SMAC Conference Preview

August the first, High School football officially began. Since I tackled the Southern Piedmont last week, let's go the SMAC 2A/3A this week. No doubt the top three should be no brainers, but from fourth on back, it's anybody's guess. Let's get to it.

9) Draughn - They lose a lot of solid seniors in Graham Martin (LB) Kevin White (LB) Logan Cline (FB) and Mikeal Turner (RB). Offensively, they have struggled, but they do return 10 linemen that have experience. Cooper Abernathy should lead the offense from the backfield.

8) Chase - The Trojans were young a year ago and lost just six seniors from last year's 33-man roster. They lost four games by 13 points or less and were very competitive defensively. Tyreece McSwain and Zeke Brendle lead the defense, while Bruce Squires is the most athletic kid on the Chase roster. They have to create more offense if they expect to win. This could be team that finds fourth place in conference if they can find ways to score points.

7) East Burke - Quarterback Joe Duckworth lost his two best offensive weapons in Brandon Clark and Ryan Newell. So, now what? They do have nine of their lineman back from roster, but they are not deep in the secondary or at the skill positions on offense.

6) East Rutherford - Malik Hamrick is likely the most athletic Cavalier, but just how they will use him on offense is a mystery. Demetrius Mauney might be the exception with 492 yards rushing last season. Cade Hamilton, who missed most of last season with a leg injury should lead the defense at linebacker. They lost Jarvis Hutchins at wide receiver and in the secondary. Still, they do have some speed and Jadacus Logan is a beast in the trenches. Downfall: Just like Chase, they have to put points on the board more consistently.

5) R-S Central - The Hilltoppers return a number of kids. Austin Dorsey (running back) Ramon Rodriguez (defensive end), Kanaan Brock (lineman) and maybe the most athletic kid on the team in Tyrese Tate all come back for another season. Spencer Norris also returns at safety and wide out. The Hilltoppers easily beat East Rutherford and slid past Chase a year ago. The size and depth on the lines should be pretty decent. Of last year's roster, at least 30 of the 44 should be back this season. They have won at least five games in each of the last three years. That equals two fourth's and fifth place in the SMAC over the last three seasons.

4) Burns - Nobody is really convinced as to who will legitimately finish fourth in the SMAC. This is the team that maybe the toughest to gauge. They are on a seven game losing streak dating back to last year. That's not the typical Bulldog team. They will be athletic with 18 kids coming back. Can they find a quarterback? I am hearing that they already have. Depth maybe the biggest issue, which could lead to bigger problems defensively. The Bulldogs Nate Black (defensive tackle) Aaron Hill (Running Back, Linebacker) Magale Burris (Running Back, Linebacker) and Raheem Epps (Wide Receiver) are all back and seniors.

3) Kings Mountain - The Mountaineers went four rounds deep into the state playoffs. Darren Burns returns to quarterback. Jake Merchant along with Kavin Mosley are back to receive catches. Darian McClain rushed for 13 touchdowns a year ago. Defensively, Kings Mountain will be young, but teams will have to keep up with the Mountaineer offense if they have any shot to beat them this season.

2) Crest - They might have lost Tre Harbison at running back, but the Chargers will be just fine. Tyshun Odom and Wesley Bullard led the receiving core. Justin Foster and CJ White head up the Crest defense. Depth and speed should be no issue here. They won a state title a year ago.

1) Shelby - So, they have to replace Darquez Lee at quarterback. No problem. Juwan Sims and Malik Surratt proved that they could take the job if need be. Possible player of the year, Jayden Borders (26 touchdowns) returns for his senior season at wide out. Xaivier Brooks leads the rushing attack, but throwing the ball is what they wish to do on offense. Dax Hollifield, Michael Carson and CJ Ross pace what is likely going to be the best defense in the SMAC. Depth and speed should be no issue here. The Golden Lions will go after their fourth state title in a row this season.