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

Western Alamance finished third in the conference last season after a strong start, but a three-game losing streak to close the year kept the Warriors from reaching their full potential. The good news is that much of last season's stingy defense returns, giving Western Alamance a solid foundation heading into the new campaign. The biggest question will be on the offensive side of the ball, where they'll need to generate more consistent production. If the offense can complement an experienced defense, the Warriors have the pieces to once again be a factor in the conference race.    [player_tooltip player_id='2079092' first='Dawson' last='Boysel'] is one of the top returning junior linebackers in the region and a name college coaches should keep an eye on. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Boysel has outstanding speed and instincts, allowing him to make plays all over the field. He averaged nearly 10 tackles per game last season, showcasing his consistency and motor. If Boysel follows up that performance with another productive campaign, he'll establish himself as a sure-fire college prospect by the end of the season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2263536' first='Marqua' last='Sims'] is one of the most valuable two-way players in the conference and the heartbeat of Western Alamance. The rising senior made an impact on both sides of the ball, scoring a couple of touchdowns on offense while averaging just under 10 tackles per game on defense. His versatility, leadership, and physical style of play make him a cornerstone for the Warriors. If Western Alamance is going to contend for a conference championship this season, Sims will need to continue producing at a high level on both offense and defense.     [player_tooltip player_id='2263537' first='Christian' last='Payton'] returns as Western Alamance's lead running back and is poised for a breakout senior campaign. Payton found the end zone three times last season, but with an increased workload, he has the potential to become one of the conference's top rushers. He runs with patience, toughness, and balance, and should be the focal point of the Warriors' offense. Expect Payton to more than triple his touchdown production and reach double-digit scores this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2152376' first='Carson' last='White'] is one of the premier edge rushers in the conference and a legitimate college prospect. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, the rising senior has the ideal frame to play at the next level. White finished last season with four sacks, but his production goes beyond the stat sheet. He possesses long arms, an explosive first step, and consistently creates pressure off the edge. With another offseason of development, White has all the tools to emerge as one of the conference's most dominant defensive players this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2263539' first='Kylon' last='Richardson'] is a true ball hawk in the Western Alamance secondary. The rising senior recorded 26 tackles and two interceptions last season while consistently making plays on the back end of the defense. With the Warriors returning much of their defensive production, Richardson will be expected to elevate his game even further. If he can match—or even double—his impact this season, he'll establish himself as one of the top defensive backs in the conference.

Western Alamance finished third in the conference last season after a strong start, but a three-game losing streak to close the year kept the Warriors from reaching their full potential. The good news is that much of last season's stingy defense returns, giving Western Alamance a solid foundation heading into the new campaign. The biggest question will be on the offensive side of the ball, where they'll need to generate more consistent production. If the offense can complement an experienced defense, the Warriors have the pieces to once again be a factor in the conference race.