Greater Metro Athletic 6A/7A Conference Preview

My colleague Will Helms has started breaking down conferences and previewing teams ‘ MVPs – I am taking a play off of that series and choosing a team's most important player, providing a brief synopsis on where they stand, and then finishing up with a conference finish prediction.   High School football in the Charlotte, NC region has not only become some of the best in the state, but the best in the southeast and beyond, producing multiple players who go on to play major college football for Power 4 schools and on into the NFL. This new conference in the Greater Metro Athletic 6A/7A Conference is a call back to the old MECA Conference back in the mid 200's where we had a mix of Mecklenburg County and Cabarrus County teams put together. Fans didn't necessarily like it, but the coaches in the conference all feel like they have a chance to compete in what could be a wide-open conference race. Let's dive in!   Berry Cardinals   Head Coach: Darius Robinson   Team MIP: WR [player_tooltip player_id='1678654' first='Nana-Kwabena' last='Mensah']   Most people wouldn't believe this, but Berry has consistently produced some top level talent in the Charlotte Metro Area. The thing about that talent is, its been hard to keep those players at Berry with the new transfer culture that is prevalent these days. However, that being said, Mensah flies under the radar because of where he is. But when you turn on the tape, he's a playmaker and a guy defenses have to account for on the field offensively. His presence will allow the Cardinals' offense to use him to open up some other players who can do some things with the ball in their hands. After losing some talent on the defensive side of the ball, the Cardinals' offense will have to put some points up and Mensah is their best be to do so.   Analysis   As I previously stated, the Cardinals will have some skill talent no matter what, which has been consistent for them over the years. And Head Coach Darius Robinson, a good offensive mind, will find some ways to scheme those guys open to make plays. The big key for them will be what they will do defensively after losing some dependable guys on that side of the football. If they are able to find some players to step up and get other teams' offenses off the field, they could find some success in this conference. I think they should be all right in the secondary if they play some of their skill guys both ways. They will need to find some help in the front 7 and stop the run first and foremost to compete in the upper half of this league.   Central Cabarrus Vikings   Head Coach: Donnie Kiefer   Team MIP: [player_tooltip player_id='1277000' first='Damonte' last='James']   Running Back [player_tooltip player_id='1277000' first='Damonte' last='James'] is one of the best returning players for the Vikings and one who can affect the game on both sides of the ball. If the Vikings are able to run the ball effectively with James, it will help keep a young defense off of the field. In turn, that will keep games close against opponents in theory. Damonte is a home-run threat when he gets into the open field, and his success this season will play a big part in the Vikings' final record at the end of the season.   Analysis   Head Coach Donnie Kiefer is back for his 2nd stint as head coach for the Vikings; Kiefer has previously spent the last few years coaching in South Carolina. A lot of Vikings alums are excited that he is back in the fold, as the team had some strong success in his first tenure. For them this season, they will have to find a way to find some defensive help for a group that struggled to slow teams down consistently last season. I think they will figure some things out offensively to put some points on the board, but for them to contend here, they will really have to improve as a group in stopping people without a lot of noted talent on that side of the ball at the moment.   Harding Rams   Head Coach: Terrance Cunningham   Team MIP: DL [player_tooltip player_id='1760632' first='Jacob' last='Banks']   Jacob is an exemplary young man from a personality and leadership standpoint, and someone the Rams will lean on defensively in putting pressure on the quarterback and slowing down the running game. You will probably see him offensively in some packages from possibly a fullback/H-back type of role as well, as he has that in his skill set. Jacob was an All-Conference player in a very tough league last season, so I'd expect him to repeat that accolade this season and help Harding improve overall.   Analysis   After taking over early last season, Head Coach Terrance Cunningham gets his first shot in the head coach position for a full season. Cunningham has been around these kids for the past few years though, as an assistant coach and an assistant athletic director, so there is not the typical early season disconnect that may exist for other first-time head coaches with their programs. Throughout the offseason, the Rams have shown improvement with players in camps/showcases and their performance in 7 on 7, so as long as they have enough big guys on the offensive and defensive lines, they should find themselves more competitive this year. The big question is if they can find enough playmakers on both sides of the ball to turn some competitive games into wins.   Olympic Trojans   Head Coach: Brandon Thompson   Team MIP: QB [player_tooltip player_id='1228977' first='Chance' last='Cato']   By default, Chance is the best quarterback in the conference and the most important player for the Trojans to have success this season. An All-Conference player last season, Cato has had a strong offseason at camps/showcases and has started to pick up well deserved recruiting attention from college programs. After losing a number of long-time important players to graduation who contributed to winning last year, Chance will have to show some much needed leadership qualities in his senior season to help the young Trojans rebuild a bit this season.   Analysis   Head Coach Brandon Thompson is becoming one of the more longer tenured head coaches in Charlotte now, and he has consistently had Olympic as a winning program and making the state playoffs. This year will be one of his biggest challenges, as a lot of talented players graduated to play in college, and a couple of talented returners have left to go to other schools. However, having the best quarterback in the conference along with stability on the coaching staff will give them a good chance to compete for the conference championship in this league. Their big key is going to be getting new players in key positions up to speed quickly through the non-conference schedule, so they will be ready to roll win conference play hits.   Cox Mill Chargers   Head Coach: Breon Holmes   Team MIP: TE [player_tooltip player_id='1449604' first='Gavin' last='Ramirez']   I was able to watch Gavin up close at the CFI Carolinas MEGA Showcase in May, and his route running, hands, and speed for the tight end position were all impressive. Gavin is going to help a new quarterback feel comfortable in the Chargers' offense that may lean a little more to the pass, given the returning players coming back on their roster. Gavin should also provide some overall team leadership for a group that lost a lot not only to graduation, but also with players going to play at different schools.   Analysis   Head Coach Breon Holmes is a smart offensive mind - I have seen that when he was offensive coordinator at Ardrey Kell some years ago. So, I feel confident that the Chargers will find ways to score some points. But, the biggest difference between Holmes' team that made the playoffs two years ago and last year's team is on defense. The Chargers will have to find some defensive playmakers to slow teams down to give their offense a chance to possess the ball and stay in games for four quarters to compete in the upper half of this league. There will be opportunities for some new names to step up into the spotlight and make a name for themselves on the defensive side of the ball.   Hickory Ridge Ragin' Bulls   Head Coach: Brandon Gentry   Team MIP: EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1159997' first='Jace' last='McCallum']   This was probably the easiest, most important player selection of all of the ones I have made so far. Jace is a player I have loved covering over the past couple of years, and he has been probably the best player for the Ragin' Bulls overall for the last couple of years. Last season, teams shifted their game plans because of his presence, and I can see the same thing happening this season, also. This will allow Hickory Ridge to gameplan to free some other players up defensively to make plays, and I think they have some guys on that side of the ball that are capable of making some things happen and taking advantage. Jace is committed to playing college football at Vanderbilt in the SEC, so congratulations to him for that!   Analysis   Head Coach Brandon Gentry is taking over in his first season at the helm in Harrisburg, after spending the last few years at Hopewell HS in Charlotte. Gentry had made some progress at Hopewell in pushing them hard in the weight room, and that same formula led to him winning big at NW Cabarrus years ago, so expect Gentry to emulate that blueprint. However, it will take some time here at Hickory Ridge, as offensively, they are going to have to rely on some new players moving up from the JV to make plays consistently on that side of the ball. Unlike some of the other teams in this league, I think their defense will be solid here, but they are going to have to find some guys to lean on to score points to compete in the top half of the league.   West Cabarrus Wolverines   Head Coach: Matt Jenkins   Team MIP: QB [player_tooltip player_id='1672008' first='Johnta' last='Harrison']   On a team that lost a ton of key pieces to graduation last season, Harrison is back to lead the offensive attack after steppin up late last season to start in the playoffs for the Wolverines and playing well in a close loss on the road. Johnta is a big quarterback who can move, so I'd expect him to be able to make the necessary throws as a senior to keep the chains moving for West Cabarrus. Leadership will also be very important for a young team, so I'm excited to see a player who should have a strong year under a new head coach.   Analysis   Head Coach Matt Jenkins is back after a couple of years removed from leading the Hough Huskies, one of the best overall programs in North Carolina. I suspect the time away from the game has refreshed and recharged Jenkins, a defensive mind first and foremost, and I expect that side of the ball to be in a good place from a schematic standpoint by conference play. The Wolverines won the majority of their games last season with a focus on playing good defense and a ball-control offense. This season, I expect a similar type of philosophy, though it may look a little different than last year's run-centric offense. Key players in the skill positions will need to step up and show themselves for this team to compete for a conference title, but I have no doubt about this squad being very well coached.   AL Brown Wonders   Head Coach: Justin Hardin   Team MIP: LB Gavin Yow   Gavin returns as this team's leading tackler from last season, and he's started to get some recruiting attention as well, with some good work being done this offseason in camps and showcases. I saw Gavin live last season against West Cabarrus, and he was an athletic and fast linebacker who tackled well in space, especially outside the hashes versus the running game. I'd expect Gavin to also be a defensive leader for a group of guys that returns more than most teams on that side of the football.   Analysis   Head Coach Justin Hardin has now been with the Wonders for a few years now, and a lot of people believe this year's team could be one to help return AL Brown to the top of their respective conference. The Wonders have a number of defensive returning players to help that side of the ball be in a good place, while the offense replaces some seniors lost to graduation. However, the Wonders JV program has been in a good place the last couple of years, and I think the fruits of that labor will start to be realized this season. As long as the Wonders can stay healthy in the non-conference, they have a good shot at taking the league title in its first year.   Predicted Order Of Finish   First - AL Brown Wonders Second - Olympic Trojans Third - West Cabarrus Warriors Fourth - Cox Mill Chargers Fifth - Hickory Ridge Ragin Bulls Sixth - Central Cabarrus Vikings Seventh - Harding Rams Eighth - Berry Cardinals Final Word   Ultimately, I think AL Brown's defense is a major plus for them in league play versus other teams rebuilding that side of the ball, and that gives them the conference title. I do think Olympic will have some players step up, and Coach Thompson's experience and leadership will help guide them to second place and a playoff spot. I think Coach Jenkins and West Cabarrus will surprise some people with a similar formula to victory like last season, and sneak into third place and a low playoff spot similar to last season. Cox Mill, Hickory Ridge, and Central Cabarrus all continue to build their programs, and Harding will win the Battle of Alleghany over Berry to finish out the conference standings.

My colleague Will Helms has started breaking down conferences and previewing teams ‘ MVPs – I am taking a play off of that series and choosing a team's most important player, providing a brief synopsis on where they stand, and then finishing up with a conference finish prediction.