2021 Season Preview: Catawba Ridge Copperheads

Photo: Zac Lendyak

Brandon Stockdale July 21, 2021 @ 04:04 PM

Catawba Ridge has only been in existence for three years. Despite the pandemic shortened season, it was a magical run for the Copperheads as they came just a game away from a trip to the 3A state championship game last year. The only two losses came to South Pointe in the regular season and eventual 3A state champion, A.C. Flora in the 4A playoffs. “We’ve had a great summer. It’s hard to believe we get started in a few days,” Catawba Ridge head coach Zac Lendyak told Prep Redzone SC. Everything will start on offense for the Copperheads in 2021 with sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="91362" first="Jadyn" last="Davis"] back at the controls after missing most of the 2020 season with an injury. He already has major Power 5 offers, including South Carolina, Ohio State and Texas A&M, and it’s easy to see why with his dynamic arm. Senior wide receiver and cornerback and Marshall University commit [player_tooltip player_id="153256" first="Jacobie" last="Henderson"] returns as he looks to build on a strong 2020 campaign. The offensive line will be led by senior [player_tooltip player_id="153258" first="Cade" last="Purgason"], who did not allow a sack during the 2020 season. Defensively, 2-year captain and All Region defensive linemen [player_tooltip player_id="59504" first="Asa" last="Johnson"] returns for his senior year already holding an offer from Newberry College and had 18 tackles for loss last year. Don’t forget seniors DeLante McAllister and CJ Brown in the mix. Senior cornerback [player_tooltip player_id="153257" first="Andre" last="Hodge"] is committed to Wake Forest University and will be a challenge for any receiver this fall. The duo linebackers senior [player_tooltip player_id="59505" first="Will" last="Lowman"] and junior Brody Tesimale will combine to stop the run this fall. 2021 Schedule (home games in bold, region games in italics) Aug. 20 – Fort Mill Aug. 27 – at Nation Ford Sept. 3 – Greenwood Sept. 10 – at West Cabarrus (Concord, N.C.) Sept. 17 – at South Mecklenburg (Charlotte) Sept. 24 – Chester Oct. 1 – South Pointe Oct. 8 – at York Oct. 15 – at Lancaster Oct. 22 – Indian Land Oct. 29 – BYE The Copperheads' non-region schedule has three marquee games against Greenwood, Nation Ford and Chester before region play begins. With the talent of this young program and a healthy quarterback back, we won’t be surprised if Catawba Ridge is one of the last teams standing in December.