Red Springs 2026 Season Preview

<p><em>Not a subscriber? Promo code Helms30 will get you 30% off your first billing cycle. Coaches, if you want your team featured in a team preview, <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>. </em></p>   <p>It's full-on preview season here at Prep Redzone, and we're looking at plenty of teams across the state. Our goal is to preview close to 100 combined teams and conferences, and we're well on our way. If you like close games, you would have loved the 2025 Red Springs Red Devils, who had six of their 12 games finish within one score. They lost several of those and will return several key contributors in 2026. Could we be looking at a potential breakout team in the 4A class?</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Red Springs Red Devils Season Preview</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Info</h3>   <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Tim Ray</p>   <p><strong>2025 Record:</strong> 5-7</p>   <p><strong>2026 Conference:</strong> Southeastern 3A/4A/5A</p>   <p><strong>Key Games: </strong>vs. South Brunswick (10/2), @ South Columbus (10/9), vs. Whiteville (10/23)</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Storyline</h3>   <p>Red Springs would feel like the easiest breakout pick in the state if the Red Devils had one or two more proven playmakers at the skill positions. Last season, the Red Devils finished first in points allowed in the conference and averaged nearly 28 points per game in conference matchups, but lost to the three co-champions by a combined 10 points to finish fourth.</p>   <p>The defense returns several key guys, but an overhauled offense could limit the upside. The key will be whether some of last year's fringe players can step up as potential stars.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Potential Stars</h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">If Cooper puts it all together, he could be one of the top pass rushers in the entire 4A classification. He's quick and strong, able to win with power and speed. He had four sacks last year, recovering three fumbles across the season. Now, he's the team's primary pass rusher after Red Springs lost a couple of key defensive linemen.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Blackman was the team's leading tackler last season, racking up 81 stops. This year, it looks like he could be a key on offense, as well, after the Red Devils lost two senior running backs. He plays bigger than his size suggests, and he's a fearless tackler.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">McCadney was the second-leading tackler last year for Red Springs with 63 tackles, including nine for loss. The Red Devils will rely heavily on his senior leadership and his splash plays. He led the team with three forced fumbles last season and added an interception, too.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Biggest Losses</h3>   <p><strong>Chase Boone</strong> | QB- Boone was one of the top passers in the 4A class after taking a big step forward in his second year as the starter. He threw for nearly 2,500 yards, and the Red Devils will have to work hard to replace him. That said, the staff is excited about sophomore <strong>Lucas Ammons</strong>.</p>   <p><strong>Taquan Ellerbe</strong> | WR- An elite deep threat and kick returner, Ellerbe was fourth in the 4A class in receiving yardage. The Red Devils won't find a single player to replace his 1,300 total yards, but they have some young playmakers who could replace him in aggregate.</p>   <p><strong>Kamarion McBryde</strong> | DL- McBryde, though undersized, was a force on the interior of the defensive line. He led the team with 17 tackles for loss and five sacks. It remains a strong defensive line, but McBryde's loss will be felt.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Candidates</h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">We rarely put rising freshmen on these lists, but given Locklear's size, two-way ability, and Red Springs' inexperience at the running back and defensive back positions, Locklear could be an early contributor. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Ammons didn't have a ton of opportunities last season as the backup, but there's an internal confidence about his ability to lead the Red Devils. He's an athletic quarterback who has put on some weight and looks physically ready to compete. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">McCollum got some varsity experience last season as a freshman, recording nine tackles and a fumble recovery across 10 games. The Red Devils lose their top two defensive backs from last season, so we expect McCollum to see a big jump in playing time and production as a sophomore.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Verdict</h2>   <p>It's almost unthinkable how close Red Springs was to a fantastic season last year. They'll carry some momentum into 2026, but the range of possible records this year is wider than it is for most teams.</p>   <p>There are several unknowns, including new starters at the quarterback, running back, and receiver positions. There are talented players at each of those ready to step up, but if there's a major drop in production, it will be hard to match the 25 points per game the Red Devils put up in 2025.</p>   <p>That said, the defense should be excellent, led by a strong linebacker unit. If the new starters can step in and pick up where last year's team left off, Red Springs is a clear conference title contender.</p>   <p><em>A special thanks to Red Springs head coach Tim Ray for sharing his prospect sheet and thoughts on his team.</em></p>

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