Yahoo Sports High school football preview 2024: Breaking down Mecklenburg private school 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.
We begin with a preview of Mecklenburg County private schools.
Team previews
CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN
Head Coach: Chris James (second year).
2023 Record: 8-4 (2-1 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.
Returning Starters: 17
Returning Lettermen: 27
Key Returning Starters: Owen Farrell, Sr., QB (6-0, 182); L.J. Porter, Jr., DB/RB (6-0, 205); Corban Hall, Sr., TE/DL (6-4, 220); Tate Estep, Jr., WR (5-11, 170); Vince Rosen, Jr., DB/WR (6-1, 170); Henry Hulbert, Jr., LB/WR (6-0, 190); Jack Gullickson, Jr., LB (6-0, 190); Dickson McClain, Sr., OL/LB (6-1, 220); Griffin Shaw, Sr., OL/DL (6-3, 240).
Key Newcomers: Jamal Rule, Jr., RB (6-0, 190, Salisbury transfer); Elijah Littlejohn, Jr., DE (6-3, 210, West Charlotte transfer); Brandon Hettwer, Sr., TE (6-5, 210, Community School of Davidson transfer); Luke Venturini, Jr., OL (6-3, 260, SouthLake Christian transfer).
Outlook: The Knights return 17 starters and have added several key impact transfers, including former West Charlotte defensive star Elijah Littlejohn, a Power 5 recruit. The Charlotte Christian offense averaged 31 points per game last year and returns senior QB Owen Farrell (1962 yards passing, 18 touchdowns, 331 yards rushing) along with high impact transfers like former Salisbury running back, junor Jamal Rule (2,712 yards rushing, 36 touchdowns last year). Also back are senior tight end, Corban Hall (457 yards, six touchdowns), junior receiver Tate Estep, and a veteran offensive line led by seniors, Dickson McClain and Griffin Shaw. The Knights’ defense also has multiple playmakers with Hall and Littlejohn (86 tackles, 12 sacks) leading the defensive line. Juniors Henry Hulbert (three interceptions) and Jack Gullickson (98 tackles, six sacks) return at linebacker and junior L.J. Porter (91 tackles) headlines the secondary.
Interesting Note: The Knights’ quarterback, Owen Farrell, is also one of Charlotte Christian’s top baseball players. He hit .282 last season with a home run, three doubles, two triples, 16 RBI, 20 runs scored and five stolen bases.
CHARLOTTE COUNTRY DAY
Head Coach: Drew Witman (10th season)
2023 Record: 4-7 (1-2 in in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 19
Key Returning Starters: Khalel Wright, Sr., QB (6-2, 180); Nolan Bates, Sr., TE/FB/LB (6-3, 225); William Harrison, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 221); Jacob Johnston, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 200); Sam Jacobson, Jr., WR/DB (5-7, 152); Reid Kuester, Sr., K (5-11, 185); Ryan Nolan, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 226); Jack Pilon, Sr., LB/FB (6-3, 195); Nolan Rutherford, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 170); Mac Summerville, Jr., WR/DB (5-9, 165); Crandall Wilkins, Jr., RB/DB (5-11, 177); Kyle Bynes, Jr., WR/DB (6-0, 168).
Key Newcomers: Braylan Clark, Fr., DB/WR (6-2, 160); Charlie Stauffer, So., OL/DL (6-4, 296); Nate Dollard, Fr., WR/DB (5-9, 150); T.J. Valentine, Jr., WR/DB (5-9, 156).
Outlook: The Buccaneers have won just 12 games combined in the past four years. This season, Charlotte Country Day returns 12 starters, including senior QB Khalel Wright, who is a true dual-threat. He had 1,406 yards passing and 697 rushing last season, accounting for 24 total touchdowns. Also returning are junior running back Crandall Wilkins and senior receiver Nolan Rutherford (18 catches, three touchdowns). The Bucs’ defense is led by senior linebacker Jack Pilon and has an experienced secondary with juniors Kyle Bynes, Mac Summerville (38 tackles) and Wilkins (42 tackles, three interceptions).
Interesting Note: Charlotte Country Day QB Khalel Wright, is being recruited by Campbell, Howard, Navy, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central and Prarie View A&M, according to coach Witman.
CHARLOTTE LATIN
Head Coach: Drew Dayton (2nd year).
2023 Record: 2-8 (0-3 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 20
Key Returning Starters: Gavin Provencher, Sr., WR/DB (6-0, 175); Hudson Shoup, Sr., WR/DB (5-8, 160); Joe McGirt, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 180); Carson Clutter, Sr., RB/DB (5-11, 185); Titus Ivory, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 175); Matthew Flynn, Jr., DL (6-3, 215); Banks Cutter, Jr., TE/DL (6-3, 220); Myles Gathers, Jr., LB (6-0, 200); Asher Weiers, Sr., OL (6-0, 220); Holden Freno, Sr., K (5-9, 185); Hunter Loeffler, Jr., P (6-1, 175); Dallas Chapman, Jr., MLB (5-11, 185).
Key Newcomers: Adam Aoun, So., QB (5-9, 170); Ayden Mark, So., QB (5-11, 170); Matthew Barber, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 230); Trent Barber, Jr., OL/DL (6-2, 230).
Outlook: The Hawks hope to improve on a two-win season in 2023 with 12 starters back. The Hawks’ defense should be a team strength. Juniors Banks Cutter (37 tackles, three sacks) and Matthew Flynn (28 tackles, three sacks) anchor the defensive line. Charlotte Latin has an experienced linebacker group and secondary that includes junior linebackers Dallas Chapman (62 tackles), Myles Gathers (89 tackles) and three defensive backs — seniors Carson Clutter (48 tackles), Titus Ivory (two interceptions) and Gavin Provencher (38 tackles). The Hawks’ offense, which averaged about 13 points per game last season, hopes to improve behind players like Ivory, a two-way star, and senior Joe McGirt, a wide receiver.
Interesting Note: Covenant Day transfers, twin brothers Matthew and Trent Barber, should have an impact on Charlotte Latin’s offensive and defensive lines this season.
COVENANT DAY
Head Coach: Mike Hawks (1st year).
2023 Record: 5-6 (2-3 in the NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference).
Conference: NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference/Division II.
Returning Starters: 9
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Tyler Dennison, Sr., DB (5-9, 165); Ayden Van Der Schaaf, Sr., LB (5-10, 175); Tucker Collins, Sr. LB (5-11, 215); Jakota Hase, Sr., DB/WR (5-10, 170); Ramielle Broadway, Sr., RB (5-5, 165); Kruz Grigston, Sr., DB (5-7, 160); Alex Kokoshvili, Sr., K (5-8, 165); Michael Moffat, Sr., DL (5-7, 170); Tommy Schiffiano, Jr., OL (5-10, 225).
Key Newcomers: Ethan Fraizier, So., OL/TE (6-2, 195); Luke Darling, Jr., SB (5-11, 165); Daniel Phillips, Jr., OL (6-4, 250); Zane Wagner, Jr., OL (6-2, 312); Teddy Helton, Sr., LB/WR (6-0, 185).
Outlook: The Lions have 13 wins combined in the past two seasons and look to keep improving, despite returning only nine starters. The Covenant Day defense will be its strength. Seniors linebackers Tyler Collins and Ayden Van Der Schaaf (50 tackles) return along with defensive end Michael Moffat (four sacks) on the front seven. Meanwhile, seniors Tyler Dennison (34 tackles, two interceptions), Jakota Hase (46 tackles, three interceptions) and Kruz Grigston lead the secondary. Of offense, Covenant Day returns senior running back Ramielle Broadway (227 yards rushing, four touchdowns) and Hase (three touchdown catches) along with kicker, Alex Kokoshvili, all playing lead roles.
Interesting Note: Former Covenant Day defensive coordinator Mike Hawks takes over as the Lions’ head coach. Hawks was also the defensive coordinator at Butler and the head coach of the Carolina Bearcats.
HICKORY GROVE
Head Coach: Tad Baucom (5th year).
2023 Record: 9-3 (3-2 in the Piedmont Athletic Conference).
Conference: NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference/Division II.
Returning Starters: 14
Returning Lettermen: 22
Key Returning Starters: Anthony Hawkins, Sr., RB (5-10, 190); Will McGraw, Sr., OL/DL (6-2, 310); Owen Hamilton, Sr., OL/DL (5-9, 210); Langdon Jones, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 150); Mack Dorminy, Sr., TE/LB (6-1, 205); Jackson Whittier, Sr., OL/MLB (6-0, 205); Michael McCray, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 200); Stephen Dickey, Sr., WR/DB (6-1, 170); Daniel Echevarria, Jr., TE/DE (6-2, 200); Kanaan Wagoner, Jr., RB/LB (5-7, 155); Zach Pierce, Jr., QB/K (5-10, 160); Jesse Blazi, Jr., OL/LB (5-10, 180); Parker Greene, Jr., WR/DB (5-8, 160); Reed Rhodes, Jr., TE/DB (6-3, 185).
Key Newcomers: David Echevarria, Fr., QB (6-2, 190).
Outlook: The Lions look to build on back-to-back nine-win seasons and return 14 starters. The Hickory Grove offense will revolve around all-state senior running back Anthony Hawkins (1,836 yards rushing, 28 touchdowns last year) with a senior heavy line led by Owen Hamilton, Michael McCray, Will McGraw and Jackson Whittier. Junior athlete Kanaan Wagoner will also be a playmaker for the offense, Baucom said. The Hickory Grove defense is also experienced with Wagoner (62 tackles, 4.5 sacks) and Whittier (73 tackles) at linebacker and McCray (76 tackles, eight sacks) and Daniel Echevarria (62 tackles, 4.5 sacks) leading the defensive front.
Interesting Note: Hickory Grove’s nine-wins in each of the last two records are school record for victories in a season.
PROVIDENCE DAY
Head Coach: Chad Grier (5th year).
2023 Record: 12-1 (4-1 in the Big South Conference).
Conference: Big South Conference/NCISAA Division I.
Returning Starters: 14
Returning Lettermen: 34
Key Returning Starters: David Sanders, Sr., OT/DL (6-7, 285); Miles Funderburk, Jr., OG (6-0, 290); Leo Dulaney, Jr., OT/DL (6-6, 285); Ian Cline, Jr., RB/LB (5-9, 210); Gordon Sellars, Jr., WR (6-2, 180); Jaylen Himes, Jr., WR (5-8, 175); Davis Dudley, Sr., P (5-8, 155); Jacob Baggett, Jr., K (6-0, 185); Bauer Sodoma, Jr., LS/H (5-10, 190); Braxton Winston, Sr., CB (6-0, 170); Cairo Skanes, Sr., CB (6-1, 175); Brennan Drummond, So., SS (5-11, 175); Griff Galloway, So, DE (6-3, 240); Quintin McCray, Jr., LB (6-0 200).
Other Key Returnees: Aidan Gallos, Jr. RB (5-9, 190).
Key Newcomers: Moses Poku-Kankam, Jr., DB (6-1, 190); Zaid Lott, Jr., QB (6-4, 210); William McDermott, Jr., WR (5-11, 175); Brendan Ravin, Jr., WR/DB (6-0, 155); A.J. Barnes, So., WR (5-11, 175); Max Cassell, So,, WR (5-9, 145); Tre Geathers, So., DB (6-0, 173); Kendre Harrison, TE/DE (6-7, 245)
Outlook: Providence Day, The Observer’s Sweet 16 and N.C. Independent School state champions, return 14 starters chasing a fourth straight state crown. The Providence Day offense will feature one of nation’s best offense lines, led by senior tackle David Sanders (No. 1 OT recruit in the nation in 2025 and the reigning N.C. Gatorade player of the year). Junior tackle Leo Dulaney has offers from Alabama, Auburn, Michigan and others) and junior guard, Miles Funderburk is developing into a Power 5 recruit. Senior RB Ian Cline (1,355 yards, 23 touchdowns) and Aidan Gallos (returning from injury) are back to work with new starting QB, junior Zaid Lott, a North Carolina commit before he has played a full season. Lott will have weapons on the outside like junior receivers Jaylen Himes (10 touchdown catches last year) and Gordon Sellars (four touchdowns). The Chargers’ defense has an equally strong front with Dulaney, Funderburk joining sophomore Griff Galloway (8.5 sacks). Junior linebacker Quintin McCray (66 tackles) and senior cornerbacks Cairo Skanes (83 tackles, six interceptions) and Braxton Winston also return. New to the team is MaxPreps 2023-24 national player of the year, Kendre Harrison, who transferred last week from Reidsville High School
Interesting Note: Chargers’ senior offensive tackle David Sanders is widely considered the No. 1 prospect in the nation in the class of 2025 (by multiple publications) and will decide between Georgia, Nebraska, Ohio State and Tennessee on Aug. 17.
SOUTHLAKE CHRISTIAN
Head Coach: Cheron Farley (6th year).
2023 Record: 0-9 (0-5 in the NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference).
Conference: NCISAA Piedmont Athletic Conference/Division II.
Returning Starters: 10
Returning Lettermen: 10
Key Returning Starters: Austin Williams, Sr., RB/WR (6-1, 185); Kaedon Eddie, Jr., WR (6-2, 170); Will Schaefer, Jr., RB (5-7, 160); Evan Hogg, Jr., DB (5-11, 180); Jacob Hondros, Jr., WR/DB (5-10, 170); Parker Smith, Jr., OL (6-3, 245); Power Mba, Jr., DL (6-3, 330).
Key Newcomers: Hunter Bolling, Sr., QB (6-1, 185); Christian Garcia, Sr., OL (6-2, 265); Hunter Tedder, Jr., OL (6-4, 305); Jimmy Lapolusa, Jr., SS (5-11, 175); Tauetevalu Tuionetoa, So., DL (6-1, 255); D.J. Baker, Sr., DE (6-3, 245); Peyton Kendall, Sr., LB (5-10, 230); Braden Kendall, Sr., TE (5-11, 225); Noah Clarke, Jr., DB (6-1, 170); Blaine Pearson, Jr., DE (5-11, 240).
Outlook: The Eagles have struggled, losing 20 straight games dating back to the 2021 season. With 10 starters back, the team has the experience to get back in the win column. The SouthLake Christian offense returns senior running back/receiver Austin Williams, junior running back Will Schaefer, junior receiver Kaedon Eddie and junior offensive lineman Parker Smith. The Eagles’ defensive will be bigger and faster, led by junior defensive tackle Power Mba (6-3, 330) along with junior defensive backs Evan Hogg and Jacob Hondros.
Interesting Note: SouthLake Christian senior Austin Williams will be a versatile weapon for the Eagles. He played running back, receiver and quarterback last season.
Conference Predictions
BIG SOUTH
Providence Day; 2. Charlotte Christian; 3. Charlotte Country Day; 4. Charlotte Latin.
NCISAA PIEDMONT ATHLETIC
Asheville School; 2. Hickory Grove; 3. Covenant Day; 4. Asheville Christian; 5. High Point Christian; 6. SouthLake Christian.
Preseason All-Mecklenburg County private school team
OFFENSE
QB: Owen Farrell, Charlotte Christian, 6-0, 182, Sr.
RB: Ian Cline, Providence Day, 5-9, 210, Jr.
RB: Anthony Hawkins, Hickory Grove, 5-9, 195, Sr.
RB: Jamal Rule, Charlotte Christian, 6-0, 190, Jr.
WR: Tate Estep, Charlotte Christian, 5-11, 170, Jr.
WR: Jaylen Himes, Providence Day, 5-8, 175, Jr.
WR: Gordon Sellars, Providence Day, 6-2, 180, Jr.
TE: Corban Hall, Charlotte Christian, 6-4, 220, Sr.
TE: Kendre Harrison, Providence Day, 6-7, 245, Jr.
OL: Leon Dulaney, Providence Day, 6-6, 285, Jr.
OL: Miles Funderburk, Providence Day, 6-0, 290, Jr.
OL: Will McGraw, Hickory Grove, 6-2, 310, Sr.
OL: David Sanders, Providence Day, 6-7, 285, Sr.
OL: Griffin Shaw, Charlotte Christian, 6-3, 240, Sr.
ATH: Khalel Wright, Charlotte Country Day, 6-2, 180, Sr.
DEFENSE
DL: Banks Cutter, Charlotte Latin, 6-3, 220, Jr.
DL: Griff Galloway, Providence Day, 6-3, 240, So.
DL: Elijah Littlejohn, Charlotte Christian, 6-3, 210, Jr.
DL: Michael McCray, Hickory Grove, 5-10, 200, Sr.
LB: Myles Gathers, Charlotte Latin, 6-0, 200, Jr.
LB: Jack Gullickson, Charlotte Christian, 6-0, 190, Jr.
LB: Quintin McCray, Providence Day, 6-0, 200, Jr.
LB: Ayden Van Der Schaaf, Covenant Day, 5-10, 175, Sr.
DB: Titus Ivory, Charlotte Latin, 6-1, 175, Sr.
DB: L.J. Porter, Charlotte Christian, 6-0, 205 Jr.
DB: Cairo Skanes, Providence Day, 6-1, 175, Sr.
DB: Braxton Winston, Providence Day, 6-0, 170, Sr.
ATH: Crandall Wilkins, Charlotte Country Day, 5-11, 177, Jr.
SPECIALISTS
K/P: Davis Dudley, Providence Day, 5-8, 155, Sr.
SPEC: Kaanan Wagoner, Hickory Grove, 5-8, 155, Jr.
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: David Sanders, Providence Day, 6-7, 285, Sr., OT.
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Elijah Littlejohn, Charlotte Christian, 6-3, 210, Jr., DE.
