The wait is almost over. High school football returns to North Carolina on Friday, with a series of exciting matchups for teams from Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties.
Before kickoff, let’s rank the top ten teams in the region.
Shelby leads the first Gaston Gazette And Shelby Star Power Poll with the Golden Lions coming off an 11-win season and a run to the NCHSAA 2A West final. For most teams in the region, though, it’s an opportunity to answer burning questions: Can Crest overcome massive personnel losses and defend its title as Big South 3A champions? How does Burns replace Cleveland County’s all-time leading passer, Ben Mauney? Can either North Lincoln or East Lincoln displace reigning 3A state champion Hickory in Western Foothills 3A?
These questions will be answered soon. For now, here is the ranking of the regional teams at the start of the first week:
WHO WILL WIN BIG SOUTH 3A?: Gastonia, Shelby High School Football 2024: Big South 3A top players, predictions
PREVIEW SPC 1A/2A: Gastonia, Shelby High School Football 2024: Southern Piedmont top players, predictions
WHICH TEAM WILL SURRENDER?: Preview of the individual Lincoln County and Mountain Island Charter football teams, bold predictions
1.Shelby
Season 2023: 11-4; Lost to Reidsville in NCHSAA 2A West final
Any team that brings back a 3,000-yard passer and a 1,500-yard rusher is sure to attract attention. Shelby returns just that in 2024, its starting backfield of quarterback Lan Farmer and running back Tristan Tate on the team for another shot at the NCHSAA 2A title. The Golden Lions could experience some teething issues, however, with promising young talent taking on key roles in a daunting early-season schedule.
Interesting games: against AC Reynolds (30 August); at Crest (6 September); at Burns (1 November)
2. East Lincoln
Season 2023: 8-4; Lost to West Henderson in the second round of the NCHSAA 3A
East Lincoln has won eight or more games in four of the last five seasons, the only exception being a shortened season in the spring of 2021 when they went 5-2. The Mustangs have a good chance to do it again, led by an offense full of potential. Running back Chris Daley and wideout Jackson Beam are back for their final seasons, with junior quarterback Grant Lawless once again under center.
Interesting games: in Lincolnton (September 6); against Hickory (September 20); in Statesville (September 27); against North Lincoln (November 1)
3. Coat of arms
Season 2023: 13-1; Lost to Dudley in the NCHSAA 3A West semifinals
An offseason of changes has given the Chargers a fresh start under former assistant Greg Lloyd. Crest hopes to make up for losses on offense with a strong running attack led by Aiden Carson. The Chargers should be much stronger on defense, especially in the secondary, with the return of two-year starters Lyrik Pettis and D’Various Surratt and veteran defensive back Tank Ruff.
Interesting games: against Shelby (September 6); against Ashbrook (September 20); at South Point (October 4); against Kings Mountain (November 1)
4. North Lincoln
Season 2023: 8-4; Lost to Hickory in the second round of the NCHSAA 3A
The Knights’ roster features 26 seniors, 15 of whom are starters from an 8-win 2023 season, including top tackler Ryan Bassani (189 tackles, 19 for loss). Quarterback Eli Sipe and running backs Landon Agee and Shannon Wingate lead a vaunted Knights attack. Kicker Jake Dillingham is also an asset in the battle for field position.
Interesting games: against West Lincoln (August 23); against Statesville (September 20); in Hickory (September 27); in East Lincoln (November 1)
5. South Point
Season 2023: 6-5; Lost to Statesville in the first round of the NCHSAA 3A
A young Red Raider team suffered a tough loss in 2023, a six-win season ending with an early exit in Round 1 of the 3A state playoffs. South Point hopes to return to form, starting with quarterback Patrick Blee, running back Chyance Ford and a veteran offensive line. The Red Raiders’ last league championship was in 2017.
Interesting games: vs. Hunter Huss (September 27); vs. Crest (October 4); at Kings Mountain (October 11); at Ashbrook (October 18)
6. Koenigsberg
Season 2023: 10-2; Lost to AC Reynolds in the second round of the NCHSAA 3A
Interesting games: in Shelby (23 August); against Burns (6 September); against South Point (11 October); in Crest (1 November)
7. Burns
Season 2023: 8-4; Lost to Bunker Hill in the second round of the NCHSAA 2A
Interesting games: in Crest (August 30); in Kings Mountain (September 6); in East Gaston (October 18); against Shelby (November 1)
8. West Lincoln
Season 2023: 9-3; Lost to Monroe in the second round of the NCHSAA 2A
Interesting games: in North Lincoln (August 23); in Maiden (September 27); against Bunker Hill (October 4); in Lincolnton (November 1)
9. Mountain Island Charter
Season 2023: 8-4; Lost to Robbinsville in the second round of the NCHSAA 1A
Interesting games: at Pine Lake Prep (September 20); vs. Community School of Davidson (September 27); vs. Christ the King (October 11); at Bishop McGuinness (October 18);
10. Ashbrook
Season 2023: 4-7; Lost to Oak Grove in the first round of NCHSAA 3A.
Interesting games: against Crest (September 15); against South Point (October 18); at Kings Mountain (October 25); against Hunter Huss (November 1)
