A New Era for the Central Piedmont 7A/8A
The Central Piedmont 7A/8A Conference is gearing up for what promises to be a compelling 2026 season. Formed from the merger of the former Central Piedmont 4A and Metro 4A leagues, the conference blends tradition with fresh competition, setting the stage for a year of storylines that will capture the attention of fans across the region.
East Forsyth is aiming to restore its program to double‑digit wins, anchored by new starter Braxton Johnson, a transfer from Reidsville who brings high school quarterback experience. Meanwhile, Reagan’s John Evans Jr. returns as a leading candidate for conference Player of the Year, and his teammate Jacob Smith, now at NC State, is making a strong comeback after an ACL tear in 2025.
Defending champion West Forsyth will face a tough schedule but remains a contender, with Levi Morales stepping into the starting quarterback role after the graduation of Haines Robitzer. Northwest Guilford is navigating big roster changes, transitioning a former wide receiver to quarterback, while Parkland is embracing youth, relying on inexperienced players after a challenging previous season.
R.J. Reynolds is building on its first playoff appearance since 2018 and its first winning season since 2017, hoping to add another chapter to its resurgence. The conference’s blend of established programs and emerging teams creates a landscape where each game could shift the balance of power.
Storylines to Watch
Key storylines include whether Braxton Johnson can quickly adapt to East Forsyth’s offense, how Levi Morales fills the void left by a departed quarterback, and whether Northwest Guilford’s positional shift pays off. Additionally, the emergence of young talent at Parkland and the continued development of Reynolds’ roster could redefine expectations across the league.