The 2026 high school football season is set to begin on August 21, with the regular slate running through October 30. After a month of regular‑season battles, postseason play will open on November 6, leading into regional finals on December 4 and the state championship games scheduled for December 10‑12.
Key Returning Linebackers to Watch
Across Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties, a handful of linebackers distinguished themselves in the 2025 campaign, posting numbers that have coaches and analysts eager to see what they can accomplish next year.
Daeshawn Camp of Kings Mountain recorded 53 tackles, nine for a loss, four quarterback hurries and a blocked field goal, underscoring his disruptive presence on the edge.
Markalen Camp from Burns finished the season with 102 total tackles, four for a loss and two sacks, a combination that helped the Bulldogs tighten their front seven.
Maddox Carrigan of Cherryville contributed 49 tackles, 27 of them solo, adding consistency to his team's defensive rhythm.
Khalil Clark at Crest logged 77 tackles, 11 for a loss, a quarterback hurry, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery, showcasing a knack for creating turnovers.
Bryce Cuadra from Stuart Cramer was a tackling machine with 146 stops, 20 for a loss, nine sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, a performance that placed him among the most dominant defenders in the region.
Max Davis of Burns added 55 tackles, three for a loss, a sack, five quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries, while also blocking a field goal that proved pivotal in a close game.
Brayden Fortenberry, also from Stuart Cramer, posted 53 tackles, 13 for a loss, seven sacks and five quarterback hurries over eight games, highlighting his pass‑rush productivity.
Peyton Grooms from Lincolnton tallied 78 tackles, seven for a loss, a sack, two forced fumbles and an interception, illustrating his all‑around impact.
Lucas Gunn of Hunter Huss recorded 63 tackles during his sophomore campaign, a foundation that could see him climb the rankings next season.
Brandon Hartzell at Lincoln Charter finished with 49 tackles, six for a loss and a fumble recovery, contributing to his team's defensive stability.
Landon Hollifield from Shelby amassed 134 tackles, 31 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a blocked field goal, a stat line that turned heads across the state.
Dominic Kimble of North Lincoln added 52 tackles, four for a loss and a forced fumble, providing a steady presence on the defensive front.
Jalaythan Mayfield from Lincolnton was a standout with 152 total tackles, 26 for a loss, six sacks, two quarterback hurries, six forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, a blocked punt and a blocked field goal, a rare combination of volume and impact.
Jent Miller at South Point contributed 73 total tackles, three for a loss, a quarterback hurry and an interception, rounding out a solid defensive effort.
Landry Pruitt from Cherryville logged 39 tackles, seven for a loss and a sack, showing flashes of play‑making ability.
Logan Rogers of North Lincoln recorded 65 total tackles, seven for a loss, a sack and two fumble recoveries, reinforcing his team's ball‑security focus.
Gabe Sides at East Gaston posted 68 tackles, two for a loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery, adding depth to the defensive rotation.
Kenan Stewart from West Lincoln finished with 54 tackles, four for a loss, a sack and a fumble recovery, rounding out a productive offseason for the area's linebackers.