North Carolina school hasn't even been open a decade and is a national title contender.
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Video: Early Contenders - Mallard Creek
Tradition is already strong at Charlotte-area school.
Head coach: Michael Palmieri
2015 record (MaxPreps national rank): 14-2, state 4AA champion (No. 36)
Last decade: 96-29 (school opened nine years ago)
Star power: Athlete
Ryan Jones (195, North Carolina), G
Travaris Moore (250), DT
Grant Gibson (426, North Carolina State), OT
Eric Douglas II (739, South Carolina)
Even more: Senior transfers
Chauncey Caldwell, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound quarterback, running back/linebacker
Cameren Lowery (6-0, 235) and cornerback Jacobe Clement (6-1, 190) should all help.
See the Mallard Creek preseason Top 25 photo shoot galleryGame to watch: Mallard Creek hosts perennial national power
Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) on Sept. 2.
Briefly: Of the school's 29 all-time losses, 20 came in the first two seasons. … The Mavericks return 12 starters, six on each side of the ball. … According to Palmieri, his varsity program features 22 Division I prospects.
Look for a full preview of the Mavericks on June 23.
Photo by Alik McIntosh/Graphic by SocialRecluse Graphx
