Red Raiders favored to win Big South football title

The Big South 3A/4A Conference has a clear favorite this football season.

South Point is a unanimous choice to successfully defend its title according to a preseason coaches poll conducted by the Gazette.

The Red Raiders received first-place votes from all six other Big South head coaches. South Point returns 14 starters from last year, including nine from an offense that ranked second in the league with 414 yards and 37.4 points per game. The returnees include senior quarterback Desmond Lowery and junior fullback Aaron Crumbley, who combined for almost 3,000 rushing yards last season.

The usual suspects join South Point in the top poll positions. Ashbrook received the other first-place vote and totaled 30 points - six fewer than South Point - for second place. Crest was next with 24 points.

Forestview and Hunter Huss tied for fourth, followed by North Gaston and East Gaston.

Each head coach was asked to predict the league's order of finish, excluding his own team. Six points were awarded for a first-place votes, five for second-place, etc.

Four Big South teams will be in action as the regular season begins Friday. South Point will travel to face defending South Carolina AAAA Division II champion Clover. Ashbrook will play host to West Charlotte, while Forestview travels to Fort Mill, S.C., to face Nation Ford and North Gaston visits Alexander Central.

Crest and Hunter Huss will compete in the Cleveland County Jamboree on Friday before opening the regular season next week. East Gaston is off this week.

You can reach Phillip Gardner at 704-869-1843.

Big South 3A/4A Conference preseason coaches poll
Rank, school Points
1. South Point (6) 36
2. Ashbrook (1) 30
3. Crest 24
4. Forestview 20
    Hunter Huss 20
6. North Gaston 9
7. East Gaston 8