2026 Big South 5A/6A Conference Football Preview: Storylines, Predictions, Players to Watch

Welcome to HighSchoolOT's 2026 football season preview for the Big South 5A/6A Conference. The league features Ashbrook, Crest, Forestview, Huss, Kings Mountain, North Gaston, and South Point.

Few conferences can rival the depth of the Big South 5A/6A. The league features the reigning 5A state champion Crest, which wasn’t even the conference champion in 2025. That was Ashbrook.

Ashbrook will once again be vying for the crown in 2026, but a large graduating class for the Greenwave may open the door for Crest and fellow 5A power South Point to take a stab at leading the conference.

Kings Mountain will be competitive in the league once again despite losing its quarterback to Crest. Huss aims to take a step forward after a .500 finish last season and Forestview hopes to make another postseason appearance. Meanwhile, North Gaston has a new head coach as it tries to find its footing amongst heavy hitters.

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Ashbrook

• Ashbrook did not respond to the preseason questionairre.

Players who will be missed: Martino Smith (RB), Tyler Morgan (WR), Riley Hicks (ATH), Cayden Montgomery-Ross (WR), Caleb Gordon (LB), Benjamin Gregory (LB), Javerian Jeffries (DL/LB), Quamell Scott (DE), Keaton Blanton (CB), Jonathan Moore (OL), Keenan Early (DB), Khylan Harriston (OL)

Returning players to know: A.J. McClain (senior QB), Savion Lindsay (senior RB), Braylon Smith (senior WR)

New faces to look out for: Jaydin Phillips (senior OL)

The Greenwave had a resurgence over the past two seasons which culminated in an 12-0 start in 2025, the Big South 5A/6A Conference title, and a trip to the fourth round of the NCHSAA 6A state playoffs.

In his sixth year at the helm, head coach Darius James was named the league’s coach of the year. That was one of many awards won by the Greenwave. Graduated 3-star linebacker Caleb Gordon won DPOY before heading to NC State this fall. Javerion Jeffries was tabbed the league’s top defensive lineman, an honor Jonathan Moore earned on the offensive line.

But Gordon, Jeffries, and Moore are all gone now. So are an array of the team’s top defenders. Offensively, the Greenwave lost running back Martino Smith and receiver Cayden Montomery-Ross to graduation and receivers Riley Hicks and Tyler Morgan to transfer. The former to Palisades and the latter to Shelby.

While much of the unit will look younger in 2026, there are still some highly impactful returners from last season’s 12-1 team. Chiefmost amongst them is senior running back Savion Lindsay, who is drawing quite a bit of Division I interest.

The senior rushed for a team-best 844 yards on 136 carries as a junior. He will no doubt be heavily leaned upon to lead Ashbrook’s run game. Another Greenwave senior capable of treading grass is quarterback A.J. McCain.

McClain is back as starting QB after rushing for 483 yards and four touchdowns as well as throwing for 1,049 yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions on 46.3% completion. His top receiver from 2025, Braylon Smith, also returns in 2026.

The return for the offense is solid. The most intriguing questions for this team come on defense. Ashbrook only allowed its opponent to score 20+ on two occasions last season. Once in a double overtime win against Marvin Ridge, and then in its playoff loss to Northern Guilford. For a team that hung its hat on defense, losing its top nine tacklers to graduation will be a hurdle.

Team outlook: The Greenwave’s upward trajectory in recent years should tell us one thing: they are a force to be reckoned with in 6A. Replenishing the defense will be tough, but Ashbrook has what it takes to compete for the Big South again.

Crest

• Crest did not respond to the preseason questionairre.

Players who will be missed: Ely Hamrick (QB), Jason Black (RB), Michael Edwards (WR), Romeo Sanders (TE), Chris Gunter (LB), Nehemiah Rayquan Parker (LB), Taveon Whisnant (DE), Lyrik Pettis (S), Donovan Walton (CB), Pluto Surratt (S), Gavin Ledbetter (OL)

Returning players to know: Malachi Gamble (senior RB), Maurice Redmond (senior RB), Majay Thompson (senior WR), Brock Melton (senior WR), Khali Clark (senior LB), Paxton Dobbins (senior DL/TE), Javion Hopper (senior DB), Carson Grier (senior K)

New faces to look out for: K.J. Bell (QB)

A one touchdown loss to Ashbrook on Oct. 24, 2025, prevented Crest from winning the Big South this past season — but it didn’t stop the Chargers from winning their seventh state championship in December.

The 31-14 victory over Hunt in the 5A state championship awarded then head coach Greg Lloyd his first-ever state title as a head coach. After a long, successful career, the Crest alum decided to retire following the 2025 season.

Lloyd’s retirement ushers in a new era in Shelby. Or rather, the renewal of a different era.

After 11 years at Sumter High School (S.C.), Mark Barnes has returned to Crest where he led the Chargers to four state championship appearances and the 2014 title over Havelock. The Chargers now transition from championship coach to championship coach — one that is deeply familiar to the program at that.

Barnes’ return should help ease the transition and position Crest for title defense. With the coaching change made, attention turns to the personnel on the field. The field general will be of particular interest at Crest after the graduation of Virginia signee and 2025 Big South Offensive Player of the Year Ely Hamrick.

Hamrick filled the statsheet for the state champions as a senior. He passed for 2,919 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions on 68.8% completion. He also led the team in rushing yards (793) and rushing touchdowns (19).

He will be succeeded by an intraconference transfer and former Kings Mountain QB, K.J. Bell. As a sophomore with the Mountaineers, Bell threw for 2,100 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions on 59% completion. He has big shoes to fill, but his production as an underclassmen is a welcoming sign for the Chargers as the junior asserts himself as one of the most quickly rising quarterbacks in the state.

The Chargers lost a few other key contributors on offense, like receiving yards leader and athlete Mike Edwards and running back Jason Black who ran for 574 yards. However, they have high-level returners set to anchor the offense.

Majay Thompson might be the biggest name to watch for Crest. The 5-foot-11, 3-star wide receiver committed to Florida State this summer after reeling in 865 yards and a team-best 13 receiving touchdowns in 2025. Thompson’s presence downfield will help Bell as he makes his move to Crest.

A number of losses were suffered by the defense, including some all-conference performers. The return of linebacker Khali Clar and defensive backs Paxton Dobbins and Javion Hopper will be big for a defensive unit that gets younger this season.

Team outlook: Crest is going through a transition period, but it's a transition into familiar territory with familiar faces. K.J. Bell’s move to Crest should be interesting as the Chargers will certainly be players in the Big South and 5A again.

Forestview

Players who will be missed: Cooper Phillips (QB), LB Logan Harper (RB/LB), RB/OLB Achilles Littjohn (RB/LB). Jaydin Phillips (OL), Stephen Iyevbele (DE), Semaje Collins (OL/DL), Nasramein Knox (DE/OL)

Returning players to know: Aidyen Williams (senior WR/DB), Jontavious Battle (junior DB), Owen Kelly (senior OL/DL), Kamarion Dye (senior WR/DB), Marcus Rhodes (senior WR)

New faces to look out for: Jacole Bates (junior WR/DB), Chasaun Littlejohn (sophomore RB/LB), Brendan Shoffner (junior WR/DB), Nate Smith (senior WR/LB), Ryan Payseur (senior OL/DL/LB)

Last fall was not always kind to the Jaguars. They finished 3-8 overall, just 1-5 in conference, and suffered some costly injuries. The good news now for Forestview?

They are getting some of those guys back.

Head coach Chris Rayfield said they are returning senior wide receiver Kamarion Dye who missed the majority of this past season with a broken collarbone. Additionally, sophomore RB/LB Chasaun Littlejohn is back after missing seven games with a broken leg.

“Chasuan has a great combination of size, speed and versatility,” Rayfield said. “We are expecting both to be major contributors this year.”

Still, the losses for the Jaguars stacked up. Each of Forestview’s all-conference players graduated, including the team’s top rusher Achilles Littjohn. The Jaguars also graduated starting quarterback Cooper Phillips, who threw for 963 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in 2025.

Entering Year 3 at the helm, Rayfield must navigate losses in key positions. But after getting a taste of the postseason in a 29-28 heartbreaker at Concord in the first round last season, the Jaguars will assuredly be on the prowl for another appearance.

Team outlook: The major issue will be replacing key personnel while still trying to improve. Playoffs are reachable, but conference wins will be difficult to come by again.

Huss

• Huss did not respond to the preseason questionairre.

Players who will be missed: Amonti Hunter (OL), Ethan Presley (QB), J’Kwon Wilson (LB), Darius Dixon (LB),

Returning players to know: Obrian Lockhart (senior WR/DB), Marquavious Fewell (senior OL/DL), Kamari Falls (senior DE/TE), Quincy Fortenberry (senior ATH), Jevontae MacKins (junior ATH), Lucas Gunn (junior LB)

Four of Huss’ five all-conference players are back this season. That is important retention for a program looking to compete with some of the top names in 5A and 6A in the Big South.

The Huskies struggled to find any footing against the heavy-hitters of the Big South. They suffered lopsided losses to South Point and Crest and were shutout by Ashbrook despite holding the Greenwave to 16.

Thanks to a 3-1 run through non-conference, Huss was able to finish the regular season 5-5 before it suffered another one-sided loss in the first round of the playoffs versus Erwin.

Yes, Huss lost its starting quarterback in Ethan Presley, who threw for 1,729 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. But, the Huskies have each of their top two rushers back, including all-conference athlete Quincy Fortenberry. The rising senior was the team’s second highest receiver in receptions and yards as well.

The top receiver from 2025, Obrian Lockhart, is also back after pulling down 584 yards in 2025.

Defensively, the return of senior defensive end Kamari Falls will be vital for the team’s defense. He and defensive lineman Marquavious Fewell are back to anchor the defense.

Team outlook: The Huskies have a strong asset in returning talent. Moving up in the Big South is easier said than done, so Huss could look better this year without its record changing much if at all.

Kings Mountain

• Kings Mountain did not respond to the preseason questionairre.

Players who will be missed: K.J. Bell (QB), Lathan Feemster (LB/S), Semaj Odems (DE), Tex Vaugn (TE), Dom Davis (OL/DL), Wiley Rainey (DL)

Returning players to know: Samarion Dawkins (senior OL/DL), Xavier Hutchens (junior WR/S), Daeshawn Camp (senior LB/TE), Isiah Branch (senior WR), Khareem Coleman (senior RB), Christian Jarrett (junior LB/S), Kavion Byers (WR/S)

New faces to look out for: Jordan Jenkins (QB)

If any team was a testament to the strength of the Big South in 2025, it was Kings Mountain.

The Mountaineers finished 3-3 in conference play, and yet they defeated 3A state champion Shelby in the season opener. They lost 70-0 to Crest in the regular season finale, and yet they trekked to the third round of the NCHSAA 6A state playoffs. Last season’s eight wins were the fewest by the program in a season since 2020-21, and yet Kings Mountain was awfully competitive at a high-level.

Head coach Strait Herron knows how to win. He was a five-time state champion at South Pointe (S.C.) and was the national coach of the year in 2018 (via the U.S. Army All-American Bowl). Although he and the Mountaineers are still chasing that elusive NCHSAA state title.

They will have to grapple with the loss of talented quarterback K.J. Bell, who transferred to conference foe Crest after a successful sophomore campaign with the Mountaineers in which he threw for 2,100 yards.

Bell is not the only major loss for Kings Mountain. The Mountaineers graduated 3-star tight end and NC State signee Tex Vaughn, who led the team in receiving yards.

There is ample returning talent, too. Junior Xavier Hutchens is back after an all-conference year in which he netted 605 receiving yards. He was the only player besides Bell to have any forward passing attempts.

Skilled freshman Jordan Jenkins will certainly vie for time at QB this season. Before ever taking the field in high school, the 6-foot-2 Jenkins has begun turning the heads of college scouts.

Rushing leader Khareem Coleman is back as is all-conference WR Isiah Branch. Sophomore Kavion Byers should play big roles as a receiver and as a safety after getting varsity run as a freshman.

The loss of linebacker Lathan Feemster and defensive end Semaj Odems will be felt on defense. Still, a group of experienced defenders like Christian Jarrett and Daeshawn Camp will return to spearhead the defensive unit.

Team outlook: Herron’s group has a gauntlet of a schedule again. They should still be competitive in the Big South and a player in the 5A playoffs.

North Gaston

• North Gaston did not respond to the preseason questionairre.

Players who will be missed: Keshad Wright (QB), Keldon Williams (ATH), Donnavyn Thorne (WR), Gage Phalin (OL/DL), Josiah Smith (ATH)

Returning players to know: Jaden Jones (sophomore ATH), Rylan Barber (senior LB/TE)

Daniel Hoyle steps in at North Gaston in his first high school head coaching job this season.

He succeeds Darrel Wilson, who led NGHS to a 4-16 record in his two seasons at the helm. Most recently, Wilson and the Wildcats finished 1-9 overall, were battered by the rest of the Big South, and missed the postseason.

Hoyle steps into a difficult position at North Gaston. The Wildcats have had solid seasons, including a 5-6 campaign in 2023, but recently, 1-9 seasons have become commonplace. Those five wins in 2023 make up half the team’s 10 combined wins in the past five years.

The Wildcats graduated their starting quarterback, Keshad Wright, and their top offensive options in Keldon Williams and Donnavyn Thorne. The slate is wiped clean and it's time to start anew in Dallas, N.C.

Team outlook: It may be another difficult season for North Gaston, but Hoyle takes over with hopes to turn things around in the coming years.

South Point

Players who will be missed: Patrick Blee (QB), Walker Spargo (WB), Andrew Wright (OL), Eddie Brach (DT), Kham Crawford (DB), Ryan Payseur (OL),

Returning players to know: Landon Suttle (junior OL), Greg Blair (senior DL), Jent Miller (senior LB), Cayden Rumph (senior QB/DB), Kaveaun Pless (junior RB), Stratt Triplett (senior OL), Wilson London (junior OL/K), Jesse Ledford (senior WB), Malachi Felician (junior WB), Wade Jefferies (junior DE/LB), Tucker McWhirter (junior DB)

New faces to look out for: Jackson Penley (junior LB), Caden King (junior DE), Tre Gardin (sophomore DE), Kaleb Corey (sophomore DB), Ethan Conner (sophomore DB)

Crest was the Achilles heel for South Point last season. Outside of a one-score loss to conference champion Ashbrook, the Chargers were responsible for each of South Point’s other two losses — including a 28-14 defeat in the fourth round of the 5A state playoffs.

The Red Raiders will have a new face at quarterback following the graduation of Patrick Blee. Senior Cayden Rumph moves to the position full-time after limited action at QB as a junior.

Outside of that change, South Point returns much of its offense from 2025, including junior running back Kaveaun Pless, who will be a 2,000 yard threat on the ground after rushing for 1,803 yards and 25 touchdowns last season.

Protecting that run will be a reliable offensive line that features junior Landon Suttle, who has Power 4 offers. That line is part of the reason head coach Adam Hodge said his team’s size and physicality have improved greatly over the past few seasons.

Hodge said that a large rising junior class pairing up with an experienced group of seniors will be the team’s biggest storyline this season. Of course, Pless and Suttle are some of those talented juniors, as are Wilson London, Malachi Felician, Wade Jeffries, and Tucker McWhirter.

Team outlook: The Red Raiders will be a real threat for the Big South crown. They are big, physical, and difficult to stop.

Conference Superlatives

• Toughest schedule: Crest — The reigning 5A state champions will once again play the reigning 3A state champion: Shelby. The Chargers also play Weddington and Asheville on the road.
• Most favorable schedule: Huss — The Huskies have an opportunity to start strong. A game against T.C. Roberson won’t be easy, but it is followed by home contests with Bessemer City and North Mecklenburg. A road game at new school Lake Wylie (S.C.) rounds out the non-conference slate.
• Breakout team: Huss — It’s quite difficult to name a breakout team in a conference with four well-established powers from last season. With returners and room to grow, the Huskies fit the bill the best.
• Team with most questions: Ashbrook — A fair amount of roster turnover should make things interesting for the reigning conference champions. Crest and South Point will be tough to put away again.
• Player of the Year favorite: Kaveaun Pless, South Point (junior RB)
• Player who could have biggest breakout: Jordan Jenkins, Kings Mountain (freshman QB)

Standing Prediction

1. Crest
2. South Point
3. Ashbrook
4. Kings Mountain
5. Huss
6. Forestview
7. North Gaston

Playoff Forecast

• Likely to earn a home game: Crest, South Point, Ashbrook, Kings Mountain
• Likely to make it: Huss
• On the bubble: Forestview, North Gaston