RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesHigh school football is back … well, almost.
To whet fans’ palettes for the drama of Friday nights, Cleveland County football teams participated Friday, Aug. 7, in the annual jamboree at Ernest W. Spangler Stadium at Gardner-Webb. It was the first game-like action for teams in preparation for the 2026 campaign.
Here are a few observations from the action:
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Ready for takeoff?
It’s only one game, but the Kings Mountain offense may have something brewing.
A balanced approach provided largely desired results for the Mountaineers in a 21-7 victory over Myers Park at the Cleveland County Football Jamboree.
Kings Mountain flexed its muscle in the first period, with bruising back Daeshawn Camp rushing for two touchdowns while the shifty Khareem Coleman knifed through the Myers Park defense. However, for most, it was their first opportunity to see freshman quarterback Jordan Jenkins against live competition.
Jenkins impressed, showing his connection with Mountaineers wideouts Xavier Hutchens and Tony Boyd, among others. His decision-making — particularly when receivers were covered downfield — also caught the attention of those in attendance, as evidenced by a 20-yard TD run to cap Kings Mountain’s jamboree win.
Quarterback competitions?
After both graduating state title-winning quarterbacks, rivals Crest and Shelby find themselves in a similar position heading into the final week of preseason practice.
With Cleveland County all-time passer Lan Farmer settling into the role of spectator, his beloved Shelby football team worked through the kinks adjusting to a new full-time signal caller. Sophomore Cruz Scott started the Golden Lions’ 13-7 jamboree win over Corvian Community, with senior all-purpose man Kendrick Raper also taking snaps.
For all its weapons on the outside, their best friend — at least early on — may be a reliable ground attack. Coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,107 yards and 15 touchdowns, he offered a glimpse of what to expect on a 25-yard TD jaunt midway through the first 12-minute period. Though Woods was given a bulk of the carries, other Shelby rushers found success against a tough Corvian front as well
With Ely Hamrick now at Virginia, Crest experienced its own share of growing pains at the Cleveland County Football Jamboree. K.J. Bell led the Chargers on their only touchdown drive of a 10-7 win over Monroe, but it was senior Swiss Army knife Brock Melton who led Crest on a drive capped by a game-winning field goal.
The Crest defense impressed, however, with USF recruit Christian Stowe a frequent nuisance in the Monroe backfield. Such may pay dividends as the Charger attack gains its footing.
Lunch-pail mentality
It isn’t often one can start three all-conference players on the offensive line.
Such is expected from Burns football this fall, the likes of Gage Camp, Beau Harrill and Jesse Bryant opening holes for Bulldog backs.
The trio was part of an offensive line which opened holes at will during limited action, helping Burns veteran ball carriers Max Davis and Romelo Wells score on touchdown runs in a 19-7 win over South Mecklenburg. Wells also threw a TD pass toward the conclusion of the 24-minute game.
The Burns defense also settled in following a rough start, one which saw South Mecklenburg score on its opening drive. Following a 2025 season in which a stop here or there may have changed its trajectory, the Bulldogs in their first live action seemed to take a step forward.
This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Here are 3 observations from Cleveland County Football Jamboree
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