Weddington Ready to Prove itself a 4A Power

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of last year's most intriguing storylines in North Carolina high school football across the state is how the realignment would shake things up at the top. Several top teams rose in classification, putting themselves on a collision course with other state champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2019, the Warriors put up one of the most dominant seasons in 3A state history, winning 16-straight games by multiple touchdowns, including their last 14 by an average of nearly 40 points. Upon moving up to 4A, the Warriors cruised into the fourth round of the playoffs before bowing out to 3-time state champion Chambers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Warriors team, in my opinion, is stronger than last year's and has a legitimate shot at a state title, thanks to a characteristically strong defense and more firepower than last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Group to Know- Back Seven</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors' back seven is as athletic and technically-sound as you'll find. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='45000' first='Zymill' last='Patterson']</strong> will again play safety for the Warriors this season, but flashes in man coverage and will probably see some time at corner, especially against top receivers. Linebacker <strong>Jack Collins</strong> called the defense last season and will reprise that role this season. He's excellent in his run fits and gives the Warrior defense a true quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every year, Weddington seems to have a player or two that can do everything. This season, that guy is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324916' first='Griffin' last='Reimer']</strong>, one of the most impressive players we saw all offseason. He's 6'4, 225 and can run. He'll line up at H-Back, tight end, receiver, fullback, linebacker, safety and even edge rusher this season. That said, he's at his best as a hybrid linebacker-safety, a role he'll play a lot, especially against more athletic offenses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior corner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='396915' first='Sam' last='Neely'] </strong>adds some much-needed length to the back seven and is a guy that can go toe-to-toe with both the bigger and more athletic receivers in the area. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Experience on Offense</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors return several key cogs on a solid offense. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='396921' first='Tyler' last='Budge']</strong> is now an upperclassman, and as he continues to improve his consistency, he's putting his name up there with some of the top quarterbacks in the area. He has the strongest arm the Warriors have had at quarterback in a while and brings some experience after playing extensively as a sophomore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At running back, the Warriors will go by committee, but sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='396922' first='Braeden' last='Barger']</strong> flashed as a freshman. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='399344' first='Vinny' last='Jordan']</strong> has played all over the field for the Warriors in the past and provides some experience at running back. Weddington plays many of its best athletes both ways, so Patterson, Reimer and Neely will see some time at receiver, but watch out for senior <strong>Bryson Dermid</strong>, who may be Weddington's most natural receiving threat. At 6'3, 185 he has the size and length to cause some issues for opposing defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tight end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='260716' first='Brooks' last='Mauk']</strong> has really worked on his hands and route running this year and has the potential to break out as a receiver, which would free up Reimer to focus more on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seniors <strong>Frank Geosits </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='44996' first='Josh' last='Moraja'] </strong>anchor the interior of a talented offensive line. Both have experience there and possess a good combination of skill and athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Newcomers to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Andy Capone isn't afraid to played inexperienced or young players and Weddington has two in particular that could really shine this year. 2025 transfer <strong>Kobe McGill </strong>is elusive in the open field and transferred in from Arizona powerhouse Highland. He could factor into the running back rotation, or he could contribute on special teams as a sophomore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising freshman <strong>TJ Davis</strong>, the son of former Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis, seems to have inherited his father's athleticism. He's already 6'2, 185 and will play on varsity this year in a variety of roles. Not only is he physically ready for varsity action, but he also has a high football IQ and shouldn't have much trouble adjusting to the level of play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Others to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Multi-year starters <strong>Quaid Luginbill </strong>and <strong>Knox Willingham </strong>bring experience to an inexperienced defensive front. That group may be key to a successful season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Bottom Line</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Weddington has the talent on the outside and the back end of the defense to match up well against any spread offense it faces. If the lines can hold up against teams that really try to slow the game down and impose their will, Weddington will be one of the few teams with the talent to win a 4A state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->