Shebly & East Lincoln Favorite to win States?

[Xman8balla]

From what I have heard from the Defending Champs an buzz I am hearing out of Shelby is it safe to say these two teams lead the way as the best teams in the State? Which teams could push them for the top spot or should be on NCpreps.com watch list this year?

 

[SHS LION]

Still very early

 

[Darkhorse04]

Clinton out of the east but west I have no idea. Clinton loaded with skill players, will have to find an OL and DL.

 

[CatholicCougs14]

Still a bit early, but I do think East Lincoln should be the favorite in 2AA. They bring back a lot including Surratt, and have an excellent coaching staff.
Shelby has an excellent one as well, but 2A is a bit more of a cloud right now. Mount Pleasant actually should be really really good. If they beat Central Cabarrus week 1 I think they'll run the table. Out east Clinton, SWO, East Bladen all figure to factor into the race. I give Clinton the early edge.

 

[owen98]

I think Mount Pleasant will give Shelby a run.

 

[CatholicCougs14]

I think Mount Pleasant will give Shelby a run.

I think they can as well. I really like what they have over there this season.

 

[Godevilsgo]

East Lincoln is loaded on the offensive side and return some good kids on defense. The assistant coach at East does a great job with the linebackers. I would not be surprised to see a couple kids go both ways to support losses at defensive backs.

Shelby could lose a few early with the aggressive schedule but even a 7-4 record in years has meant final four games. I think Shelby returns to the western final and no less.

Clinton is the favorite in the east.

Teams to watch:

Mt. Pleasant
Lincolnton- multiple Littlejohn kids starting.
Washington- they will reload
East Bladen

I would like to say Carver but the tough non conference schedule could get the kids down mentally early in the season.

 

[tarheel fan1]

Don't count out Reidsville

 

[SHS LION]

Mt Pleasant was the second best team Shelby last year.

 

[Elincoln]

I'll know more when I see some action but we've lost some guys on defense who were major contributors. Particularly two great D Linemen and an excellent FS. Also lost Valentine who played both ways (DB/WR) and was a huge playmaker on offense, and defense for that matter. We've got one of the best players in the state at QB, a great RB and a WR tandem I wouldn't trade for anyone.

We'll see. I think they're going to be very good. State champ material? Jury's still out.

 

[CatholicCougs14]

Washington actually had possibly the fastest defense I saw last season. I watched all the games at Wake and only Mallard Creek had a defense that fast. They really impressed me.
What does the Pam Pack coming back in 2015? Who is their competition in 2AA East?

 

[Elincoln]

Well I've heard Washington lost most of that defense but I'm not sure. Hard to believe they are going to be as down as people are saying. I think they just had a really impressive run of talent. They also have 3A numbers and that certainly helps. I agree, they had more team speed on defense than I've seen in a while in 2A. I Was at wake for all the games too.

Monroe D in 2013 was almost as fast, but they were quite a bit bigger than Washington.

 

[CatholicCougs14]

Well I've heard Washington lost most of that defense but I'm not sure. Hard to believe they are going to be as down as people are saying. I think they just had a really impressive run of talent. They also have 3A numbers and that certainly helps. I agree, they had more team speed on defense than I've seen in a while in 2A. I Was at wake for all the games too.

Monroe D in 2013 was almost as fast, but they were quite a bit bigger than Washington.

Monroe had a very fast D I agree. Washington was quicker everywhere and faster. I was very very impressed.

 

[Champ_24]

Keep sleeping on HP Andrews, them and NR is going to end someone's championship run.
Any chance Shelby goes 2aa?? Carver will be in the hurt too

 

[CatholicCougs14]

Keep sleeping on HP Andrews, them and NR is going to end someone's championship run.
Any chance Shelby goes 2aa?? Carver will be in the hurt too

Carver will be in the hunt. Not sure on North Rowan I have to see how they play with their new coach now that Nixon is back at West Rowan.
HP Andrews has a chance to be good I will say that.

 

[CatholicCougs14]

Was Shelby close to 2AA last year?

 

[Elincoln]

I don't think Shelby goes 2AA. Although, I admit I'd love to see our guys play them. It's a shame as close as East Lincoln and Shelby are that we haven't played in a while.

 

[Gary29]

Ah...Shelby vs. E Lincoln. That's something everyone in the area wanted to see last year but just wasn't in the cards.

Anyway I think those two teams are still the 2a/2aa favorites coming in. The East is going to have to step it up. Mark my words...Clinton will be good and Shelby shouldn't let last years game go to their heads. From what I've seen/read they are all in on avenging that loss. That is, of course if they meet again. Mount Pleasant and others may have a say in that.

 

['98 State Champion]

We are expected to grow in ADM this year with the Freshman class. Very excited that there is a good chance we will be 2AA. Now tell us how you REALLY feel East Lincoln?

Not everyone in the area wanted to see that Gary....certainly not those folks at EL!

 

[bralpa]

East Lincoln should be the favorites in 2AA, as they are the defending 2AA champs and return the preseason NC Preps All-State QB.

In the 2A, assuming Shelby stays in that division of 2A, anything can happen. Shelby should be very good offensively if the new QB can stay healthy and distribute the ball without turning it over. The defense will take some work to replace several graduated starters, so I expect a learning curve of 6+ weeks while the coaching staff gets the right guys in the right positions.

SWO, Clinton, Mt. Pleasant, N. Rowan, Monroe, Lincolnton, Carver, Reidsville, E. Duplin will all be in the mix, as they are every season.

Can't wait for Aug 14th, so I get to see the Cleveland County teams in live action at the CC Jamboree at Burns HS.

 

[SHS LION]

August 14 is the date of jamboree