Butler leads the way with a national ranking. But don't overlook schools like Havelock, Mallard Creek, Richmond and Jack Britt.
Riley Ferguson and Butler are in the Preseason Xcellent 25 and are our pick to push aside all challengers en route to the state's top spot this season.
Photo by Randy Rimland
11-2
Head coach: Brian Hales
Team previewThis team reminds some of the 2010 squad that finished 15-0 and captured a state title. It reminds us a little as well, as Butler is
ranked No. 25 in the preseason Xcellent 25. With
Riley Ferguson and
Uriah LeMay, it is loaded on offense. In
Peter Kalambayi (ranked as No. 3
OLB in Class on 2013) and
Channing Stribling, it boasts equally impressive talent on defense. In Hales’ second season at the helm, Butler is poised for a run at another state title. Butler has the top program in the state according to our June, 2011
North Carolina Top 10 dynasties story.
2. Havelock2011 finish: 16-0
Head coach: Jim Bob Bryant
Team previewHavelock was one of the more dominant medium-sized schools in the country last season, finished 16-0 and outscored opponents 811-214. While it must endure the loss of some key parts, a bulk of that 2011 squad returns, led by sensational junior running back
Derrell Scott and his counterpart,
Taylor Woods. They combined for 2,753 yards and 36 scores last fall.
Pharoh Cooper, a South Carolina commit, will take over behind center. The team’s two leading tacklers,
Tyrone Bradley and
Andrew Ramirez, both return. Havelock finally added its name to the
North Carolina state football champions for the past 10 years list last season.
3. Mallard Creek (Charlotte)2011 finish: 13-1
Head coach: Michael Palmieri
Team previewMallard Creek enjoyed one of its finest seasons in the school’s (short) history, beginning the season 13-0 before falling to Page in the semifinals. Although blue-chip recruit D.J. Humphries has moved on to Florida, this team still has plenty of difference-makers,
Marquez North and
Brian Walker in particular. Mallard Creek will need to replace three players from the list of
North Carolina Class of 2012 Division 1 signees.
4. Richmond (Rockingham)2011 finish: 8-3
Head coach: Paul Hoggard
Team previewLast season, Richmond lost three games - unacceptable by head coach Paul Hoggard’s standards. A 41-7 loss to Scotland especially stung. With
Tyrone Crowder and
Alex Norton, Richmond has two of the state’s top offensive linemen, and should be able to use
Dakwa Nichols to pound teams with its run game. Richmond leads the list of the
North Carolina's Top 10 most consistent programs.
5. Jack Britt (Fayetteville)2011 finish: 11-3
Head coach: Brian Rimpf
Team previewRimpf has big shoes to fill in taking over for Richard Bailey, who left to become the head coach at Scotland during the offseason. Luckily, he has quarterback
Mark McCrae back; he passed for 2,293 yards last year. Though top target Kenny Jenkins has graduated, he’ll still be able to throw to North Carolina State-bound wide out
Jalen McDaniel. Look for Jack Britt players on the list of
2011 North Carolina All-Conference football teams.
