Johnston County highschool soccer outlook: Top gamers, top groups, predictions
CLAYTON
Head coach: Shane Helpful (2d season as head coach; 8-2 file).
2021 Spring File: 8-2, 4-1 (misplaced to Cleveland in 3AA East Regional finals).
Conference: Increased Neuse River 4A.
Returning starters: 9 (3 offense; 5 defense).
Returning lettermen: 24
Key returning starters: Donovan Spellman (6-3, 215, DE, sr.); Mason Rambo (6-2, 220, ILB, sr.); Will Coats (6-3, 287, C, jr.); Cade Cyrus (6-2, 245, DE, sr.); Everett Boyd (5-10, 168, FS/WR, sr.); John Amerson (5-8, 160, CB, jr.).
Key rookies: Mason Bland (5-10, 205, ILB, jr.); Zack Klingenbeck (6-3, 315, RT, jr.); Antonio Sinko (5-8, 187, RB, jr.).
Outlook: Clayton has been a soccer vitality for several years, and don’t query the soar to 4A (from 3A) and a barely inexperienced offense to glean within the process of one other successful season. Donovan Spellman, player of the year last spring within the Increased Neuse 3A and an Appalachian Converse commit, is a building block for the defense. Coach Shane Helpful said he expects the Comets to be tough up front and solid defensively. Style of the offensive educated positions would possibly well determine how a ways Clayton goes this drop.
– STEVE LYTTLE
CLEVELAND
Head coach: Scott Riley (eighth year as head coach; 72-21 file).
2021 Spring File: 10-1, 5-0 (misplaced to Mount Tabor in 3AA bid championship game).
Conference: Increased Neuse River 4A.
Returning starters: 16.
Returning lettermen: 29.
Key returning starters: Omarion Hampton (6-1, 220, RB/OLB, sr.); Skyler Locklear (6-0, 185, QB, sr.); Keyshawn Monk (6-1, 185, S, sr.); Leron Sparks (6-0, 175, CB, sr.); Jayshawn Middleton (6-1, 175, WR/KR, jr.); Steve Elliott II (6-1, 175, WR/S, sr.); Lenix Martinez (5-8, 175, OLB, sr.); Dillon Pardue (6-3, 215, DE, sr.); K.D. Harrison (6-2, 235, MLB, sr.); Josiah Peters (5-10, 160, CB/WR, soph.); Cam Goins (5-10, 165, WR/RB, soph.); Isaac Piatek (5-10, 165, DB/RB/WR, jr.); Avery Stanley (6-0, 275, OL, sr.); Kody Ellis (6-3, 315, OL, sr.).
Varied key returnees: Brendon Shoaf (5-10, 180, LB/Long snapper, sr.).
Outlook: Right here’s a team that went your entire ability to the bid championship game within the spring and has 16 returning starters. And one of them, RB Omarion Hampton, is a UNC recruit who will contend for bid player of the year. Can someone even dream of forestalling the Rams this drop? Properly, cling on a 2d. Cleveland is leaping from 3A to 4A, which implies its playoff competitors would possibly well contain groups love Rolesville, Cardinal Gibbons, Julius Chambers (the new title for 2-time defending 4AA bid champion Vance) – plus most of last spring’s 3A powers, who even possess moved to 4A (in conjunction with Mount Tabor). Cleveland’s gamers come all the most effective plan thru this as a collection, and there would possibly be a range of expertise to mount that set. QB Skylear Locklear accounted for greater than 2,600 complete yards within the spring; S Keyshawn Monk had 67 tackles, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries; and WR Jayshawn Middleton accounted for 700-plus yards on receptions and kick returns. And let’s now now not neglect Brendon Shoaf, one of the crucial bid’s top lengthy-snappers. Cleveland has the understand of an all-vital person team on a mission.
– STEVE LYTTLE
CORINTH HOLDERS
Head coach: Adam Khavari (third season as head coach; 8-20 file).
2021 Spring File: 1-5, 1-3.
Conference: Increased Neuse River 4A.
Returning starters: 10.
Returning lettermen: 14.
Key returning starters: Fred Foreman (5-8, 160, RB, sr.); Isaiah Faulkner (6-0, 175, QB, sr.); Austin White (6-2, 300, OT, sr.); Justin Horta (6-3, 315, OT, sr.); Jaheim Fields (5-10, 170, RB, sr.); Xzavier Fields (6-2, 290, DL, sr.); Donte Whitehead (6-0, 190, LB, jr.); Josh Ryals (6-0, 185, LB, sr.); Carter Felix (5-8, 160, S, jr.); Joe Palmer (5-7, 155, S, jr.).
Varied key returnees: Jackson Hills (6-2, 170, K, jr.); Tim Boyette (5-11, 160, DB, sr.); Kadden Boyette (5-11, 190, LB, jr.).
Key rookies: Walter Powell (5-11, 180, LB, jr.); Andre Graham (5-10, 190, LB, jr.); Kevin Olivares (5-10, 185, OL, jr.); Zach Henry (6-1, 285, DL, jr.); Jacob Alexander (5-7, 150, DB, jr.); Preston Blackley (5-9, 165, RB, jr.); Isaiah Label (5-10, 160, WR, jr.); Phillip Doyle (6-3, 195, C, jr.); Seth Rayfield (5-10, 170, DB/QB, jr.); Robbie Isenhour (6-0, 240, OL, soph.); Camden Weber (6-2, 215, TE, jr.).
Outlook: The Pirates bolt to a brand new convention and need to contend with in-county competitors Clayton and Cleveland. However Corinth Holders would possibly well contend this season. RB Fred Foreman rushed for 403 yards on 77 carries within the spring, and RB Jaheim Fields had 223 speeding yards. They will be running within the support of a pair of 300-pound OT’s, in Austin White and Justin Horta. The defense shall be very tough, with a pair of all-convention returnees in DL Xzavier Fields (13 tackles) and LB Donte Whitehead (26 tackles, six for losses). Add in a pair of now now not easy safeties in Carter Felix (12 tackles, one interception) and Joe Palmer (26 tackles), and also you’ve got a unit that would possibly well shut down opponents. One doable headache: Coach Adam Khavari will be playing a series of most modern starters. However that is also a flip-spherical year for the Pirates.
– STEVE LYTTLE
NORTH JOHNSTON
Head coach: Michael Barnett (third season as head coach).
2021 Spring File: 0-7, 0-5.
Conference: Neuse 6 2A.
Returning starters: 10.
Returning lettermen: 14.
Key returning starters: Isaiah Inexperienced (6-2, 185, QB/ DB, sr.); Carter Aycock (5-11, 210, RB/LB, jr.); Tyler Boswell (6-0, 265, OG/DT, sr.); Caleb Brown (5-10, 165, RB/DB, sr.);
Tyler Dominguez (5-10, 245, OG/DT, sr.); Brent Turner (6-0, 265, C/NG, jr.); Jack Seymour (5-10, 175, TE/DE, sr.); Anthony Muniz (5-9, 170, RB/LB, jr.); Cooper Gibson (5-10, 180, FB/LB, soph.).
Varied key returnees: Josh Meacomes (5-10, 180, TE/DE, jr.); Ashton Woodall (6-2, 210, TE/DE, jr.); Devan Richards(6-1, 170, WR/ S, sr.); Noah Hales (6-1, 255, OL/ DT, soph.).
Key rookies: Will Nigoche (5-9, 220, FB/LB, sr.); Eduardo Castillo Gonzalez (6-1, 270, OL/DL, sr.).
Outlook: The Panthers suffered rising concern for the length of the spring season, but coach Michael Barnett has a solid group of returning starters. It all begins with QB Isaiah Inexperienced, who has been reworked from huge receiver, and a gaggle of 4 tough running backs. North Johnston ought in command to bolt the ball – something it wasn’t ready to raise out successfully within the spring. The greatest alternate is at chance of be viewed on defense, the set a corps of experienced gamers must peaceful shore up a unit that allowed about 45 capabilities a game last season.
– STEVE LYTTLE
PRINCETON
Head coach: Travis Gaster (sixth season as head coach; 44-22 file).
2021 Spring File: 7-1, 5-0 (misplaced to John A. Holmes in 2d spherical of 1AA playoffs).
Conference: Neuse 6 2A.
Returning starters: 7.
Returning lettermen: 16.
Key returning starters: Paul Edens (6-0, 210, LB/FB, sr.); Jaydon Brooks (6-0, 205, TB/DB, sr.); Jake Crocker (6-5, 305, OT, sr.); McKinley Uzzell (5-8, 165, K/P, sr.); Peyton Mitchell (6-2, 185, DB/WR, jr.).
Key rookies: N/A
Outlook: RB Jaydon Brooks, who rushed for 1,293 yards, 16 touchdowns and averaged 9.4 yards a elevate, is support. So things understand gentle for the Bulldogs. FB/LB Paul Edens, an all-convention candidate, is also among the many returnees. So Princeton will be ready to speed the ball successfully, as is in general does. Coach Travis Gaster says one key for the Bulldogs frequently is the intention of what is an inexperienced defensive line. One other set: Princeton has moved to the 2A ranks and need to contend with perennial powerhouses Goldsboro and Beddingfield within the Neuse 6 2A. However Princeton is a winner, sooner than even getting on the sphere. The Bulldog soccer team has received the last two Commissioners’ Cup awards, for outstanding neighborhood service. Gaster believes that being part of a team must peaceful lengthen successfully beyond practices and video games.
– STEVE LYTTLE
SMITHFIELD-SELMA
Head coach: Deron Donald.
2021 Spring File: 2-5, 0-5.
Conference: Quad County 3A.
Returning starters: 13.
Returning lettermen: N/A
Key returning starters: N/A
Key rookies: N/A
Outlook: The Spartans will be poised to bag a step up this season. QB George Brewer (600 passing yards within the spring) and RB Clevonte Watson (742 speeding yards, 10 touchdowns) will give the offense some spark. A pair of junior linebackers, Jaylen Stancil and Jalil Howard, will anchor the defense. Stancil had five tackles-for-loss, and Howell carried out with 40 tackles within the spring.
– STEVE LYTTLE
SOUTH JOHNSTON
Head coach: Lee Webb (first year as head coach).
2021 Spring File: 2-5, 1-4.
Conference: Quad County 3A.
Returning starters: 15.
Returning lettermen: 15.
Key returning starters: Brayden Barefoot (5-8, 160, ATH, sr.); Ishiah Harris (5-8, 170, RB/DB, sr.); C.J. Redmond (5-10, 150, WR/DB, sr.); Jamie Cole (5-9, 155, LB, sr.); plus, quite loads of the offensive and defensive line regulars return.
Key rookies: Paul Olive (5-9, 175, QB/LB, sr.); Jaydn McNeil (5-10, WR/DB, sr.).
Outlook: In general, a brand new head coach inherits a rebuilding job. That doesn’t seem just like the case for Lee Webb at South Johnston. The Trojans return virtually all their starters on the offensive and defensive lines. Also support is Brayden Barefoot, an all-convention selection who can play several educated positions on both facets of the ball. Then, you add in QB/LB Paul Olive and WR/DB Jaydn McNeil, who had been injured within the spring. What you glean is a grand offense and defense. Webb’s finest set is that a series of his starters will bolt both ways, so any injuries will be an argument.
– STEVE LYTTLE
WEST JOHNSTON
Head coach: Jermaine Harper
2021 Spring File: 5-2, 3-2.
Conference: Quad County 3A.
Returning starters: 8.
Returning lettermen: N/A
Key returning starters: N/A
Key rookies: N/A
Outlook: The Wildcats beat everybody on their agenda but Clayton and Cleveland within the spring, and both of those groups possess moved up to 4A. However Antuan Snead, who rushed for 1,000 yards for West Johnston within the spring., is long previous Donte Harper and Nicolas Robinson will hope to establish pack up the load for the offense. The defense also misplaced several top gamers to graduation. DB Ryan Schmidt (four interceptions, two fumble recoveries) will lead that unit.
– STEVE LYTTLE
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
Increased Neuse 4A Conference predictions
1.Cleveland; 2. Clayton; 3. Garner; 4. Fuquay-Varina; 5. Corinth Holders; 6. South Garner; 7. Southeast Raleigh (Willow Creek, a brand new faculty, is playing a junior varsity agenda this season).
Quad County 3A Conference predictions
1.South Johnston; 2. Fike; 3. West Johnston; 4. Hunt; 5. Smithfield-Selma; 6. C.B. Aycock; 7. East Wake; 8. Southern Wayne.
Neuse 6 2A Conference predictions
1.Goldsboro; 2. Princeton; 3. Beddingfield; 4. Eastern Wayne; 5. North Johnston; 6. Spring Creek.