Cary Christian 2026 Season Preview

<p><em><strong>Not a subscriber? Promo code Helms30 will get you 30% off your first billing cycle. Coaches, make sure we have all the necessary information to preview your team. <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB9YBH_he_sOP-lhvI26XRh0P9vobS8PsVJy_5QCJ4jQLTvQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=118251332469799088451">Fill out our preseason survey</a>. </strong></em></p>   <p>Preview season continues as we're less than a month away from the start of the 2026 football season in North Carolina. At Prep Redzone, we know there's talent all over the state. That includes the 8-man ranks, where Cary Christian came close to a state championship last season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cary Christian Knights Season Preview</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Info</h3>   <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Brian Elkins</p>   <p><strong>2025 Record:</strong> 11-2 (Lost in 8-Man State Championship</p>   <p><strong>2026 Conference:</strong> NCISAA 8-Man</p>   <p><strong>Returning Starters (Offense)</strong>: 2</p>   <p><strong>Returning Starters (Defense)</strong>: 5</p>   <p><strong>Key Games: </strong>@ Arendell Parrott (10/2), vs. John Paul II Catholic</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Storyline</h3>   <p>Last year's defense was young and inexperienced, but talented. It flashed, allowing fewer than 20 points in eight of 12 games. The problem was that the Knights allowed 52 and 30 points in their two losses, both to Arendell Parrott. This year, the bulk of that group returns, while Arendell Parrott loses most of its offensive production.</p>   <p>I have that midseason matchup circled, and if the Knights can get just a bit more from their defense in those key games, they'll have a strong chance to lift the state championship trophy once again.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Potential Stars</h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Kalisiak is one of our highest-ranked 8-man players in the state, a true college prospect with excellent route-running and speed. He had over 1,200 receiving yards last season, averaging over 20 yards per catch. He's the top returning receiver in the eight-man ranks and should lead the Knights again.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Reinalda was the leading tackler for the Knights last season, and he returns to anchor a strong defense. He likely projects as a safety at the next level due to his movement and ball skills, but he can pop people as a linebacker. He was a big-play machine last year, and the Knights hope he can take another step forward in 2026.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A massive interior defensive lineman, Allen is a three-year starter who has provided consistency in the middle of the defensive line. He's not going to rack up big numbers, but he eats blocks and lets his linebackers flow. He's a key cog in the defense.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Biggest Losses</h3>   <p><strong>Reed Harvey</strong> | QB- Harvey was one of the top 8-man quarterbacks in the entire country last year. He threw for over 2,500 yards while also leading the team in rushing.</p>   <p><strong>Andrew Smyrski</strong> | LB/DL- The Cary Christian pass rush wasn't the most dangerous you'll ever see, but Smyrski, while playing mostly linebacker, led the team in sacks and tackles for loss. He was an all-conference honoree and leaves a hole in the middle of the defense.</p>   <p><strong>Philip Wentz</strong> | WR/DB- Wentz was the team's second-leading receiver in 2025, catching 35 passes with 11 touchdowns. He was a solid defender, too, a two-way starter who will be missed on both sides of the ball. Look for sophomores <strong>Price Batcheller</strong> and <strong>Cedar Boyte</strong> to step up.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Candidates</h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson is the leading returning rusher on Cary Christian. Last year, behind a talented quarterback, the Knights ran less than the average team, but we could see an uptick in rushing production in 2026. Johnson is the best pure runner on the team, willing to pick up four or five yards per carry to keep the Knights ahead of the chains.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Elkins was off to a strong start last season off the edge before tearing his ACL and losing most of his sophomore year. He's worked his way back this year and figures to be a key piece of what should be a strong defensive line.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A multi-sport athlete, Kalisiak can play multiple positions on both sides of the ball. I'm not exactly sure what his role will be this year (Maybe the coaching staff doesn't, either), but he's going to be a big part of the game plan this year. He's quick, versatile, and willing to do whatever it takes to help the team.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Elkins is another young playmaker who could succeed on both sides of the ball. Looking at the depth chart, I'd lean towards him playing more as a running back right now, but he should play a role this season. He's a selfless guy who's a hard worker and will do what it takes to help the team. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cary Christian's 2026 Outlook</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Team Strength</h3>   <p>While it will need to replace a few talented guys, the skill position talent at Cary Christian is among the best in the 8-man ranks. The elder Kalisiak is a candidate for player of the year. If he stays healthy, the floor is high. I just don't see many teams challenging the Knights if their playmakers stay healthy.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Question Mark</h3>   <p>While somewhat mitigated by an abundance of proven playmakers, losing Harvey is a big deal, and we should probably expect some sort of regression at the quarterback position. That said, I think the running game will be vastly improved in 2026.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Verdict</h2>   <p>Last year, Cary Christian lost twice to Arendell Parrott, falling just short in the state championship game. But the Patriots lose a ton on both sides of the ball, and I think the Knights are in a better position. The biggest challenger this season seems to be a strong Pope John Paul II squad that returns the bulk of its defensive production.</p>   <p>While games against Arendell Parrott (10/2) and John Paul II (10/30) are circled, it's likely the Knights would have to go through one or both of those squads in the playoffs. Still, I've heard varying opinions, but I'll likely have the Knights at the top of my initial 8-Man rankings.</p>   <p><em>A huge thanks to Cary Christian assistant coach Kip Kalisiak for sharing his thoughts on the Knights this season.</em></p>

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