Meck Power 6 Conference Preview

My colleague Will Helms has started breaking down conferences and previewing team's MVP's - 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 Meck Power 6 brings together a lot of traditionally tough teams with bright and proud football program legacies. Let's get started!   Chambers Cougars   Head Coach: Captain Munnerlyn (Yes, the former NFL player for the Carolina Panthers)   Team MIP: ATH Maki Gant   I chose Maki as this team's MIP because in seeing him up close at the CFI Carolinas MEGA Showcase in May, he's a player who can have a big impact on both offense as a receiver and defense as a defensive back. Anytime you have a talented two way player, that's a big deal.   Analysis   Munnerlyn is entering his first year as head coach of the Cougars, coming off coaching defensive backs at Myers Park HS previously. Chambers always has talent in the hallways, but this year's squad is not as well known with the top notch talent they have had over the years recently. There is opportunity for new names to step up into some big shoes of players who have gone on to play major college football and the NFL.   The key for the Cougars to compete this year will be getting back to the strong defense they have been known for throughout the years. That is what teams in the past feared and respected the Cougars for, and while they figure out who they are offensively this season, that is what will have to carry them to being in the mix for a conference title.   Mallard Creek Mavericks   Head Coach: Kennedy Tinsley   Team MIP: QB [player_tooltip player_id='892288' first='Perry' last='Justice']   I chose Perry as the Mavericks' MIP because no matter what, we know that Mallard Creek will be sound defensively. The biggest questions for the Mavericks have laid on the offensive side of the ball, and that starts with Mr. Justice. Perry showed flashes last season of being capable of leading the offense, most notably in their huge out of state win in overtime in Ohio, throwing the game-winning touchdown pass. For the Mavericks to be contenders for a state title, Perry will have to have a strong year under center.   Analysis   Mallard Creek has consistently made the playoffs under Tinsley's leadership, yet the deep run for a state title hasn't quite happened yet. The Mavericks graduated over 40 seniors last season, but they are reloading with a lot of players coming up from probably the best JV team in Charlotte.   A number of those kids are ranked or on the watchlist here at Prep RedZone North Carolina, so talent isn't the issue. The Mavericks have once again challenged themselves with one of the strongest schedules in the state, so they will be battle tested when conference play comes. For them to compete for both a conference and state title, what they do offensively will play a big role.   West Charlotte Lions   Head Coach: Sam Greiner   Team MIP: QB [player_tooltip player_id='1321007' first='Jamouri' last='Nichols']   It was an easy choice for the West Charlotte MIP - the Lions have so much talent on both sides of the ball, they could be OK losing almost anyone else. But Jamouri has reached a point where there's a drop off if he's not the man pulling the trigger offensively for the Lions. After leading them to a state title last season, Jamouri has looked excellent in off-season workouts and 7 on 7 tournaments, leading the Lions to notable victories. His execution and leadership take the Lions offense to a higher level, and that is something irreplaceable for them.   Analysis   Winning a 3A state championship last season, the Lions remain hungry to prove to the city of Charlotte and the state of North Carolina that they are the real deal. In talking with Head Coach Sam Greiner this off-season, West Charlotte has worked very hard in the weight room with a chip on their shoulder, feeling disrespected by comments and perceptions that they took advantage of smaller schools in the 3A bracket.   Realignment has placed the Lions in 8A - the biggest schools in the state - and probably the toughest conference in the state overall from top to bottom. The Lions feel like if they can repeat as state champions, there isn't anything people can say then. They are fast at all three levels defensively with Division 1 talent all over both sides of the football. Barring injuries, the Lions can compete head to head with just about anyone in the state from a talent perspective. With an experienced group and head coach, they are legitimate state title contenders once again.   Butler Bulldogs   Head Coach: Brian Hales   Team MIP: LB [player_tooltip player_id='1616142' first='Lej'end' last='Lockwood']   This was a tough choice, as Butler has a few kids that are important to their success. However, with Coach Hales calling the offense here presumably, I think defensively Lej'end is essential for their overall team success. Last season, Butler did not have a typical Bulldog type of year, and it was the defense that was the biggest drop-off. Having a talented linebacker back in the fold will go a long way in getting back to the Bulldog tradition that is strong in Matthews. Lej'end is a fast player who can excel on all three downs defensively.   Analysis   After a brief 1-year retirement, Brian Hales is back in the saddle leading his Bulldogs on the field that bears his name. This was a major move that will help get the Bulldogs back to some familiarity as one of the most respected programs in Charlotte. Hales is a creative offensive mind who is known for making the most of the talent he has on his roster.   The good thing for Butler is, while they were young last year, a good number of these players played on the junior varsity for Hales 2 years ago, so the typical learning curve for a new head coach isn't as sharp. Reports are that the Bulldogs have had good numbers for summer workouts and that morale is high around the program. Some people may count Butler out based on last year's results, but call me crazy to say they might be a sleeper by the time conference play rolls around.   Independence Patriots   Head Coach: DJ McFadden   Team MIP: LB [player_tooltip player_id='771231' first='Dallas' last='Brannon']   Committing to play college football for the Virginia Cavaliers, Dallas will really be counted on to bring together a young front 7 for the Patriots on defense. I think offensively and on the back end defensively, the Patriots will have enough to be strong as usual in those areas. From a talent and leadership standpoint, if Dallas is able to help the defensive front play at a high level, Independence should be able to contend for a conference championship and in the state playoffs. His 3-down ability, speed, strength, and passion will be essential for their success this season.   Analysis   The Patriots have become one of the best teams in Charlotte year in and year out under Head Coach DJ McFadden. They have been very strong offensively, and with the return of some key players on that side of the ball, they should continue to produce there and be efficient. Some talented skill guys on the outside will have to step into some big shoes, but they have the ability to do so.   As we said with talking about Dallas, defense will ultimately be the thing that determines how far the Patriots will go this season. They have had a couple of key young players waiting their turn to step up into the bright lights of Friday nights, so if they are ready to go, this team could contend into the playoffs for a state title they have been pushing for over the last few years.   North Mecklenburg Vikings   Head Coach: Daryl Vereen   Team MIP: ATH [player_tooltip player_id='897764' first='Bryant' last='White']   After seeing White last year play some impressive free safety for the Vikings, his talent and leadership will be very valuable for them on both sides of the ball this year. White has had a strong off-season playing wide receiver in 7 on 7 play and appears to be an integral piece offensively as well this season for the Vikings. White is a ball-hawking free safety with great instincts when the ball is in the air, so it is no surprise to see him having similar success on offense.   Analysis   At first glance, you assume the Vikings are in a tough spot in this league, but Coach Vereen has put together strong defensive squads together the last couple of years. Those defense have kept the Vikings in the game against some tougher opponents and allowed them chances to pull an upset in the past.   This year's team will have to figure out an offensive identity that complements what they do in stopping teams defensively. The sooner they can figure that out, the better their chances will be in competing in a league full of heavy hitters.   Conference Finish Prediction   First - West Charlotte Lions   Second - Independence Patriots   Third - Mallard Creek Mavericks   Fourth - Butler Bulldogs   Fifth - Chambers Cougars   Sixth - North Meck Vikings   Final Word   With so much talent coming back, the Lions are my pick to win the conference. I think Independence will have some guys step up, Mallard Creek will be better offensively, the Bulldogs will be a tough out, and Chambers and North Meck are building the foundations for future success.   My bold thought is that West Charlotte, Independence, Mallard Creek, and Butler all make the state playoffs this season with all of those teams having the talent and coaching ability to make a deep run in the playoffs and possibly for a state title.

My colleague Will Helms has started breaking down conferences and previewing team's MVP's - 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.