Football 2026 7A FOOTBALL PREVIEWS

[Deana_King]

WAKE FOREST COUGARS

HEAD COACH: Reggie Lucas
CLASS: 7A
CONFERENCE: Northern Six (also called NAC-VI)
2025 RECORD: 7-5 (5-0)

2026 OUTLOOK: "The Cougars are returning some key players on offense and hope to put up big numbers. Defensively, they will have a few new guys in but expect to be disciplined and physical."

2026 SCHEDULE:
AUG 21st SOUTHERN DURHAM
AUG 28th LEESVILLE ROAD
SEP 4th @ Millbrook
SEP 11th WAKEFIELD
SEP 18th @ Hillside
SEP 25th open
OCT 2nd @ Vance County
OCT 9th EAST WAKE
OCT 16th @ Knightdale
OCT 23rd FRANKLINTON
OCT 30th @ Heritage

SENIORS: MICAH OLU (RB, 5-10, 205) - HSOT Honorable Mention All-State. All-Region. NAC-VI Player of the Year. All-Conference. He accounted for 2,260 total yards with 30 touchdowns including 1,643 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. "Micah has offers from Eastern Michigan, Charlotte, Troy, and multiple FCS schools." JOSIAH STURDIVANT (DE, 6-4, 225) - 2nd Team All-Region. All-Conference. He had 51 tackles. 18.5 TFL, and 8 sacks. "Josiah has offers from Rutgers, East Carolina, Old Dominion, Kent State, and multiple FCS schools." JAYDEN DEBNAM (WR/DB, 6-0, 190) - All-Conference. He had 230 receiving yards. On defense, he 57 tackles. 5 TFL, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions. "Jayden has offers from NC Central and UNC-Pembroke." JADEN HARTSFIELD (RB, 5-9, 205) - He ran for 1,426 yards with 21 touchdowns. "Jaden transferred from Southern Nash and has an offer from Virginia Union." KENDRICK CROSBY (LB, 6-2, 220) - He had 60 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. "Kendrick is a transfer from Wake Prep Academy and has an offer from Virginia Union." GAVIN MCLAWHORN (LB, 5-11, 210) - All-Conference. He had 109 tackles, 16 TFLS, and 3 sacks. DILLON BALKUS (DE, 6-2, 230) - All-Conference. He had 39 tackles, 10 TFLS, and 6 sacks. WYATT RUSHING (OL, 6-3, 295) - "Wyatt is a 3-year varsity starter."

JUNIORS: JUDE BLACK (OL, 6-0, 300) - All-Conference. STEFEN TABON (RB, 5-8, 160) - 2nd Team All-Conference. He ran for 447 yards with 3 touchdowns. XAVIER TAYLOR (DE, 6-2, 220) - 2nd Team All-Conference. He had 41 tackles, 12.5 TFLS. and 6 sacks. DREW SCHWALBACH (DB, 6-0, 175) - He had 42 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 6 pass break ups, and an interception. "Drew is a 3-year varsity starter."

SOPHOMORE: LANDEN PERRY (QB, 5-11, 175) - NAC-VI QB of the Year. He passed for 1,022 yards with 11 touchdowns and ran for 298 yards with 8 touchdowns,

 

[Deana_King]

MARVIN RIDGE MAVERICKS

HEAD COACH: David Johnson
CLASS: 7A
CONFERENCE: Southern Carolina 7A/6A
2025 RECORD: 6-6

2026 OUTLOOK: "We return 7 starters on offense and 8 on defense. We are adding in a few key players moving up from a JV team that was 8-2."

2026 SCHEDULE

AUG 21st @ Cox Mill
AUG 28th BALLANTYNE RIDGE
SEP 4th @ Ardrey Kell
SEP 11th ASHBROOK
SEP 18th PIEDMONT
SEP 25th open
OCT 2nd @ Weddington
OCT 9th @ Porter Ridge
OCT 16th CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC
OCT 23rd SUN VALLEY
OCT 30th @ Cuthbertson

SENIORS: JAKE ROBBINS (RB, 5-10, 205). BRYCE ROZEMA (OL, 6-5, 280). EVAN CULICERTO (LB, 5-9, 200). ANTHONY FULLER (DB, 6-1, 175). FORD FEHLING (K/P, 6-1, 195). ZANE SCHUMACHER (RBDB, 5-9, 180). CHASE WAKEFIELD (DL, 6-2, 250).

JUNIORS: LEVI KERR (QB, 6-6). CAL VOSS (ATH, 5-10, 170). TINO DELISSIO (WR, 6-1, 175). LUKE ANGEVINE (ATH, 6-2, 200),

 

[Melissa_King]

BALLANTYNE RIDGE WOLVES

HEAD COACH: Tyson Fernandez
CLASS: 7A
CONFERENCE: Southwestern 7A/8A
2025 RECORD: 2-8

2026 OUTLOOK: “Heading into our 3rd year of existence we are coming off our first win in school history as well as our first win at home in school history. We are losing 7 seniors, 4 who had major contributions on the field. We will be returning 90% of our program with some players with 21 games of Friday night experience. We are heading into the 3rd year with the same defense and another year’s experience with our offense. We improved our offensive output from year 1 of 3.0 PPG to 16.0 PPG. Defensively we improved greatly with 565 points in year 1 vs 369 in year 2. We have youth with experience and a hunger to continue to improve.”

2026 SCHEDULE:

AUG 21st LAKE WYLIE SC
AUG 28th @ Marvin Ridge
SEP 5th @ South Mecklenburg
SEP 12th GARINGER
SEP 19th @ RJ Reynolds
SEP 26th EAST MECKLENBURG
OCT 2nd Open
OCT 9th PALISADES
OCT 16th @ Ardrey Kell
OCT 23rd PROVIDENCE
OCT 30th @ Rocky River


SENIOR: EVAN GAUTREAUX (TE/DE/LB, 6’5, 200).

JUNIORS: JAYDEN KRAUSE (TE/LB/DL, 6’3, 220) All-Conference. LEO NTASIN (LB, 5’10,195) All-Conference. HOLDEN JONES (LB, 5’11,195) All-Conference. RYDER POLSTON (QB, 5’10,147). DEVIN DELFINO (WR/DB, 6’1,160). DECLAN O’ROURKE (TE/DE, 6’3, 210). NATHAN NWASIKE (OL/DL, 5’11, 205). All-Conference.

SOPHOMORES: ZION CAESAR (WR, 6’1,160) All-Conference. “Zion has an offer from Pembroke.” RICO JOHNSON (CB, 5’10, 145).

 

[Deana_King]

GRIMSLEY WHIRLIES

HEAD COACH: DARRYL BROWN
CLASS: 7A
CONFERENCE: METRO 6A/7A
2025 RECORD: 15–0 (6-0)

2026 OUTLOOK: "We graduated 22 Seniors, 16 of which signed to play college football. There will be a lot of new faces in key positions for us this season. Very excited to see the development of our young players. Many of these players have seen extensive time over the past couple of years and are ready to make a name for themselves."

2026 SCHEDULE

Aug. 21st WEST CHARLOTTE
Aug. 28th WEST FORSYTH
Sep. 5th @ East Forsyth
Sep. 12th open
Sep. 19th SW GUILFORD
Sep. 26th @ Western Guilford
Oct. 2nd @ Varina VA
Oct. 9th @ Ragsdale
Oct. 16th PAGE
Oct. 23rd @ Dudley
Oct. 30th BEN SMITH

SENIORS: TY SHOEMAKE (RB, 5-11, 220) - All-Area. All-Conference. "Ty has multiple Division 1 offers including Duke, Boston College, Virginia Tech, and Louisville." GAVIN MILTON (OL, 6-6, 300) - All-Area. All-Conference. "Gavin has multiple Power 4 offers including Georgia Tech, Duke, and Virginia." E.J. DAVIS (S, 6-0, 190) - All-Area. All-Conference. "A.J. has multiple offers including James Madison and Georgia Southern." MAKAI YON (S, 5-10, 170) - All-Area. All-Conference. "Makai has G6 offers." JAIDEN WARDLAW (LB, 5-9, 220) - All-Area. All-Conference. "Jaiden has FCS offers." RAMIR HARRIS-DUPREE (CB, 6-1, 165) - All-Area. All-Conference. "Ramir has Power 4 offers from Rutgers, Indiana, Virginia Tech, and Missouri." NASIR CRAWFORD (DT, 6-0, 265) - "Nasir has FCS and Division 2 offers." ANDREW ROGERS (DE, 6-4, 240) - "Andrew has many offers including North Carolina, James Madison, and East Carolina." CHASE HUELLMANTEL (K/P, 6-1, 195) - All-Conference. "Chase has multiple offers."

JUNIORS: ALEX COOPER (WR, 6-1, 190, 4.58). BRAYLEN HILL (OL, 6-0, 225) - "Braylen will be a college player." LONDON DELK (OL, 6-5, 320) - "London has multiple FCS and G6 interest." GUY VANN (DT, 6-1, 270) - All-Conference. "Guy has Power 4 and G6 offers." TRISTAN WARDLAW (DR, 6-1, 260) - "Tristan has G6 offers."

SOPHOMORE:S BRODY LOWE (QB, 6-0, 190) - All-Area. All-Conference. JORDAN DAVIS (WR, 5-7, 150, 4.6).

 

[Deana_King]

RICHMOND COUNTY RAIDERS

HEAD COACH: Brad Denson
CLASS: 7A
CONFERENCE: Mid South 7A/8A
2025 RECORD: 9-3 (5-0)

2026 OUTLOOK: “We look to be a conference champion contender and a state championship contender. Even though we graduated a good amount of our offensive production, we have several guys ready to make a move and keep that momentum rolling. On the defensive side, it’s always hard to replace the conference player of the year for two years, but I do think overall we will be better on that side. We have a good amount of guys with a lot of Friday night experience and we look to lean on them for a good bit of the production.”

2026 SCHEDULE
Aug 21st HOGGARD
Aug 28th @ Scotland
Sep 4th @ Rolesville
Sep 11th NW GUILFORD
Sep 18th @ West Forsyth
Sep 25th open
Oct 2nd PINE FOREST
Oct 9th @ Jack Britt
Oct 16th HOKE COUNTY
Oct 23rd OVERHILLS
Oct 30th @ Pinecrest

TOP PLAYERS: CHANCE CROWDER (RB)- “Chance was the leading rusher from last year and expect him to have another 1,000-yard season.” KAMEL TILLMAN (OL) - “Kamel is a 3-year starter, D1 prospect with multiple D1 offers who will anchor the left side.” JAMAURY JONES (OL) - “JAMAURY is a 2-year starter who is a college prospect that will anchor the right side and play DL as well.” JASIAH COOPER (WR) - “Jasiah is a 2-year starter over 600 yards receiving last year (which was 4th on the team).” TY COVINGTON (RB/DB) - “Ty expects to be a force along with Crowder on the field at the same time. He will be all over the field this year. Ty has multiple SEC offers.” JEREMIAH COVINGTON (DL) - “Jeremiah will anchor the DL and we look to him for leadership in more ways than one.” C.J COVINGTON (DB) - “C.J. is a D1 athlete that will be all over the field. We expect to see and hear his name a lot this year.” SHAMIR JONES (S) - “Shamir is a safety that plays like a LB and is just the brains of our defense.” CAM COLEY (LB) - “Cam is a rising sophomore that will give opponents fits coming off the edge with multiple D1 offers.”

 

[Deana_King]

BUTLER BULLDOGS

HEAD COACH: Donald Littlejohn
CLASS: 7A
CONFERENCE: Meck Power Six 7A/8A
2025 RECORD: 5-7 (2-3)

2026 OUTLOOK: “The biggest strength returning should be the ground game. Our running back DeMaurion Thomas-Wright was one of the area’s most productive rushers in 2025 and gives Butler a proven offensive centerpiece. We have several underclassmen who were major contributors in 2025 are expected to take on larger leadership roles in 2026. Keys for our Butler team is to compete with conference powers pf Independence, Mallard Creek, and West Charlotte. Also build on the playoff appearance and return to contention in the Meck Power Six:”

2026 SCHEDULE

AUG 21st @ Olympic
AUG 28th STATESVILLE
SEP 4th INDIAN LAND (SC)
SEP 11th PROVIDENCE DAY
SEP 18th @ Providence
SEP 25th CHAMBERS
OCT 2nd Open
OCT 9th @ North Mecklenburg
OCT 16th @ West Charlotte
OCT 23rd MALLARD CREEK
OCT 30th @ Independence

SENIORS: DEMAURION THOMAS-WRIGHT (RB) - He accounted for 1,498 total yards with 1,367 rushing yards and scored 8 touchdowns. “Demaurion was one of the most productive running backs in the Charlotte area and the offensive centerpiece heading into 2026. He averaged 113.9 yards rushing a game.” MATTHEW SHIELDS (LB, 5-10, 190) - He averaged 10.6 tackles per game. "Matthew is a defensive leader and one of the team's most consistent tacklers. He is expected to anchor the defense in 2026." DJ STARLING (WR/DB, 5-5, 140) -"DJ was a team leader in kickoff and punt return average. He is a dynamic athlete with game-breaking speed and special teams value." LUCAS CULBERSON (ATH, 6-0, 190) -"Lucas is a versatile athlete who is expected to have an expanded role as a senior."

 

[Deana_King]

R.J. REYNOLDS DEMONS

HEAD COACH: Joe Davidyock
CLASS: 7A
CONFERENCE: Central Piedmont Conference 7A/8A
2025 RECORD: 6-5

2026 OUTLOOK: "RJ Reynolds returns 10 starters on the defensive side of the ball and 5 starters on the offensive side of the ball in 2026. After reaching the NCHSAA playoffs for the first time since 2018 and the first winning season since 2017 the Demons are looking to build off the momentum from 2025. This year, the Demons are over 100 players on the roster for the first time in many years. The Demons are a team on the rise."

2026 SCHEDULE

Aug 21st @ North Forsyth
Aug 28th GLENN
Sep 4th @ Atkins
Sep 11th SOUTHEAST GUILFORD
Sep 18th BALLANTYNE RIDGE
Sep 25th open
Oct 2nd PARKLAND
Oct. 9th @ Reagan
Oct 16th WEST FORSYTH
Oct 23rd @ East Forsyth
Oct 30th @ Northwest Guilford

SENIORS: TIM MARTIN (TE//DL, 6-4, 225) - Honorable Mention All-Area. All-Conference. He had 7 sacks. "Tim was our sack leader." ZIAER BENNETT (RB/LB, 5-10, 225) - He ran for 400 yards last season. "Ziaer is a 3-year starter on offense and defense. He will start at running back this season." JAYLEN WHEELER (OL/DL, 6-0, 260) - Honorable Mention All-Area. All-Conference. "Jaylen plays center and defensive tackle for us. He was a team captain and was the 7A state wrestling champion in the Heavyweight Division."

JUNIOR: DE'REON WATSON (WR/DB, 5-10, 185) - Honorable Mention All-Area. All-Conference. "De'reon was the team leader in tackles."

 

[Deana_King]

DAVIE COUNTY WAR EAGLES

HEAD COACH: Brian Hinson
CLASS: 7A
CONFERENCE: North Piedmont 6A/7A
2025 RECORD: 7-5 (3-2)

2026 OUTLOOK: “Davie County is looking to build on a solid 2025 season. Under a second year staff the program looking to improve physically and mentally. The War Eagles will be led by a solid defense with a strong front seven and solid DB play. Offensively the team looks to improve with a ball control offense that competed with a strong run game last season. Davie County will have two new coordinators in Blaine Nicholson for the defense and John Fitz on the offense.”

2026 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21st @ West Forsyth
Aug. 28th WEST ROWAN
Sep. 4th @ Pinecrest
Sep. 11th OAK GROVE
Sep. 18th @ North Davidson
Sep. 25th open
Oct. 2nd NORTH IREDELL
Oct. 9th @ Statesville
Oct. 16th @ Mooresville
Oct. 23rd LAKE NORMAN
Oct. 30th SOUTH IREDELL

SENIORS: ELIJAH CHAFFIN (LB, 6-4, 225) - All-Region. All-Conference. “Elijah has offers from Liberty, Marshall, East Carolina, Army, and Navy among others.” BRAYLON ARNOLD (DL, 6-0, 285) - “Braylon has recruiting interest from UVA-Wise.”AHMAAD MCGEE (DL, 5-11, 300). LUKE FOSTER (LB, 6-1, 190). COLT MILLET (DB, 6-1, 180). BRAXTON BOWLING (RB, 5-7, 170) - All-Conference. “Braxton has recruiting interest from Lenoir Rhyne.” KALEB BALES (OL, 6-5, 300) - “Kaleb has recruiting interest from Lenoir Rhyne, Catawba, Ferrum, UVA-Wise, and UNCP.” EVAN HELMS (TE, 6-3, 200).

JUNIORS: MAX CORNATZER (DB, 6-1, 190) - “Mac has recruiting interest from East Carolina, Charlotte, and ETSU.” NOAH DULIN (WR, 6-1, 190) - “Noah has recruiting interest from East Carolina and ETSU.” DRAETON NANCE (QB, 5-10, 180). CHRISTIAN COLLINS (OL, 6-3, 260).

 

[Deana_King]

CARY IMPS

HEAD COACH: Coleman Tyrance
CLASS: 7A
CONFERENCE: Tri 6 7A/6A
2025 RECORD: 7-3 (2-2)

2026 OUTLOOK: “The Imps are led by a handful of Seniors with some young players still getting better. The Imps last season finished 7 -3 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2012. The team will lean on its defense which has some bright spots on the front and back end. The offense will try to use their backs and rely on the OL to help sub stain drives. With solid special teams the Imps should be able to continue the culture of finishing games.”

2026 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21st APEX
Aug. 28th ATHENS DRIVE
Sep. 3rd @ Willow Spring
Sep. 11th GREEN LEVEL
Sep. 18th @ East Wake
Sep. 25th open
Oct. 2nd HOLLY SPRINGS
Oct. 9th SANDERSON
Oct. 16th @ Felton Grove
Oct. 23rd @ Middle Creek
Oct. 30th @ Cardinal Gibbons

SENIORS: TJ DICKENS (DE, 6-3, 227) - “TJ is a returning starter from last season offers from Hampden-Sydney, North Carolina A&T, and interest from Elon, Wofford, Randolph Macon, and Campbell.” JAYLIN SPIVEY (WR/DB, 6-2, 196) - “Jaylin is a 2-year starter at WR and DB and has interest from Marshall and WSSU.” JACOB SPINKS (SS, 5-10, 170) - “Jacob is a returning starter at safety.” IAN COLLIER (RB, 5-9, 175) - “Ian played in 6 games last season. He is a solid back who understands the offense and gets positive yards.” BEN UNGER (OL, 6-0, 230) - “Ben is a returning starter at OL.”

JUNIORS: ANTHONY ATUNKA (DE, 6-2, 220) - All-Conference. “Anthony is a returning starter and has offers from Boston College, Marshall, Princeton, Dartmouth, and Campbell.” ERICH GRENA (TE/LB, 6-2, 190) - All-Conference. “Erich was an all-conference performer as a sophomore and led the team is touchdown receptions.”

SOPHOMORES: TOMMY DEGNAN (OL/LB, 6-3, 250) - “Tommy has interest from UNC and NC State as a Center.” ALEX KNIGHT (TE/DE, 6-2, 215) - “Alex is expected to have a solid season as a Varsity player.” KAYDEN BAUCOM (OL/DL, 6-1, 300).

 

[Deana_King]

SOUTHEAST RALEIGH BULLDOGS

HEAD COACH: Edwin EJ Campbell
CLASS: 7A
CONFERENCE: Greater Neuse River
2025 RECORD: 9-4 (4-2)

2026 OUTLOOK: “We return some key players and big-name guys after a 4th round loss to Clayton. A few big roles to fill in at QB and edge on defense. We return 17 starters. SE Raleigh has 19 kids with scholarships heading into this season.”

2026 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21st ENLOE
Aug. 29th DUDLEY at Wake Med Soccer Stadium
Sep. 4th @ East Wake
Sep. 11th @ Cardinal Gibbons
Sep. 18th GARNER
Sep. 25th FUQUAY VARINA
Oct. 2nd @ Clayton
Oct. 9th SMITHFIELD-SELMA
Oct. 16th @ Cleveland
Oct 23rd open
Oct. 30th @ South Garner

SENIORS: JAMES ADAMS IV (RB, 5-9, 205, 4.49) - All-Conference. “James has multiple college offers.” CHRISTIAN FREEMAN (RB, 5-9, 195, 4.44) - All-State. Verbally committed to NC State. ADAM SAUNDERS (WR, 6-0, 185, 4.45) - “Adam is a 4-year varsity player who is explosive. He has multiple D1 offers.” CADEN JONES (ATH, 6-2, 190) - He had 3 interceptions. “Caden won MVP of Carolina’s Coaches Combine and has several scholarship offers.” ROSHAUN BRAKE (OL, 5-9, 245) - “Roshaun is a 3-year starter at center and team captain.” CODY ROBINSON (DL, 6-2, 295) - “Cody has multiple D1 offers.” JOSIAH HEATH (LB/LS, 5-10, 202) - “Josiah is a versatile linebacker with multiple college offers.” DEADRIAN WILLIAMS (LB, 6-1, 205) - “DEADRIAN is a playmaking linebacker with speed and power.” CYRUS GUNTER (LB, 5-10, 180) - “Cyrus is an excellent tackler and versatile. He led the team in tackles last year.” ZIYIR STANLEY (DB, 5-10, 165) - All-Region. He had 7 interceptions. “Ziyir has great ball skills and has multiple scholarship offers.” MOSES MILLER (DB, 6-2,165) - “Moses is one of the most underrated DBs in the state. He will be a name to follow.”

JUNIORS: CAM BULLOCK (WR, 5-9, 165, 4.56) - All-Conference. “Cam led the team in receptions as a sophomore and he has multiple D1 offers.” GRAYSON WILLIAMS (OL/DL, 6-4, 305) - All-State. “Grayson is a national top 50 recruit that has offers from every major program in the country. He is one of the top two-way players in the country.” ZAMIR JACKSON (OL, 6-5, 290) - “Zamir has 10 D1 offers and will have a breakout season.” KHALIL HAMILTON (ATH, 5-9, 170) - He ran over 200 yards. On defense, he had 2 interceptions . On special teams, he blocked 2 punts. “Khalil is a playmaker in all phases as a running back on offense, defensive back in defense, and a return man on special teams.”

 

[Deana_King]

REAGAN RAIDERS

HEAD COACH: Josh McGee
CLASS: 7A
CONFERENCE: Central Piedmont 7a/8a
2025 RECORD: 10-3

2026 OUTLOOK: “The strength of this team will be our experience on both sides of the ball. With 8 starters returning on defense and 6 on offense, we look to build off of the strong showing in 2025. Defensively, we will be led by 4 star DT King Kalama (Duke commit) and DB Seven Glover (NCCU commit). We also return all conference DB Antonio Kelly Jr. and DL Alonzo McCoy. On the offensive side of the ball, we return the NC 7A rushing leader in RB John Evans Jr. who rushed for over 2,200 yards and 30 TD’s last year, as well as explosive 2027 ATH Elijah Davis. The big boys up front will be anchored by returning starters Thomas Caldwell (Sr.), Dax Beck (Sr.) and Davin Phipps (So.).”

2026 SCHEDULE:
Aug 21st @ Mt. Tabor
Aug 28th OAK GROVE
Sep 4th @ Reidsville
Sep 11th @ Northern Guilford
Sep 18th LAKE NORMAN
Sep 25th open
Oct 2nd @ Northwest Guilford
Oct 9th RJ REYNOLDS
Oct 16th PARKLAND
Oct 23rd @ West Forsyth
Oct 30th EAST FORSYTH

SENIORS: KING KALAMA (DL) - Verbally committed to Duke. SEVEN GLOVER (DB) verbally committed to NC Central. ANTONIO KELLY, JR. (ATH). ALONZO MCCOY (DL). JACKSON WILLIARD (DL). THOMAS CALDWELL (OL). DAX BECK (OL). ELIJAH DAVIS (ATH). JAMES MCCLUNG (WR). NICHOLAS FLOWERS (DB). BRENNER PRIDGEN (QB).

JUNIORS: JOHN EVANS, JR (RB). KESTON GREENE (DB). DION HILLIARD (ATH). JAIKODA HARRINGTON (QB).

SOPHOMORES: DAVIN PHIPPS (OL). CALEB SMITH (RB).

 

[Deana_King]

SANDERSON SPARTANS

HEAD COACH: Jeremy Buck
CLASS: 7A
CONFERENCE: Triangle 6 6A/7A
2025 RECORD: 7-5 (1-3)

2026 OUTLOOK: “The Spartans look to build off of last years season. The 2025 playoff win was only the 4th in school history. The Spartans will lose a number of impact players in all three phases, but look to reload with players that gained a lot of experience the past couple years. The program’s culture is at an elite level with student athletes excelling on and off the field. We have developed a deep roster of guys that we expect to contribute. The Spartans return 9 starters on offense and 6 starters on defense, along with many others that earned meaningful game reps.”

2026 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21st ASHLEY
Aug. 28th @ RIVERSIDE
Sep. 4th @ Broughton
Sep. 11th KNIGHTDALE
Sep. 18 @ Chapel Hill
Sep. 25th open
Oct. 2nd MIDDLE CREEK
Oct. 9th @ Cary
Oct. 16th @ Holly Springs
Oct. 23rd CARDINAL GIBBONS
Oct. 30th FELTON GROVE

SENIORS: JAVON HICKS (DL, 6-3, 255) – All-Conference. “Javon is a 4 year varsity player and has significant college interest.” GOODNESS OKWUOSA (LB, 6-2, 215) - “Goodness gained significant experience last season and will be a major piece of our defense this season. He is a college prospect.” ZYION MCKOY (5-9, 155, WR/DB) – Zyion started all 12 games at CB last season. This year, he will start at CB and is expected to play WR as well. Zyion is a college prospect.” SHAWN ROE (TE/LB, 6-2, 190) – “Shawn played about half of the snaps at TE last season. This season, he will start at TE and is expected to play some at OLB. Shawn is a college prospect.” JAMEAL TAYLOR (WR, 5-9, 155) – “Jameal started at WR last season and will do so again this season. He is a college prospect. MATT ROY (DE, 6-3, 200) – “Matt is a returning starter for us on the DL. He is a college prospect. KEON WILLAMS (RB/LB, 5-10, 210) – Honorable Mention All-Conference. “Keon is a returning 3-year starter at RB. He has totaled more than 1200 rushing yards in his career while rotating at RB and LB. Keon was an honorable mention All-Conference Player last year at LB while playing in limited role. He is a college prospect. DAIJON SEMMON (DL, 6-2, 235) – “Daijon really committed to the weight room and skill development this offseason. He added 35 lbs of weight and will start for us on the DL this season. Daijon is a college prospect.” WILL HEMMINGER (OL, 6-2, 225) – “Will returns as a starter at RT this season. He is a college prospect. JOSH SUGGS (OL, 6-0, 260) – “Josh started at Center last season but will move to LG this season. He is a college prospect.”

JUNIORS: GABE ROCHA (ATH, 5-8, 160) – “Gabe makes plays. Last year he primarily played slot WR. This season, he will move around to many positions. He also provides depth at DB. Gabe is a college prospect. CHASE BOWIE (QB, 6-1, 200) – All-Conference. “Chase returns for his second season as our starting QB. He is poised for a big season in 2026 and is a college prospect. GAINES STALLWORTH (QB, 6-0, 195) – “It is not often a “backup QB” is listed as a top returning player. However, Gaines would be a starter for us in many years. He has constantly improved and is a guy that will see the field. Gaines is a college prospect.” RILEY GRIFFIN – (LB, 5-10, 195) – All-Conference. “Riley is a 3-year varsity player and returns a defensive starter this season. He could also get some carries at RB and is a college prospect. WYATT GORE (LB, 6-2, 216) - “Wyatt has gained strength, size and speed this offseason. He will start for us at ILB this season. Wyatt is a college prospect.” JAKE WHITEHURST (LB. 5-10, 175)- “Jake has added strength and speed this offseason. He will start an ILB position this season and is a college prospect.” JOHN REDDICK (WR / DB 5’10 155) – “John started multiple games at WR for us last season. He runs track and clocked a 10.85 100 this spring. John will also play CB for us this season and is a college prospect.” WILEY KING (DL, 6-1, 210) – “Wiley has consistently added size and strength. He will hold down a starting DL spot after being forced into the fire in the playoffs last season. Wiley is a college prospect.” PARKER ATTANASIO (OL, 6-0, 225) -“Parker played OL and DL last season on JV. He will take over at Center this season. Parker is a college prospect. CADEN IKERD (OL, 6-2, 255) – “Caden had a tremendous offseason in all aspects. He started all 12 games last season and will provide stability to the OL. Caden is a college prospect.” CURTIS ANDRE (OL, 6-1, 255) – “Curtis fought through nagging injuries last year to be our most consistent OL. He returns to his LT position this season and is a college prospect.”

SOPHOMORES – CHRIS HARRIS (CB. 5-11, 160) – “Chris has been battled tested even a sophomore. He started the majority of the season at CB as a freshman last season. Chris is a college prospect.” MILES MAYNARD (WR/FS, 6-2, 170) – “Miles was a standout for us on JV last season. He will play a significant role at multiple WR positions this season as well as at FS. Miles is a college prospect.” TYLER WHITLOCK (RB/SS, 5-9, 190) – “Tyler battled injuries last season but now he is healthy he will play a significant role at RB and SS this season. He is a college prospect.”