Complete Rock Hill-area team-by-team high school football 2025 season preview
Here is a look at Rock Hill-area high school football teams this season:
Andrew Jackson
2024 overall record: 4-8
2024 region record: 3-2 in Region 4 2A
Playoff results: beat Liberty 42-17; lost to Batesburg-Leesville 49-14.
Returning starters: 14
Returning lettermen: 22
Key returning starters: Nick Carter, Sr., OL (6-2, 255); Zeke Clyburn, Sr., WR (6-4, 184); Curt Thomas Horton, Sr., K/WR (5-11, 154); Kam McGill, So., DE (6-0, 181); Damias Seegars, Sr., RB/KR/K (6-0, 180)
Other new players: Graham Edwards, Sr., OL/DL/TE (6-0, 2-5); Jase Fair, So., LB (5-7, 174); Jvon Kelly, Jr., WR/DB (5-7, 150).
Coach: Jeremy Smith (third season).
Season outlook: With most of the top players returning, this could be a big season for the Volunteers. The offense is loaded, with Seegars (1,082 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns, all-state honors) and Clyburn (17 receptions) leading the way. And the defense has standouts such as Fair (12 sacks, two interceptions) and McGill (98 tackles as a freshman). Smith expects his team to be strong on the offensive and defensive lines and with its rushing game. Andrew Jackson looks like the team to beat in its region.
Buford
2024 overall record: 2-7
2024 region record: 1-4 (Region 4 2A)
Playoff results: Did not qualify.
Returning players: Not available
Returning lettermen: Not available
Key returning starters: Cole Carnes, Sr., WR/CB (5-11, 165); Noah Crump, Sr., QB (6-3, 220); DeMarcus Peake, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 170) Marvin Randolph, Sr., RB (6-0, 185); Trevan Roberts, Sr., RB/LB (5-6, 165); Hawkins Wilson, Sr., WR/CB (5-10, 170).
Other key players: Gage Mahaffey, Jr., WR/DB (6-3); Luke Mayfield, Jr., OL/DL (6-1, 225).
Coach: Joe Watson (third season)
Season outlook: The Yellow Jackets lost two close games last season and were a young team. They have some pieces on offense, including Wilson, who scored five touchdowns. The defense should be improved, with Randolph, who had three sacks against Great Falls last year, and Roberts, who averaged 6.6 tackles a game. Buford appears to be making progress on its road back to contention.
Catawba Ridge
2024 overall record: 8-4
2024 region record: 4-2 (Region 3 5A).
Playoff results: beat Woodmont 38-35; lost to T.L. Hanna 57-34.
Returning starters: 14
Returning lettermen: 27
Key returning starters: Josh Dobson, Jr., CB (6-1, 175); Nolan Jones, Sr., LB (6-0, 200); Cannon McFadden, Sr. OL/DL (6-4, 235); Darius Sutton, Sr., WR (5-11, 160)
Coach: Zac Lendyak (seventh season).
Season outlook: The Copperheads made a huge leap last season, improving from 1-9 to 8-4. But a key player in that jump, QB C.J. Couch (3,000-plus passing yards) has graduated. The Copperheads will have several new faces at the skill positions, but Sutton (684 receiving yards, eight touchdowns) is an experienced WR. The defense has nine returning starters and should be strong. Dobson is among the Carolinas’ top recruits, with multiple FBS offers. He had 48 tackles and three interceptions last season. McFadden anchors the DL, and Jones (10 tackles per game) leads the LB corps. If Catawba Ridge can score, the Copperheads should be OK.
Clover
2024 overall record: 8-4
2024 region record: 4-2, Region 3 5A.
Playoff results: beat Blythewood 31-28; lost to J.L. Mann 44-14.
Returning starters: 13
Returning lettermen: 25
Key returning starters: Latrell Ellison, Sr., WR (5-11, 165); John Haywood, Sr., WR (5-9, 165); Jayden Henry, Jr., WR (6-0, 175); Jackson Hill, Jr., DE (6-1, 250); Jaylon Holmes, Sr., LB (5-11, 195); Najah Potts, Jr., DB (6-0, 160); Caron Printi, Sr., LB (6-0, 210); Heath Printi, Sr., OL/DL (6-0, 220); Aaron Shealey, Jr., QB (6-2, 190); Brandon Smith, Sr., DB (6-1, 175); Grady Stone, Jr., RB (5-9, 170); Brody Woolbright, Sr., QB (6-0, 175),
Other key players: Brody Bowan, Jr., TE (6-3, 200); Cerion Douglas, Sr., OL (6-4, 260); Omari Stroud, Jr., LB (5-11, 195)
Coach: Perry Woolbright (third season).
Season outlook: Perry Woolbright is three victories away from 100 for his career, and he should reach that mark pretty quickly this season. Stone rushed for 825 yards last season, and Shealey had 1,275 yards in receptions. They’ll give QB Brody Woolbright two excellent weapons to run the offense. The defense also looks stout, led by Printi (84 tackles, four sacks), Hill (six sacks) and Smith (70 tackles, three interceptions). Put it all together, and the Blue Eagles have a team that could push Northwestern and Indian Land in the region.
Fort Mill
2024 overall record: 2-7.
2024 region record: 1-5 (Region 3 5A).
Playoff results: Did not qualify.
Returning starters: 15.
Returning lettermen: 21.
Key returning starters: Caleb Clark, Sr., OL (6-5, 275); Joseph Duey, Jr., TE/LB (6-2, 225); Noah Hardy, Jr., K (5-10, 160); Quinn Kelly, Sr., QB/DB (5-10, 175); Broden Mitcheson, Jr., ATH (5-9, 165); Gray Patterson, Sr., LB (6-3, 215); Jameson Terrell, Jr. WR (5-10, 160)
Other key players: Mason Burt, So., DB (6-0, 160); Josiah McKinzie, Sr., RB (5-9, 160); Brett Scalessio, Sr., DB (5-10, 170); Smith Stapleton, Jr., DE (6-3, 225).
Coach: Ron McNeely (eighth season).
Season outlook: Fort Mill’s program has struggled, trying to find consistency amid the opening of two new high schools in the district in recent years. This year could mark a turnaround. McNeely has nine defensive starters (and six on offense) returning. The Yellow Jackets have a pair of outstanding linebackers in Patterson (a Charlotte 49ers commit) and Duey (an all-region pick in 2024 and the team’s leading tackler the past two seasons). The offense features Mitcheson, who rushed for 800-plus ,yards last season, and Clark on the line. If the game is close, there’s Hardy, who connected on a 48-yard field goal last season.
Indian Land
2024 overall record: 6-6
2024 region record: 3-3 (Region 3 5A)
Playoff results: beat Eastside 34-21; lost to Northwestern 49-6.
Returning starters: 16
Returning lettermen: 34
Key returning starters: Bryson Conner, Sr., WR/DB (5-10, 175); Jackson Conner, Jr., LB (6-0, 215); Mike Foster, Sr., DE (6-3, 235); Jamol Horton, Sr., RB (5-10, 180); Mikey Johnson, Sr., LB/TE (6-1, 215); Matt Lucia, So., QB (6-3, 160); Sequel Patterson, Jr., WR/DB (6-1, 175)l Jackson Wian, Sr., OL/DL (6-1, 270).
Other key players: C.J. Petri, Sr., LB (6-3, 195); Curtis Sullivan, So., OL (6-3, 250); Noah Terry, Sr., DB (6-0, 165).
Coach: Adam Hastings (fifth season).
Season outlook: After arguably the program’s best season in a decade, Indian Land is poised for even bigger things this season. The Warriors have eight offensive and eight defensive starters returning, with Horton (1,374 rushing yards, 6.2 yards per carry) and Patterson (an all-state receiver) leading the offense. Kucia played well as a freshman at quarterback and should be even better this season. The defense looks to be strong, especially at linebacker, where Wian earned all-region honors last season. Can Indian Land actually challenge Northwestern and Clover for the region championship? The pieces appear to be there.
Lancaster
2024 overall record: 4-7
2024 region record: 2-4 (Region 3 4A)
Playoff results: lost 41-21 to Wren in first round.
Returning players: Not available.
Returning lettermen: Not available.
Key returning starters: Zy’Quarious Clinton, jr., QB (5-11, 180); Keir Jackson, sr., DB (5-9, 150); Devone McCarter, jr., OL/DL (5-11, 240)
Other key players: Tamarion McCullough, so., OL/DL (5-9, 205); Jamarion Patton, so., WR/CB (5-7, 150).
Coach: Marcus Surratt (fourth season).
Season outlook: Surratt is an excellent motivator, as he guided a 1-9 team in 2023 to the third round of the playoffs. A key to the offense will be the development of Clinton at quarterback. The defense has some talented players, including two-time all-region defensive back Jackson. The Bruins will have their hands full in a stacked Region 3 4A but could be a tough out once again if they make the playoffs.
Nation Ford
2024 overall record: 1-10
2024 region record: 0-6 (Region 3 5A)
Playoff results: Did not qualify
Returning players: Not available.
Returning lettermen: Not available.
Key returning starters: Mason Colunga, Sr., DL (5-10, 210); Malachi Drayton, Sr., RB (5-10, 205); Jamari Gore, Sr., WR (6-1, 185); Jayden Scott, Sr., WR/CB (5-11, 170); Justin Smiley, Sr., LB (6-1, 205).
Other key players: Asher Beck, Jr., ATH/QB (5-9, 160); Kason Canupp, Sr., QB; Micah Gadsen, Jr., DB; Nigel Johnson, Jr., DB; Logan Thomas, Jr., DB
Coach: Jake Bentley (first season).
Season outlook: It’s the start of a new era at Nation Ford, with former South Carolina Gamecock QB Jake Bentley at the helm. The Falcons lost an outstanding passer-receiver tandem to graduation, but they’ve added a standout QB in transfer Kason Canupp, who threw for 1,199 yards and 11 touchdowns last season at Rock Hill. Canupp has targets, in East Tennessee commit Jayden Scott (48 receptions, 664 yards) and Asher Beck. Defense was a problem last year, and that could be the key again this season. Players like Mason Colunga (62 tackles) and Justin Smiley will need to lead the way.
Northwestern
2024 overall record: 14-0
2024 region record: 6-0 (Region 3 5A)
Playoff results: beat Indian Land 49-6; beat Greenwood 35-6; beat Gaffney 58-40 for Upper State title; beat Irmo 34-31 for 5A/Division 2 state title.
Returning starters: 11
Returning lettermen: 30
Key returning starters: Jayden Baxter, Sr., DB (6-0, 180); Chris Coleman, Sr., C (6-3, 280); Nasir Hannah, Sr., OL (6-2, 315); Kam McFadden, Sr., LB (6-0, 200); Quay Mobley, Jr., RB (5-8, 175); Kam Vance, Sr., WR (5-8, 165); Tamarion Watkins, Sr., DB (6-4, 200).
Other key players: Evan Harrison, Sr., WR (5-6, 140); Xavier Means, Jr., QB (6-0, 155); Antavious Ross, Sr., LB (6-0, 185).
Coach: Page Wofford (seventh season).
Season outlook: The Trojans lost 11 starters from their state-championship team, but Northwestern typically simply reloads. The offense probably will be more ground-oriented this year, relying on Mobley. But Means, who inherited the QB spot from Finley Polk, has showed himself capable of leading the team’s “air-raid” passing game. Defensively, the Trojans look to be strong on the line and in the secondary. A region title looks likely, but Northwestern’s goal is bigger things.
Rock Hill
2024 overall record: 5-6
2024 region record: 4-2 (Region 3 5A)
Playoff results: lost to River Bluff 34-17.
Returning starters: 7.
Returning lettermen: 26.
Key returning starters: Connor Clawson, Jr., WR (6-2, 162); Joseph Gaddy, Sr., DL (6-1, 230); K.J. Gill-McDonald, Sr., DB (5-9, 170); Nigel Lightner, Jr., DB (6-1, 160); Kaleb Wright, Jr., LB (5-9, 205).
Other key players: Jo Jo Brooks, Jr., ATH (5-10, 155); Jonah Torres, Jr., WR (6-0, 164); Kam Wilson, Jr., WR (6-1, 160)
Coach: Leon Boulware (first season).
Season outlook: Boulware arrives as head coach, promising to bring “tradition and pride” back to Rock Hill football. He is stressing toughness and said his first Bearcat squad will be a young one. The defense looks to hold its own, led by Lightner, Gill-McDonald (74 tackles last season) and Wright (79 tackles). The offense lost QB Kason Kanupp, who transferred to Nation Ford, and will have to be developed.
S.C. Spartans
2024 overall record: 1-7
2024 region record: 0-4 (Pioneer Football League)
Playoff results: Did not qualify
Returning players: Not available
Returning lettermen Not available:
Key returning starters: Colin Davis, Jr., QB/WR (5-7, 130); Samuel Turci, Sr., QB/WR (6-0, 160)
Coach: Jacob Fairbanks (second season)
Season outlook The: Spartans, a team of students who are home-schooled or attend private schools, opened their season Aug. 9 with a 30-0 loss to the Georgia School for Innovation and Classics.
South Pointe
2024 overall record: 11-3
2024 region record: 6-0 (Region 3 4A)
Playoff results: beat Greer 56-17; beat Daniel 49-35; lost 35-14 to Westside in Upper State finals.
Returning starters: 10
Returning lettermen: 21
Key returning starters: Anthony Baxter, Sr., OL/DL (6-4, 335); R.J. Brown, Sr., RB (5-9, 190); J’Zavien Currence, Sr., DB (6-3, 210); Cam McMillion, Sr., QB (6-4, 200); Seth Tillman, Jr., DL (6-4, 206)l Kaiden Watkins, Jr., ATH (5-10, 180); Miles Wilson, Sr., DT (6-1, 300).
Other key players: Kimari Barber, Jr., QB/DB (6-1, 160); Karl Burg, Jr., LB (6-0, 180); Dalian Duncan, Sr., WR (5-10, 175); Josiah Lewis, Jr., DL (6-3, 200); Malik Ratliff, Jr., WR (6-1, 170); Kadin Vassel, Jr., WR (5-11, 160).
Coach: Bobby Collins (fifth season).
Season outlook: The Stallions once again will have a high-powered offense, but look for McMillion’s passing game to carry a heavier load than last year, with standout RB Mason Picket-Hicks now off at college. McMillion threw for 2,580 yards last season, despite missing some time due to injury. RB R.J. Brown, a Lancaster transfer, could pick up some of the missing rushing yardage. As usual, the defense will be strong, with Tillman (76 tackles, 15.5 sacks in 2024) and a pair of South Carolina commits in Baxter and Currence (48 tackles, two interceptions). Collins says the offensive line and kicking game are question marks.
York
2024 overall record: 2-8
2024 region record: 1-4 (Region 3 4A).
Playoff results: Did not qualify.
Returning starters: 10
Returning lettermen: 38
Key returning starters: T.J. Bratton, Jr., TE (6-2, 195); Tayshon Freeman, Sr., QB (6-3, 225); Riley Gaston, So, OL/DL (5-10, 280); Drew Miller, Sr., C (6-1, 290); A.J. Mobley, Jr., DL (6-2, 230); Jah’Mad Moore, Jr., DB (5-9, 175); Bennet Reeder, Jr., DB (6-2, 180), Emmanuel Smith, Sr., DL (6-3, 250); Connor Sweatt, Sr., DL (6-2, 235); Levi Ward, Sr., OL/DL (6-5, 270).
Other key players: Ryan Bruchi, So., QB (6-5, 200); Ky-Ky Davis, Jr., CB/WR (6-0, 170); Karter Faris, Sr., CB (5-9, 155); Zee Isam, So., WR (5-11, 155); Saadiq Worthy, Sr., CB (6-3, 185).
Coach: Dean Boyd (seventh season).
Season outlook: The Cougars are big, and they are strong defensively. They didn’t allow more than 21 points in any game last season, led by Moore (five sacks, two fumble recoveries). Sweatt and Smith also had multiple sacks and fumble recoveries. Offense was a problem, however. This year, York has outstanding linemen in Miller (graded at an 84), Ward (82 grade) and Gaston (78.6 grade). Skilled position play is the big question. Boyd hopes Freeman will have a big season at QB, but he has the sophomore, Bruchi, waiting in the wings. If York can move the ball, the Cougars will win more games.
2025 region predictions
REGION 3 5A
1. Northwestern; 2. Indian Land; 3. Clover; 4. Fort Mill; 5. Catawba Ridge; 6. Nation Ford.
REGION 3 4A
1. South Pointe; 2. A.C. Flora; 3. Camden; 4. Richland Northeast; 5. York; 6. Lancaster
REGION 4 2A
1. Andrew Jackson; 2. Cheraw; 3. Pageland Central; 4. North Central; 5. Buford; 6. Chesterfield