Crest Chargers 2026 Season Preview

My colleagues have done a great job in previewing schools across North Carolina, and I will start previews with key players on schools within the Charlotte Metro Area. Previewing schools in the Charlotte Area can always be tricky in the new transfer era that we are in now, so if we preview a player who may have switched schools after a preview is completed, please forgive us.   The Crest Chargers are coming off a 5A State Championship season and have high expectations to make another run towards a state title. Former head coach Greg Lloyd has retired, and Mark Barnes has returned for his 2nd stint as Chargers Head Coach, coming from a successful run in South Carolina. The Chargers have some talented pieces returning on both offense and defense, and the community is excited in Boiling Springs for another big season ahead. Let's take a look at some of the projected key players for the Chargers this upcoming season.    Coming over from the rival Kings Mountain Mountaineers, KJ is projected to slot into the starting quarterback role. He will be filling some big shoes, as the previous starting quarterback, Ely Hamrick, played well in leading them to a state title last season. Hamrick moved on to play college football for the Virginia Cavaliers. KJ has some college-level traits - a strong arm, good athleticism, and he's a multi-sport athlete, so expect him to show some dual-threat abilities in the Chargers' offensive attack. KJ will have multiple threats in the passing game, and that's going to be important as the Chargers figure out who will be their main running threats on the ground offensively.     The ultra-talented receiver committed to play college football at Florida State earlier this offseason, and he had a ton of different options to choose from. You might ask, why is Namajay such a coveted player? He is absolute electricity with the football in his hands at the wide receiver position. He's probably one of the fastest players I've ever seen in this area in the open field. He's a three-level player as a receiver - obviously, he's a deep threat, but he can use his speed to create separation on mid-level routes also. He can also make people miss in the quick screen game, and he's a factor in the running game, also if you want to use him in that manner. His play will be a big reason why Crest goes far this season.     Crest overall has a good offensive line, but I like Nick the most for a couple of reasons. One is his championship experience; he was a big part of the offensive success the Chargers had last season, and I'd expect him to be a leader for these guys in a major way this season. The second reason is his versatility - Nick has the talent and ability to play all three positions up front if necessary for Crest. He's a college-level talent with his size and strength, and it will only be a matter of time before he has some options to select from to play football on the next level.     This young man has had a really good offseason. Just a couple of months ago, Paxton didn't have any offers to play college football despite being a disruptive and impactful player on the defensive line for the Chargers. I saw him at the CFI Carolinas MEGA Showcase back in May, and he got his first offer there from Concord University, and made some good impressions on some other colleges that have since offered him as well. Paxton can play inside at the tackle spot or outside on the edge based on what the Chargers' scheme dictates. His strength and quickness off the ball will make him a focal point for opponents' blocking schemes for sure.     Christian is another player who has really had a strong offseason, leading him to commit to play for the University of South Florida earlier this year. Christian has the frame and strength that college football programs are coveting for the important EDGE position. At 6'4, Christian's long arms and quick burst rushing the passer are traits that make him a tough player for opposing offensive lines to block consistently. He's got very good speed and a motor that doesn't stop - I really like seeing him track plays from behind or show impressive speed when sacking the quarterback. Christian will help the secondary a lot this season with his pass rush.     Khali is a player I've been watching for the last couple of years - his desire to be a really good player is something that's very admirable. This past season, he was an important piece at the linebacker spot to help lead the Chargers to a state championship. I like his instincts and speed in getting to the football, and he's physical when he gets there. Khali tackles well in the open field, and he does a good job of being disciplined in his assignments. I'd expect him to be a contender to be a leading tackler for this team when the season is over.     Javion is a player who I was told is one of the best defensive backs that most people don't know about. I saw him up close at the CFI Carolinas MEGA Showcase back in May, and he was able to make a relationship with the Campbell coaching staff, who were in attendance. Shortly after that, Javion attended a camp Campbell hosted, and they gave him his first Division 1 offer. Javion gives Crest a defensive back they can depend on in the back end when facing talented passing attacks - something they are definitely going to see in the playoffs in the 5A bracket. Javion plays with excellent technique, and shows really good long speed to stay with receivers in both man and zone based coverage schemes.

My colleagues have done a great job in previewing schools across North Carolina, and I will start previews with key players on schools within the Charlotte Metro Area. Previewing schools in the Charlotte Area can always be tricky in the new transfer era that we are in now, so if we preview a player who may have switched schools after a preview is completed, please forgive us.