2026 Southwestern 7A/8A Conference Football Preview: Storylines, Predictions, Players to Watch

Welcome to HighSchoolOT's 2026 football season preview for the Southwestern 7A/8A Conference.

In 2025, the Southwestern was led by three front runners — Providence, Palisades, and Ardrey Kell — with Ballantyne Ridge, East Mecklenburg, and Rocky River all trying to find their footing. That pecking order should remain largely intact in 2026.

Providence returns Division I talent from its conference championship team. However, the departure of reigning SWC Coach of the Year Weslee Ward in late June should shake things up. Palisades is waiting in the wings, led by potential conference player of the year quarterback Cole Hough. The Pumas lost to Providence in a tightly-contested 34-28 overtime game last October.

Ardrey Kell projects to be in the mix again even with a new face on the sidelines. First year head coach Carter Greene will have to navigate a lot of youth, but the Knights should be able to secure a top three spot again.

The question remains if any of the projected top three teams will be able to push through the second round of the state playoffs. In 2025, both Providence and Palisades lost in blowouts in the second round of the 8A playoffs.

Ballantyne Ridge is looking to make a jump in Year 2 under Tyson Fernandez. The team returned most of its starters from 2025, meaning that jump is certainly a possibility this fall.

The 2026 North Carolina High School Football Conference Previews are brought to you by Talk it Out NC.

Talk it Out NC’s mission is to reduce underage drinking by fostering open, honest, and ongoing conversations between adults and young people.

Just like winning a big game, preventing underage drinking takes teamwork. Parents and teens can visit https://www.TalkItOutNC.org for resources to start the conversation about the risks of underage drinking.

Ardrey Kell

Players who will be missed: Jared Curtis (QB), Ja’Sean Sheppard (OL), Jad Aljakhbeer (DT)

Returning players to know: Khy'lieb Rodriguez (senior WR), Mackenzie Coates (senior DB)

New faces to look out for: Sidnee Westbrook (senior ATH), Bryce Helms (senior LB), Noah Dailey (freshman QB), Rico Abranches (junior DL), Hampton Leeper (sophomore DB/WR)

After nearly a decade on staff, former defensive coordinator Carter Greene steps into the head coaching role at Ardrey Kell. Greene takes over a program that was on the cusp of a really strong season in 2025, but ultimately lost a handful of close games.

The Knights were 6-5 in 2025, and of those five losses, three came by seven points or less — including a playoff loss to defending conference champion Providence.

Now, that senior-heavy team leaves a group of inexperienced players stepping into big roles. That will be the biggest challenge for Greene in Year 1.

The Knights lost senior quarterback and Southwestern Conference Offensive Player of the Year Jared Curtis and will welcome freshman Noah Dailey into the role. That transition at QB is perhaps the greatest example of youth taking over big roles. Many of the team’s top rushers and receivers graduated as well. However, senior wide receiver Khylieb Rodriguez serves as the biggest returning pillar for the squad.

The 3-star NC State pledge led the team with 755 receiving yards in 2025 to pair with nine touchdowns. His presence will be paramount for a young team and should be a familiar target for Ardrey Kell’s first-year quarterback.

The team has a healthy amount of returners to the offensive line, but could struggle to replace their interior defensive line from a season ago. While the Knights certainly lost their fair share of defenders across the roster, the defensive-minded Greene said their deepest position is still at linebacker.

Team outlook: For a team that was just a few plays away from a much-improved record in 2025, losing a lot of experience could be a large detriment to the program’s momentum. Still, the Knights have talent and should be in the playoff conversation.

Ballantyne Ridge

Players who will be missed: Caleb Owens (ATH), Ty’Barious Young (RB)

Returning players to know: Zion Caesar (sophomore WR), Holden Jones (junior LB), Leo Ntsain (junior LB), Nate Nwasike (junior DL), Jayden Krause (junior TE)

New faces to look out for: Ryan Rizutti (junior QB), Bryan Inneh (sophomore RB), Zayden Jeter (sophomore DL), Grayson Johnson (junior DB)

The 2025 season didn’t go as hoped for then first-year head coach Tyson Fernandez. At 2-8 overall, the Wolves had the worst record in the Southwestern. However, the vast majority of that roster returned for 2026. Now, Fernandez hopes experience could be the thing that helps propel Ballantyne Ridge to “shock the area with our improvement.”

A big addition for the Wolves is junior quarterback Ryan Rizutti, who transferred from Myers Park. In two years at MPHS, Rizutti threw for 1,118 yards in 13 games at QB. However, he threw for just 205 last season with Ramir Watson taking over the starting spot for Myers Park.

Rizutti takes over an offense that struggled at times a year ago. However, the Wolves bring back a lot of experience, including sophomore wide receiver Zion Caesar, who is receiving college interest after leading the Wolves with 447 receiving yards in his first varsity season.

Ballantyne Ridge also retains its quarterback from last season, Ryder Polston. The junior will move into an athlete position where he will be able to help in an assortment of ways.

Team outlook: With another year under their belt and a new quarterback, the Wolves should have a better chance to make the postseason.

East Mecklenburg

Players who will be missed: James Bailey (WR), Chima Arum (DE), Taiwan Timmans (LB)

Returning players to know: Aiden Donnelly (junior QB), Jay De Simone (senior QB), Tyler Willis (junior RB), Collin Hawkins (senior RB), Christopher Holley (junior OL), Maxx Priest (senior LB), Zahir Wilson (senior WR)

At 3-7, the Eagles are coming off their winningest season since 2017. It was a step in a positive direction for a program that has struggled in recent years.

Now, Lennie Sanders returns a lot of his starters with an opportunity to take another step forward. All-conference returnees Christopher Holley and Maxx Priest will look to spearhead that effort. They will be joined by a host of offensive upperclassmen, too.

The Eagles tried out different looks at quarterback a season ago, but both Aiden Donnelly and Jay De Simone return as options. Zahir Wilson should be a frequent target at wide receiver. He is the team’s highest returning receiver with 222 yards in 2025. He will command some of the receptions previously falling to graduated senior James Bailey (who led the team with 640 receiving yards in 2025).

East Mecklenburg didn't have any prolific rushers last season, however, it returns its three top rushers. Tyler Willis is perhaps the most notable. He rushed for 230 yards as a sophomore.

Team outlook: Despite a fairly favorable non-conference slate, it will be difficult for East Mecklenburg to make a jump into playoff contention.

Palisades

Players who will be missed: Dru Drakeford (LB), KJ Bynes (DB), Jamaare Williams (OL), Nolan Jefferson (OL), Jolani Legette (WR)

Returning players to know: Nick Rankin (senior DB), Hudson Nolden (senior TE), Cole Hough (senior QB), Dillion Hill (senior WR), Ephraim Holmes (junior OL)

New faces to look out for: Riley Hicks (senior WR), Zyquis Wall (junior DB), Kai Smith (junior OL), Somorian Wilson (sophomore DL), Jeremiah Holt (senior DB), Christian Collymore (senior DB).

The Pumas have shown solid growth over the past two seasons. Rising from losing records in 2022 and 2023 to 8-4 finishes in each of the past two years. Last season, Palisades finished second in the Southwestern and advanced to the second round of the NCHSAA 8A state playoffs.

The key in 2026 for head coach Jonathan Simmons will be navigating youth. Palisades graduated 30 seniors this past spring, including some key linemen. However, the Pumas return starting quarterback Cole Hough to lead the offense.

Hough threw for 2,189 yards and 17 touchdowns and ran for 246 yards and three scores in 2025. His most frequent target was Jolani Legette, who has since graduated. Now, the Pumas will lean on senior tight end Hudson Nolden and senior Riley Hicks to gain yardage.

Simmons said his team’s thinnest spot is at running back, which means even more pressure will fall on the shoulders of Hough and the developing receiving core.

Defensively, the Pumas have depth at edge. Senior defensive back Nick Rankin is set to lead a defense that gave up more than three touchdowns on just three occasions last season (once to reigning conference champion Providence and in each of the two state playoff games).

Team outlook: With so many interchanging parts, it will be hard for Palisades to improve its 8-4 finishes from each of the past two seasons. Still, the Pumas have a good base and should return to the playoffs and finish at least in the top half of the league.

Providence

Players who will be missed: Keland Shelton Jr. (WR), Colton Bogan (LB), Lucas Tselentis (OL), Adlai Martin (DE), Shawn Matthew (WR), Soto Kelly (FS), Treveon Pegues (OL), Cory Cunningham (DL)

Returning players to know: Jamison Causey (K/P), Luke Meador (senior QB), Alex Haywood (senior TE), Kaleb Vines (senior RB), Baron Ulusoy (senior OL)

The prevailing question at Providence is who will take the reins after former head coach Weslee Ward stepped down in late June after seven years at the helm. Ward left to pursue a coaching opportunity in his home state of Georgia.

The Panthers ran the table in Southwestern play in 2025 and added a first round state playoff win over Ardrey Kell for good measure. The SWC Coach of the Year and his group had a knack for winning close games, and cashed in on that ability before dropping in a 41-0 blowout to West Charlotte in the second round of the NCHSAA 8A playoffs.

Now, the program has little time to pivot and pursue back-to-back titles. Because of the timing, that won’t be easy, but Providence certainly still has the personnel to pull it off.

Providence returned six of its 12 all-conference performers from 2025, including its quarterback, Luke Meador.

The reigning champions lost SWC Defensive Specialist of the Year and Wake Forest commit Keland Shelton Jr., who transferred to Chambers. Similarly, Cory Cunningham, one of the nation’s most heralded recruits on the defensive line announced he was transferring to Hough on July 1. He led the Panthers with 15 sacks in 2025.

There are talented pieces leaving, but for the most part, the Panthers return their quarterback, the vast majority of their running backs and wide receivers, and they have a handful of returning all-conference defenders and special teams performers.

Team outlook: A late coaching change will shake things up and may be one of the deciding factors for the SWC title. However, the Panthers remain a playoff-level team with a chance to secure a first round bye if things work out well with the coaching transition.

Rocky River

Players who will be missed: Mykie Anderson (OL), Aditya Pendem (RB), Taquann Gittens (WR), Tyrell Barze (ATH)

Returning players to know: Jordyn Ragan (senior DL), Tyshon Taylor (junior LB), David Echevarria (junior QB)

Rocky River hasn’t exceeded three wins in a single season since 2018, in fact that’s the exact number of wins the Ravens netted this past fall. So, lifting the program to .500 or better won’t be easy, but that’s the goal at hand for new head coach Shon Galloway.

Galloway has more than 25 years of coaching experience under his belt, including as a defensive line coach for the Ravens last season. He brings back a pair of all-conference defenders in Jordyn Ragan and Tyshon Taylor, which should help ease his transition.

The Ravens also return starting quarterback David Echevarria, who threw for 1,045 yards as a sophomore.

The Ravens must find a way to make up for the loss of the team’s leading receiver Tyrell Barze. He transferred to Mallard Creek this offseason. His 674 yards in the air were impressive, but Barze was a do-it-all guy for RRHS in 2025. He also ranked second on the team in rushing with 255 yards.

Team outlook: A number of returners should help Galloway in his first year at the helm, however, making a playoff jump will be difficult.

Conference Superlatives

• Toughest Schedule: Palisades: Non-conference games at Ashbrook and Independence should provide challenges. A home game against Olympic will also be a solid test. Not to mention, they have to play at Providence in a game that will have huge conference title implications.
• Most Favorable Schedule: Rocky River: The Ravens have four non-conference games against teams that were below .500 in 2025.
• Breakout Team: Ballantyne Ridge: The Wolves return the vast majority of their starters from a season ago. For a program looking to grow, that is a good sign.
• Team With the Most Questions: Providence: A late coaching change could throw a wrench into things. The talent is there, but questions remain. Especially after the transfer of Cory Cunningham.
• Player of the Year Favorite: Cole Hough, Palisades (senior QB)
• The Player Who Could Have the Biggest Breakout: Zion Caesar, Ballantyne Ridge (sophomore WR)

Standings Prediction

1. Palisades
2. Providence
3. Ardrey Kell
4. Ballantyne Ridge
5. Rocky River
6. East Mecklenburg

Playoff Forecast

• Likely to Earn a Home Game: Palisades
• Likely to Make It: Providence, Ardrey Kell
• On the Bubble: Ballantyne Ridge, Rocky River, East Mecklenburg