I think it is safe to say that outside of J.M. Robison and NW Cabarrus, the SPC is just a little down.
Concord is still a good program, they are very well coached, but like some of the other schools in the SPC, they don't have enough to compete with NWC or JMR.
I know it's been almost 20 years since Carson opened, thus depleting South Rowan of 4A sized numbers, but one thing is still true, football in China Grove is still gritty.
Carson has always been a well coached team, and like South teams of old, they have shown a knack for wearing on a team, and winning close, defensive struggles. (Just a hunch, I didn't see the game)