The 2026 high school football season in Cumberland County is set to begin on August 21, with the regular season running through October 30, followed by postseason play that culminates in state finals in early December.
Among the returning standouts, Peter Figueroa of Jack Britt emerged as a key back, logging 134 yards and two touchdowns last year, while Douglas Byrd’s Nicolas McRae showed efficiency with an average of five yards per carry and a rushing touchdown.
Shon Pone from Seventy‑First made a splash with 1,118 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, a performance that has attracted attention from several collegiate programs.
South View’s Cristian Simmons added another impressive tally, rushing for 1,331 yards and 17 scores, positioning him as one of the most prolific runners in the region.
Junior Sebastian O’Keefe of Terry Sanford also contributed significantly, leading his team in receiving yards per game and adding 369 rushing yards with five touchdowns.
College interest fuels excitement
The surge of interest from colleges is evident as Pone has received offers from ECU, James Madison, Army, Campbell and North Carolina A&T, while Simmons’ achievements have also put him on the radar of multiple programs.
With the season’s schedule now set, coaches and fans alike are eager to see how these athletes will translate their offseason promise into on‑field impact, especially as regional games loom on December 4 and the state finals approach.