The 2026 high school football season in the tri‑county region of Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory, with a slate of twenty marquee matchups that promise drama, upsets and championship implications.
At the heart of the excitement is Burns, a program that enters the year with lofty expectations and the return of legendary coach Mark Barnes, who previously guided the team to a dominant stretch a decade ago.
Crest, the defending NCHSAA 5A state champions, will look to protect their crown while integrating a refreshed roster and the continued guidance of coach Mark Barnes, whose offensive philosophy has become a hallmark of the squad.
Rivalries that define the area
Kings Mountain and Shelby have turned their series into a modern classic, with the Knights holding a five‑game edge over the past seven meetings and a thrilling 40‑34 victory last fall that kept the rivalry alive.
Crest and Shelby have split their last eight encounters since 2021, and the Lions’ recent four‑game winning streak has narrowed the all‑time series to a razor‑thin 30‑26‑1 margin.
Ashbrook, fresh off a 12‑win campaign, opens the season against Palisades and will test its mettle against a Crest team that posted a 70‑point outburst against Kings Mountain in a Halloween showdown last year.
South Point and Hickory, both eyeing NCHSAA 5A titles, are slated to collide in Week 1, while East Lincoln has struggled to beat Hickory since 2022, most recently falling 31‑28 in a heart‑stopping finish.
Lincolnton’s victory over Burns last season helped propel the team to the 3A West final, and the Cardinals will look to repeat that success as they chase another deep playoff run.
The storylines extend beyond the field, with standout performances such as Max Davis’ 252‑yard, five‑touchdown effort against Stuart Cramer last year, and Ashbrook’s 21‑14 win over Crest that secured the program’s first league championship since 2005.
As the season unfolds, fans can expect a roller‑coaster of emotions, from the ‘Battle for the Victory Bell’ streak that sees Ashbrook riding six straight wins over Hunter Huss, to the Halloween blowout where Crest routed Kings Mountain 70‑0.
With historic rivalries, title aspirations and breakout players poised to make an impact, the 2026 campaign in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties promises to deliver unforgettable moments for players, coaches and the broader community.