Rebuilding Culture and Expectations
The 2025 season ended with a 2-9 overall record and a 1-6 mark in the South Piedmont Conference, marking the first losing campaign for Salisbury High School since 2016. The Hornets faced a tougher schedule after moving up to the South Piedmont Conference, and the early results reflected the growing pains of a program transitioning to a more competitive landscape.
Head coach Clayton Trivett, who has guided the team to three straight undefeated conference seasons in the Central Carolina Conference, is now focused on rebuilding culture, accountability and leadership. Trivett, a 36-14 coach over five seasons, emphasized that the foundation of the comeback will be daily discipline and a collective commitment to excellence.
On offense, returning quarterback Isaiah Foxx will spearhead the attack after throwing for 1,784 yards and nine touchdowns while also leading the team in rushing with 706 yards and eight scores. He will be joined by running back Xavier Frazier and a group of wide receivers that includes returning standouts DJ Jeter, Elijah Asare and Amir Simpson, as well as freshman sensation Rodney Eldridge, who is expected to make an immediate impact.
Defensively, the Hornets are reshaping their front seven. Former offensive lineman Hunter Franklin is slated to anchor the linebacker corps, while defensive line starters Izaiah Hairston, Domingo Wooden and Jabril Harris return to provide depth. In the secondary, Foxx and Braylan Hoffner are expected to start at cornerback, with Justen Eldridge and Nick Clement handling safety duties.
The roster will feature 65 to 70 players, bolstered by a strong freshman class that brings optimism for a quick turnaround. The Hornets will test their progress in the Rowan County Jamboree, scrimmaging at Davie before opening the season against South Iredell. Their schedule includes matchups against Forest Hills, Oak Grove, Carson, JM Robinson and East Rowan, offering a clear path to prove the new culture.
With a renewed emphasis on discipline, leadership and defensive improvement, the Hornets hope to reverse the 2025 narrative and reclaim a place among the conference’s elite. The community looks forward to seeing whether the blend of experienced returners and promising newcomers can translate into wins when the lights shine brightest.