Palisades High School’s football program in Charlotte is aiming to shed its underdog status and become a top contender in the region. After a dramatic turnaround from a 1-9 record in 2022 to an 8-4 finish in the past two seasons, the team is poised to translate close losses into victories.
A Turnaround in the Making
The program’s progress is evident in its recent win‑loss record, but the real story lies in the narrow defeats that have shaped the squad’s mindset. Three games last season were decided by a combined 15 points, including a 21-19 loss to Clover after surrendering a 97‑yard drive in the final two minutes.
Palisades also led Providence 28-7 before dropping a 34-28 overtime decision, experiences that coach Jonathan Simmons uses as teachable moments to emphasize finishing games.
Leadership and Vision
Coach Simmons, a former player at Johnson C. Smith and a veteran of several Charlotte high schools, brings a brash confidence to the sidelines. In June 2021 he tweeted his ambition to become a high school head coach, a goal he achieved and now pursues with the aim of making Palisades a year‑in, year‑out powerhouse.
Returning talent provides a solid foundation. Fifteen lettermen and ten starters are back, among them quarterback Cole Hough, who amassed 2,100 passing yards and 17 touchdowns in his first season as a starter. Hough’s confidence in the offense’s potential mirrors the broader optimism within the program.
Rising star Ephraim Holmes, already holding multiple college offers, believes the 2026 squad will feature even stronger leadership. His belief, coupled with the team’s collective goal of becoming a consistent state power in Mecklenburg County, fuels daily competition in practice.
Looking Ahead
The vision extends beyond the field. Simmons wants Palisades to become a destination for football talent in Charlotte, a program that not only competes but also finishes games with poise. With a strong returning core, a coach driven by a clear manifesto, and players eager to prove themselves, the Pumas are set to chase a future where championships are within reach.