Contender Profile: Weddington Warriors

The 7A classification is arguably the deepest bracket in the state, with half a dozen teams having a legitimate shot to win a state title. Since the top eight teams in the classification start their playoff journeys this week, I'm breaking down a few of the contenders: their players, their path to the state championship, and what needs to go right for each to win. First up, the No. 2 seed in the West, the Weddington Warriors   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Weddington Warriors Contender Profile</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Numbers</h3>   Regular Season Record: 9-1 (6-0 Southern Carolina 6A/7A)   Key Wins: vs. Mooresville, @ Crest, @ Charlotte Catholic   Loss: vs. Myers Park   Friday: vs. No. 15 Marvin Ridge   Toughest Possible Path: vs. No. 15 Marvin Ridge, vs. No. 7 Lake Norman, vs. No. 3 Independence, @ No. 1 Grimsley, vs. East No. 1 Cardinal Gibbons (Neutral Site)   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Players</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='823700' first='Aiden' last='Harris'], DL   [player_tooltip player_id='951444' first='Andrew' last='Harris'], Edge   [player_tooltip player_id='284098' first='Thomas' last='Davis Jr.'], LB   [player_tooltip player_id='1321106' first='Kelson' last='Tate'], WR   [player_tooltip player_id='1704986' first='Jonathan' last='Manley'], WR   [player_tooltip player_id='1234087' first='Rex' last='Conlon'], LB/Edge   Walker Powell, QB   [player_tooltip player_id='1525230' first='Brody' last='Anson'], RB   [player_tooltip player_id='1291000' first='Anthony' last='Barrino'], RB   [player_tooltip player_id='1157260' first='KD' last='Cotton'], Ath.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Weddington Will Win a State Title</h2>   It all starts up front for the Warriors, who have arguably the best front seven in the state. The Harris twins get the headlines, but Conlon and the rest of the defensive line don't get enough credit. The goal is to stop the run and force teams into obvious passing situations. Last year, the Warriors allowed the occasional deep ball over the top, but that hasn't been an issue this season.   Teams will often try to hit on chunk plays, knowing they can't find consistent success against the Warrior defense. If the defense can limit those, they'll feel great about their chances to beat any team in the state.   While the receivers are excellent, this isn't a quick strike offense. The Warriors prefer to grind it out on the ground, then take a shot or two down the field. The offense is multiple, and you could see 13 or 10 personnel on any drive, though they love to use an H-back.   Give the Warriors the chance to control the clock and they will. Commit too many men to the box and Tate or Manley will beat the defense over the top. Powell has an excellent arm and has flashed high-level deep ball accuracy.   The X-factor for this team is probably [player_tooltip player_id='1671933' first='Brenan' last='Schauer'], who plays Weddington's ever-important hybrid linebacker position. The Warriors have used a smaller defensive back as a third linebacker (or third safety) for years, a guy who can play man against bigger receivers and tight ends, blitz off the edge, or come down and support in the box. Similarly, Ace Clements will be tasked with covering a bevy of talented receivers, especially if the Warriors play Grimsley and Cardinal Gibbons.   Experience matters, and the Warriors have plenty of it. They fell just short last year, allowing a second-half comeback by Grimsley in the regional final. You know the Warriors will be prepared for some of the top teams in the state.   If the Warriors take care of the ball, control the clock, and force teams to drive the length of the field, they'll win a title. There just aren't many teams who can line up and go down-for-down, blow-for-blow with Weddington.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Weddington Won't Win a State Title</h2>   The Warriors have the talent to win a state title, but will they actually raise the trophy? Above, I laid out the case for a win, but what's the argument in the opposite direction?   The blueprint is out on how to beat the Warriors, it's just really, really difficult to do.   When Myers Park beat the Warriors in early September, the Mustangs didn't have much down-to-down success. Myers Park had under 300 yards on 56 plays. The Mustangs' running back averaged around one yard per carry, outside of a 46-yard touchdown run. The Mustangs also completed under 50% of their passes, but hit three big ones, including a 42-yard touchdown.   The Warriors also turned the ball over three times and missed a field goal. Outside of that game, the Warriors have held onto the ball and been lethal when getting into scoring position.   The interior of the Weddington offensive line, led by [player_tooltip player_id='415457' first='Bryce' last='Johnson'], can impose its will, but truly elite edge rushers have occasionally hurt the Warrior offensive line in obvious passing situations. The Warriors, with their projected path, would only see one (maybe two) of those. But if forced to pass out of a big deficit, the Warriors could be in trouble. The passing offense has plenty of talent to move the ball through the air in situations that still allow for balanced play-calling, but if teams can get to Powell with four, while playing zone on the back end, they can speed him up in obvious passing situations and force some errant throws.   Don't expect the Warriors to lose without losing the turnover and big-play battles, but if a team like Grimsley, Cardinal Gibbons, or even Richmond Senior can get pressure with four, force some turnovers, and hit some chunk plays, the Warriors could run into trouble. That's especially true if we get a bad weather game later in the season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Verdict</h2>   In my <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/11/7a-playoff-preview/">7A Playoff Preview</a>, I picked the Warriors to win the state title. I personally think undefeated Grimsley is the biggest threat to that. Last year's regional final between the two teams was a heavyweight fight that the Whirlies won on the backs of two players. While I like the depth of the Whirlies' receiving corps better this season, they don't have a running back who can run for seven yards a tote against the Warriors this season.   The Whirlies stayed on schedule last season, refusing to give up the ball, then hitting shots down the field when Weddington started to bring its safeties down. I don't think the Warriors would have to cheat down this season to stop the run, and that could be a huge difference.   Buckle up, because there are sure to be some instant classics in 7A this season, and keep it locked into Prep Redzone as we break down players, games, and storylines from across the state throughout the playoffs.   Follow Prep Redzone for more high-quality coverage throughout the playoffs and offseason. Want to get in front of our scouts this offseason? Our next PRZ Carolinas Stock-Up Showcase is Dec. 7. <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2124/register/stock-up-showcase-carolinas">Register here</a>. Promo Code HelmsWinterPRZ will get you $10 off registration. 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The 7A classification is arguably the deepest bracket in the state, with half a dozen teams having a legitimate shot to win a state title. Since the top eight teams in the classification start their playoff journeys this week, I'm breaking down a few of the contenders: their players, their path to the state championship, and what needs to go right for each to win. First up, the No. 2 seed in the West, the Weddington Warriors