Metro 6A/7A Preview: SouthWest Guilford

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southwest Guilford endured a difficult season in 2025, finishing with just one win, but their record doesn't tell the full story. The Cowboys have talent spread across the roster, and there were flashes throughout the season that showed this group is capable of competing at a much higher level. With another offseason of development and more experience returning, Southwest Guilford has the pieces to take a significant step forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If the Cowboys can get off to a fast start and build confidence early, they have the playmakers to surprise some teams in the Metro Conference. Turning close games into wins will be the biggest key, but the talent is there for Southwest Guilford to make a legitimate push for a playoff berth this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2239977,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a45d6c257916"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2239977' first='Emmanuel' last='Martin'] is the engine that makes Southwest Guilford go. The rising standout starts at both quarterback and safety, making an impact on every snap. Last season, he accounted for 12 total touchdowns, splitting them evenly with six passing and six rushing scores, while also recording two interceptions on defense. Martin is an elite all-around football player whose leadership, athleticism, and playmaking ability give the Cowboys a chance to compete every week. He's the type of athlete who can change the outcome of a game on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2239978,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a45d6c257991"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>[player_tooltip player_id='2239978' first='Iziah' last='Witcher'] is expected to step into the WR1 role for Southwest Guilford this season. He flashed his potential last year with a breakout performance that included double-digit receptions and over 100 receiving yards, proving he has the talent to be a difference-maker. The ability has never been in question—now it's about getting consistent opportunities. If the Cowboys can get him the ball more often, Witcher has the skill set to emerge as one of the area's top playmakers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2239980,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a45d6c2579df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2239980' first='Elijah' last='Little'] (Class of 2028) is the leader of Southwest Guilford's defense and one of the top returning linebackers in the conference. The rising junior averaged nearly seven tackles per game last season, showcasing outstanding sideline-to-sideline range and a relentless motor. As the Cowboys' leading tackler, Little consistently found himself around the football and has established himself as one of the most statistically productive linebackers returning to the conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2239984,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a45d6c257a2a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Austin McPhaul will be one of the Cowboys' most important players this season. The rising senior is a versatile two-way standout who contributes on both offense and defense, but his long-term future appears to be on the defensive side of the ball. McPhaul has the size, athleticism, and physicality to make an impact at the next level, and Southwest Guilford will be counting on him to be a leader and difference-maker throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2239986,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a45d6c257a74"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">DJ Bracy returns as Southwest Guilford's top running back heading into the season. The rising junior found the end zone once last year, but his opportunities were limited. With an expanded role in the offense, Bracy has all the tools to put together a breakout campaign. His vision, burst, and ability to make defenders miss should allow him to become a much bigger factor and one of the Cowboys' top offensive playmakers this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->