Football 2026 6A FOOTBALL PREVIEWS

SOUTHERN ALAMANCE PATRIOTS

HEAD COACH: Jonathan Hester
CLASS: 6A
CONFERENCE: Mid-Carolina 4A/5A/6A
2025 RECORD: 8-4 (6-1)

2026 OUTLOOK: “After a disappointing loss in the 3rd round to Middle Creek, we are looking to use the momentum we gained at the end of the year to propel us into this season. We will return 4 All-Conference players on defense and 2 All-Conference Players on offense. Overall we return 5 starters on defense and 6 starters on offense. We also expect our 2028 class to be a big part of our success this season.”

2026 SCHEDULE

Aug. 21st @ Eastern Randolph
Aug. 28th @ Patrick Henry (Va.)
Sep. 4th SOUTHEAST GUILFORD
Sep. 11th @ Southeast Alamance
Sep. 18th EASTERN ALAMANCE
Sep. 25th open
Oct. 2nd WILLIAMS
Oct. 9th @ Graham
Oct. 16th PERSON
Oct. 23rd CUMMINGS
Oct 30th @ Western Alamance

SENIORS: JAYDEN BROWN (WR/DB) - All-Conference. C.J. MCADOO (RB/WR/DB) - All-Conference. “C.J. was the team leader in interceptions.” GARRETT LEDBETTER (TE/LB/S) - All-Conference. ZACH SUTTON (DE) - All-Conference. “Zach is the top returning defensive player in tackles, TFLS, and sacks.” HASAN MILLER (OL) - All-Conference. “HASAN is top graded returning offensive lineman.” TUSTIN JOHNSON (QB) - “Tustin is a 2-year varsity player.” TY TAYLOR (OL). DENNIS JAMES (OL/DL). MAX HUNTER (OL).

JUNIORS: SINCERE THOMPSON (RB) - All-Region. All-Conference. “Sincere the top returning rusher with 1,500 yards last year.” JAKE COMPTON (FB/LB) - “Jake started in 5 varsity games including the entire playoffs. He was our JV captain last year.” CAMDEN WHITTEMORE (ATH) - “Camden played every defensive position last year on JV. He is a true Swiss Army knife.” TREY FOUST (OL/DL). KETNER ALEXANDER (QB). JORDAN BAKER (TE/DL/LB).

JH ROSE RAMPANTS

HEAD COACH: Will Bland
CLASS: 6A
CONFERENCE: Big Carolina 6A/7A
2025 RECORD: 6-6 (3-2)

2026 OUTLOOK: “This year, the kids are working extremely hard in all phases of the game. We returned 9 out of 11 starters on Offense and 8 out of 11 starters on defense. This group of young men has experienced challenges over the last few seasons, with the lowest one in 2024, to a subpar season last year, ending with a 6-6 record. I believe that we could make a lot of noise coming out of the 6A East this year. If we can stay healthy, humble, and hungry, the sky is the limit for this team.”

2026 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21st NORTHERN NASH
Aug. 28th @ Washington
Sep. 4th @ Laney
Sep. 11th HAVELOCK
Sep. 18th MIDDLE CREEK
Sep. 25th open
Oct. 2nd @ SouthCentral
Oct. 9th JACKSONVILLE
Oct. 16th @ White Oak
Oct. 23rd NEW BERN
Oct. 30th DH CONLEY

SENIORS: CHASE DAVIS (QB, 6-2, 195) - Honorable Mention All-Conference. He completed 102 of 172 passes for 1,804 yards with 15 touchdowns. “Chase played as a backup until the starter was hurt.” NY’SEAN DAVIS (RB/DB, 6-0, 190) - 2nd Team All-Conference. He ran 155 times for 927 yards with 11 touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass. On defense, he had 27 tackles. JAVION JORDAN (RB, 5-11, 185) - Honorable Mention All-Conference. He ran 119 times for 959 yards with 7 touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass. SHAMMAH CABELL (WR/DB, 6-0, 190) - All-Conference. He caught 64 passes for 746 yards with 6 touchdowns and ran for 3 scores. “Shammah is a transfer from DH Conley. He will also be returning kicks along with Parson this year for Rose.” KASYN CHASE (WR/DB/ATH, 5-8, 175) - 2nd Team All-Conference. He ran 30 times for 136 yards with 9 touchdowns and caught 40 passes for 545 yards with 6 touchdowns. On defense, he had 30 tackles and 2 interceptions. “Kasyn took snaps at quarterback running quarterback power.” GEORGE “WEBB” EVANS (WR/LB, 6-2, 215) - He caught 7 passes for 113 yards with 3 touchdowns. “Webb played a lot of TE type blocking for our two running backs. On defense, he will be starting at middle linebacker.” ETHAN JOHNSON (DB. 6-0, 195) - All-Conference. He had 68 tackles and an interception. JORDAN BRYANT (DE/LB, 5-10, 175) - Honorable Mention All-Conference. He had 78 tackles, 10 TFLS, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. “Jordan was second on the team in tackles.” JEROME WILLIAMS (OL, 6-0, 235) - All-Conference. “Jerome started as a sophomore on the line.” RAMERE JOHNSON (OL/DL, 6-0, 255) - Honorable Mention All-Conference. NICOLAS “NICO” MARLOW (K/P, 6-0, 215) - 2nd Team All-Conference. HUDSON MILLER (LS, 5-11, 185) - “Hudson is a very good long snapper with great speed back to the punter and holder.” GAVIN VAUSE (DB, 5-11, 180) - He had 49 tackles and returned 2 interceptions for scores. JAYDEN WEBB (DE, 6-1, 225) - He had 27 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 9 TFLs, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. MARTIS BRADLEY (DE, 6-1, 240) - He had 60 tackles, 3 sacks, 8 TFLS, 2 pass break ups, and a fumble recovery. SIER LEAVY (C, 5-10, 250) - “Sier is a 3-year starter at center.”

JUNIORS: JALEEK PARSON (WR/DB/ATH, 6-0, 175) - HSOT 3rd Team All State Two Way Player. All-Conference. He caught 50 passes for 1.218 yards with 12 touchdowns and ran for a score. On defense, he had 35 tackles and 2 interceptions. As a returner, he returned a punt and kickoff for a score. BECKETT INGALLS (OL. 6-4, 285) - “Beckett is a transfer from Greene Central.”

SOPHOMORE: TYSHAWN BLEDSOE (RB, 5-11, 185) - “Tyshawn was a key player for the JV team who finished 9-1 and undefeated in conference play. He rushed for over 2,000 yards last year and he played three games with the varsity totaling 3 carries for 112 yards with a touchdown.”

MOUNT TABOR SPARTANS

HEAD COACH: Tiesuan Brown
CLASS: 6A
CONFERENCE: Piedmont Triad 5A/6A
2025 RECORD: 5-6 (4-1)

2026 OUTLOOK: "After an uncharacteristic 5-6 season, the Mount Tabor Spartans enter 2026 with the experience, leadership, and talent necessary to return to contention. The Spartans return six starters on offense and seven starters on defense, along with a veteran senior class that has been part of the program for four years and believes in what Mount Tabor football represents. The Spartans return 13 starters combined and possess a senior class filled with players who understand the expectations and traditions of the program. This group has endured adversity and remained committed. Their belief in the program and each other provides a strong foundation for success. With Kingston Brown directing the offense and Jamarius Hunder providing explosiveness, Mount Tabor has the ability to create big plays and control games. Defensively, experienced veterans return throughout the lineup, giving the Spartans the opportunity to be one of the more physical units in the conference. The pieces are in place for Mount Tabor to bounce back in 2026. With a strong senior class, experienced starters, and numerous all-conference players returning, expectations are high. If the Spartans stay healthy and continue to develop throughout the summer and fall, Mount Tabor has the potential to compete for a conference championship and make a deep playoff run."

2026 SCHEDULE

Aug. 21st REAGAN
Aug. 28th @ Lake Norman
Sep. 4th PAGE
Sep. 11th WEST FORSYTH
Sep. 18th NORTHWEST GUILFORD
Sep.. 25th open
Oct. 2nd @ North Davidson
Oct. 9th NORTH FORSYTH
Oct 16th @ Oak Grove
Oct. 23rd ATKINS
Oct. 30th @ Glenn

SENIORS: JAMARIUS HUNDER (RB) - He ran 120 times for 552 yards with 6 touchdowns. All-Conference. DAVID THIEL (OL) -All-Conference. TARYTON THACKER (TE/DE) - All-Conference. BENNETT BLAYNEY (OL) - All-Conference. JAMES PRICE (TE/P) - All-Conference. TESHUAN JAMES (TE/DE). TREY CUTLER (TE/DE). JORDAN BYRD (LB). DYLON DILLARD (RB/LB) - He ran 66 times for 438 yards with 2 touchdowns and caught 15 passes for 220 yards with 2 touchdowns.

JUNIORS: KINGSTON BROWN (QB) - All-Conference. He completed 109 of 205 passes for 1,788 yards with 12 touchdowns. JOSEPH MALACHI III (WR/DB) - He caught 12 passes for 150 yards with a touchdown. AMECHE THOMPSON (WR/DB) - He caught 10 passes for 181 yards with 3 touchdowns. JAYDEN SMITH (RB/LB).

ALEXANDER CENTRAL COUGARS

HEAD COACH: Chris Marshall
CLASS: 6A
CONFERENCE: Northwestern 6A/7A
2025 RECORD: 3-8 (2-3)

2026 OUTLOOK: “After a 3-8 (2-3 conference) campaign that was far more competitive than the record suggests, Alexander Central enters this season with a chip on its shoulder and a roster that's grown up fast. We were a play or two away in a handful of games last fall — including a one-score battle with eventual 6A state champion Watauga deep into the third quarter — and we return a large nucleus of key contributors who logged real varsity snaps as one of the program's youngest teams. That core first made noise as a dominant freshman JV group, and now, as juniors, they carry the experience and chemistry we've been building toward. The goal this year is simple: turn last season's close calls into wins and make a push up the conference standings.”

2026 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21st @ Newton-Conover
Aug. 28th HICKORY
Sep. 4th @ Ashe County
Sep. 11th STATESVILLE
Sep. 18th @ South Iredell
Sep. 25th OPEN
Oct. 2nd ST. STEPHENS
Oct. 9th MCDOWELL
Oct. 16th @ Watauga
Oct. 23rd FREEDOM
Oct. 30th @ South Caldwell

SENIORS: COLE PENNELL (RB/DL, 6-2, 256) - All-Conference. He had 50 tackles, 12.5 TFLS, 5.5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. “Cole is a two-time all-conference selection at the DE position. He is a force to reckon with up front and draws multiple blockers each snap. On offense, he was also a heavy contributor on offense in the 2024 season as a short yardage fullback, expect to see him standout on both sides of the ball.” WESTON PALMER (LB, 5-8, 195) - All-Conference. He had 73 tackles, 7 TFLS, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. “Weston is a returning 2-year starter at Mike LB. He is a hard-nosed old school mike linebacker with a background in wrestling. Weston is extremely hard to block and knows how to use leverage to his advantage. He is the leader of the defense.”

JUNIORS: JAQUIS PARKS (RB/LB, 5-8, 220) - All-Conference. He ran 69 times for 610 yards. On defense, he had 40 tackles, 4 TFLS, and a forced fumble. “Jaquis finished the 2025 season as the 2nd leading rusher on the team with a team high 8.8 yard average. He primarily played Will and Sam out of a 4-3 defensive scheme on defense. Jaquis enters his Junior season with his recruitment taking off given his size, speed, and field vision. He is an every down back with the ability to turn any play into a big play.” BRYANT FOX (OL/DL, 6-3, 265) - All-Conference. “Bryant is a returning starter on the offensive line with skill sets at all 5 positions. He is also getting lots of recruitment recognition based upon his size and athletic ability with a background in basketball. Bryant looks to be a key contributor on both sides of the ball.”

CENTRAL CABARRUS VIKINGS

HEAD COACH: Donnie Kiefer
CLASS: 6A
CONFERENCE: Greater Metro
2025 RECORD: 5-7 (3-4)

2026 OUTLOOK: “The Vikings are replacing Wingate signee Damonte James which will be a tall task but we do have several athletes that are more than capable of picking up where he left off. We were extremely competitive throughout the season and were very close to a possible 9-win season as we lost two games in OT (NW Cabarrus and West Cabarrus) and lost two games with less than a minute to go (Olympic and Cox Mill). The Vikings won a first round playoff game, defeating SE Guilford 38-10. This was only the fifth playoff win by Central Cabarrus is school history. Our team has had a great off season.”

2026 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21st MONTGOMERY CENTRAL
Aug. 28th @ Northwest Cabarrus
Sep. 4th @ Mount Pleasant
Sep. 11th open
Sep. 18th HICKORY RIDGE
Sep. 25th @ Olympic
Oct. 2nd COX MILL
Oct. 9th @ AL Brown
Oct. 16th BERRY ACADEMY
Oct. 23rd @ West Cabarrus
Oct. 30th HARDING

SENIORS: INFINITE MORROW (OL/TE/DE, 6-4, 275) - All-Conference. “Infinite has D1 offers. DILLON RYAN (QB, 5-11, 165). BRYSON PATE (FB/TE/DE, 6-2, 250). MALACHI EDWARDS (WR/S, 6-3, 180). lAQUI MITCHELL-MOORE (RB, 5-10, 175). RYAN BLIMLINE (OL/DL, 6-0, 265). CALEB GRAY (WR/DB, 6-2, 160). AMADIAN ATKINS (TE/LB, 6-2, 215). CAIDEN WIGFALL (FB/LB), 5-11, 175).

JUNIORS: JORDEN BRYSON (OL/DL, 6-2, 300). AIDEN SMITH (RB/DB, 5-10, 170). ELIJAH BROWN (OL/DE, 6-3, 240). JAMARI BOST (RB/DB, 5-9, 165). CARON FERRIS (WR/DB, 5-9, 155). COOPER HARRINGTON (OL/LB, 6-0, 220). KING HOWARD (WR/DB, 5-6, 155).

SOPHOMORES: DALLAS SOUTH (TE/LB, 5-11, 195). KRIS RICHARDSON (FB/LB/DE, 5-11, 205). AYDEN ALLEN (OL/DL, 6-0, 230). KING BUTLER (RB/LB, 6-1, 180).