2021 Charlotte-Area High School Football Preview: Iredell 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 this 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 (Iredell County Edition).

Lake Norman

Last Season Record: 5-2

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 4/20

What to Know: The biggest thing, and most promising thing, for Lake Norman is the fact they are no longer in I-Meck 4A conference, one of the toughest in the entire state.  And even though they have been in the I-Meck for years now, most seasons they have been competitive in it, as seen from their 5-2 record last season.  The problem for this year’s team though, is having to replace 26 seniors.  With only four starters returning, the Wildcats will have to hope some of the inexperienced players step up to fill those empty shoes.

Mooresville

Last Season Record: 2-5

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 6/30

What to Know: Like Lake Norman, the Blue Devils have been stuck in the I-Meck 4A for the last several years, and are most likely thrilled to get out.  Not that Mooresville wasn’t competitive at all, with a record just over .500 in the last five years.  But now they will have a better chance of actually winning a conference, in the Greater Meck 4A.  However, with just six returning starters, they have some shoes to fill too.  They also have a quarterback question mark.  Last year Sebastian Brown and Jamere Cherry split time as the signal caller, so we’ll have to see what the plan is this year.  There’s no question who one of the top leaders of this team is though, and that is senior Elijah Wilson, who is a three-time all conference defensive back and will anchor this year’s defense.

North Iredell

Last Season Record: 0-6

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 9/15

What to Know: North Iredell should be focused on one thing this year: getting a win or two.  It may sound simple, but the Raiders have lost 23 straight games going back to 2018.  They are under a new head coach for the first time in years, as Andy Howell takes over.  Now we wait and see if he can restore some magic into the program.  The offense was almost non-existent last season, averaging just 11 points per game.  There’s clearly a lot to work on in Olin and I’d say Coach Howell certainly has his hands full.

Pine Lake Prep

Last Season Record: 8-1

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 5/9

What to Know: Pine Lake Prep is still a relatively new program, but are starting to make a name for themselves, especially with seasons like last year when they were unbeaten until the 2nd round of the playoffs.  They don’t return a whole lot of experience this season though, and the quarterback position should be interesting with junior Nick Reid taking the snaps, something he hasn’t done since his freshman year.  They will definitely lean on all-conference running back Colby Lane, who is coming off a great year.  With a lot of new faces, however, there is a lot of unknowns at this point with Pine Lake Prep.

South Iredell

Last Season Record: 3-4

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 12/21

What to Know: After 11 successful seasons that included a state championship, head coach Scott Miller stepped down after last season, leaving the Vikings to start over this year.  That will be the biggest question entering the season, is how will the team respond to their new head coach and how successful will his system be?  They’ve still got plenty of talent and experience heading into this year, especially on the defensive side of the ball with several seniors.

Statesville

Last Season Record: 6-2

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 9/25

What to Know: The Greyhounds have gotten used to winning, as proved with their 36-10 record throughout the last four seasons.  However, their biggest hurdle has been making noise in the playoffs.  One thing Statesville never lacks is talent, and that is the case once again this year.  Wake Forest commit Zamari Stevenson (defensive back) will lead the defense, along with senior linebacker Quantay Brown.  One of the more interesting things to keep an eye on this year will be watching Stevenson on both sides of the ball, where he will the starting quarterback as well.  I expect Statesville to be successful once again this year, but once the playoffs come around my confidence drops in them.

West Iredell

Last Season Record: 1-6

Returning Starters/Lettermen: 6/21

What to Know: West Iredell hasn’t seen a successful season in a while now and are overdue for one.  However, there isn’t much promise going into this season for Warrior fans.  Returning just six starters from a one-win team, they will be almost in the same boat as division-rival North Iredell, just not quite as desperate for wins.  One thing that doesn’t bode well for West Iredell is the fact that they haven’t been very successful in a 2A conference over the last several years.  Now with the conference re-alignment, they will test their luck at the 3A level.  Their starting quarterback Cade Gaither is just a sophomore, as well as running back C.J. Ferguson.  The young group will certainly be tested to the limits this year.

Iredell County Teams: Best to Worst

1. Statesville

2. Lake Norman

3. Pine Lake Prep

4. Mooresville

5. South Iredell

6. West Iredell

7. North Iredell

Garett