3-team battle likely in Central Carolina

Fifth and sixth in a series of prep-football previews.

The Central Carolina 2-A has a clear three-team race, with Thomasville, Lexington and Salisbury as undisputed front runners. It remains to be seen if a dark horse can emerge to challenge them.

Thomasville's bullish defense will set the tone for dominance, and outside linebacker Robert Davis and safety Isaiah Williams lead the unit. Davis had 53 tackles and 11 sacks last season, and Williams, a three-year starter, was the CCC defensive player of the year.

The Bulldogs have speed, quickness and tenacity, and they allowed 11 points a game last season. Still, the start of conference play is a long way off, and Thomasville first must survive a nonconference schedule that serves up Concord Cox Mill, Kannapolis Brown and Asheboro (all Class 3-A); Mount Airy (NCHSAA 1-A runner-up); Albermarle (NCHSAA 1-AA champ); and Davie County (Class 4-A).

The Bulldogs' ground game is top-of-the line. Running backs Kysean Green and Quinn Riley have different styles but rushed for 1,000 yards each last season. Quarterback Sam Nelson is set to resume where left off in 2009 when he threw for 1,553 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Thomasville's offense will add a few new wrinkles with Dickie Cline, Glenn's former head coach, on board as Coach Allen Brown's offensive coordinator. Cline has installed the spread offense to try to discourage defenses from stacking the line and to give Nelson the opportunity be more productive.

At Lexington, first-year coach Joe Gaddis said that there will be no wholesale changes but made it clear that followers are sure to notice differences from 2009.

Lexington was a big surprise in making the playoff cut at 5-6, but once there went on a roll that lasted until the semifinals and included upsets of Starmount and Thomasville. Gaddis, who coached in Tennessee last season, said those in the program are excited and want to build on what happened last year and that he "feels good about where we are right now."

Lexington will keep its spread offense and 4-3 defense. Gaddis acknowledged that he'll add his flavor to the mix, but wouldn't divulge particulars.

Quarterback Al Challenger and running backs Duke Horton and Marquez Grayson are primed to deliver. Challenger will keep defenses off balance with passes to a trio of reliable receivers led by Codie Boger. Brian Leak leads an offensive line that ranks among the best in the conference.

On defense, Thomas Martin will lead the pressure from his defensive end position, Malcolm Winston, Justin Knotts and Quandarious Crump are solid at linebacker, and Horton and Tirek Holloway anchor the secondary.

There's no question about Salisbury's offensive potency. John Knox excels as an option quarterback and breakaway back Romar Morris -- who has committed to North Carolina -- can score from anywhere on the field. They're key reasons why Salisbury has the CCC's most explosive offense (32.2 points and 370 yards a game last season).

Depth, though, is an issue.

"We're not depleted, but we're not where we'd like to be (numbers-wise)," Coach Joe Pinyan said. "We need a strong supporting cast. Our defense must grow up quickly. If we can get some success early, we could have an excellent season."

Also back from Salisbury's semifinal playoff run last season is Dominique Dismuke, a bruising inside runner and a perfect complement to Morris (1,300 yards, 17 touchdowns).

Salisbury's defense is dependable and sturdy with safety Darien Rankin leading the charge. Rankin, who also has committed to UNC, topped all tacklers with 156 hits.

Central Davidson has sufficient size, skill and motivation, but its hopes for upward mobility will hinge on how the defense performs, especially on short-yardage and third-down plays.

"Those are the money downs," Coach Mark Hoover said. "Our defense has to get better at having more three and outs so opposing teams are forced to punt on fourth down."

Landon Burkhart is back to run Central's hybrid Wing-T and should have ample help from running backs Itik Barnes, Josh Wright and Saig Skeen. Tackles Brandon Hurt and Dylan Sluder anchor the offensive line.

Central's 3-5 defense will use more stunts and blitzes to take full advantage of its speed and quickness. Nose Tackle Shilo Strass (6-3, 315) plugs the middle, Kolby Hunt is an all-star-caliber linebacker, and cornerback Jamal Forney is a Division I prospect.

Coach Dale Barnes believes that West Davidson has enough experience to make a strong showing, and 18 returning starters give the Dragons the appearance of budding contenders.

"We're continuing to develop the right frame of mind,' Barnes said. "Our players understand what it takes mentally and physically to play at a high level all the time."

Ozzie Moore will get most of West's carries out of I-formation sets, but the Dragons also will spread the field with James McCandies throwing to Jordan Cameron and Joseph Varner.

East Davidson could struggle with the early portion of its schedule and might need a few games to establish a flow in the newly-installed Flex-bone offense.

Quarterback Tyler Warren must play well for East to hold its own, and Dylan Robinson, Elliott Springfield and Justin Weavil are expected to lead the defense.

"We're coming along," Coach Bryan Lingerfelt said. "We're looking to get better every week and be ready by the time we start playing conference games."