TAAC Six 5/A/6A Preview: Southeast Guilford

Southern Guilford had a rough go of it last season, but there are plenty of reasons for optimism heading into 2026. The Storm returns a large portion of its offensive production, giving the coaching staff valuable experience and continuity to build around. After a difficult 1-9 campaign, Southern Guilford has its sights set on taking a significant step forward and getting back into the playoff conversation.   This senior class has endured the growing pains, stayed committed to the program, and now has one final opportunity to change the narrative. With so many returning playmakers on offense and another year of development under their belts, the Storm has the pieces to be far more competitive each Friday night. If the offense takes the expected leap and the defense can make timely stops, Southern Guilford has a legitimate chance to earn a postseason berth and give its seniors the finish they have worked toward throughout their high school careers.    [player_tooltip player_id='2242492' first='Robert' last='Scott'] is one of the most versatile prospects in the conference and the engine that makes Southern Guilford's offense go. The rising senior truly does it all, stuffing the stat sheet on both sides of the ball. Last season, he accounted for over 1,700 total offensive yards, throwing for 400 yards, rushing for 1,100 yards, and adding another 200 receiving yards while scoring in double figures. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him one of the most dangerous all-purpose weapons in the area.   His value doesn't stop on offense. Scott is just as productive on defense, finishing with 60 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception. Whether he's carrying the football, catching passes, throwing it, or making plays on defense, he's constantly around the action. Few players in the conference can match his all-around production, and if Southern Guilford is going to make a serious playoff push this season, expect [player_tooltip player_id='2242492' first='Robert' last='Scott'] to be right at the center of it all.     [player_tooltip player_id='2242493' first='Zayvion' last='Lewis'] is one of the top returning defensive prospects for Southern Guilford and looks poised for a breakout season. The Class of 2028 linebacker made the most of his opportunities as a sophomore, recording 27 tackles and three tackles for loss despite seeing limited snaps. His production flashed the instincts and physicality that make him one of the Storm's rising defensive playmakers.   With a larger role expected this fall, Lewis has all the tools to become one of the conference's top linebackers. He plays downhill, attacks the football, and has the range to make plays from sideline to sideline. As his playing time increases, don't be surprised to see his numbers take a significant jump and for him to emerge as one of the leaders of Southern Guilford's defense.     [player_tooltip player_id='2242494' first='Devaughn' last='Jones'] appears set to take over as Southern Guilford's starting quarterback this season. The rising junior showed promise in limited action a year ago, throwing for over 550 yards and three touchdowns in just six games. Those valuable reps should pay dividends as he enters the season with a better understanding of the offense and increased confidence.   With many of the Storm's offensive playmakers returning, Jones will have plenty of weapons at his disposal. If he continues to develop as a passer and becomes more consistent, he has the potential to take a significant step forward and help lead Southern Guilford's push back into playoff contention.     [player_tooltip player_id='2242495' first='Kaleb' last='Lindsay'] is another key returning defensive prospect for Southern Guilford and will be counted on to anchor the front seven this season. The rising senior put together an impressive campaign last year, finishing with 27 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield makes him one of the Storm's most impactful defenders.   Lindsay brings a physical, aggressive style of play and consistently creates problems for opposing offenses. As one of the veteran leaders on the defense, he'll be expected to set the tone each week. If he builds on last season's production, Lindsay has the potential to be one of the top defensive playmakers in the conference.     [player_tooltip player_id='2242503' first='Jayden' last='Royal'] is another elite athlete Southern Guilford will lean on throughout the 2026 season. The rising senior is a true two-way playmaker who impacts the game on both offense and defense. Last season, he totaled over 300 offensive yards and two touchdowns while also making his presence felt defensively with 32 tackles and nine tackles for loss.   Royal's versatility and toughness make him one of the Storm's most valuable players. Whether he's creating explosive plays on offense or disrupting opponents in the backfield on defense, he finds ways to make an impact. With Southern Guilford pushing for a return to the playoffs, expect Royal to play a major role in the team's success from Week 1 through the end of the season.

Southern Guilford had a rough go of it last season, but there are plenty of reasons for optimism heading into 2026. The Storm returns a large portion of its offensive production, giving the coaching staff valuable experience and continuity to build around. After a difficult 1-9 campaign, Southern Guilford has its sights set on taking a significant step forward and getting back into the playoff conversation.