Football 2026 4A FOOTBALL PREVIEWS

EAST BURKE CAVALIERS

HEAD COACH: Chris Cogdill
CLASS; 4A
CONFERENCE: Western Piedmont Athletic Conference
2025 RECORD: 4-7 (4-3)

2026 OUTLOOK: “East Burke returns 8 starters on offense and defense off a young team that greatly improved and qualified for the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. They are looking forward to improving even more this season and competing to finish in the top half of our conference.’

2026 SCHEDULE
AUG 21st @ West Iredell
AUG 28th FRED T FOARD
SEP 4th @ Freedom
SEP 11th open
SEP 18th @ Patton*
SEP 25th HIBRITEN*
OCT 2nd WEST CALDWELL*
OCT 9th @ R-S Central*
OCT 16th CHASE*
OCT 23rd @ East Rutherford*
OCT 30th DRAUGHN*

SENIORS: CARTER BENNETT (QB, 5-10, 170) – All-Conference. He accounted for over 1,500 yards of offense with 13 touchdowns in his first full season as a starter. CAYSON MOONEYHAM (WR/DB, 6-2, 170) – He had 358 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns. On defense, he had 19 tackles, TFL, 2 interceptions, and 3 fumble recoveries. LUKE EVANS (TE, 6-3, 210) – He caught 9 passes for 98 yards. “Luke is much improved as a physical blocker.” JAXSON WILEY (OL/DL, 5-10, 240) – All-Conference. He had 23 tackles, 6 TFLS, and an interception returned for a score. “Jaxson is a physical blocker on offense.” DANIEL COOK (LB, 5-10. 175) – All-Conference. He had 84 tackles, 13 TFL, and 9 sacks. “Daniel is our defensive spark plug.” CLAYTON HOLCOMBE (WR/DB, 5-10, 160) – He had 12 tackles. “Clayton is a returning starter at corner.” JESIAH REES (WR/DB) – He had 169 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns. “Jesiah won the state indoor track in the 4A division for 55-meter sprint.”

JUNIORS: R.J. WILLIAMS (WR/DB. 6-0, 170) – All-Conference. He ha 311 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns. On defense, he had 35 tackles, 2 TFL, and 2 interceptions. “RJ was a two-way starter.” AIDEN PYATTE (OL/DL. 5-10, 220) – He had 23 tackles, 6 TFLS, and 2 sacks. “Aiden was a starter on both sides of the ball.” JOSEPH LEE (LB, 5-10, 160) – He had 19 tackles, 3 TFL, and a sack. “Joseph is a returning starter at outside linebacker.” CASH WITTENBURG (TE/LB, 5-10, 180) – He had 25 tackles. “Cash is a returning starter on both sides of the ball.” LEELAN PYATTE (WR/DB, 5-10, 150) – He had 57 tackles, 2 TFL, and 4 pass break ups. “Leelan is a returning starter at corner.”

SOPHOMORE: CONNOR FOWLKES (OL/DL, 6-3, 275) – “Connor is a big, strong, young lineman, who started the second half of the season as a freshman.

NOTES: East Burke also has several talented young guys moving up from JV that big contributions are expected from, these guys include CASH OYOLA (QB), DYLAN REES (RB/LB), GARRETT STAMEY (RB/LB), BRAYDEN SIGMON (RB/DB), LANDON WILLIAMS (WR/DB), LANDON MINOR (TE/LB), and ELLIOT SPRINGALL (OL/DL)

EAST HENDERSON EAGLES

HEAD COACH: Kobey Rudisill
CLASS: 4A
CONFERENCE: Mountain Eight 4A/5A Conference
2025 RECORD: 0-10 (0-7)

2026 OUTLOOK: "The Eagles are a young team under a new staff and first-time head coach. They bring back a lot of kids who had varsity reps last year. They are looking to lay the foundation while being able to compete in and out of conference."

2026 SCHEDULE

AUG 21st @ Hendersonville
AUG 28th MADISON
SEP 4th ROSMAN
SEP 11th FRANKLIN*
SEP 18th @ Smoky Mountain*
SEP 25th WEST HENDERSON*
OCT 2nd @ North Henderson*
OCT 9th @ Brevard*
OCT 16th open
OCT 23rd PISGAH*
OCT 30th @ Tuscola*

SENIORS: JESSE KNOX (RB). CHASE CORNWELL (WR).

JUNIORS: RYCE MCCALL (LB). SAM BALLARD (OL).

SOPHOMORES: TRINELL WILLIAMS (OL). BRANNON HILL (QB). CANYON LINDSEY (WR/DB).

MOREHEAD PANTHERS

HEAD COACH: Tony McCants
CLASS: 4A
CONFERENCE: Mid State 3A/4A/5A
2025 RECORD: 2-9

2026 OUTLOOK: "The program returns a strong foundation with 10 starters back on offense and 8 returning on defense. The experience and continuity on both sides of the ball should provide stability as the team looks to build on last season’s playoff appearance. With a veteran core leading the way, expectations are high for another competitive season."

2026 SCHEDULE:
AUG 21st @ Northeast Guilford
AUG 28th Providence Grove
SEP 4th Cummings
SEP 11th JF Webb
SEP 18th @ Carver*
SEP 25th @ Bartlett Yancey*
OCT 2nd McMichael*
OCT 9th Reidsville*
OCT 16th open
OCT 23rd @ Rockingham County*
OCT 30th @ Walkertown

SENIORS: ZYON BLACKSTOCK (WR/DB). JUDSON FRIESE (ATH). HAGEN BARKER (OL). JAYLEN LOWE-WRIGHT (DL). MARKEIS BARBOUR (RB/DL). ELIJAH TOWNSEND (WR/DB).

JUNIORS: URIAH HAIRSTON (WR). JUAN PACHECO (OL). HENRY GILLEY (K). D'VON LEWIS-HAIRSTON (LB). WYATT IRVING (FB/LB). 2028

SOPHOMORES: WILL GOARD (QB). KAMARI GILES (RB/LB). JUHNAHZAE PERKINS (RB). THERRIEL CUTHERBERTSON (WR/DB). KAYDEN WHEATLEY (WR/DB).

NORTH LENOIR HAWKS

HEAD COACH: Justin Clark
CONFERENCE: Three Rivers
CLASS: 4A
2025 RECORD: 1-9 (0-6)

2026 OUTLOOK: "New Head Coach Justin Clark was hired in February and enters year 1 in a rebuild situation. He was hired away from North Carolina Wesleyan University, Coach Clark needs to build culture and establish an identity of discipline, structure, and belief. Spring participation numbers have looked promising, and Coach Clark has seen numerous first year players enter into the program. Success for Coach Clark and the Hawks year 1 will be giving themselves a chance to win in the 4th quarter, establishing toughness/identity, and building a foundation from JV program up."

2026 SCHEDULE

Aug 21st GREENE CENTRAL
Aug. 28th SOUTH LENOIR
Sep. 4th @ Kinston
Sep. 11th @ Ayden-Grifton
Sep. 18th @ Southwest Edgecombe
Sep. 25th EASTERN WAYNE
Oct. 2nd @ North Pitt
Oct. 9th WASHINGTON
Oct. 16th @ West Craven
Oct. 23rd NORTH JOHNSTON
Oct. 30th open

SENIORS: AIDEN JARMEN (OL/DL) - "Aiden has an offer from Averett." KEGIAN BLANCHARD (WR/DB) - "Kegian has an offer from Averett."

JUNIORS: MARREO BESTER (WR/DB). NICK FULLWOOD (WR/DB) - "Nick is already getting G6 interest already as a first-year player from basketball." JAYLEN WOOTEN (ATH).

SOPHOMORES: ZY'KEVION GRAHAM (WR/DB) - "Zy'Kevion is getting G6 interest." JEMIR POLLOCK (OL/DL).

ANSON COUNTY BEARCATS

HEAD COACH: Landon Allen
CLASS: 4A
CONFERENCE: Rocky River 4A/5A
2025 RECORD: 2-9 (2-3)

2026 OUTLOOK: "Last season wasn't the year we had hoped for, finishing 2-9, but our record doesn't tell the whole story. We competed every week and lost five games by a touchdown or less. Those close losses have fueled our players throughout the offseason. We're excited about the 2026 season, we return six starters on both sides of the ball and have a group that is hungry for redemption. The spirit, energy, and commitment of this team are stronger than ever. Our players have worked extremely hard and are eager to prove what they're capable of."

2026 SCHEDULE

Aug. 21st RED SPRINGS
Aug. 28th @ Montgomery Central
Sep. 5th SOUTH STANLY
Sep. 12th CHESTERFIELD SC
Sep. 19th open
Sep. 26th @ Pender
Oct. 2nd @ West Stanly
Oct. 9th MOUNT PLEASANT
Oct. 16th MONROE
Oct. 23rd @ Forest Hills
Oct. 30th @ Parkwood

SENIORS: JAMES STEELE (FB/DL, 5-10, 290) - "James is a captain of the team and a returning starter on both sides of the ball." DEVON TUCKER (TE, 6-2, 180) - "Devon is a returning offensive starter." DARRYL RICHARDSON (OL, 6-0, 185) - "Darryl is a returning offensive starter." ANDREW MARTIN (OL, 5-11, 215) - "Andrew is a returning offensive starter." JUSTIN MEDLIN (OL, 6-2, 245) - All-Conference. "Justin is a returning offensive starter." CHEVY SIMMONS (DE, 6-4, 265) - "Chevy is a returning defensive starter." TITUS MUNGO (LB, 5-6, 160) - "Titus is a captain of the team and a returning defense starter." DEONTAE NELSON (DB, 5-6, 155) - "Deontae is a returning defensive starter." AHMAD GRAMLING (DB, 5-10, 150) - "Ahmad is a returning defensive starter." JADEN ALLEN (DB, 5-6, 140) - "Jaden is a returning defensive starter."

JUNIOR: WALKER STINSON (OL, 6-2, 280) - All-Conference. "Walker is a returning offensive starter."

NEWTON-CONOVER RED DEVILS

HEAD COACH: Matt Wilson
CLASS: 4A
CONFERENCE: Western Foothills 4A/5A
2025 RECORD: 9-3 (6-2)

2026 OUTLOOK: "We are excited for this season. Our kids have worked really hard in the offseason to become bigger, faster, and stronger. We will be playing a lot of young guys with minimum Varsity experience. However, we believe they are talented young men who are excited for the opportunity to showcase their abilities."

2026 SCHEDULE

Aug. 21st ALEXANDER CENTRAL
Aug. 28th POLK COUNTY
Sep. 4th EAST LINCOLN
Sep. 11th @ Hickory
Sep. 18th open
Sep. 25th BANDYS*
Oct. 2nd @ North Lincoln
Oct. 9th @ Bunker Hill
Oct. 16th WEST IREDELL
Oct. 23rd FRED T FOARD
Oct. 30th @ Maiden

SENIORS: TY HEFNER (OL/DL). LINCOLN HARDY (OL). SINCERE JAMES (OL/DL). JERRY FORNEY (DL). QUINCEY RICE (TE/DL). ALONSO CUNNINGHAM (RB/LB). T.J. LEACH (WR/DB). NAIYM ROBINSON (WR/DB).

JUNIORS: JEREMIAH POPE (RB). AMARI COULTER (WR/DB). WESTON NORRIS (QB).

SOPHOMORE: ZAY PHILLIPS (WR/DB).

RANDLEMAN TIGERS

HEAD COACH: David Diamont
CLASS: 4A
CONFERENCE: PAC 7
2025 RECORD: 7-4 (5-1)

2026 OUTLOOK: “We return 10 seniors so we will be a young team with several unknowns. Our goal is to compete for a conference championship and grow each and every week as a team.”

2026 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21st @ Providence Grove
Aug. 28th EASTERN RANDOLPH
Sep. 5th ASHEBORO
Sep. 12th @ Southwestern Randolph
Sep. 19th FELTON GROVE
Sep. 26th LEXINGTON
Oct. 2nd @ Montgomery Central
Oct. 9th CENTRAL DAVIDSON
Oct. 16th open
Oct. 23rd @ Ledford
Oct. 29th @ TW Andrews

SENIORS: TREY BURNETT (WR/DB) - Honorable Mention All-Conference. “Trey started on both sides of the ball.” SKYLAR POE (OL/DL) - All-Conferencez “Skylar started every game at RT when healthy.” KAYDEN SAUNDERS (RB/LB) - “Kayden started most games at RB for us last year.” CONNER PALMER (OL/DL) - “Conner started several games at RG.” ISAIAH WILLIAMS (OL/DL) - Isaiah started several games at RG.”

JUNIORS: JAMARI RICE (WR/DB) - All-Conference. “Jamari started every game at WR as a sophomore.” REID HERRING (QB) - “Reid played in 6 games last year going 17-18 with 2 TDs.” LINCOLN LAWSON (WR/DB) - Honorable Mention All-Conference. “Lincoln played in every game at WR as a sophomore.” LANDON WHITAKER (RB/LB) - “Landon started several games at RB and OLB as a sophomore.” CJ WILLARD (OL/DL) - “C.J. started several games at OL and DL as a sophomore.” COLT MYATT (TE/DL) - “Colt started several games at DE as a sophomore.”

NORTH SURRY GREYHOUNDS

HEAD COACH: Jackson Smith
CLASS: 4A
CONFERENCE: NW 3A/4A
2025 RECORD: 7-5 (2-3)

2026 OUTLOOK: “The Greyhounds graduated a talented senior class that included three college football signees and several All-Conference players, so we’ll have some new faces stepping into key roles this fall. Looking to build off the momentum from winning our first playoff game since 2004. We’re excited about our underclassmen group that went 9-1 at the JV level last season and the experience we return up front, with four offensive linemen who saw varsity starting time. There will be plenty of work to do between now and August, but our kids have had a great offseason and are eager for the opportunity. We’re looking forward to the challenge and hope to continue building on the foundation that’s been established in our program.”

2026 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21st @ Alleghany
Aug. 28th WEST WILKES
Sep. 5th PATRICK COUNTY VA
Sep. 12th @ North Wilkes
Sep. 19th @ Northwood
Sep. 26th open
Oct. 2nd MOUNT AIRY
Oct. 9th @ East Surry
Oct. 16th SURRY CENTRAL
Oct. 23rd @ West Stokes
Oct. 30th FORBUSH

SENIORS: WYATT HOOKER (OL/DL, 6-5, 315) - All-Conference. “Wyatt has and offer from Concord University plus other D2 and FCS interest.” BEAU CARSON(WR/DB, 6-2, 185) - All-Conference. He caught 29 passes for 534 yards with 5 touchdowns. “Beau averaged 18.4 yards per catch.”ELIJAH JENKINS(WR/DB, 5-8, 170) - He had 39 tackles, 2 TFLS, and 3 pass break ups. “Elijah is a returning starter.” KINLEY STANLEY (OL/DL, 5-10. 265) - He had 30 tackles, 4 TFLS, and 2 sacks. “Kinley is a returning starter.” DODGER HODGES (OL/DL. 6-1, 265” - “Dodger is a returning starter.” BRODY ANDERSON (OL/DL, 6-4, 300) - “Brody is a returning starter.” DOUGLAS SYKES (WR/DB, 6-4, 175).

JUNIORS: DAMARCUS MCCLURE (WR/DB, 5-11, 170) - He caught 10 passes for 108 yards with touchdown. On defense, he had 26 tackles, 2 TFLS, 2 interceptions, and 4 pass break ups. “Damarcus is a returning starter who missed 6 games.”MASON CORNETT (TE/LB, 6-0, 215). NATE STANLEY (RB/LB, 5-10, 180). LANE RAMEY (OL/DL, 5-10, 265).

SOPHOMORES: BRETT LYONS (QB, 5-9, 140). KALEB STANLEY (WR/DB, 5-10, 145). MYQUAN FLOYD (DB, 5-10, 145).