2021 Charlotte-Area High School Football Preview: Cabarrus County

There are some people across this country that consider this the best time of the year for one reason: high school football is back.  From small towns all over America rallying behind their local teams to big cities supporting their schools on the bigger stage, helmets will be strapped on and big hits will be made in the coming weeks.  And for our region around Charlotte, North Carolina, that will all begin next Friday night.  So in the spirit of a brand new high school football season, let’s take a look at the area’s top teams, players, and chances of making a big run this year (Cabarrus County Edition).

A.L. Brown

Last Season Record: 6-2

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 11/29

What to Know: With a lot of experience coming back from last year, the Wonders will be very tough this year.  Three-year starting quarterback Cam Kromah is coming off of a 1,000 yard passing season and will provide senior leadership on offense, just as senior linebacker and N.C. State commit Torren Wright will on defense.

Cabarrus Warriors

Last Season Record: 5-3

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 16/23

What to Know: As a young team last year who surprised folks by posting a winning record, this year’s squad is by no means an old team.  Many sophomores will be filling key positions once again, like they did last year as freshmen.  They probably won’t win the conference, but is definitely a team to watch out for.  Also keep an eye on senior kicker Todd Pelino, who has several D-1 college offers already.

Central Cabarrus

Last Season Record: 3-4

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 7/18

What to Know: The Vikings will look to get away from mediocrity that has surrounded this program for the last half decade.  With an offense that struggled last season, the focus will be on lighting up the scoreboard a little bit more.

Concord

Last Season Record: 2-5

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 14/24

What to Know: A once proud program, the Spiders have really hit rock bottom, with just four wins in the last three seasons.  They have a lot of seniors returning to fill key positions, so this year could be, and should be, their best one in a while.  There’s no excuse.  If they don’t make that jump this year, it might be time to start looking to replace coach Marty Paxton, who is entering his fourth year at the helm.

Cox Mill

Last Season Record: 3-4

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 9/NA

What to Know: Junior running back Tyrell Coard and junior wide receiver Kendall Harris will lead the charge on offense this year, and will have a huge impact on how far this team goes.  With only three wins last season, all three did come in their final three games, perhaps giving them some lingering momentum to build on Friday night.

Hickory Ridge

Last Season Record: 5-3

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 12/45

What to Know: Things look good for the Ragin’ Bulls.  They have been very successful over the last several years in the tough Southwestern 4A conference, featuring many Charlotte schools, and this year they will be in the easier Greater Metro 4A conference.  Combine that with the fact they are loaded with experience, Hickory Ridge will be a very tough team this year if everyone stays healthy.

Jay M. Robinson

Last Season Record: 5-3

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 15/NA

What to Know: It will be interesting to see the Bulldogs compete in their new conference, the Yadkin Valley split 1A/2A conference.  One thing they have going for them is two key seniors Blue Monroe (QB) and Samarion Hughes (TE) that should provide a spark for the offense.  And let’s talk about that name…Blue Monroe…with a name like that you have to be good, right?

Mount Pleasant

Last Season Record: 8-1

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 11/NA

What to Know: Mount Pleasant had a very successful year last year, going 8-1 and advancing to the 2nd round of the playoffs before getting knocked out.  The good news for them is that 11 starters from that team will be back.  Their defense is stout and should be their strong point, led by all-conference linebackers Jakob Craver and Brennen Jones.

Northwest Cabarrus

Last Season Record: 1-6

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 12/35

What to Know: Things didn’t go nearly as well as head coach Eric Morman would have hoped for in his first season with the Trojans, but he’s looking to get back on track this year with a lot of experience coming back.  Fans certainly hope so too, after getting used to racking up win after win the previous two seasons, with a 25-3 record.  A lot of eyes will be on Alex Walker, the sophomore quarterback.  Let’s see if he can play more like an upperclassman, than the underclassman that he is.  Most likely there will be more growing pains this year for the Trojans.

West Cabarrus

Last Season Record: 3-4

Returning Starters/Lettermen: NA/NA

What to Know: This is only the program’s second football season.  As a new school, it’s inaugural season was the very strange shortened season that took place this spring.  Still, they were able to win three games.  They have a couple of seniors on offense who will have to shoulder the load, as well as a new head coach this year in Charles McEachin Jr.

Cabarrus County Teams: Best to Worst

1. Hickory Ridge

2. A.L. Brown

3. Mount Pleasant

4. Cabarrus

5. Jay M. Robinson

6. Central Cabarrus

7. Cox Mill

8. Northwest Cabarrus

9. West Cabarrus

10. Concord

Garett