Mid-Carolina 4A/5A/6A Preview: Southeast Alamance

Southern Alamance battled through one of the toughest schedules in the conference last season, and that experience paid off when the playoffs arrived. The Patriots made an impressive postseason run before falling just short in a thrilling 31-30 loss to eventual 6A runner-up Middle Creek High School. Competing against elite competition throughout the regular season prepared them for the postseason, and that battle-tested mentality should carry over into this fall.   The outlook is bright for Southern Alamance as they return a large portion of their offensive production. With experienced playmakers back at the skill positions and continuity on that side of the ball, the Patriots have all the ingredients to make another deep playoff push. If the defense can continue to develop and complement an explosive offense, Southern Alamance has the talent and experience to once again be one of the top contenders in the conference.    DJ Callis is the featured back for Southern Alamance heading into his senior season and has all the tools to be one of the conference's top running backs. Despite sharing carries in a wide-open offensive attack last year, Callis still found the end zone 14 times, showcasing his efficiency and nose for the goal line. With another year in the system and the potential for an increased workload, the rising senior has a legitimate chance to eclipse 20 touchdowns this fall. His combination of vision, patience, and finishing ability makes him one of the biggest offensive weapons the Patriots have returning.     [player_tooltip player_id='1213741' first='Logan' last='Luang-Sy'] returns as Southern Alamance's No. 1 receiving threat after hauling in seven touchdown receptions last season. The rising senior is a polished playmaker with reliable hands and the speed to stretch the field, making him a constant big-play threat. As one of the top targets in the Patriots' high-powered passing attack, Luang-Sy should see an even bigger role this season and has all the tools to finish among the conference's top receivers.     [player_tooltip player_id='668611' first='Drew' last='Easter'] is one of the top overall prospects in the state and one of the most impactful two-way players in the conference. The rising senior made his presence felt on both sides of the ball last season, scoring five touchdowns on offense while recording six sacks on defense. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility allows him to change games in multiple ways. With another offseason of development, Easter enters the year as a legitimate Conference Player of the Year candidate and will be one of the biggest reasons Southern Alamance is expected to contend for another deep playoff run.     [player_tooltip player_id='2112034' first='Tyler' last='Jackson'] enters the season as the top returning quarterback in the conference and one of the area's premier dual-threat playmakers. The rising junior accounted for 27 total touchdowns through the air and on the ground last season, proving he can beat defenses with both his arm and his legs. Jackson's poise, athleticism, and ability to extend plays make him a nightmare to defend. With another year of experience in Southern Alamance's offense and a talented group of weapons around him, he's poised for an even bigger season and should be firmly in the conversation for Conference Player of the Year.     [player_tooltip player_id='1952814' first='Alex' last='Parrish'] is one of the top returning junior defensive backs in the conference and has the talent to emerge as one of the best in the state at his position. The rising junior recorded 36 tackles and two interceptions last season, showcasing his instincts, physicality, and playmaking ability in the secondary. Parrish is a complete defensive back who can support the run, cover receivers, and create turnovers, making him a key piece of Southern Alamance's defense heading into the season.

Southern Alamance battled through one of the toughest schedules in the conference last season, and that experience paid off when the playoffs arrived. The Patriots made an impressive postseason run before falling just short in a thrilling 31-30 loss to eventual 6A runner-up Middle Creek High School. Competing against elite competition throughout the regular season prepared them for the postseason, and that battle-tested mentality should carry over into this fall.