CHARLOTTE LATIN AND BUTLER START THE SEASON ON TOP OF THE SUPER SEVEN FOOTBALL POLL

The South Charlotte Sports Report Super 7 Poll starts the season with two perennial favorites holding down the first two positions.  The Charlotte Latin Hawks kick off the season with a slight edge over the Butler Bulldogs.  Both squads lost an abundance of talent to graduation, and will face the tough challenge of having many news players ready from the opening kickoff next week.

At Latin, Head Coach Larry McNulty has built a great tradition of success since arriving on the scene in 1985.  His teams are known for their hard work and commitment to success.  WR/DB Ross Cockrell will be counted on for leadership on both sides of the football. He recently committed to play football next season at Duke University after a successful summer attending football camps across the country.   QB David Pearson is set to take over for UNC-Chapel Hill freshman Braden Hanson.  A season anywhere close to the one Hanson had last season will help Latin hold onto the State Championship.    RB Carter Barnhardt, DE Archie Macintosh and DT Nick Sella will also be key players for the Hawks this season.

Coach Mike Newsome’s Butler Bulldogs will start the season just below Latin in the Super Seven Poll.  Coach Newsome and his staff should be highly commended for helping 11 seniors to receive football scholarships last season.  Shockingly, the cupboard isn’t empty as the Bulldogs return a large amount of talent, led by one of the highest ranked players in the state, LB/RB Hawatha Bell.  At 6’1” and 230 pounds Hawatha has incredible strength and speed.   The Bulldogs are searching for a replacement at QB after Jacob Charest graduated and signed to play football at Illinois.  His younger brother, WR Nate Charest will be a key receiver for the new quarterback.  After catching balls from his brother his entire life, he has developed into a quality football player.  Other leaders include Anthony McGill, Marcel Sargent and Markel Moore.  Once again, Independence will provide the toughest obstacle as Butler chases a state championship.

One would have to look far and wide to find a football team with more talent at running back that South Meck.  The Sabres have the speedy Larry Kennedy Jr., the ultra dependable Tim Palmer and one of the toughest players in the area Spencer Shuey available.  Coach James Martin arrived at the school a little over two years ago and set his focus on restoring the Sabre Pride.  He has done that and more.  This year’s team could easily win a bunch of football games and advance through the first few rounds of the state playoffs.  Mark it down, The Sabres will upset someone big this season.

At Charlotte Catholic, Coach Jim Oddo simply keeps reloading the roster with hard working football players.  Catholic is never the biggest or the fastest team on the field, but the Wing-T offense is run with precision and the defenders never give up. This year’s top star is TE Tucker Windle who will follow his father with his commitment to the University of Virginia.  Other offensive weapons for the Cougars include Jadarius Bruce, Angelo Acitelli, Danny Reyes and Joe Felts.  Johnny O’ Boyle will serve as the leader of the defense.  There may not be a lot of returning starters, but look for great things from the Cougars by the end of the season.

The Ardrey Kell Knights have a wealth of talent returning, but must find a way to replace the quarterback play they received last season from Brad Wornick.  Leading players include DE Prince Shembo, recognized by many as one of the most talented juniors in the state.   Zico Pasut is the tight end that every coach would love to have and WR Sean Gary has 4.4 speed in the 40, creating major havoc for the defenders that try to keep up with him.  Sophomore RB Justus Pickett is developing into a fantastic running back for Coach Marty Woolbright.

Charlotte Christian is known for their defense and Coach Jason Estep will once again lean on his defenders to help the Knights contend for a state title.  Ty Linton, Kelby Brown and Michael Richardson may be the best set of linebackers in the area.   Once the defense turns the ball back over the offense, QB Luke Bard will build on his total of 20 touchdown passes last season.   This team may have lost some of their top stars, but we expect the success to continue.

Providence claims the final spot in the Super 7.  The Panthers didn’t reach their full potential in 2007, but Coach Randy Long will keep a repeat of last year from occurring.   LB Matt Pickett has the talent and instincts of all great linebackers.  The battle for quarterback will be between Chauncey Concepcion and Matt Hickson.  Once that is settled, 6’4” WR Braxton Deaver will become the top target.   Defensive back Damon Magazu is one of the top athletes in the area.

Many other teams can easily move into the Super 7 Poll with a good start to the season.  Weddington High School has produced many outstanding football players over the years.  One of the latest is Junior QB Anthony Boone who returns for his third season as the starter. One of his top targets will be speedy WR Kyle Bryant. On the defensive side of the ball, leaders will include Adam Sainz and Hunter Litaker.

Marvin Ridge must rebound from the loss of Coach Bruce Hardin after only one season.  Coach Scott Chadwick has talented players in the mix, so keep your eye on the Mavericks to make some noise this season.  RB Diego Lawrence can be a special player with his speed.  On the defense, Sophomore Vinny Sunseri could step into a leadership role this season.

The Carolina Pride, a team for homeschool and private school students, who would otherwise not have the opportunity to play or participate, continues to improve with each year.    Sky Lesh will provide most of the offensive fireworks for the team.  Other leaders include Will Hoey, Zack Inge and James Melton.

With so many players from the Class of ’08 earning college scholarships, the opportunities are endless for players to step into starring roles.  This season is sure to be packed with excitement and dramatic games.  The South Charlotte Sports Report encourages all sports fans in the area to head out to your local high school stadium to support the “home team.” 
Good luck to all football coaches, players, support staff and cheerleaders this fall!