Who's No. 1? Here are Gastonia, Shelby area high school football's top teams
The wait is almost over. High school football returns Friday night in North Carolina, with a host of intriguing matchups for teams in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties.
Before kickoff, let’s rank the area’s top eight teams.
Typically straight-forward, the first Gaston Gazette and Shelby Star power poll doesn't feature a dominant team to start 2023. Instead, area teams are confronted with a boatload of questions.
Can Kings Mountain figure things out at quarterback? Does Crest have enough to win it all? Can East Lincoln overcome massive personnel losses to compete for a second straight NCHSAA 3A title? Those questions will soon be answered. Until then, here’s where things stand.
HERE'S YOUR GUIDE TO WEEK 1: Predictions, preview for Week 1 of Gaston, Cleveland and Lincoln high school football
QUESTIONS SOON TO BE ANSWERED: 31 questions, 31 days ahead of 2023 high school football season for Gastonia, Shelby teams
1. Kings Mountain
2022 record: 13-1
The start of the Strait Herron era begins with Kings Mountain ranked No. 1. The Mountaineers will be defensively stronger early on, aided by a swarming pass rush led by University of North Carolina recruit Curtis Simpson. Despite possessing game-changers on offense in wideouts JaQualyn Sanders and Jayden Gash, as well as running back Teddy Jeffries, the quarterback position remains a question mark.
Week 1: vs. Shelby
2. Crest
2022 record: 9-4
The Chargers return 95% of their offensive production from last fall, including quarterback Ny’Tavious Huskey and wideouts Javarius Green, A.J. Adams and Malachi Addison. Speed will need to be their greatest asset, the Chargers grossly undersized in the trenches. Cam Anderson, Lyrik Pettis and Pluto Surratt are key contributors on the back end.
Week 1: vs. Gaffney (S.C.)
3. Burns
2022 record: 13-2
Burns impressed in jamboree wins over South Point and Stuart Cramer last week. The Bulldogs were particularly efficient against the Red Raiders, putting their team speed and physicality on display in a 14-0 win. Despite bringing returning quarterback Ben Mauney, running back Jeremiah Norris and its offensive line, one is eager to see how the Burns defense responds when tested.
Week 1: at Forestview
4. East Lincoln
2022 record: 16-0
East Lincoln enters the season with aspirations of a second straight NCHSAA 3A title. It’ll attempt to do so with a cast of characters vastly different from the one that went 16-0 and allowed 6.8 points per game. The Mustangs will lean heavily on star running back Christopher Daley II and an aggressive defense as their passing game develops cohesion.
Week 1: at Stuart Cramer
5. Shelby
2022 record: 7-5
A second-round playoff exit didn’t sit well in Shelby last fall. The Golden Lions cling their hopes to sophomore quarterback Lan Farmer, whose No. 1 target will be senior standout Izay Bridges. Senior standout Jaden Pierce will also command a lot of attention as Shelby looks to improve upon giving up 20.3 points per game.
Week 1: at Kings Mountain
6. South Point
2022 record: 13-2
Few teams enter the 2023 season with more question marks than the Red Raiders. Following massive personnel losses to graduation, coach Adam Hodge will depend on a largely new cast. The offensive philosophy remains the same though, South Point’s “Redbone” offense still in play.
Week 1: at Lincolnton
7. Lincolnton
2022 record: 6-6
Lincolnton enters the 2023 season with a heap of momentum following its first playoff victory since 2016. Experience is one of the Wolves’ best friends this fall, returning multi-purpose players Andre Bost, Khamoni Heath and Andrew Phelps.
Week 1: vs. South Point
8. Ashbrook
2022 record: 4-7
After returning to the postseason last fall, Ashbrook looks to make a bigger splash. Coach Darius James fields the most talented team of his tenure, including offensive lineman and NC State recruit Trent Mitchell and bell cow running back Jamir Fox. A hard-hitting defense, led from the sideline by former East Carolina standout Zeek Bigger, will also make the Green Wave a tough out.
Week 1: vs. Forest Hills
Also considered: East Gaston, Mountain Island Charter
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: NCHSAA football: Gastonia, Shelby area rankings Week 1
