Who are the top teams and players in Iredell County as the 2025 high school football season begins this week? Here’s what to know.
Iredell County teams
LAKE NORMAN
Head Coach: Jonathan Oliphant (8th year).
2024 Record: 7-4, 4-2
Conference: North Piedmont 6A/7A
Returning Starters: 14
Returning Lettermen: 44
Key Returning Starters: Kaden Craft, So., QB (6-4, 195); Noah Jacobsen, Jr., WR (6-0, 165); Jayden Nordtveit, Sr., WR/RB (5-10, 185); Tyler Davis, Sr., OL (5-11, 300); Jaylen Glover, Sr., FS/OLB (6-2, 185); Mason Hefner, Jr., OLB/FS (6-0, 180); Memphys Barb, Jr., LB/DE (6-1, 225); David Di Leo, Sr., LB/DE (6-2, 250); Jeremy Mitchell, Jr., DB (5-8, 150)
Other Key Returnees: Elijah Foster, Jr., OL (6-3, 245); C.J. Guerrero, Sr., DB (6-1, 165); Jeremiah Mitchell, Jr., DB (5-9, 145); Dylan Ewald, Sr., DL (6-0, 260); Owen Pfefferkorn, Sr., OL (6-4, 235).
Key Newcomers: Bryce Briones, Jr., DL (5-11, 245); Allen Jones, Sr., RB (5-11, 205) (Statesville transfer); Gianni Zipadelli, Jr., WR (5-9, 150); Keyshon Morrison, Jr., DL (6-1, 215); Jayden Lewis-Williams, Jr., WR (6-4, 170); Zitayvion Rucker, Sr., DL (5-11, 265) (West Rowan transfer).
Outlook: The Wildcats have 14 starters returning from a seven-win team. The Lake Norman offense will be potent with sophomore quarterback Kaden Craft (1,171 yards passing, 13 touchdown passes, four rushing touchdowns) back to run the offense. Craft has plenty of help with senior running backs Allen Jones (590 yards rushing, seven touchdowns, Statesville transfer) and Jayden Nordtveit (372 yards rushing) as well as junior receiver Noah Jacobsen (31 catches). Senior Tyler Davis will lead the offensive line. The Wildcats’ defense is also littered with playmakers like senior defensive end Zitayvion Rucker (61 tackles, West Rowan transfer) and senior defensive end/linebacker Memphys Barb (80 tackles, five sacks). The Lake Norman secondary also has experience with senior Jaylen Glover (86 tackles, four interceptions) and juniors Mason Hefner (75 tackles, two interceptions) and Jeremy Mitchell (three interceptions) all back in the lineup.
Note: Lake Norman assistant coach Randy Oliphant is the father head coach Jonathan Oliphant and has now worked with his son for 16 years at Mooresville and Lake Norman. Randy Oliphant has coached for 36 years overall, and was inducted into the Mooresville High Hall of Fame last year.
LANGTREE CHARTER
Head Coach: Will Weir (2nd year).
2024 Record: 4-2 as a jayvee team
Conference: Catawba Shores 2A/3A/4A
Returning Starters: 22
Returning Lettermen: N/A.
Key Returning Starters: Easton Roschke, So., QB (6-2, 185); Garrett Barbee, Sr., TE (6-3, 215); Will Hay, Sr., RB/LB (5-10, 185); Arbrey Hoyle, Sr., DL (6-0, 190); Thomas Hay, So., WR (5-8, 140); Walt Liebenberg, So., DL (6-1, 200); Sam Newcomb, Jr., OL (6-2, 240).
Key Newcomers: Aaron Slaydon, Jr., WR (6-3, 185); Kendrick Phifer, Sr., ATH (5-10, 180).
Outlook: The Lions return all 22 starters from its inaugural season as a junior varsity team. The Langtree Charter offense will feature sophomore Easton Roschke (14 touchdowns last year) with senior running back Will Hay, senior tight end Garrett Barbee (10 touchdowns) and sophomore receiver Thomas Hay. The Lions’ defense returns senior Arbrey Hoyle, sophomore Walt Liebenburg and Will Hay at linebacker.
Note: Sophomore offensive/defensive lineman Walt Liebenburg, a South African native, made huge strides last year in his first year of organized football, and should be even better this season.
MOORESVILLE
Head Coach: Zach Mayo (2nd year)
2024 Record: 11-2, 6-0
Conference: North Piedmont 6A/7A
Returning Starters: 14
Returning Lettermen: 40
Key Returning Starters: Brody Norman, Sr., QB (6-0, 185); Dom Morin, Sr., WR (6-3, 200); Gavin Barber, Sr., TE (6-2, 235); K.J. Gillespie, Sr., DE (6-2, 240); Jadarius McCombs, Sr., RB (5-10, 180); Tanner Finnerty, Jr., ILB (5-11, 195) Andrew Cummings, Sr., K (5-9, 175); Chanse Bost, Jr., WR (5-10, 160).
Other Key Returnees: Chris Epps, Sr., ILB (6-2, 200); Jack Shaf, Jr., DB (6-0, 180); Dave Vassel, Sr., DB (5-11, 175); Gavin Pegram, Sr., CB (5-9, 155); Malachi Gwyn, Sr., RB (5-10, 175); Justus White, Sr., DB (5-11, 165).
Key Newcomers: Jace McCallum, Sr., DL (6-3, 245) (Hickory Ridge transfer); Jack Nelin, Sr., DT (6-5, 250) (Cannon School transfer).
Outlook: The Blue Devils have been one of the best teams in the state in the past three years, going 32-5 overall and 11-2 last season. Mooresville returns 14 starters. The Blue Devils’ offense, which averaged 45 points per game last year, will be led by senior quarterback Brody Norman, a Temple University commit, who threw for 2,543 yards and 25 touchdowns last year. Norman rushed for 657 yards and 14 more scores as a junior. Senior receiver Dom Morin (55 catches for 1,103 yards and 10 touchdowns), junior Chanse Bost (35 catches for 500 yards) and senior tight end Gavin Barber (500 yards receiving, nine touchdowns) all return. Senior running back Jadarius McCombs (930 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns) will also give balance to the offense. The Blue Devils’ defense will also be strong with seniors K.J. Gillespie (61 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, eight sacks, Virginia Tech commit) Hickory Ridge transfer, Jace McCallum (44 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, Vanderbilt University signee) and Cannon School transfer Jack Nelin (University of Pennsylvania commit) leading the defensive line. Junior linebacker Tanner Finnerty (114 tackles) gives Mooresville another strong player in the front seven. Senior kicker Andrew Cummings (64 touchbacks last season) also gives the Blue Devils a game-changer on special teams.
Note: Mooresville senior receiver Dom Morin, a Division I recruit, has recently spent multiple weekends helping to build a house in Western North Carolina to aid in relief work in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
NORTH IREDELL
Head Coach: Andy Howell (5th year)
2024 Record: 4-7, 3-4
Conference: North Piedmont 6A/7A
Returning Starters: 13 (9 offense; 4 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 16
Key Returning Starters: Kaleb Sales, Sr., QB (6-0, 175); Pete Jackson, Sr., RB/DB ((5-9, 175); Jay Rucker, So., WR/S (6-1, 190); Julian Henao, So., RB/DB (5-9, 170); Jakhi Fuller, Sr., RB/LB (6-2, 210); Cal Cary, Sr., OL/DL (6-5, 290); Cooper Johnson, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 220); Trevor Hobbs, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 260); Will Oehler, Sr., LS/LB (6-0, 190); Garrett Renegar, Jr., DL (6-5, 250).
Other Key Returnees/Newcomers: Dayveon Thompson, So., WR/DB; Dylan Dancy, So. WR/S; Nate Dillard, Jr., RB/LB; Ashton Lentz, Sr.,WR; Elijah Johnson, Jr., LB, D’Angelo Russo, Jr., WR/DB.
Outlook: North Iredell looks to build on a 4-7 season, in which the program made the playoffs for the first time in 18 years. The Raiders face a new challenge in the North Piedmont 6A/7A conference with county rivals Lake Norman, Mooresville and Statesville looming. The North Iredell offense, which returns nine starters, is led by senior quarterback Kaleb Sales, who can throw (1,034 yards passing, five touchdown passes) and run (1,287 yards, six touchdown runs). Sales will look to get the ball to senior running back Pete Jackson, behind an experienced offensive line that returns seniors Cal Cary (all-conference), Trevor Hobbs and Cooper Johnson. The Raiders’ defense returns senior linebackers Jakhi Fuller and Will Oehler, junior defensive lineman Garrett Renegar and sophomore defensive backs Julian Henao and Jay Rucker (50 tackles, two interceptions).
Note: North Iredell earned its most wins in a season (four) since 2014, when it went 6-5 overall.
PINE LAKE PREP
Head Coach: Austin Trotter (7th Year)
2024 Record: 2-8, 2-5
Conference: Catawba Shores 2A/3A/4A
Returning Starters: 9 (4 offense; 5 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 22
Key Returning Starters: T.J. Kieffer, Jr., LB (5-11, 185); Paul Mahoney, So., OL/DL (6-3, 260); Brody Perley, Sr., OL/LB (6-2, 220); Matthew Mothershed, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 200); Chase Riggs, Sr., RB/LB (6-2, 200); Reid Tammaro, Sr., S/ATH/WR (6-3, 175).
Other Key Returnees: Michael Braun, Sr., ATH/DB (5-11, 165); Connor Ham, Jr., FB/LB (6-2, 215).
Key Newcomers: Connor Pratt, So., TE/DE (6-3, 220); Rylan Mare, So., K/P.
Outlook: The Pride has been a consistent winner in recent years, averaging eight victories per season from 2020-23, before slipping to 2-8 in 2024. This year, Pine Lake Prep returns senior running back Chase Riggs and senior receiver Reid Tammaro, along with an experienced offensive line featuring seniors Matthew Mothershed and Brody Perley and sophomore Paul Mahoney. The Pine Lake Prep defense should be strong with junior linebacker T.J. Kieffer (148 tackles last year) returning to team with Perley and Riggs.
Note: Pine Lake Prep sophomore kicker/punter Rylan Mare is the son of former longtime-Miami Dolphins’ kicker Olindo Mare, who also played for the Carolina Panthers in 2011.
SOUTH IREDELL
Head Coach: Lee Linville (3rd year).
2024 Record: 6-5, 4-2
Conference: North Piedmont 6A/7A
Returning Starters: 12 (8 offense; 4 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 26
Key Returning Starters: Brody Hunt, Sr., WR (6-0, 175); Brooks Culp, Sr., OL (6-4, 314); Giovanny Rendon, Sr., K (5-8, 160); Griffin Luxton, Sr., LB (6-0, 215); Malachi Herron, Sr., DB (5-4, 143); Devon Reddy, Sr., OL (6-4, 294); Evan Crater, Sr., TE (6-0, 220); Rashad Howell, Sr., NG (5-10, 260).
Key Newcomers: Tristan Cowan, So., QB (5-9, 150); Don Henderson, Jr., RB/DB (5-10, 170); Thai Bellamy, Jr., WR/DB.
Outlook: The Vikings look to build on their first winning season since 2018 with 12 starters back, including eight on offense. The South Iredell offense’s strength is up front and starts with senior offensive linemen Brooks Culp and Devon Reddy. Also back are receiver Brody Hunt (46 catches for 702 yards and 10 touchdowns), tight end Evan Crater and running back Malachi Herron. Sophomore Tristan Cowan also got some experience at quarterback in a backup role as a freshman. The Vikings’ defense returns senior nose guard Rashad Howell (39 tackles), senior linebacker Griffin Luxton (60 tackles) and Herron (44 tackles) at defensive back. The Vikings also have a special teams weapon in senior kicker Giovanny Rendon, who earned all-conference honors last season with 36 touchbacks.
Note: South Iredell senior offensive tackle Brooks Culp had 37 pancake blocks last season.
STATESVILLE
Head Coach: Rydell Cowan (4th year)
2024 Record: 9-3, 5-2
Conference: North Piedmont 6A/7A
Returning Starters: 12
Returning Lettermen: 25
Key Returning Starters: Josh Terry, Sr., OL/DL (5-10, 290); Davion Summers, Sr., RB/DB (5-10, 170); Tyreek Carter, Sr., LB/RB (5-9, 160); Timothy Flowers, Sr., DL (6-2, 320); Corddarious Neal, Sr., OL (5-11, 290); Braylen Daniels, Sr., OL/DL (6-3, 280); Manuel Gladden, Jr., QB (6-4, 180).
Other Key Returnees: Javin Bailey, So., RB/LB (5-11, 180); Paul Cauthen, So., WR/DB (5-11, 165); Chanceler Taylor, Jr., WR/DB (5-8, 170).
Outlook: The Greyhounds have won 24 games in the last three seasons combined and look to carry that momentum into the newly organized North Piedmont 6A/7A conference this season. The Statesville offense will feature junior quarterback Manuel Gladden, senior running back Davion Summers, and an experienced offensive line that returns seniors Braylen Daniels, Corddarious Neal and Josh Terry. Meanwhile, the Greyhounds’ defense is strong up front with 320-pound senior Timothy Flowers and Daniels, leading the group. Senior linebacker Tyreek Carter (57 tackles), will also play a big role in the front seven’s success.
Note: Statesville coach Rydell Cowan has gotten one win better in each of his three seasons at the helm, winning seven games in 2022, eight in 2023 and nine victories last season. Cowan is 24-11 in his tenure at Statesville.
WEST IREDELL
Head Coach: Sean Fitzgerald (2nd year)
2024 Record: 2-8, 0-7
Conference: Western Foothills’ Athletic 4A/5A
Returning Starters: 14 (5 offense; 9 defense).
Returning Lettermen: 18
Key Returning Starters: Amario Spence, Jr., RB (6-1, 225); Ex-Avier Peet, Sr., LB/DE (6-1, 212); Phillip Maxey, Jr., CB/Slot (5-9, 160); Demarion Davidson, Sr., OL (6-3, 340); Austin Arrowood, Sr., LB (5-11, 197); Thian Stevenson, Sr., LB (5-10, 205); Gabe Harshman, Sr., DB (6-2, 175).
Other Key Returnees: Sebastian Bridges, Sr., QB/FS (6-3, 190); Aiden Shuford, Sr., DE/OG (5-11, 260).
Key Newcomers: Jabraylan Patterson, So., QB (6-3, 180); Peyton Stone, Jr., MLB/TE (6-0, 180); Nolan Martinez, So., OL/DL (5-10, 265).
Outlook: The Warriors have struggled in recent years with just 11 wins in the past five seasons. However, with 14 starters back, there are reasons for optimism. The West Iredell offense should be improved with sophomore quarterback Jabraylan Patterson, junior Amario Spence (1,042 yards rushing, eight touchdowns) and senior offensive lineman Demarion Davidson leading the group. The Warriors’ defense should be their strength with nine starters returning. West Iredell has all three linebackers returning in seniors Austin Arrowood (97 tackles), Ex-Avier Peet (59 tackles, four interceptions) and Thian Stevenson (58 tackles). Seniors Sebastian Bridges (30 tackles) Gabe Harshman (71 tackles) and junior Phillip Maxey (40 tackles, two fumble recoveries) will lead the secondary.
Interesting Note: West Iredell sophomore Jabraylan Patterson already has four Division I scholarship offers, according to Warriors’ coach, Sean Fitzgerald.
Conference predictions
Catawba Shores
1. Community School of Davidson; 2. Corvian Charter; 3. Lake Norman Charter; Pine Lake Prep; 5. Christ the King; 6. Lincoln Charter; 7. Langtree Charter.
North Piedmont Conference 6A/7A Conference
1. Mooresville; 2. Lake Norman; 3. Statesville; 4. South Iredell; 5. Davie County; 6. North Iredell.
Western Foothills Athletic Conference 4A/5A
1. Hickory; 2. East Lincoln; 3. Maiden; 4. North Lincoln; 5. Bandys; 6. Newton Conover; 7. Bunker Hill; 8. Fred T. Foard; 9. West Iredell.