23 minute read
The Battle for Gridiron Greatness Begins
By: Hollis Miller, With Jason Huddle
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Photo: Michael A. Anderson Photography
Each Fall, high school football teams across the country begin their quest for domination and a place in the record books. nine teams in Cabarrus County will be doing the same. Only, this year, CM breaks down each team and what you can expect to see on the field.
Central Cabarrus
Vikings
2018 RECORD: 8-4
CONFERENCE: SPC
DIVISION: 3A
HEAD COACH: Kenneth McClamrock
The Central Cabarrus Vikings were a force to be reckoned with in the opening half of last season, securing seven straight wins. This was undeniably the team’s best start in recent memory. Hopes were high, and morale was constantly climbing. But the latter half of the season ended in disappointment. The Viking’s overall record was 8-4 and the squad was defeated in the first round of the playoffs. A season that began so well and ended as it did would cause many programs to lose steam and lumber into the next season heartbroken. Yet this is not the case for Central Cabarrus at all. They are hungry and ready to take this season head-on with a chip on their shoulder.
Last season’s defense was led outright by senior LB, Derek Boykins, a young man who begins his college career this Fall with the South Carolina Gamecocks. Boykins was certainly the center of Central’s defensive unit and his graduation equated to trouble for the casual fan. However, Vikings Head Coach, Kenneth McClamrock, assured CM the defense would have no trouble filling his shoes and would come back stronger than last season’s squad could have dreamed. McClamrock expects the heart and soul of the Central defense to be the defensive backs, who have returned three of four starters from last year’s squad. These young men are led by Junior Safety, DeAndre Boykins, brother to the now Gamecock, Derek Boykins. When asked how important Boykins will be in this year’s defense, McClamrock said, “Many people believe he is the number one ranked safety in the nation, and is currently fielding over 25 P5 offers including Clemson, Michigan, Ohio State, Syracuse, Wisconsin, UNC, NC State, Virginia and more.” The impact that Boykins has on the field cannot be understated, but he is not alone. Returning starters Devon Coley and Kevin Clerge, who recently picked up a Division-1 (D1) offer, both serve as lockdown cornerbacks and McClamrock is confident they will step up into leadership roles as well. It is safe to assume passing against the Vikings this year will be nearly impossible. Also, be on the lookout for linebacker, and future D1 athlete, Logan Anderson, another linebacker, Solomon Faulkner, Elijah Horton at Safety and Raymond Martinez.
-Kenneth McClamrock
Notable Player: DeAndre Boykins
Photo: Michael A. Anderson Photography
-Kenneth McClamrock
On the offensive side of the ball, both DeAndre Boykins and Ke’Shawn Harvey make up the Vikings running attack, both fielding D1 offers. But no running attack is complete without a strong offensive line, and the line for Central this season is young. McClamrock says, “The development and maturation of the offensive line will tell a lot towards our season’s success.” Luckily, threeyear returning starter, Amir Weston, is there to guide his teammates. Coach McClamrock feels confident in this team’s ability to be great, and it all comes down to strength and conditioning. “This may end up being the overall strongest team I have ever been a part of. The kids work hard in the weight room and it shows.” This strong work ethic will certainly mix well with Central Cabarrus’s host of natural talent, being arguably the most athletically gifted team in the conference. Yet more than that, McClamrock said his ultimate goal is to grow his players into young men of character who will always strive to do things the right way and seek success on and off the field. He notes, “We want to develop the entire young person, not just the athlete.”
Cabarrus Warriors
2018 RECORD: N/A
CONFERENCE: NC Independent Schools Athletic Association
DIVISION: N/A
HEAD COACH: Brad Hover
New this season is the combined team, consisting of players from Cannon School and Concord First Assembly. Due to a lack of numbers and interest amongst athletes at the two small private schools, they are calling this merger a “cooperative agreement.” The new team will be known as the Cabarrus Warriors. Their colors will be Black and Vegas Gold and practices, as well as games, will be held at Cannon School’s Randy Marion Field.
Coach Brad Hoover, former head coach of Cannon School and now head coach for the Warriors, said the main goal this offseason has been to build comradery and trust between the athletes and coaching staff alike. He says he has already noted great chemistry amongst the coaches and players. Hoover also added no bad blood between these former rivals has gotten in the way of progress. “The kids are excited and acceptive of the merger.” Former NFL coach and head coach for Concord First Assembly, Brad Lamb, will serve as associate head coach alongside Hoover and will coordinate the offensive side of the ball.
Hoover explained the overall mindset of the team is the cooperative agreement will result in more success. The team is larger, so there are more students to fill positions on both sides of the ball. Prior to the agreement, First Assembly was considering a drop to 8-Man football, were there are only 8 players on each side of the ball, as opposed to 11. The increased interest has also led to the creation of a junior varsity (JV) team. A JV team is a great addition for football programs. It allows the younger students (typically 9th and 10th grade) to gain much-needed experience on the football field, rather than simply observing from the sidelines as the older students play. Hoover believes the JV team is the biggest gain from the merger and will be pivotal in the foundations of the Cabarrus Warriors program moving forward.
Hoover is excited to finally host the proper combination of skill, size and depth that both these teams have recently lacked. He even has high expectations for the team’s season, despite being so new. He believes this because the team is growing more comfortable playing with each other by the day. “Leadership is beginning to show and the players are competing.” Only time will tell, but every football fan in Cabarrus County is ready to see how this new squad performs on Friday nights.
-Brad Hoover
Photo Courtesy: Mt. Pleasant High School
Mt. Pleasant
Tigers
2018 RECORD: 6-6
CONFERENCE: Rocky River
DIVISION: 2A
HEAD COACH: Michael Johns
The Tiger squad of last year handed Mt. Pleasant a conference title, fashioning the Tigers as the victor for two years in a row, the first time the program has held consecutive titles since the 1950s. The team also secured the seventh seed in the playoffs, but lost to South Point, a traditional powerhouse out of Belmont that has a knack for taking Cabarrus County teams out of playoff contention. Yet Head Coach, Michael Johns, promises morale is high amongst the players and they are excited for the upcoming season and to take another go at the playoffs.
As any team would be, the Tigers are on the prowl for a third conference title. Johns explains their approach to this season is to take games one at a time, and never overlook an opponent. “If a team focuses too hard on the end game, they’ll lose themselves in the journey,” Johns says. “I love the ebb and flow of the season.” The regular season is a time to grow as a team and learn how they will achieve success in the future, and the Tigers always keep this truth in mind. However, Johns admits, “Our goal every year is to make it to the state playoffs and make a state title run,” but the young men at Mt. Pleasant know they must maintain their focus at all costs in order to reach their goals.
The Tiger’s 2018 football season started off slow, with three consecutive defeats to 3A teams. Mt. Pleasant, a 2A school, dominates its own conference, and it seems they would go undefeated, or close to it, every single year if these 3A teams were not on the schedule. 3A teams are usually bigger, faster, stronger and deeper. It almost seems unfair for the Tiger squad. However, the 3A teams who gave them losses were all strong teams who produced outstanding seasons, including Northwest Cabarrus, Cox Mill and Central Cabarrus. Coach Johns is not bothered by these larger teams. In fact, he enjoys the competition and looks forward to facing them each year. The same can be said for his players. In order to beat them, Johns told CM, “We will have to prepare and play with a gritty mental mindset.”
This gritty, tough mindset did a lot for the Tigers last season, accompanied by an impressive ground attack which averaged 250 yards per game. This attack was led by Landon Honeycutt who has since graduated, and a slew of other young men who added a lot of size to the program. Johns explains the team will not have the size it did last year, but the overall athleticism has improved and his guys will always play with high energy. He is fully confident his offense will put up impressive numbers and points this season, but the offensive attack will definitely be more balanced, and Tigers fans are excited to witness this first-hand
-Michael Johns
Photo Courtesy: Phil Bowen
Cox Mill
Chargers
2018 RECORD: 8-4
CONFERENCE: SPC
DIVISION: 3A
HEAD COACH: Craig Stewart
The 2018 season for the Cox Mill Chargers was an exciting one, finishing with eight wins and just four losses to tie the school record for most wins since opening. The Charger team even gave the potent Northwest Cabarrus Trojans a run for their money. The Trojans only managed to best the Chargers by three points in overtime to take the conference title. The Chargers also managed to secure a spot in the state playoffs but were defeated in the first round. Head Coach, Craig Stewart, acknowledges these disappointments and plans to use them as opportunities for growth, both for the team and the program. Stewart’s mentality going into the upcoming season is to improve each week, bringing up the negatives and enhancing the positives, and the wins will take care of themselves.
Cox Mill fielded an impressive defense last year that raked in numerous sacks, forced fumbles and more. This effort was led by senior linebackers Ahmad Baruti and Kendall Gilmore. With the loss of these two impact players that formed the core of the Charger defense, Coach Stewart has placed his faith in defensive back, Wesley Ponidexter and defensive end, DeNorris Hunsucker, to have big seasons. Bodan Nadal and Cameron Webb are two more young men that Stewart mentions have become leaders on the field. When asked what Cabarrus County could expect from the Charger defense, Stewart responded “Our approach on defense is to bend but don’t break. We don’t want to give up the big play and will try not to put the offense in tough starting positions.”
The condition of the Charger offensive unit is also looking pristine. Running back, Jaylen Barnett is returning for another season and Coach Stewart says to look out for this young man. But it seems the Charger passing attack may be the most impactful and game-changing part of the team. Quarterback, Varney Farhnbulla has worked extremely hard this offseason according to Stewart and is ready to lead the offense. The quarterback spot is arguably the most important position on the offense and Cox Mill has theirs secured and ready to play, along with three explosive receivers, Berry Roberson, Christian Henry and Luke Sutton.
Cox Mill is undoubtedly a team everyone in Cabarrus County is ready to watch, and many fans have burning questions. Where is the Charger focus right now? Is the team hungry for the conference title or are they seeking a run deep into the playoffs? When asked these questions, Coach Stewart simply answered, “Every team wants to be the conference champion, but we focus on the things we can control. We want to have each player improve on their individual position techniques, grow as a team, and be accountable to each other.”
At the end of the day, that is what football is all about. Growth, teamwork, and accountability. When these aspects come together for a team, the result is truly frightening for their opponents and Cox Mill is ready to make it happen.
-Craig Stewart
Photo Courtesy: Phil Bowen
Jay M. Robinson
Bulldogs
2018 RECORD: 6-6
CONFERENCE: SPC
DIVISION: 3A
HEAD COACH: Richard Williams
The Jay M. Robinson Bulldogs’ 2018 season was one of those “middle of the road” years that is easy to overlook. The Bulldogs went 6-6. It wasn’t what the team and fans had hoped for, but it wasn’t a disaster. There’s room for growth, without having to totally reconstruct the program and Head Coach, Richard Williams, is ready to win some games.
Williams says Robinson’s first-round playoff loss to Tuscola High School by a mere seven points has had little to no effect on the team’s mentality going into this season. “With a new year comes new hope,” Williams notes. “I’m sure it affected the seniors who were leaving, but the juniors and sophomores, who are now seniors and juniors, are really looking forward to this season.”
The loss of the Class of 2019 has opened numerous spots, especially on the offensive side. Coach Williams informed CM that the offensive line and quarterback regiments will be young. However, there are serious athletes among the offensive ranks, such as Terrence Chapman and, as long as they can get the ball to those young men, the offense should produce. The defense appears to be more solid, with multiple returning starters such as Andre Hamilton, Memphis Jones, Tyler Perkins and Amari Budd. Coach Williams expects a lot from these young men.
In fact, many of these guys will be playing on both sides of the ball. The quarterback who is expected to start for the Bulldogs is currently Kam Robinson, but the team has also tried Memphis Jones, the lead linebacker, at the spot as well. Andre Hamilton, a safety, is also expected to run the ball. With these players playing both sides, they can’t play an entire game at full capacity, so Williams plans to implement a rotational system that will give these athletes a breather. That being said, players on the sidelines have to always be ready to play. With that mentality in mind, every player at Robinson this season is being treated as a starter. “We want three or four guys at each position,” Williams told CM. “We don’t have a first and second team. We try to even out our reps as much as possible for every player.” Therefore, Cabarrus County teams can expect the Bulldogs to always have fresh players on the field, all experienced, and all ready to go.
Coach Williams explains that the team’s focus is currently on Mt. Pleasant, the Bulldogs’ first game. “We want to start off well,” Williams says. “I know it’s cliché, but we want to keep improving every week.” The Bulldogs’ schedule is well-suited for conference play this season. The first six opponents are all non-conference and the remaining five are conference teams, with the two sets of games separated with a bye week. “This will allow us to figure out what’s working and what’s not and be able to move some personnel around before we begin to focus on our conference games.” So, be ready for Robinson to come into the conference having found their rhythm.
Coach Williams
Photo: Michael A. Anderson Photography
-Richard Williams
Photo Courtesy: Phil Bowen
Hickory Ridge
Ragin’ Bulls
2018 RECORD: 5-6
CONFERENCE: Southwestern Conference
DIVISION: 4A
The Ragin’ Bulls of Hickory Ridge were recently moved to 4A, much to the disappointment of Cabarrus County football fans. Hickory Ridge’s rivalries with SPC schools will persist, but it’s not quite the same since conference competition is no longer a factor. The Ragin’ Bulls experienced great success in their first year of 4A play, finishing with an incredible record of 12-3. Yet, this past year was a different story, finishing 5-6. The team was unable to make the state playoffs. New Head Coach, Jupiter Wilson, a former Tarheel offensive lineman, plans to utilize a combination of tactics, strength, conditioning and discipline to return to glory. He believes once the Bulls are back at the top, consistency will keep them there.
Speaking of Jupiter Wilson being the new Head Coach, it is public knowledge that former head coach, Sam Greiner, was coach one morning and by the afternoon he had resigned. Wilson was suddenly named the new leader and the details of the transition are largely unknown. Certainly, there was a period of adjustment and confusion among the coaching staff and players, but Wilson states that the transition was smooth. “I was able to respond as needed. My kids were able to respond as well. I had a feel for the kids in the community and that helped.” Wilson is not a stranger to being Head Coach, as he leads the Hickory Ridge track team and uses his knowledge as a former Tarheel football player to better his coaching methods. Wilson’s philosophy is simple. “My job is to coach them hard and love them even harder.”
The Ragin’ Bulls squad of last year was known for a stout defense that forced fumbles and raked in numerous sacks. Coach Wilson promises fans and spectators can expect the same from this year’s defensive unit, with an improved set of linebackers and defensive backs. The offensive line, Coach Wilson’s expertise, is also expected to be one of the stronger parts of the team, if not the strongest. These young men are impact players and leaders who dig deep in the trenches and move the line of scrimmage forward.
As with every team, the loss of seniors leaves room for new leaders to step up. Wilson notes the leadership has come from a collection of young men this season, including defensive back, Jaylen Nicholson, offensive lineman, Kaiyon Courtney and linebacker, Charlie Blazi.
The Raging Bulls seem as ready as ever to take this season head on. Their first game is on the road at Central High School, out of Pageland, South Carolina, followed by four games in their old conference stomping grounds. Cabarrus County is always excited to see what the Ragin’ Bulls can produce. Coach Wilson and his team plan to deliver.
-Jupiter Wilson
Photo Courtesy: A.L. Brown High School
A.L Brown
Wonders
2018 RECORD: 6-6
CONFERENCE: SPC
DIVISION: 3A
HEAD COACH: Mike Newsome
For the past couple of decades, the A.L Brown Wonders have been strong contenders both in their conference and the playoffs. In fact, they have currently experienced 29 seasons in a row without a losing record and plan to continue the streak well into the future. However, it all came uncomfortably close to an end last season, a season that resulted in a 6-6 finish, one loss away from breaking this incredible streak. The Wonders fought hard in every game they played, but the season ended on a low note, with a first-round defeat in the playoffs. Head Coach, Mike Newsome, assured CM he would not let this loss affect the team’s morale, saying “Every team, except the eight teams that win state titles, finish with a loss. We had a down year last season, and we all know that we have to do better.”
Newsome relied heavily on his seniors last season, including Jordan Medley, Justin Holsclaw, and Jaron Cooper to name a few. These young men were leaders on and off the field, and their lack will be felt. New leaders must now rise to fill these holes. Coach Newsome expects Jatarius Mason, Jaren Lipscomb, Xavier Jordan, Josiah Cauthen and Austin Grunden to be among the players how take on those leadership roles. “We are depending on these men a lot this year for that leadership”, said Newsome, and Kannapolis, as well as Cabarrus County, is excited to see what they can produce.
Photo Courtesy: A.L. Brown High School
Of course, it’s always about the Battle for the Bell. The A.L Brown Wonders and the Concord Spiders have had a continuous rivalry since 1931, which stands as the 15th oldest rivalry in the United States, and the absolute oldest in North Carolina. In 1950, the two schools received something to play for, a railroad bell. Tradition goes that whoever wins the “Bell Game”, gets to keep or take the bell and paint it in their colors. For the past four years, the Wonders have kept the Kelly Green and White painted bell safely within their walls. After four consecutive wins over the Spiders, it is possible the Wonders have become complacent in their victories. When asked about this, Newsome responded “The Bell Game is such a huge game, I hope they never get complacent going into it. It is also a game, no matter the records, that everyone wants to win. We will be preparing to win the bell this year, as in any year.”
Overall, Coach Newsome has very high expectations for this upcoming season’s Wonder squad. He says the team still has obstacles to overcome, but they undoubtedly have the makings of a top-notch program. All the Wonders have to do is put all their strengths together and play at the level at which they are capable.
-Mike Newsome
Photo Courtesy: Eddie Conway
Concord
Spiders
2018 RECORD: 1-10
CONFERENCE: SPC
DIVISION: 3A
HEAD COACH: Marty Paxton
The Concord Spiders have been a dominate force in North Carolina since the early 2000’s. The Spiders secured state championship titles in both 2004 and 2006, were back-to-back state runner-up Spiders in 2012 and 2013 and have always been major playoff contenders. Concord certainly has a tradition for excellence and victory on the field. But the 2018 season was not a typical year for the Spider squad, winning just one of their eleven games with new Head Coach, and a former Spider, Marty Paxton at the helm. It is always tough for a team when a new coaching staff is introduced, with new methods, new styles, and new tactics, but Paxton is confident that Concord will make a hasty return to the tradition of winning championships. “We will take it one week at a time,” Paxton told CM, “building on our successes each week. We will build on our positives from last season and try to improve on the negatives. The formula has been successful for me in the past and I plan to continue.”
Photo Courtesy: Eddie Conway
The graduation of the Class of 2019 was heartbreaking for the Spiders, graduating now college athletes Jordan Heilig, Clint Bost, and Sam Hartsell. Hartsell, who is now a Wingate Bulldog, also made an impressive appearance at the Shrine Bowl. The Spiders also lost Running-back Lester “LJ” Currie, who had a productive junior season but has since transferred schools, as well as many other performers. Paxton says, “It’s always hard to replace good players but in sports you have to do it each year. I wish we had them all coming back but that’s the nature of the game.” Luckily for Concord High School, there are 12 returning starters this season, and a handful of newcomers who Paxton believes will make an impact on the field, including Zay McRae-Bostick, Landon Cruz-Cline, Sam Cochran, Jacori James Elijah Smith, and Jameson Hackett.
The Spiders may have had a tough season, but during the famous Bell Game against the A.L. Brown Wonders, they put 35 points on the board. Clearly, the team had potential. When asked how he planned to wake that potential, Paxton responded, “We have been working hard on the fundamentals of football and our strength and conditioning, as well as mastering our offensive and defensive schemes.” Yet aside from the obvious, Paxton plans to usher in a new culture for his program, a culture of unity and playing for each other, as opposed to individual glory. Paxton notes, “It’s all about the culture you create.” The team has focused on team building activities, including “adopting” a highway. The coaching staff implements weekly competition into the practice schedule to fuel the young men’s competitive spirit. It looks like the Spiders are ready to take on the year, the Bell Game and potentially the playoffs. Without a doubt, Spiders fans are anxious to see what Paxton and his guys can produce
-Marty Paxton
Photo Courtesy: Phil Bowen
Northwest Cabarrus
Trojans
2018 RECORD: 13-1
CONFERENCE: SPC
DIVISION: 3A
HEAD COACH: Brandon Gentry
Northwest finished with an astonishing 13-1 record last season, losing their only game deep into the playoffs, two games away from the state championship. The Trojans secured their first conference championship since 1987, their first perfect regular season record in program history, as well as a top seed in the playoffs. It was a dream season for the team. When asked how he plans to continue this success, Coach Brandon Gentry said working harder than they did last year is the best way to go about it, along with seeking new ways to improve and maintaining a focus and drive to be better.
The Trojans sole loss came in the playoffs last season. It was undoubtedly hard and disappointing for the team. Coach Gentry told CM he was “definitely more upset by the loss than his team”. Rather than allow it to hurt their morale, however, Gentry says the team used the loss as a catalyst to build on heading into this season. “The loss has made them work harder and focused on improving their past mistakes. The Trojans aren’t stressed, and they’re ready to go.”
The Trojans graduated the Cabarrus County defensive player of the year, Joe Camara. The lack of Camara this offseason certainly left room for other members of the defense to step up and fill his shoes. Coach Gentry says Karsen Perkins, who amassed 13 sacks last season, as well as Cam Saunders, who Gentry says is “all dawg”, are two he expects to possess leadership roles. But the heart and soul of the defense, in his opinion, is Andre Hill, who they call “the animal”. Gentry notes the other defensive players feed their drive from his.
Northwest also hosted the county’s offensive player of the year, Tyrese Blake, who ran for 36 touchdowns and approximately 2500 yards last season. Coach Gentry, for his part, hopes Blake doesn’t have to put up the same numbers he did last season, and the weight will be distributed across numerous shoulders this season. In fact, Gentry expects a lot of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball and wants Blake, whom Gentry believes has the potential to play at the college level, to be fresh for the playoff push.
Coach Gentry also says to be on the lookout for Nick Wilds- Lawing, Braxton Shipp, Kenneth Pierce, Avarion Cole and Marquan Williams. He notes they will be problems for other teams.
As far as Northwest’s goals, they are pushing for a state championship and believe they can reach that high of a goal. However, they must take games one at a time and not overlook any team on their schedule. The Trojans are determined to not only win every single game they play this upcoming season, but every practice and every rep.
-Brandon Gentry
