2026 Preview: North Myrtle Beach Chiefs

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 throughout 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.   From the outside, there wouldn't appear to be much momentum in North Myrtle Beach's program right now.    After all, the Chiefs have posted five consecutive losing seasons since appearing in the state championship back in 2020. The mood inside the building, however, is very different. North Myrtle Beach lost four games by a combined 20 points last season and new head coach Perry Woolbright has spent the offseason preparing his team to win close games.    “He's enforced a whole new mindset to try and make us tougher and stronger throughout the offseason,” wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1664629' first='Jaden' last='Chestnut'] said at last month's PrepRedZone Media Day. “I feel like he's making the summer a lot harder than it's usually been so come August, when it's time to play, it's not going to be as bad.”   Woolbright, himself a former college quarterback, must choose between three candidates to lead the offense in 2026. Rising senior [player_tooltip player_id='1820050' first='Matthew' last='Sadler'] played tight end last season, but has quarterbacked at the junior varsity level, while rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1816395' first='Evan' last='Barrett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1823442' first='Mason' last='Walker'] are also vying for the job.   “We'll probably take the competition through fall camp and into the beginning of the season to kind of see what works best for the offense,” said Woolbright.   The winner of the quarterback carousel will be handing the ball to a tailback with next-level capabilities. [player_tooltip player_id='1824442' first='Jayden' last='Wilson'] will be the featured back in the offense, a role he welcomes after missing a portion of last season due to injury.    “I like having the pressure on me,” Wilson said. “I like being a ballplayer, I like toting the ball. If I have to tote it 40 times a game, that's what I'm going to do. I'll do what I've got to do to win.”   Chestnut is the leader of the wide receiving corps, leading a deep room that also features fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='1817704' first='Braden' last='Pagan'] in the group. Talented rising sophomores Taron Scott and [player_tooltip player_id='2234364' first='Anthony' last='Cimino'] could also emerge as top targets this fall.    On the offensive line, North Myrtle Beach have an experienced group. The left side of the line should be particularly strong, with rising senior [player_tooltip player_id='1822552' first='Michael' last='Jezierski'] at guard and rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='1817718' first='Owen' last='Grall'] at the tackle spot.    [player_tooltip player_id='1822564' first='Dustin' last='Clement'] may be the Chief's best playmaker on defense and North Myrtle Beach will need him to be an impact player from his defensive end position. The linebacking corps should be a strength as seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1820054' first='Jimmy' last='McCullough'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1822556' first='Imman'uel' last='Bellamy'] are projected starters.    Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1817727' first='Warren' last='Joshua Broomer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1816381' first='Mason' last='Gore'] are slated to start at cornerback, while Scott and Pagen should get the majority of the reps at safety.   [player_tooltip player_id='1817711' first='Nico' last='Miller'] will handle kicking duties for the Chiefs after going 27-for-27 on kicks during his sophomore season.   North Myrtle Beach won't top anyone's list of preseason state title contenders, but the Chiefs believe that are close to turning the program around. After experiencing so many close calls in 2025, the ability to close out close games is at the top of North Myrtle Beach's list of expectations for the upcoming season.   “We had a lot of close games that we should've won in the fourth quarter,” said McCullough. “That's been a big standard this year, performing in the fourth quarter. Don't get tired, do your best the whole game. That's the standard.”   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='1824442' first='Jayden' last='Wilson'] ATH, 2027 (pictured) – Wilson was out for part of last year after being injured in early October, but the Chiefs believe he can be a difference-maker in a new-look offense this fall. A physical force who has great feel with the ball in his hands, Wilson has the potential to take significant heat off of North Myrtle Beach's new quarterback.    [player_tooltip player_id='1664629' first='Jaden' last='Chestnut'] WR, 2027 – Chestnut may be the best athlete on the Chiefs' roster and has emerged as a leader during the coaching transition. Put it all together and North Myrtle Beach should be looking to put the ball in his hands early and often in 2026.    [player_tooltip player_id='1822552' first='Michael' last='Jezierski'] OL, 2027 – One of four seniors projected to start on the offensive line, Jezierski could see time at multiple spots across the front line. His impressive frame and noticeable quickness make him a natural fit at guard, however, and he'll be counted on to help open holes for Wilson and keep the quarterback clean.    [player_tooltip player_id='1822564' first='Dustin' last='Clement'] DL/LB, 2027 – Clement possesses the speed and agility to give opposing tackles fits this fall. After losing plenty of pieces from last year's front seven, the Chiefs will be counting on Clement to provide the game-wrecking ability needed from a standout defensive end.   FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='1820054' first='Jimmy' last='McCullough'] LB, 2027 – Closing speed and physicality are non-negotiables for a premier linebacker and McCullough's tape shows he possesses both. His ability to chase down a play makes him a constant threat, but his versatility may be his greatest attribute. Strong enough to hold his own at defensive line and quick enough to play in space, McCullough has the skills needed to be North Myrtle Beach's alpha on defense.    BIGGEST LOSSES   Will McNeely QB – McNeely's departure to IMG leaves a sizeable hole in North Myrtle Beach's offense, especially on the ground. McNeely rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and scored 17 touchdowns as a junior.   Lamontae Smith LB/RB – Smith was an impact player on North Myrtle Beach's defense last season and also provided pop at running back. Replacing quality two-way players is never easy, especially a multi-year contributor like Smith.   UP-AND-COMING TALENT   [player_tooltip player_id='2234364' first='Anthony' last='Cimino'] WR/DB, 2029 – It may be easy to overlook Cimino due to his size, but the rising sophomore is a nightmare to bring down with the ball in his hands. A speedy, shifty playmaker who could cause havoc in the slot, don't be surprised if Cimino has a breakout season.    Taron Scott WR, 2029 – Another rising sophomore who could come into his own this fall, Scott can be utilized both as a deep threat as well as a matchup problem in the quick passing game. His speed is noticeable and the Chiefs will need as many playmakers as possible to step up in their new offense.    Wherever the fastest receiver for the Chiefs' opponents lines up, you can expect to see Broomer opposite him. With track speed and the ability to kick into high gear in just a few steps, Broomer should be able to run with anyone he matches up against.   With experience at running back under his belt, Broomer shouldn't shy away from contact despite his slightly undersized frame.

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 throughout 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.