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Lincoln County, Mountain Island Charter football team-by-team previews, bold predictions

joe l hughes ii, gaston gazette
·4 min read

The start of the 2023 high school football season is drawing near, as teams in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties prepare for kickoff on Aug. 18.

Here’s a preview of Lincoln County football teams as well as Mount Holly-based Mountain Island Charter. Breakdowns include last year’s records, key players and a bold prediction for each team.

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East Lincoln

Coach: Dave Lubowicz (seventh year, 49-23)

2022 record: 16-0 (7-0, first in Western Foothills 3A)

Last five years: 43-17

Key players: Chris Daley (Jr., RB.); Marcel Johnson (Sr., DL); Nate Stevens (Sr., WR/DB); Jaylen Roseboro (Sr., WR/DB); Christian Garcia (Jr., OL); Hampton Good (Sr., LB/HB); Jackson Beam (Jr., WR); Riley Shropshire (Sr., WR/DB); L.J. Forney (Jr., WR/DB); Ty Stevens (Sr., DL); Hunter Bolling (Jr., QB)

Lincolnton

Coach: Jaden Angle (first year)

2022 record: 6-6 (4-3, fourth in Catawba Valley 2A)

Last five years: 16-35

Key players: Andrew Phelps (Sr., WR/DB); Khamoni Heath (Sr., RB/LB); Andre Bost (Sr., QB/DB); Peyton Rangel (Sr., LB); Geviaunta Walker (Sr., OL/DL)

Mountain Island Charter

Coach: Robert Washington (ninth year, 59-31)

2022 record: 6-6 (2-4, tied for fourth in Catawba Shores 1A/2A)

Last five years: 35-20

Key players: Reggie Daniel (Sr., WR/DB); Khiyale Washington (Sr., TE/LB); Justice Washington (Jr., WR/DB); Thomas Loving (Sr., RB/DB); Joshua Moses (Jr., DB); Grayson Harvey (Jr,, QB); Tanner Baxter (Sr., K/P); JaMarucs Boyd (Sr., OL/DL); Cameron Outing (Sr., OL/DL)

North Lincoln

Coach: Nick Bazzle (151-73 overall; sixth year, 39-17 at North Lincoln)

2022 record: 5-5 (5-2, third in Western Foothills 3A)

Last five years: 41-17

Key players: Ryan Bassani (Jr., RB/LB); Cam Adams (Sr., WR/DB); Tyler Donahue (Sr., RB/DB); Cole Ellis (Sr., LB)

West Lincoln

Coach: Darren Ponder (fifth year, 32-13)

2022 record: 8-3 (5-2, third in Catawba Valley 2A)

Last five years: 41-16

Key players: Jaylin Winnex (Jr., RB/DB); Gideon Allen (QB/DB); Caleb Sain (Sr., OL/DL); Zander Harrelson (Sr., OL/DL); Ben Sain (Sr., TE/DL); Drew Ponder (Jr., RB/LB); Dayne Harrelson (Sr., OL/DL); Camden Sain (Sr., OL/DL); J.J. Phansoon (Sr., WR/DB); Sean Blackburn (Jr., ATH); Landon Fitzpatrick (Sr., WB/LB)

Bold predictions

  • East Lincoln running back Christopher Daley to flirt with 2,000-yard mark: The 5-11, 180-pound junior emerged last fall as one of the state’s premier backs, rushing for 1,767 yards and 21 touchdowns. A year older and wiser, it isn’t too far-fetched to believe he can reach the 2,000-yard plateau.

  • Lincolnton to win eight games for first time since 2016: The Wolves won their share of close games last fall, claiming four of six games decided by seven points or less. With a veteran roster and renewed enthusiasm, Lincolnton is certainly a team to watch in Catawba Valley 2A.

  • Mountain Island Charter to contend for Catawba Shores 1A/2A crown: The Raptors had a tough go of things last fall in Catawba Shores 1A/2A, tying for fourth with a 2-4 mark. A talented roster full of veteran experience may be what is necessary to give favorites such as Community School of Davidson, Pine Lake Prep and Christ the King issues.

  • North Lincoln returns to the NCHSAA 3A playoffs: Attrition last fall led to the decision to sit out the 3A playoffs by coach Nick Bazzle and the North Lincoln staff. Bazzle has been a miracle worker since arriving at Pumpkin Center; don’t be surprised if he and the Knights “make something shake” in 2023.

  • Jaylin Winnex takes the baton as West Lincoln’s next premier back: Mason Avery ran his way into Lincoln County history books last fall, rushing for a single-season record 2,622 yards and 37 touchdowns. With Avery now at Wingate, it’s Winnex’s turn to shoulder the load; and by all indications he’s prepared to shoulder the load.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Lincoln County, Mountain Island Charter football previews for 2023