2026 Preview: Catawba Ridge Copperheads

In honor of the five-site Prep RedZone Media Days series this June and July, we're giving everyone a 50% offer code on all subscriptions through July 31. Get access to more than 100 team previews and everything else we have in store for readers as we gear up for the 2026 football season. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/subscribe">Simply head to our subscription page</a> and use the code "przscmediaday2026" at checkout to take advantage of the savings.   Catawba Ridge has a small senior class heading into the 2026 season.   The trio of seniors – defensive linemen [player_tooltip player_id='1603727' first='Alex' last='Johnson'] (pictured above), wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1603804' first='Colten' last='McCauley'] and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1608770' first='Tyler' last='Robinson'] who were on hand at the Prep Redzone Media Day at Westwood last week have taken it upon themselves to lead the younger guys after the experiences of 2025 where they went 6–6 and lost to Northwestern in the second round of the playoffs.   “When the coaches aren't there, if you really want your team to work, the athletes themselves are going to be coaching the players, you know what I'm saying? If your coaches have to constantly coach you, which is their job, but it's the athletes putting in the work, it's all going to go well," Johnson said. "That's kind of what we do. We try to coach our positions and our team."   The Copperheads will be breaking in an entirely new offensive line with Oliver Sprague at left tackle, Will Woods at left guard, [player_tooltip player_id='1821892' first='Asher' last='Ponce'] at center, [player_tooltip player_id='1703189' first='Jamari' last='Fullwood'] at right guard and [player_tooltip player_id='1824274' first='Easton' last='Nash'] at right tackle. [player_tooltip player_id='1647568' first='Boston' last='Halpin'] is one of the lone returners at running back. We'll get to the starting quarterback below.    “Each year, it's a coach's job to find out what each team does and does well so we'll put the pads on and see where they excel, but to have guys like Boston, Colten and Calvin back with the experience they do, they're definitely going to be the leaders of the group,” Catawba Ridge head coach Zac Lendyak said.   The defense returns three starters, which includes linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1809182' first='Tyler' last='Gindoff']. [player_tooltip player_id='1819410' first='Shane' last='Corley'] and Damian Ashcraft are expected to get the start on the defensive line. Ryder Sourwine will get the start at strong safety, Shawn Robinson will be at free safety while [player_tooltip player_id='1819409' first='Bryce' last='Raysor'] will start at corner.   As the 2026 season opener against Blythewood approaches, the Copperheads are using a term called “whistle a snap” and developing mental toughness, especially with the challenges of region III-4A on the horizon which includes Indian Land, South Pointe, York, Lake Wylie and Clover.   “What can we do in between the plays, in between the days, in between the games to prepare ourselves to go for the region that we're going to have,” Lendyak said.   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='1647568' first='Boston' last='Halpin'] RB, 2027 – Halpin is expected to be leaned on heavily at the running back position in 2026. The rising senior runs with a great amount of power that is fun to watch and he's tough to bring down in space. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and knows what to do when he catches it – get up field as quickly as possible.    [player_tooltip player_id='1603727' first='Alex' last='Johnson'] DL, 2027 – The Boston College commit could wreck an offensive game plan in a heartbeat in 2025 and we expect that to continue in 2026. He flashes at you on film with his quickness off the edge and has a motor that's always running. He finished 2025 with 60 tackles, seven sacks and 23 quarterback hurries.   Johnson on commitment to Boston College: “At the very beginning of my recruitment, (Boston College wide receivers) coach Joe Dailey and (defensive line) coach Ben Albert, we built a very strong connection. Also being able to play in the ACC is a true blessing to be able to do that. What they offer in Boston, it's the degree I could possibly ever ask for and I think those three things were key factors.”   [player_tooltip player_id='1603804' first='Colten' last='McCauley'] WR, 2027 – McCauley is the leader in the Copperheads' receiving room in 2025. He knows how to find the green grass and can make plays over the middle of the field to keep the offense humming along. He has offers from Campbell University and the University of San Diego.   Improvements heading into 2026: “I'd definitely say my hands and my ball skills and locating the ball. We're working on route running and getting my speed up. Otherwise, helping on the field, I know every position at wide receiver so just helping the young guys play and getting them the mindset to go out on Friday nights and play the game.”   [player_tooltip player_id='1608770' first='Tyler' last='Robinson'] DB, 2027 – Robinson had a strong 2025 and will lead the Copperheads' secondary in 2026. One of the attributes of his game is his coverage skills and he takes pride in being able to take away an opposing team's best receiver and lock them down. Robinson is also expected to contribute at wide receiver as well. He is committed to the University of West Georgia.   Robinson on his commitment to West Georgia: “It just felt like that's where home is. Talking to (West Georgia defensive backs and defensive pass game coordinator Michael) Sewell for a while now and we've been constantly reaching out. I just feel like it's the best opportunity for me to develop and get to where I want to be.”   FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='1821553' first='Calvin' last='Rocheleau'] WR, 2028 – Rocheleau is a matchup problem in the slot at receiver. He can run routes over the middle and help his quarterback out when the play breaks down, like we saw on a touchdown against Nation Ford last year. He can also make the difficult catches with guys draped on him. And the coaching staff will line him up in an H-back position where he can slip out of the backfield and get open. He finished with 40 receptions, 381 yards and three touchdowns in 2025.    BIGGEST LOSSES   Josh Dobson DB – The now University of South Carolina commit transferred to Hough in Charlotte for his senior season, and the Copperheads will look to fill the void left in the secondary.   Will Griggs QB – Anytime you lose your starting quarterback to graduation, there will be a hole to fill.    UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   [player_tooltip player_id='1821552' first='Will' last='Gambrill'] QB, 2028 – Gambrill will be the Copperheads' starting quarterback in 2026. He saw time during the second round playoff game against Northwestern. He made some nice throws and can get it to his receivers with a nice delivery in the quick passing game as he has a good presence in the pocket.   Nate O'Dell WR, 2029 – Lendyak says O'Dell is dynamic with the ball in his hands, and they'll use him in a variety of ways, whether it's in the jet sweep game, punt and kick return. The staff is excited to see him progress as he got a little bit of playing time on varsity on the back end of the 2025 season.    While he's a young guy, Lendyak says he is extremely strong and can move well. He can cover well at linebacker and is a sure tackler in space. He can put pressure on the quarterback and blitz off the edge and has a motor that is always running. He also played at tight end and has smooth hands to be able to help the offense on schedule.

In honor of the five-site Prep RedZone Media Days series this June and July, we're giving everyone a 50% offer code on all subscriptions through July 31. Get access to more than 100 team previews and everything else we have in store for readers as we gear up for the 2026 football season. Simply head to our subscription page and use the code "przscmediaday2026" at checkout to take advantage of the savings.