Mallard Creek 2026 Season Preview

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>.   Preview season rolls on here at Prep Redzone, and we've been hitting plenty of teams from around the state. I haven't written much about teams in the Charlotte area (we're planning plenty of Charlotte content in the next few weeks), and here I'm looking at a former powerhouse that is inching ever closer to elite status once again. The Mallard Creek Mavericks are loaded with returning talent, so what can they do in 2026?   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mallard Creek Mavericks Season Preview</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Info</h3>   Head Coach: Kennedy Tinsley   2025 Record: 7-4 (Lost in second round of 8A Playoffs)   2026 Conference: Meck Power Six 7A/8A   Returning Starters (Offense): 10   Returning Starters (Defense): 6   Key Games: @ West Charlotte (9/25), vs. Independence (10/16), vs. Chambers (10/30)   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Storyline</h3>   There's an argument to be made that the Meck Power Six 7A/8A Conference had the most tumultuous offseason, as a whole. That is, all except for Mallard Creek, which returns 17 of its 21 starters. The Mavericks weren't far off last year, and there's a world where they run through conference play with ease.   But they still have to go out and execute. There was a massive gap between the very top of the 8A classification (teams like Hough and Millbrook) and the rest of the classification, even the best of the rest, last season. I think Mallard Creek can close that gap. The biggest question is how much forward progress the Mavericks can make in one season.   Again, I'm not here to put pressure on Mallard Creek, but it's hard to find many teams that should be as improved as the Mavericks. It feels like the Mavericks are "back," but they have to show up and prove it on the field.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Potential Stars</h3>   While there are plenty of key players for the Mavericks, these five could take them to the next level.    Napier split time at quarterback as a sophomore, and now he'll take the reins as a junior. He's poised and usually makes good decisions, whether as a runner or passer. I expect to see his passing numbers jump as a junior, and don't be surprised if we see him take off and run a bit more as well.     Okam has the look of one of the more physically dominant defensive linemen in the country. He's turned heads at various SEC camps and should take a large step forward with his production as a sophomore. He played mostly on the edge as a freshman, but could kick inside full-time, depending on how he develops physically. Either way, offenses will have to account for him on every snap.     Edmond wasn't a high-volume rusher on a balanced offense last season, and that may remain the case in 2026. However, he ran wild on a few teams. I'd expect Mallard Creek to get more out of the passing game, helping keep even some of the better defenses on the schedule honest. That should help improve his already excellent efficiency.     At the 8A level, it helps to have a dominant offensive line, and Ballou helps set the tone up front. The massive left tackle is one of our top-ranked offensive linemen in the 2028 class. He's a natural run blocker with unreal power, but he's surprisingly nimble as a pass blocker. He and the rest of the Mallard Creek offensive line should be able to bully opponents.     Mallard Creek was quiet on the transfer scene, with Barze being the notable exception—in or out. He had over 600 rushing yards last year, another 250 receiving yards, and 40 tackles as a safety. If I had to guess, I'd expect him to play more on the defensive side of the ball for the Mavericks, but don't be surprised if he takes a handful of snaps at receiver.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Biggest Losses</h3>   The Mavericks lost just four starters last season, but here are a couple of guys they'll have to work to replace.   Khalil Price | WR- Mallard Creek's leading receiver last year, Price had over 700 yards and seven touchdowns. One thing to note is that while Napier connected with him on a couple of long touchdowns, the current starting quarterback actually favored other receivers, most of whom will return in 2026.   Deuce Midgett | LB- Midgett was one of Mallard Creek's defensive leaders last year, ultimately landing at UNC Pembroke. [player_tooltip player_id='2060117' first='Isaiah' last='Johnson'] is the likeliest candidate to replace his tackle production and leadership in 2026.   Mason Kelly | WR- Mallard Creek's safety blanket underneath, Kelly finished the year with 22 catches, several of them for key first downs. There's plenty of ascending talent among the pass catchers, led by [player_tooltip player_id='2206356' first='Ismail' last='Abdul-Ali'], [player_tooltip player_id='2249677' first='Devin' last='Dukes'], and incoming transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1687738' first='Tyrell' last='Barze'], who could play both ways.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Candidates</h3>    Can we call someone a breakout candidate if he's already exploded onto the scene in the offseason? Johnson was one of our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2028-rankings-spring/">highest-ranked debutants</a> in our most recent 2028 class rankings after putting up some unreal testing numbers at the Under Armour Next Camp in Charlotte. He's going to contribute in a big way in 2026 and has the defensive versatility to play in various alignments and personnel groupings.     Again, it's hard to find sleepers on a team that returns 17 starters, but compared to his peers, Isaiah hasn't yet gotten much recognition. He's a long, intelligent corner who is physical at the catch point and isn't afraid to step up and play press coverage. We think he could be a key guy at a position group that isn't quite as experienced as the rest of the team.     Like Isaiah, McMullen is a veteran in the secondary, even if he isn't what you'd call a full-time starter. He had two picks last season and brings valuable experience to the back end. Expect a more expanded role from him this season.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mallard Creek's 2026 Outlook</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Team Strength</h3>   You'd be hard-pressed to find a better team in North Carolina in the trenches. We have seven offensive and defensive linemen ranked inside the top 150 of their respective classes. The offensive line is massive, with [player_tooltip player_id='1600577' first='Austin' last='Ballou'], [player_tooltip player_id='1616116' first='Michael' last='Heard'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1690981' first='Cleveland' last='Smith'] all standing over 6'4", 310 pounds. [player_tooltip player_id='1616108' first='Achraf' last='Ouardi'] isn't far behind, listed at 6'4", 270 pounds.   On the defensive line, Okam gets the headlines as the elite youngster, but [player_tooltip player_id='1272102' first='Jaiden' last='Cuff'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1616534' first='Geremiah' last='Mobley'] would be the top recruits on most other lines. 2029 Michael Murray is a guy the staff likes a lot, and [player_tooltip player_id='1283411' first='Elias' last='Price'] is another interior guy who should contribute.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Question Marks</h3>   It's all relative. In reality, there are few holes on this roster, but pressed to pick one, I'd look outside. [player_tooltip player_id='2249677' first='Devin' last='Dukes'] is the leading returner at receiver with 13 career catches. Though unproven, he has upside. He can fly, as part of the state-championship-winning 4x100 team that also included [player_tooltip player_id='1687738' first='Tyrell' last='Barze'] and rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2249679' first='Levi' last='Brooks']. [player_tooltip player_id='2206356' first='Ismail' last='Abdul-Ali'] is a solid tight end prospect. Still, there isn't much "proven" talent at receiver.   Barze enters a crowded defensive backs room full of guys with some experience, but no outright dominance. I'm even less concerned with that room, as [player_tooltip player_id='1616137' first='Javian' last='McMullen'], [player_tooltip player_id='2249662' first='Jorden' last='Isaiah'], and Dorien Dailey should make a fantastic group.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Verdict</h2>   There's zero doubt in my mind that Mallard Creek will improve in 2026. I have two lingering questions   1. How will the Mavericks navigate a schedule consisting of 8A contenders Rolesville and Myers Park and national powers McCallie (TN), Buford (GA), and Maury (VA) in the non-conference?   That's just brutal. Is 3-2 a successful non-conference slate? (Absolutely.) How about 2-3? That opening will certainly prepare them for big playoff games, but can they escape relatively healthy?   2. How big was (is) the gap between the 2025 Mavericks and the top of the 8A class?   It was Hough and then everyone else, with Millbrook and Hoggard marking a clear second and third in the classification. The gap was fairly wide between the absolute top of the classification and the teams vying for spots around them.   Hough and Millbrook get most of their stars back and have reloaded with transfers. I think Mallard Creek made up some ground. I just wonder how far behind those teams the Mavericks were.   Regardless, I like the Mavericks to win a loaded Meck Power Six Conference, and I think this is the year we declare Mallard Creek "back."   A huge thanks to Mallard Creek head coach Kennedy Tinsley for sharing his prospect sheet and thoughts on his team.

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