Team Preview: Myers Park Mustangs

As we get closer to the start of the season, we will be taking a look at team previews from across the Charlotte Metro Area. We have a lot of talented players here in the city, and every year there are new faces that will become the star of their teams on Friday Nights. We’ll take a look at them, as well as the overall team prospects for the upcoming year!   The Myers Park Mustangs have been a very good team over the last few years here in Charlotte. They have made deep runs into the playoffs under past head coaches Scott Chadwick and Mark Harman, who both led the Mustangs to the 4A West Regional Finals, one step from the State Championship Game. This year they have a new Head Coach in Jason McManus, who has been an Offensive Coordinator in South Carolina - most notably for the South Pointe Stallions, where they experienced a ton of success and state championships during his tenure. McManus inherits an interesting mix of talented players who have been awaiting their opportunity in the spotlight after a lot of experienced players graduated from last year’s 2nd round playoff team.   Last season the Mustangs lost at Glenn in an exciting football game overall, however, it was a disappointing ending to a season where the Mustangs only lost on the field on three occasions - and all were to playoff teams in Hough, South Mecklenburg, and Buford (GA). Playing in the So Meck Conference, they have a good chance to compete to win the conference outright, as this year in the league appears to be a major transition year for most teams, as well as the addition of a brand new school in Palisades.   Looking at the players, QB Jaemyn Smith will get the chance to step into the QB1 role and lead this team in his senior year. Smith has some dual-threat ability and is a bit of an unknown in game action, however, the Mustangs have shown well in the off-season during 7-on-7 action and that experience will be valuable for Smith for a fast start. The Mustangs will have some experience and strength in numbers in the running back position with Derek McKnight and Lattrell Goodwin both having strong offseasons and will carry the load out of the backfield. At the WR position expect Tavion Neal to be a big-time athlete in space and a game breaker for the passing game. He has electric speed and the agility to make the small plays turn big very quickly.   Also, I expect TEs Donyea Coleman and Davis Becker to be some difference makers. Anytime you have two tight ends with great size and vertical ability, it puts a ton of pressure on a defense. Upfront on the offensive line, Nick Legrande at 6’4 and 315 pounds will be a big-time anchor - one thing I love about him is he’s a rugby player, so he already comes with the edge & mentality you need to be a special lineman. Defensively, I expect a couple of guys to be standouts - and they are both in the secondary. The first one is Tysun Austin - and he’s someone I loved watching film on. His ball skills really stand out to me, excellent technique, and he plays well off of blocks in the run game - and that is a rare find in the high school game. Jasiri Champion is a 6’3 free safety who looks very fluid and athletic in space - with him getting more time this season I am excited to see what he puts on tape.   Myers Park always has excellent special teams as well, and this tradition continues. Win Byerley who kicks and punts for the Mustangs, has committed to Harvard and was also offered by Norte Dame. Long Snapper Max Schmidly is one of the best in the Southeast and can always be relied on for his consistency and is dependable in the operation in one of the most important parts of a game.   Looking at the Mustangs’ schedule, two games really stand out to me - both non-conference contests. First is the season opener against Mallard Creek - both of these programs have been considered top programs in Charlotte the past few years, and that one will say a lot about where those programs are currently among the city rankings. The second one is against Butler - Butler and Myers Park were long rivals in the old Southwestern Conference, and although the Mustangs have switched conferences, the Bulldogs are always motivated to see the green and white of the Mustangs.   Overall I am excited to see these players step into bigger roles, and for Coach McManus to step into his first year as head coach - he has deserved the opportunity and he has built a strong coaching staff to go around him as these guys get ready to start the 2022 season!

As we get closer to the start of the season, we will be taking a look at team previews from across the Charlotte Metro Area. We have a lot of talented players here in the city, and every year there are new faces that will become the star of their teams on Friday Nights. We’ll take a look at them, as well as the overall team prospects for the upcoming year!