A preview of high school football teams, players and games in Catawba County.
Catawba Bandys will rebound: The Trojans, 10-24 the past three seasons, won three of their final four games in 2017. New coach Tom Eanes has a history of rebuilding programs and has nine starters back, including all-conference RB/DE Ethan Howard.
Maiden won’t fizzle early again: The Blue Devils’ 11-0 regular season ended with a upset loss to Newton Foard in the first round of the 2AA playoffs in 2017. With 13 starters back, including LB Chris Morgan (116 tackles), the Blue Devils’ mission this year is a deep playoff run.
Newton Foard will be a threat: 15 starters return from a 9-4 second-round playoff team. Forget about the 4-18 record in 2015 and ’16, this is a talented team that will be a tough out in November.
Deandre Carlton, Hickory, DB, 5-8,160, Jr: Helped his team to a 6-6 record last season with 67 tackles, four interceptions. Hickory was 4-29 the three previous seasons.
Jack Colosimo, Corey Siemer, Newton Foard: Colosimo, a senior QB, and Siemer, a junior RB, helped spark a 9-4 record last season, the school’s best since 2008. Colosimo threw for 1,500 yards, 19 scores; Siemer rushed for 1,137 yards, 12 TDs.
Xavian King, Hickory St. Stephens, RB, 5-10,155, Sr.: One of 12 starters back from a 5-7 team (two wins better than 2016). King rushed for 1,062 yards and 12 touchdowns. Senior linebacker Chance Benfield (146 tackles in ‘17) and safety Nathaniel Vera (108) return.
Kyjuan McClain, Newton-Conover, WR/DB/RB, 5-8,175, Sr: One of 11 returning starters for first-year coach Steven Pack, a former school assistant. The Red Devils were 9-3 last season.
Caleb McDaniel, Maiden, WR/QB/DB/KR, 5-9,165, Sr.: He had more than 1,000 all purpose yards, 13 scores last season.
Newton Foard at Maiden, Aug. 17: Two championship favorites (Maiden in South Fork 2A; Foard in Northwest Foothills 2A) kick off season with big nonconference game.
Maiden at Newton-Conover, Oct. 26: It’s Senior Night at Newton, and this game could go a long way in determining the South Fork conference champion.
Hickory at Hickory St. Stephens, Nov. 2: This big inner-city battle could have playoff implications for both teams.
