Preps: 2025 7A/8A Central Piedmont Conference Football Preview

As the new 7-classification alignment kicks off, the Central Piedmont 7A/8A Conference brings together six of the region’s most battle-tested programs: East Forsyth, West Forsyth, Reagan, Northwest Guilford, R.J. Reynolds and Parkland. This league merges the former Central Piedmont 4A and Metro 4A footprints, and—with East Forsyth’s three-year reign in the rear-view—parity reigns supreme. Below, we break down each roster, survey last season’s results, spotlight key departures and returnees, and issue our own projected finishes.

East Forsyth Eagles

2024: 13–1 overall, 7–0 Central Piedmont 4A
Key losses: Bryce Baker (QB, UNC commit), Chris Kirby (DL), Jaylin Murry (ATH), J.P. Gilchrist (WR), Nathan Stewart (LB)
Returnees to know:

• Jaire Richburg, Sr. WR – Caught 60 passes for 990 yards & 13 TDs
• Cannen Rottweiler, Sr. RB – 850 yards, 9 TDs on 122 carries
• Jabian Shabazz, Sr. OT – 4-star, 6’7″ left tackle
• Dominique Tshiboyi, Sr. S – Led team with 3 INTs; third-leading tackler

Quarterback outlook: Replacing Baker’s 3,500 yards and 40 TDs won’t be easy. Offseason transfer Cannan Carpenter (Jr.) and backup J.D. Fulp (Sr.) each merit serious consideration

Outlook: With an imposing offensive line anchored by Shabazz and a dual-threat back in Rottweiler, the Eagles have the pieces to keep winning—and our crystal ball still sees them atop the league slate. If the QB position can be settled, look for the Eagles to run the ball by committee and lean on their defense to contain teams. A favorable schedule gives East the slim edge in our Preseason predictions.

West Forsyth Titans

2024: 8–4 overall, 5–2 Central Piedmont 4A (finished 3rd)
Key losses: C.J. Blevins (RB transfer), Riley Horton (QB graduation), Van Baldwin (LB), Chancellor McMillian (DB)
Returnees to know:

• P.J. Dean, Sr. LT – 4-star, top-100 national recruit
• AJ McCloud, Sr. LG & Keith Foster, Sr. RT – Both hold FBS DI offers
• Daviel Eldridge, Sr. DL – Team leader in tackles (80), TFL (12) & sacks (13)
• Jailyn Moore, Jr. WR – 34 catches, 658 yards & 7 TDs; attracting Power-4 interest

Quarterback battle: Lake Norman transfer Haines Robitzer enters the fray, vying to replace Horton under center.

Outlook: One of the state’s deepest trench crews, the Titans have the firepower to challenge any neighbor—and we peg them second in the conference. Coach Kevin Wallace wants to control the pace on offense and with the best offensive line in the conference, West Forsyth will definitely be a contender. The Titans host defending conference champ East Forsyth in Clemmons on Fri Oct 3rd, in a matchup that may determine the conference.

Reagan Raiders

2024: 6–5 overall, 4–3 Central Piedmont 4A
Key losses: Jerry Summers (WR/DB), K.J. Woody (DL)
Returnees to know:

• Jacob Smith, Sr. QB – NC State commit coming off ACL rehab; previous starter
• Leo Housel-Rajacich, Sr. LB – 121 tackles in 2024; one of the state’s premier linebackers
• Eisa Evans & Harry Simpson, Sr. OL – Evans (6’6″, App State commit) anchors the left side
• John Evans Jr., So. RB – 922 yards & 8 TDs as a freshman

Outlook: With Smith healthy and Housel-Rajacich roaming the middle, the Raiders possess the quarterback-linebacker foundation to finish third in our projection. The Raiders offense fell off severly after Smith’s ACL injury in season, but expect Reagan to air it out this year. Reagan can definitely contend with East Forsyth and West Forsyth at the top of the conference, but will have to probably beat both squads to win the conference.

Northwest Guilford Vikings (new conference member)

2024: 9–3 overall, 5–2 Metro 4A
Key losses: Braden Ellis (OT), Collyn Shokes (DT), Herb McNeal (FS)
Returnees to know:

• Rob Lange, Sr. DE – Ran 4.68 40-yard dash; multiple FBS offers
• Rakem Hammock, Jr. WR – 51 catches, 881 yards & 8 TDs
• Anders Mitchell, Sr. QB – 1,386 yards, 15 TDs & 8 INTs; competition with Ferrell Price
• Ryan Houghtaling, Sr. LT & Ziyon Manning, Sr. RG – Two of eight returning OL starters

Outlook: Instant contender in its inaugural CPC campaign—but depth questions could limit the Vikings to a mid-table finish. 2nd best Offensive Line behind West Forsyth in the conference. Whoever emerges to become the starter at QB will determine the Vikings season. The Vikings will be a tough out every Friday night in the CPC.

R.J. Reynolds Demons

2024: 4–6 overall, 2–5 Metro 4A
Key losses: Jaylen Coakley (DB), Jayden Willis (WR), Mac Murphy (OL), Joe Crowley (LB), Josh Norris (RB)
Returnees to know:

• Tommy Elrod, Sr. QB – Three-year air-raid starter looking to boost his 45% completion rate
• DeAndre Charles, Sr. WR/DB – 6 INTs in 2024; two-way playmaker
• Ziare Bennett, Jr. RB – 407 yards & 4 TDs in eight games; improved hands
• Ashton Simmons & Jaylen Wheeler, Sr. OL – Anchors of a seven-starter returning OL

Outlook: The opening of Crater Field & Stadium provides an emotional lift, but on-field consistency may only be enough for a lower-division finish. Head Coach Joe Davidyock enters year 3 in Winston Salem with a team on the upswing, increasing the Demons win total each year. Still building, Reynolds will look to gain experience and upset the top teams in the CPC.

Parkland Mustangs

2024: 6–6 overall, 3–2 Metro 4A
Key losses: Tre Walker (EDGE), Leandre Thomas (DB), Kiwion Covert (WR)
Returnees to know:

• Ethan Bailey, Sr. QB – 826 yards, 9 TDs & 9 INTs in six starts
• Darihen Boston, So. QB – 580 yards & 4 TDs in four starts
• Vernon Champion, Sr. RB – Lead back, potential three-down threat

Outlook: A rebuilding year looms as new quarterbacks settle in; Parkland could finish at the bottom of the standings.

Season Prognosis

1. East Forsyth – Continues its dynasty on talent and balance.
2. West Forsyth – Trenches-first approach will grind out wins.
3. Reagan – Experience at QB and LB drives a top-three finish.
4. Northwest Guilford
5. R.J. Reynolds
6. Parkland

The centrally located fanbases can expect a season of gritty rivalries, instant classics and a race for second place behind the defending conference champion Eagles. Kickoff is August 22 across the Triad; the Central Piedmont 7A/8A era begins in earnest.