Southern Piedmont Conference Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Southern Piedmont Conference has a great chance to be one of the most competitive conferences overall in the state of North Carolina. Here's my predicted conference finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2266962,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"center"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/FOOTBALL-FOCUS-WEEKLY-Season-8-Kickoff-Wedensday-July-29th-8pm-Conference-Predictions-Team-Previews-Catawba-Shores-2A3A4A-Teams-Bradford-Prep-Christ-The-King-Community-School-of-Davidson-C-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2266962" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quick Analysis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I went with Lincolnton to win the conference because they have a returning starting quarterback - that was really the only thing that I could use to create separation from three other teams I think will make deep playoff runs - Shelby, Burns, and Stuart Cramer. I think the top 4 teams can all legitimately be contenders for a state championship in their respective classifications. Last year Lincolnton won the conference, but Shelby won the 3A State Championship. You could see something similar happen again. <br><br>For the rest of the league, Cherryville is going to be a team to watch - they have a lot of production returning from a team that went 6-6 last season. They're in a tough league, of course, but they will be a team no one wants to see early in the playoffs. West Lincoln will run the heck out of the ball once again, and Bessemer City has some new juice with a new head coach, Beady Waddell IV, coming in after several years leading West Mecklenburg in Charlotte. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players To Watch </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2266971,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"center"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/FOOTBALL-FOCUS-WEEKLY-Season-8-Kickoff-Wedensday-July-29th-8pm-Conference-Predictions-Team-Previews-Catawba-Shores-2A3A4A-Teams-Bradford-Prep-Christ-The-King-Community-School-of-Davidson-C-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2266971" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1678635"],"_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-6a75311d28938"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Committed to Indiana, Jalaythan is set to lead the Wolves to another big season. He should set the pace defensively and have a role offensively as he did last year in key situations. I'm excited to see his leadership this year and see how far he can help Lincolnton to try to get to the state championship game after last year's tough semifinal loss at home to Shelby. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1687752"],"_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-6a75311d289c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tyson is an EDGE prospect that tons of college football programs are going after - and he's growing exponentially physically. He's going to be a major part of a talented Shelby team looking to repeat as State Champions in the 3A Classification. The power, speed, and explosion Tyson shows in his rush is impressive. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1608319"],"_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-6a75311d28a2c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Max is a throwback to past days of football players who played running back and middle linebacker, and they just didn't come off the football field. Max can be a bellcow back, and he gets stronger as the game goes along with the football in his hands. He's not bad as a linebacker either, and this year he'll have a lot of talented teammates helping him out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1607810"],"_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-6a75311d28a95"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Qualteau is another player who is going to star on both sides of the ball for the Storm. We have him ranked as a tight end, but he is a good EDGE player who is effective in both rushing the passer and stopping the run. As a tight end, he can flex out as a wide receiver and bully smaller defensive backs in one on one coverage, and he's a good in-line blocker in the running game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1614576"],"_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-6a75311d28af9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Expect Jackson to be a key player as a runner and receiver on offense, and he'll be an impact defender as well for the Ironmen. He's got some teammates that have been with him for a couple of years, and his leadership is going to be key for the Ironmen to take the next step into having a winning season and competing to win a playoff game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2225540"],"_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-6a75311d28b5b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">TJ is probably one of the best running backs you have never heard of - in a time-share situation last season, he nearly rushed for 1200 yards, and this season he will be the man offensively, so a 2000-yard rushing season isn't out of the question, given the style West Lincoln plays on offense. He's got good speed in the open field, and he's a home run hitter with the football in his hands. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2206358"],"_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-6a75311d28bbc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the best receivers in the state you don't know about, because he plays at Bessemer City. As long as the Yellow Jackets can get him the ball, he's going to be a problem on the outside. I would guess he's going to face some double teams, which in turn should open up some things offensively for his teammates. He's strong, fast, and has large hands to bring the ball in consistently. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2005407"],"_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-6a75311d28c1e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As a freshman, Gabriel led his team in total tackles. That's something you almost never see in varsity high school football. I've seen him work on social media, and he trains as hard as anyone. I like that he's got that kind of drive and focus - he's on his way to being a 4-year starter and defensive leader for the Warriors. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1627014"],"_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-6a75311d28c8c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I give Irvin a ton of credit - a 6'4 nearly 200-pound wide receiver who has stayed loyal to Highland Tech certainly deserves to be celebrated in this transfer portal era. Irvin is really an impressive-looking player who maximizes the opportunities that he does get for the Rams. He's got offers and college interest, so I'm excited to see him go out and have a big senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->