., OL (6-1, 250) Graham Edwards, Jr., TE/DL (6-0, 229); Jase Fair, Jr., LB/RB (5-7 174).
Outlook: The two-time Region V 2A champions return 10 starters to go for a three-peat and another deep playoff run. The team made the third round last season. The Volunteers offense will revolve around seniors like quarterback Dallas Vick, running back Qua’Ran Hall, receivers Jy’Kevius Johnson and Bryce Peterson with 6-foot-2, 294-pound classmate Tavarus Kelly. The Andrew Jackson defense will feature junior linebackers Jase Fair (77 tackles) and Kam McGill (85 tackles) and an experienced secondary with junior Tyre Gadddy (53 tackles) and seniors Johnson and Peterson to lead the unit.
Interesting Note: Andrew Jackson has to replace two of the state’s most productive players from a year ago with former running back Trey Thompson (2,107 yards rushing last year) and quarterback Brady Williams (1,967 yards passing, 23 touchdowns), both graduating.
BUFORD
Head Coach: Joe Watson (2nd year)
2023 Record: 1-9
Conference: Region IV 2A
Returning Starters: 9
Returning Lettermen: 23
Key Returning Starters: Antonio Amos, Sr., RB (5-8, 165); Conner Shumate, Sr., OL (6-0, 270); Cade Poyner, Sr., OL (6-1, 220); Ethan Jaimez, Sr., OL (5-10, 180); Noah Crump, Jr., QB (6-3, 230); Isaac Praking, Sr., LB (5-10, 180); Trevan Roberts, Jr., LB/RB (5-6, 160); Hunter Mills, Sr., WR (5-9, 185).
Key Newcomers: Carter Allstun, Sr., DB; Hawk Wilson, Jr., WR/DB; Cole Carnes, Jr., WR/DB; Marvin Randolph, Jr., RB/LB; Chris Buslovich, Jr., DE.
Outlook: The Yellow Jackets return nine starters from a team that went 1-9 last year. Buford returns junior quarterback Noah Crump (649 yards passing) and senior running back Antonio Amos (351 yards rushing) to operate behind a senior trio of offensive lineman: Conner Shumate, Cade Poyner and Ethan Jaimez. The Yellow Jackets’ defense will have veteran group with seniors like linebackers Isaac Prakin and Trevan Roberts and defensive back Hunter Mills all returning.
Interesting Note: Buford is 23-29 in the past five years combined.
CATAWBA RIDGE
Head Coach: Zac Lendyak (6th year)
2023 Record: 1-9
Conference: Region III 5A
Returning Starters: 18
Returning Lettermen: 36
Key Returning Starters: Brady Ambrose, Sr., TE (6-4, 230); Braylen Burgis, Sr., WR (6-1, 190); Lewis Price, Sr., DL (6-4, 305); Josh Dobson, So., CB (6-2, 180); C.J. Couch, Sr., QB (6-2, 190); Nolan Jones, Sr., SS (5-10, 175).
Key Newcomers: Jaylon Richardson, So., WR/DB (5-10, 150).
Outlook: Catawba Ridge fell hard in 2023 (1-9) after going 11-2 in 2022. This season, 18 starters return, but the Copperheads will also be moving into Class 5A, in a difficult Region III league. Catawba Ridge quarterback, senior C.J. Couch, will lead the offense with senior tight end Brady Ambrose and senior receiver Braylen Burgis. The Copperheads’ defense returns 6-foot-4, 305-pound defensive tackle Lewis Price up front and two defensive backs behind him: junior Nolan Jones (31 tackles) and sophomore Josh Dobson (three interceptions).
Interesting Note: Coach Lendyak is 27-24 as the only head coach in Catawba Ridge football history.
CLOVER
Head Coach: Perry Woolbright (2nd year)
2023 Record: 9-3
Conference: Region III 5A
Returning Starters: 14
Returning Lettermen: N/A
Key Returning Starters: Landon Stone, Sr., RB (6-0, 195); Trenton McGill, Sr., OL (6-2, 245); Tucker Houston, Sr., OL (5-10, 245); Grayson Smith, Sr., OL (6-4, 260); T.J. McCluney, Sr., WR (5-8, 165); Cameron James, Jr., WR/TE (6-1, 205); Carson Piniti, Jr., LB/TE (6-0, 190); Brody Rowan, Sr., DE (6-0, 235); Peyton Root, Sr., NG (5-11, 295); Sam Lee, Sr., LB (5-9, 180); Dillon McCoy, Sr., LB (5-9, 185); Jaylon Holmes, Jr,, LB (5-10, 180); Tyler Chapman, Sr., DB (5-9, 165); Jae Latta, Sr., DB (5-9, 165).
Key Newcomers: Jackson Hill, So., DE (6-3, 235); Samson Nightway, Sr., OL/DL (6-5, 250); Brandon Smith, Jr., RB/DB (6-0, 150).
Outlook: The path to repeating as Region III 5A champions will be more difficult with perennial power Northwestern moving back into the league. But a region title will be the goal from day one for Clover, which has 14 starters back. The Blue Eagles’ offense will revolve around all-state running back Landon Stone, who rushed for 2,400 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. The Clover offensive line returns seniors Tucker Houston, Trenton McGill and Grayson Smith. The Blue Eagles’ defense should also be strong in the front seven with seniors Peyton Root and Brody Rowan anchoring the defensive line. Clover also has plenty of experience at linebacker with seniors Sam Lee and Dillon McCoy joining juniors Jaylon Holmes and Carson Piniti.
Interesting Note: Head coach Perry Woolbright is a 2001 Clover graduate. Woolbright’s father, Marty, was also Clover’s head football coach from 1993-97.
FORT MILL
Head Coach: Rob McNeely (7th year)
2023 Record: 2-9
Conference: Region III 5A
Returning Starters: 15
Returning Lettermen: 30
Key Returning Starters: Tanner Mays, Sr., WR/DB (6-3, 215); Grayson Sykes, Sr. OT (6-3, 270); Josh Welch, Sr., OLB (6-0, 175); Jeremiah McNeill, Sr., WR/DB (5-11, 165); Braylon Thomas, Sr., WR/CB (5-10, 160); Joseph Duey, Jr., MLB (6-2, 225).
Other Key Returnees: Quinn Kelly, Jr., QB (5-10, 170); Gray Patterson, Jr., OLB (6-2, 200); Noah Hardy, So., K/P (5-10, 150).
Outlook: Fort Mill has not had a winning season in a decade (9-3 in 2014), but has reasons for optimism with 15 starters returning. That includes junior quarterback Quinn Kelly (1,022 yards passing, seven touchdowns) and senior recdeiver Tanner Mays (25 catches for 456 yards) and senior tackle Grayson Sykes. The Fort Mill defense also has experience at linebacker with senior Josh Welch (52 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, three sacks) and Joseph Duey (82 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four sacks) in the secondary with seniors Jeremiah McNeill and Braylon Thomas (42 tackles, four blocked kicks).
Interesting Note: Fort Mill senior offensive tackle Grayson Sykes graded out at 91 percent last year, when he allowed just one sack all season.
INDIAN LAND
Head Coach: Adam Hastings (5th year)
2023 Record: 7-5 (2-3 in Region III, 4A).
Conference: Region III 5A
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 26
Key Returning Starters: Kent Hampton, Sr., OL (6-3, 300); Jackson Wian, So., OL (6-3, 260); Sequel Patterson, So., QB/WR/DB (6-1, 175); Von Lucas, So., WR (5-8, 155); Iverson Nunez, Sr., DL (5-10, 275); Mickey Johnson, So., LB (6-0, 215); Omarion Davis, Sr., DB (6-0, 180).
Other Key Returnees: Bryson Conner, Jr., DB/WR (5-10, 165); Leonard Goethe, Sr., DL (5-10, 185); Devon Caldwell, Sr., DB/WR/RB (5-7, 155).
Key Newcomers: Matt Kucia, Fr., QB (5-11, 151); Mike Foster, Jr., DL (6-2, 223); Nick Foster, Sr., OL (6-1, 285): Jackson Conner, So., LB (5-11, 205).
Outlook: The Warriors look to build on three straight winning seasons as they take on the challenge of moving up to class 5A, to a tough Region III league. The Indian Land offense will feature sophomore quarterback Sequel Patterson, sophomore receiver Von Lucas, to make plays behind an experience offensive line with senior Kent Hampton and sophomore Jackson Wian. The Warriors’ defense is led by senior defensive back Omarion Davis (Boston College commit) with senior defensive lineman Iverson Nunez and sophomore linebacker, Mickey Johnson also playing key roles.
Interesting Note: Indian Land has two sets of brothers that will start this season, Bryson and Jackson Conner, and Mike and Nick Foster.
NORTHWESTERN
Head Coach: Page Wofford (6th year)
2023 Record: 11-2
Conference: Region III 5A
Returning Starters: 15 (7 offense; 8 defense)
Returning Lettermen: 32
Key Returning Starters: Finley Polk, Sr., QB (6-3, 190); Mason Grier, Sr., DE (6-1, 235); Andre Pickett, Sr., DE (6-1, 260); Jayden Nichols, Sr., WR (6-0, 170); Will Massey, Sr., LB (6-0, 186); Kam Vance, Jr., WR (5-8, 160); Tamarion Watkins, Jr., S (6-4, 200); Zymier Gordon-Miles, So. RB (6-1, 180); Forrest Allen, Sr., OL (6-0, 295); Matthew McClellan, Sr., OL (6-2, 185); Danijay McMullen, Sr., DT (6-0, 265); Dmitri Putman, Sr., DE (6-2, 200); Jayce Joseph, Sr., S (5-11, 180); Chris Coleman, Sr., OL (6-2, 260); Matthew Fish, Sr., K/P (5-10, 175).
Key Newcomers: Jayden Baxter, Jr., S (5-11, 165); Joshua Singleton, Jr., CB (FILL); Jonathan Spurgeon, Jr., CB/SPEC (5-10, 170).
Outlook: Northwestern has won 42 games in the past four years. This season, the Trojans move back up to Class 5A (Region III), where they will bring a wealth of experience with 15 starters returning. The Northwestern “Air Raid” offense will feature senior quarterback Finley Polk (2,902 yards and 38 touchdown passes, eight rushing touchdowns). And Polk has plenty of talent around him like senior receiver Jayden Nichols (48 catches for 620 yards and six touchdowns) and junior receiver Kam Vance (26 receptions for 357 yards and seven touchdowns). Senior offensive lineman Forrest Allen also returns. On defense, Northwestern returns eight starters, including seniors Mason Grier (46 tackles, four sacks), Danijay McMullen (53 tackles, 8.5 sacks), Andre Pickett (85 tackles, five sacks) and Dmitri Putman (six sacks) up front. Senior linebacker Will Massey (90 tackles, 5.5 sacks) and senior safety Jayce Joseph (66 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, six sacks) also return for a team that expects to compete for a state title.
Interesting Note: Coach Wofford is 44-15 in his five years as the Northwestern head coach with 11, 13 and 11 wins in the last three seasons. Northwestern has won 18 straight region games with their last (region) loss coming in 2019.
ROCK HILL
Head Coach: Randy Birch (1st year)
2023 Record: 6-5
Conference: Region III 5A
Returning Starters: 10 (5 offense; 5 defense)
Returning Lettermen: N/A
Key Returning Starters: Malik Clark, Sr., WR (6-3, 188); E.J. Ratley, Sr., WR; Jacob Phillips, Sr., Center (6-3, 250); Hayden Beuch, Sr., LT (6-3, 205); Kris Burgess, Sr., DL; A.J. Sanders, Sr., CB (5-11, 160); Kaiden Watkins, So., ATH (5-10, 180); Nigel Lightner, So., DB (6-0, 180).
Other Key Returnees: Keaton Elliott, Sr., DL.
Key Newcomers: Ian Grissom, Sr., QB (6-1, 175) (Lewisville transfer).
Outlook: After going 4-22 from 2020-22, Rock Hill was 6-5 last season. This year, the Bearcats have 10 starters returning. The offense has Lewisville transfer, senior quarterback Ian Grissom (2,615 yards passing, 35 touchdowns last season), leading an offense that will also feature Malik Clark (Florida State commit, 46 catches for 800 yards, nine touchdowns) and E.J. Ratley. The offensive line returns senior center Jacob Phillips and senior left tackle Hayden Beuch. The Rock Hill defense also returns a solid front line with seniors Kris Burgess and Keaton Elliott back. Meanwhile, the Bearcats’ secondary returns three of its four starters in senior A.J. Sanders and sophomores Nigel Lightner and Kaiden Watkins (92 tackles, four interceptions).
Interesting Note: Rock Hill head coach Birch takes over after serving as the defensive coordinator at Gaffney High.
SOUTH POINTE
Head Coach: Bobby Collins (4th year)
2023 Record: 8-4 (4-1 in Region III, 4A)
Conference: Region III, 4A
Returning Starters: 12 (6 offense; 6 defense)
Returning Lettermen: 20
Key Returning Starters: J’Zavien Currence, Jr., QB/DB/ATH (6-3, 190); Anthony Baxter, Jr., OL (6-3, 335); Jordan Collins, Sr., TE/WR (6-3, 210); Mason Pickett-Hicks, Sr., RB ((5-9, 160); Victor Goree, Sr., OL (6-2, 265); Aaki Brown, Sr., LB (5-11, 210); Miles Wilson, Jr., DT (6-1, 300).
Key Newcomers: Karl Burg, So., SS (6-1, 190); Malik Ratliff, So., WR (6-0, 175); Cameron McMillon, Jr., QB (6-3, 220).
Outlook: South Pointe has been a consistent winner, averaging nine victories per season over the past five years. This season, the Stallions will benefit from 12 starters returning — six on each side of the ball. The South Pointe offense will revolve around the all-around skills of junior quarterback J’Zavien Currence (four-star recruit with 40-plus offers). Also returning are senior running back Mason Pickett-Hicks (1,028 yards rushing, seven touchdowns), senior tight end Jordan Collins (Navy commit) and a massive offensive line featuring junior Anthony Baxter (South Carolina commit, 73 pancakes) and senior Victor Goree (93 pancakes). The Stallions’ defense should also be strong with senior Aaki Brown (42 tackles) back at linebacker. Currence, whose primary position is at safety (67 tackles, five interceptions), will be equally as valuable on defense. .
Interesting Note: South Pointe junior defensive tackle Miles Wilson (6-1, 300) can bench press 400 pounds, according to Stallions’ head coach, Bobby Collins.
YORK
Head Coach: Dean Boyd (6th year)
2023 Record: 8-4
Conference: Region III 4A
Returning Starters: 4 (2 offense; 2 defense)
Returning Lettermen: 15
Key Returning Starters: Johnathan Tobias, Sr., S (6-1, 195); Tayshon Freeman, Jr., QB (6-2, 215); Darrell Harrison, Jr., DE (6-1, 200).
Other Key Returnees: Jay McCoy, Sr., WR (5-9, 175); Akevy Mason, Sr., WR (5-9, 160); Ryan Carter, Sr., LB (6-0, 215).
Outlook: York is looking to build on an 8-4 season from a year ago, and will be challenged with only four starters returning. The Cougars’ offense will revolve around junior quarterback Tayshon Freeman (980 yards passing, 10 touchdowns last year), who has some experienced playmakers returning, including senior receivers Jay McCoy (25 catches for 280 yards) and Akevy Mason. The York defense will feature junior defensive end Darrell Harrison (85 tackles, four sacks), senior linebacker Ryan Carter (43 tackles) and all-state senior, safety (Johnathan Tobias (61 tackles, five interceptions).
Interesting Note: York football coach Boyd is 29-23 at York in five seasons, and 240-120 overall in his coaching career.
Conference predictions
Region III, 5A
Northwestern; 2. Clover; 3. Rock Hill; 4. Indian Land; 5. Catawba Ridge; 6. Nation Ford; 7. Fort Mill.
Region III, 4A
South Pointe; 2. Camden; 3. York; 4. A.C. Flora; 5. Lancaster; 6. Richland Northeast; 7. Dreher.
Region IV, 2A
Andrew Jackson; 2. Cheraw; 3. North Central; 4. Central Pageland; 5. Chesterfield; 6. Buford.
Preseason All-Area team
OFFENSE
QB: Finley Polk, Northwestern, 6-3, 190, Sr.
RB: Mason Pickett-Hicks, South Pointe, 5-9, 160, Sr.
RB: Landon Stone, Clover, 6-0, 195, Sr.
WR: Malik Clark, Rock Hill, 6-3, 188, Jr.
WR: Jayden Nichols, Northwestern, 6-0, 170, Sr.
TE: Brady Ambrose, Catawba Ridge, 6-4, 230, Sr.
OL: Anthony Baxter, South Pointe, 6-3, 335, Jr.
OL: Victor Goree, South Pointe, 6-2, 265, Sr.
OL: Tavarus Kelly, Andrew Jackson, 6-2, 294, Sr.
OL: Trenton McGill, Clover, 6-2, 245, Sr.
OL: Kevin Peay, Lancaster, 6-3, 311, Sr.
OL: Jacob Phillips, Rock Hill, 6-3, 250, Sr.
ATH: Ian Grissom, Rock Hill, 6-1, 175, Sr.
DEFENSE
DL: Mason Grier, Northwestern, 6-1, 235, Sr.
DL: Danijay McMullen, Northwestern, 6-0, 265, Sr.
DL: Andre Pickett, Northwestern, 6-1, 260, Sr.
DL: Lewis Price, Catawba Ridge, 6-4, 305, Sr.
DL: Miles Wilson, South Pointe, 6-1, 300, Jr.
LB: Aaki Brown, South Pointe, 5-11, 210, Sr.
LB: Joseph Duey, Fort Mill, 6-2, 225, Jr.
LB: Kam McGill, Andrew Jackson, 6-0, 185, Jr.
LB: Will Massey, Northwestern, 6-0, 186, Sr.
DB: J’Zavien Currence, South Pointe, 6-3, 190, Jr.
DB: Omarion Davis, Indian Land, 6-0, 180, Sr.
DB: Jayce Joseph, Northwestern, 5-11, 180, Sr.
DB: Johnathan Tobias, York, 6-1, 195, Sr.
ATH: Kaiden Watkins, Rock Hill, 5-10, 180, So.
SPECIALIST
K/P: Matthew Fish, Northwestern, 5-10, 175, Sr.
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Finley Polk, Northwestern, 6-3, 190, Sr., QB.
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: J’Zavien Currence, South Pointe, 6-3, 190, Jr., DB/ATH/QB.
▪ NOTE: Lancaster and Nation Ford did not respond toThe Observer’s request for preseason information.
