2026 Mid-Carolina 4A/5A/6A Conference Football Preview: Storylines, Predictions, Players to Watch

Welcome to HighSchoolOT's 2026 football season preview for the Mid-Carolina 4A/5A/6A Conference. The league features Cummings, Eastern Alamance, Graham, Person, Southeast Alamance, Southern Alamance, Western Alamance, and Williams.

The race for the Mid-Carolina crown should be interesting. Defending champion Walter M. Williams lost much of its core, including reigning Offensive Player of the Year Kyrian Fuller. You can’t rule the Bulldogs out, but Southern Alamance and Southeast Alamance will quickly seize any opportunity.

The Patriots’ physical brand of football should place them in contention once again. Meanwhile, the Stallions have some talented pieces offensively that should make them a high-level contender in the conference.

John Kirby is back at the helm for another season of Eastern Alamance football, so the Eagles will be tough to beat. Meanwhile, Western Alamance is navigating a major coaching change that will make it an interesting season for the Warriors.

Person is looking to make its next step and Cummings wants to return to headlines as it brings in a new coach. Graham hopes to make some noise after years of struggle.

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Cummings

Cummings did not respond to the preseason questionnaire.

Players who will be missed: JaKori McNair (QB), Jah’San Thompson (WR/CB), Corey Wiley (OL/DE), Devin Witherspoon (RB), Jaidyn Briskey (RB/DE), Jaheim Marley (LB), Dakari Toliver (CB), Braylon Parker (LB/SS),

Returning players to know: Tamorie Brown (senior RB/DE), Luke Hadley (sophomore ATH), Ellsworth Turner (junior DE), Arteric Jones (junior LB), Jules Cotton (senior DE/SS), Semajay Wright (WR/CB)

The shift to the largely intracounty Mid-Carolina Conference was difficult for Cummings. In four seasons leading up to last year, the Cavaliers were a combined 34-12-1, but that was as a 2A school mostly playing other schools of similar size.

In the Mid-Carolina, Cummings has the luxury of playing close to home for every conference game. It also means that the Cavs and fellow 4A school Graham are faced with larger schools each and every week.

The Cavs went 3-8 overall and 1-6 in league play (the lone win over Graham). It was a down season for a traditionally strong program that has five NCHSAA state championships to its name — the most of any Alamance County school. The down season directly followed the departure of former head coach David Grimm in spring 2025.

In five years at the helm, Grimm produced winning seasons each year. The Cavs had a losing record in each of the eight seasons prior to Grimm’s arrival and in the season following his departure.

Terrance Alford served as interim head coach in 2025 before the school hired the program’s third leader in as many years in Darius Pinnix Jr. The Western Alamance alum took over the team in March and hopes to bring the Cavs back to the forefront.

He will have to do that with a new look. The Cavs graduated their five all-conference performers, including quarterback JaKori McNair, who threw for 1,518 yards, 13 touchdowns, and as many interceptions in 2025.

Possibly stepping into that role is senior Semajay Wright. He spent limited snaps at the position in 2025, but largely played wide receiver where he pulled in 370 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He is one of two major returners in the receiving core with sophomore athlete Luke Hadley back for his second year on varsity after registering 381 yards as a freshman.

The team’s top tackler from 2025, junior Ellsworth Turner, is back for the defense. He will be joined by junior Arteric Jones and senior Jules Cotton. There is a foundation of returners, but many of the starting spots will be filled by new faces.

Team outlook: Pinnix Jr. takes over a traditionally solid program that took a step backward last season. Competition will be fierce, but Cummings should be able to make a playoff push thanks to its strength of schedule, much like last year.

Eastern Alamance

Eastern Alamance did not respond to the preseason questionnaire.

Players who will be missed: Douglas Kittrells Jr. (WR/CB), Daylin Ford (WR/CB), Jarrett Newell (DL/TE), Izayak Mathis (OL), Zack Merchel (QB), Tyler Westbrooks (WR), Isaiah Hairston (LB), Chase Lindsay (DL), Cayden McIver (CB)

Returning players to know: Trint Totten (senior DL), Devontia Clark (junior WR), Alfonso Gonzalez-Turner (junior OL/DL), Braxton Ballard (senior QB), Sammy Raphael (senior RB), James Cochran (senior RB/LB), Dereon Garner (senior RB/WR), Justice Daye (junior DL), Rett Page (senior LB), Jacob Currie (senior CB/SS)

After 32 years as head coach and a pair of state championship appearances, the legendary John Kirby retired from his position as head coach following the 2023 season.

That retirement turned out to be short-lived.

Eastern finished the 2024 season just 3-8, but still made the playoffs. Despite the postseason trip, former head coach Mitch Mitchener resigned on June 24, 2025, after just one year leading the program. Soon after, the school announced that longtime head coach Kirby was set to return as interim head coach in 2025.

The arrangement was thought to be temporary, but Kirby remains in the position for a second year, this time as the full-time head coach.

In Kirby’s first year back, Eastern improved to 5-7 overall and 3-4 in conference. The Eagles were able to defeat Graham, Cummings, and Person, but couldn’t move up the pecking order in league standings. Though, EAHS showed promise during stretches.

After opening 2025 with two losses to Eastern Guilford and Northwest Guilford, the Eagles earned a nice 32-31 win at Central Davidson. That was the Spartans’ only loss until dropping to eventual 4A state champion Reidsville in the state playoffs.

The Eagles lost their most frequent quarterback, Zack Merchel, to graduation as well as their most productive receiver: Douglas Kittrells Jr. The former threw for 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns. The latter led the team with 668 receiving yards.

Thankfully for Eastern, they have returning options. Senior Braxton Ballard saw action at QB last season, collecting 478 yards on 62 attempts. He threw for three touchdowns and as many interceptions on 56.5% completion. He has seen varsity snaps in each of the past two seasons.

Although EA lost Kittrells Jr. and another productive receiver in Tyler Westbrooks, junior Devontia Clark will step into an even bigger role in 2026. Clark was all-conference after pulling down 496 yards last season.

The running back group remained largely untouched. Sammy Raphael led the team with 959 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior. He will be joined once again by seniors Jamez Cochran and Dereon Garner, who rushed for 728 and 132 yards respectively a year ago.

On defense, the Eagles bring back the 2025 Mid-Carolina DPOY, defensive lineman Trint Totten (with an offer from East Carolina), and fast-rising junior DL prospect Justice Daye, who has an offer from Kentucky.

As long as Kirby is on the sidelines, stellar coaching will be an advantage for Eastern. The long-time leader also added some former head coaches to his staff this offseason.

Devante Pettiford heads to Mebane after serving as defensive coordinator at Western Alamance last year. Pettiford was previously the head coach at Orange. Another former head coach joining the staff is Antwain Cook of Bartlett Yancey.

Team outlook: Eastern has solid pieces back, including its head coach. The Eagles should have a legitimate chance at cracking the top three of the conference standings and should be a shoe-in for the postseason.

Graham

Graham did not respond to the preseason questionairre.

Players who will be missed: Jayden Hilton (WR/DB), Rico Brooks (ATH), Aaron Royster (QB/RB), Isaiah Sutton (LB)

Returning players to know: Ja’Den Hamlet (senior QB), Devin Hennix (junior DB/WR), Dytavious Spencer (sophomore LB)

The Red Devils used to be a football power. They’ve won two state championships, with their latest win coming in 2000. However, recent years have proven disastrous for Graham. As a 4A school last season, Graham was 0-10, a record that has become increasingly common for the Red Devils.

Graham is just 10-39 over the past five seasons and 1-19 during head coach Mykel Searcy’s first two seasons. In seven conference games last year, the Red Devils scored just one combined touchdown.

The road only leads upward for the once powerful Red Devils now. The journey back to contention begins with a favorable non-conference slate in 2026.

The season kicks off at Chatham Central, which Graham claimed its most recent win over on Oct. 4, 2024. Graham’s season-opener with the Bears last year was its closest game of the 2025 campaign, but ultimately ended in a 30-26 loss.

Week 2 vs. Cedar Ridge should present a similar opportunity. The Red Wolves have also struggled as of late, ending last season 1-9. If Graham can command wins in either or both of its first two games, it may be able to open 2026 with positive momentum.

From a personnel perspective, the Red Devils return their most productive quarterback option from 2025: Ja’Den Hamlett. He was also the team’s top rusher a year ago. While the team did lose its two all-conference performers in Jayden Hilton and Rico Brooks, Graham returns its leading passer, rusher, and receiver from a year ago with junior Devin Hennix ready to lead the receiving core.

Team outlook: Graham will need to cash in on opportunities in non-conference play. Stretches in the Mid-Carolina will be awfully difficult for the Red Devils once again.

Person

Players who will be missed: John Elkerson (ATH), Gavin Jones (OL/DL), Carter Hodgin (LB/K), Aaron Trujillo (OL/DL), Tanner Seals (OL), Ethan Norris (RB/SS), Nathan Biever (OL)

Returning players to know: Tae Winstead (senior WR/CB), Todd Hall Jr. (senior LB), Willie Lunsford (senior QB), Elijah Thomas (senior RB), Winston Norton (senior WR/DB), Justin Pope (senior RB), Quincy Bowman (junior WR/SS), Lachaz Burton (senior WR), Brandon Davis (senior OL), Christian Burwell (senior DL/OL), Rylan Phillips (senior LB)

New faces to look out for: Kasen Evans (sophomore RB), Aaron Wade (junior (TE), Jeremiah Jackson (sophomore RB/WR), Kazorian Thorpe (sophomore WR), Kevin Williams (sophomore OL)

For the first time since 2002, Person football captured a playoff victory this past season. A 68-56 offensive slugfest at J.F. Webb resulted in a historical victory for head coach Michael Johnson in his second year at the helm.

He took over the Rocket program unexpectedly as interim coach in June of 2024 after Carl Smith Jr. left for Corinth Holders. Just over 15 months later, Johnson helped PHS make history.

“It means we're headed in the right direction,” Johnson said. “That’s the first part. Those first three years, I think you have to build a foundation and in the first two years, we've had a little bit of success that has carried us a little ways.”

The 2025 season ended at Northside-Jacksonville in the second round of the 5A state playoffs. But even against a Monarch team that reached the regional final, PHS was competitive throughout the first half.

“It shows that our team, our kids are competitors,” Johnson said. “It also shows how difficult our conference is that we made it into the playoffs and then we still go second round into the playoffs.”

Person is somewhat of a black sheep in the Mid-Carolina. Of the eight schools, it is the only non-Alamance County program. Not only are the Rockets outliers, they have also traditionally struggled against many of the Alamance County opponents.

All-time, Person is 10-36 against Alamance County teams. Prior to last season, in which it defeated Graham and Cummings, its most recent official non-forfeit win against an Alamance County opponent came in 1974 over Williams (though PHS beat Williams in 2007 and 2008 but had to forfeit the wins due to ineligible player violations). In limited opportunities, the Rockets have never defeated Southern or Southeast Alamance.

Johnson has already succeeded in bringing a postseason win back to Roxboro. He has also succeeded in bringing continuity to the program. For a team that experienced coaching turnover often before his promotion to head coach, consistency is important. A former Rocket himself, Johnson seems here to stay.

Now the next step is conquering Alamance County foes.

As aforementioned, Person defeated Graham and Cummings last season. However, it suffered lopsided losses to Williams, Southern, Southeast, Eastern, and Western. But just a season prior, the Rockets lost two heartbreaking one-point games to EA and WA. Those are two games PHS always has circled on its schedule and that won’t change this season.

If the Rockets want to break into the top five of the Mid-Carolina and finally start racking up wins against Alamance foes that have eluded them for so long, it starts Week 4 in Mebane and Week 5 against Western.

So, how is Person’s roster stacking up?

The Rockets return quarterback Willie Lunsford. The senior started select games as a sophomore in 2024 before earning the full-time gig in 2025. Lunsford’s arm transformed the look of Person’s offense from a run-heavy game to pass-first. He racked up 1,860 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions on 48.1% completion last season.

He broke the program record for consecutive games with a passing touchdown (10), and should have an opportunity to break his own record with a familiar target at wide receiver: Tae Winstead.

Winstead and Lunsford have been playing together all their lives, and the duo certainly looked comfortable connecting in 2025. Winstead tied the school record for most receiving touchdowns in a single season with 14 — and he did so on just 22 receptions and 641 yards.

The only receiver with more yardage was the graduated John Elkerson with 668. Elkerson was a four-year varsity player for the Rockets. He was consistently the fastest and one of the most dangerous weapons on Johnson’s squads. He is perhaps the biggest loss for PHS.

In his absence, Person will lean on Winstead as well as the team’s leading rushers Elijah Thomas (782 yards) and Justin Pope (754 yards) who are back for their senior seasons. Sophomore Jeremiah Jackson will be another young guy to watch at running back and wide receiver after spending limited time on varsity in 2025.

Another big loss for PHS was on its line. The Rockets graduated all-conference linemen Aaron Trujillo and Gavin Jones as well as starters Tanner Seals and Nathan Biever. The formerly senior line will look much younger this season, but Johnson said he has motivated guys ready to step in.

Defensively, Person returns its most tenacious defender in senior linebacker Todd Hall Jr. It loses all-conference linebacker and kicker Carter Hodgin — which will cause a shift in special teams — but has a handful of effective defenders back, namely Hall Jr.

Team outlook: Person has continuity at head coach and momentum after a playoff win in 2025. The Rockets should return to the playoffs and have their hopes set on upsetting some Alamance foes in conference.

Southeast Alamance

Players who will be missed: Aiden Pak (LB/TE), Treygan Lucas (LB/RB), Joel Samari (OL/DL), Josh Gant (DB/WR), Antonio Williamson (WR/DB), Austin Cook (LB), Logan Deal (OL)

Returning players to know: Joseph Gibbs (junior WR/DB), Drew Easter (senior TE/DE), Logan Luang-Sy (senior WR/DB), Tyler Jackson (junior QB), D.J. Callis (senior RB/DB), Jabril Byrd-Marshall (senior OL/DL), Jatayvion McMillan (senior WR/DB), Major Hubbard (senior WR), Jace Evans (senior DB), Zaydin Harris (senior LB)

New faces to look out for: Isaiah Tumey (senior LB/RB), Cole Eisch (junior OL), Austin Battle (junior OL/DL), Pedro Cabello (junior OL)

This year’s senior class will be the first to have spent all four years at Southeast Alamance.

The school opened its doors in 2023 and wasted no time fielding competitive teams in many sports, including football. In 2024, the Stallions were 2A contenders after winning their conference and going undefeated in the regular season before being upset by Kinston in the second round of the state playoffs.

Last year’s new classification system and conference realignment changed Southeast’s athletic climate in two important ways. Firstly, the Stallions made a big jump from 2A to 5A. Secondly, they would be in the same conference as the other Alamance schools for the first time. The first year after making that jump wasn’t as fruitful as an 11-1 finish, but 8-4 was nothing to shake your head at.

This special group of seniors will look to lead Southeast past the second round after falling in there twice straight. Two of those seniors were the leading rusher and receiver for the Stallions in 2025. D.J. Callis was an all-conference running back with 811 yards and 13 touchdowns. Logan Luang-Sy was an all-conference receiver with 819 yards and seven touchdowns.

And yet, the pair of seniors have not attracted the most college attention of any Stallions. Those honors belong in part to senior, 6-foot-4, 225-pound, tight end and Florida International commit Drew Easter, who was all-conference with 345 yards and five touchdowns last season. However, the team’s most highly-recruited player has been 2028 3-star wide receiver and South Carolina commit Joseph “Jet” Gibbs.

Standing at 6-foot-1, 187 pounds, Gibbs only saw action in six games for Southeast last season. With just 159 yards as a high school receiver, his potential has still managed to fly off the field and into the attention of scouts across the area. He should be a prime candidate for breakout player in the Mid-Carolina, especially with a quarterback as productive as Southeast’s.

Tyler Jackson returns as a junior after a solid season on varsity in 2025. He racked up 2,579 yards in the air with 24 touchdowns and just six interceptions with a 66.5% completion rate. Jackson also rushed for 249 yards and three touchdowns. With Gibbs and Callis sprinting downfield, Jackson should have no shortage of options as he drops back into the pocket.

The Stallions also bring a unit of defenders ready to go toe-to-toe with anyone in 5A on any given day. Among its defenders are those with college interest: Jabril Byrd-Marshall (senior DL), Brandon Lindsey (senior DB), and Cayden McIver (senior DB and transfer from Eastern Alamance).

Team outlook: Southeast’s offense should be strong. The Stallions will be amongst the favorites in the Mid-Carolina and will be competitive in the 5A East.

Southern Alamance

Players who will be missed: Ryan Norris (LB), Brantley Messick (OL/DL), Jace Rich (RB/LB), Jacob Alexander (RB), Luke White (OL), Curtis Evans (TE/DL),

Returning players to know: Jayden Brown (senior RB/DB), Sincere Thompson (junior RB), Hasan Miller (senior OL), C.J. McAdoo (senior WR), Zach Sutton (senior OL), Garrett Ledbetter (senior TE/LB), Tustin Johnson (senior WB), Maddox Hunter (senior OL), Ty Taylor (senior OL), Dennis James (senior DL/OL), Jake Compton (junior LB)

New faces to look out for: Camden Whittemore (junior S), Trey Foust (junior DL), Triston (freshman FB), Ian Burgess (freshman ATH), Caden Brooks (freshman OL)

This is the first time any current returning player at Southern Alamance has had the same head coach for two straight years.

After Fritz Hessenthaler was let go during a fourth round run through the 3A state playoffs in 2024, Tony McCants took over the program for one season before leaving himself. That left assistant coach Jonathan Hester to step into the vacancy, where he led the Patriots to an 8-4 finish in Year 1.

“The biggest difference for our team is consistency,” Hester said. “This is the first time our class of 2027 players will have had the same head coach for two seasons in a row. Our football program has clear expectations and a path moving forward. In the weight room we had a full spring under the same head coach which allowed us to make major gains in terms of strength and toughness. All of our players, coaches, and managers all understand what our objective in each game is, and what will make us successful. This is all a part of the consistency we haven't had over the last three seasons.”

The Patriots had a rough start to the 2025 season, though. They dropped back-to-back games to Eastern Randolph (which finished 10-3 on the season) and Patrick Henry (Va.) (which finished 11-1 on the season) at home. Eventually, that battle-tested non-conference slate prepared Southern for league play, where it won all but one game: a 48-7 loss to conference champion Williams.

As the No. 6 seed in the 6A East, Southern hosted a second round game before losing a heartbreaker to eventual 6A runner-up Middle Creek, 31-30.

“We used that loss to fuel our offseason progress,” Hester said. “When we looked back at that game the biggest issues we had were not doing the little things correctly. We let them recover an onside kick early, we had a false start on our last offensive drive that stalled us, we didn’t force a turnover, we had blown coverages, and with all of that we only lost by one. We used this offseason to emphasize how important little things are starting in the weightroom and practice habits. Our biggest storyline will be seeing how little things turn into big things.”

Hester has continued the tradition of running a Wing-T offense at Southern. The Patriots are physical, they run the ball, and they do it well.

The workhorse for that offense will be junior running back Sincere Thompson, who rushed for 1,511 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. Hester said Thompson has a good chance at collecting 2,000 yards this season and possibly breaking the program’s single season record for rushing yards. If he does that, his name would certainly be in the conversation for Mid-Carolina Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

Hester said he thinks one of the most overlooked or misunderstood aspects of the program is its offensive style.

“People look at this offense and think, ‘Oh my god, they're just running the same play. They're running the ball. They're running the ball. This is the worst kind of football you can ever watch.’ Those are direct quotes from people that have no idea what they're talking about.”

“It’'s an offense where you have to work hard,” he explained. “You have to want to work hard. And that's that's a perfect example of the Southern Almance community.”

For a blue collar community, Hester thinks the Wing-T is perfect. And the player that starts with the ball has been working hard to get back to the field himself.

Senior quarterback Tustin Johnson tore his patella tendon during this past basketball season and had surgery in April. He is rehabbing and working to be available for Week 1 of the 2026 season. Although Johnson didn’t throw the ball for long attempts last season (just 453 yards on 58 attempts), he played a crucial part in the offense, as any quarterback does. Johnson also rushed for 300 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025.

The Patriots lost some of their most productive rushers, including Jacob Alexander. However, Thompson’s return coupled with Johnson and all-conference two-way player C.J. McAdoo should set Hester’s team up for success once again.

Similarly, Southern lost some all-conference linemen, but brought back some veteran protectors that will help integrate a new group of younger faces to the line.

Team outlook: Southern’s physical brand of football will help it finish toward the top of the conference as it hopes to bring home the Mid-Carolina crown. The Patriots should be a host in the playoffs with a chance to make some noise in 6A.

Western Alamance

Western Alamance did not respond to the preseason questionairre.

Players who will be missed: Bryan Rivera, Esaiah Slade (Def.), Weston Greene (LB), Jordan Hall (RB), Amir Cummings (Def.), Jayden Jones, Kaiden Hatfield (WR)

Returning players to know: Ethan Oakley (senior QB), Dawson Boysel (senior), Carson White (senior), Colten Hill (senior WR), Marqua Sims (senior RB/LB), Christian Payton (senior RB), Keyari Poteat (senior WR)

For the first time in 16 years, Western Alamance will have a new head coach.

Longtime head coach Jeff Snuffer announced his retirement last November after a successful tenure as the leader of the Warriors. His successor will be Warrior alum and longtime assistant coach Drew Hambright.

The era of change will be compounded by the loss of the team’s offensive engine, Jordan Hall. The former Person Rocket led Western with 1,098 rushing yards on 176 carries in 2025. The Warrior offense often went as far as Hall could take it. And he and the rest of the Warrior offense often took it pretty far.

In Snuffer’s final season, Western pulled off impressive conference wins against Eastern Alamance and Southeast Alamance to finish third in the Mid-Carolina. A big reason for that was the team’s poised quarterback: Ethan Oakley.

Oakley is back in 2026 for his senior campaign. He threw for 1,203 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions on 59.9% completion as a junior. His most frequent receiver is also back in 2026: senior Colten Hill.

Hill led all Warrior receivers with 449 yards last season. Though, Western orchestrated much of its offense on the ground with Hall as the conductor. Oakley also rushed for 195 yards and three TDs. The only returning Warrior with more rushing yards is senior Marqua Sims.

Hill and Oakley are two of Western’s four returning all-conference players (it graduated six). Carson White and Dawson Boysel also return as key pieces for the WAHS defense. In fact, Boysel led Western in tackles last season with 96.

Despite the success in conference play, Western’s 2025 season ended in disappointment. After securing a home game in the first round as the No. 10 seed in the 5A East, the Warriors were upset by No. 23 seeded South Granville in the postseason opener. This year’s group will look to avoid that same fate.

Hambright is sure to put his own spin on things as he ascends to head coach. But the longtime assistant is likely to keep much of the program’s system in place. Having a familiar face from around the program can be beneficial when transitioning from a trusted, longtime coach like Snuffer.

Team outlook: A new coach and the loss of their RB1 will be difficult to juggle. However, Hambright is a familiar face within the program and should have the Warriors back in the mix of the 5A playoffs.

Williams

Players who will be missed: Kyrian Fuller (QB), Amarion Richmond (WR/RB), William Overby (WR), Porter Faucette (OL/DL), Cassidy Gray (OL/DL), Nathan Williams-Medley (LB), Elijah Kimber (DE), Vince Coker (LB), Bubba Sims (S), Zachary Powell (WR/TE), Colby Elliot (WR), Donovan Wallace (LB)

Returning players to know: Christian Booth (junior WR/SS), Braedon Vetter (senior TE), Jazian Bigelow (junior RB), Evan Bigelow (senior DL), Gavin McMahan (junior DL)

New faces to look out for: Akireon Robertson (sophomore RB 2029), Robbie Davis (sophomore QB)

Williams is fresh off two consecutive conference championships and reigning Mid-Carolina Coach of the Year Patrick Stokes and his squad aren’t likely to miss a beat. Still, replacing the production of the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year as well as one of the league’s most prolific rushers won’t be easy.

It’s not just two guys that graduated, though. Of Williams’ conference best 12 all-conference performers, only two returned. Of those departing, the aforementioned POY Kyrian Fuller and rushing leader Amarion Richmond are the most significant.

Fuller threw for 1,831 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just three interceptions on 64.9% completion for a highly efficient season. He also rushed for 796 yards and nine touchdowns. That yardage was second on the team only to Richmond, who covered 1,303 yards for 19 touchdowns during his senior campaign.

Fuller will be succeeded by JV promoted quarterback Robbie Davis.

Davis inherited an offense that led the No. 5 seeded Bulldogs past Franklinton to the third round of the 6A state playoffs, where Williams dropped at Union Pines, 17-7.

The Bulldogs lost their top two rushers, leaving junior Jazian Bigelow as the key returner in the running back room after tallying 481 yards as a sophomore. Similarly, the top two receivers graduated — William Overby and Zach Powell — both of which were all-conference.

One of the two returning all-conference players is Christian Booth, who stood out as a safety and will step up as one of the team’s top receiver options this season. The other is Braeden Vetter, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound tight end with much Division I interest.

Booth and Vetter will provide a foundation for a much younger team in Burlington. Coming off two conference titles, Williams pivots to a point of development and retooling. But still, the ‘Dogs have a good staff and a talented roster.

Team outlook: Williams has been the team to beat in Alamance County over the past few seasons. That won’t change until proven otherwise, so expect the Bulldogs to compete for a top spot in the Mid-Carolina again.

Conference Superlatives

Toughest schedule: Southern Alamance — The Patriots open the season with Eastern Randolph and Patrick Henry (Va.). Both games resulted in losses for SA last year and will be great challenges once again. Southern closes non-conference with a trip to Southeast Guilford.
Most favorable schedule: Western Alamance — Non-conference schedules are short in the Mid-Carolina, so no team has a particularly favorable schedule. But, games against Northwest Guilford and Southwest Guilford to open the season give Western a chance to start strong with a new head coach.
Breakout team: Eastern Alamance — The Eagles have finished below .500 in each of the past two seasons. That very well may change this season. Kirby is back on the sidelines and the Eagles have strong roster retention.
Team with most questions: Western Alamance — With the retirement of Jeff Snuffer, WA enters a new era. In a conference where margins are razor thin each Friday, a major coaching change can be difficult to navigate.
Player of the Year favorite: Tyler Jackson, Southeast Alamance (junior QB)
Player who could have biggest breakout: Joseph Gibbs, Southeast Alamance (junior WR)

Standing Prediction

Southeast Alamance
Southern Alamance
Williams
Eastern Alamance
Western Alamance
Person
Cummings
Graham

Playoff Forecast

Likely to earn a home game: Southeast Alamance, Southern Alamance, Williams, Eastern Alamance
Likely to make it: Western Alamance, Person, Cummings
On the bubble: Graham