2014 season: 6-6 overall, 2-4 Central Piedmont Conference, made 4A playoffs as No. 14 seed, lost to Charlotte Catholic 37-22 first round
Outlook: Davie graduated QB Parker Correll (2,337 passing yards, 21 TDs). Running back Cade Carney (3,800 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns in three varsity seasons) and talented linebacker Christian Launius transferred to Davidson Day. Starting receiver Brandon Lankford left football to concentrate on baseball.
“There were some dark days in the spring,” Davie coach Devore Holman said.
But Holman (10-13), entering his third season, is as upbeat as ever. He professed nothing but admiration for the players that transferred, says he’s still rooting for them and is moving forward with a team he believes can be a factor in the CPC.
The challenge: Rebuild the offense and shore up the defense. Davie allowed 58 and 59 points in back-to-back CPC losses and allowed 34 points per game last season.
The league: The CPC will be deep again. Holman lists West Forsyth, Mount Tabor, Reagan and North Davidson as contenders, probably in that order. He rates R.J. Reynolds (new staff) and Parkland as athletic and dangerous.
“You bang your head every Friday in the CPC,” Holman said.
The schedule: In a word — difficult.
Davie dropped 2As Lexington and Thomasville (comfortable wins for Davie in recent seasons) and replaced them with powerhouse Greensboro Dudley and Hopewell, a decent 4A program from the MeCKa Conference.
Starters returning: 4 on offense, 3 on defense, plus the kicker
Key players:
Quarterback Chris Reynolds — While Reynolds was a spot player last season as a slot receiver, DB and backup QB, it’s clear Holman expects the junior to be the War Eagles’ go-to player.
“He runs well, he’s smart, he’s very good at what he does, and we’re tickled to death with his progress,” Holman said. “Guys have embraced him as our unquestioned leader.”
Receiver Ben Ellis — He was sensational last season — 49 catches, 1,191 yards, 11 TDs. Ellis had five 100-yard games along with a staggering outing against West Rowan in which he produced 253 receiving yards and three scores on six catches.
“All our receivers benefited from working with (former Davie and current Guilford College star) Adam Smith this summer,” Holman said. “Ellis has gotten better, getting off the line, getting into his break, just a lot little things.”
Kicker Jon Young — Davie will be as good as anyone when it punts or kicks field goals. Young’s leg is a weapon. He’s committed to West Virginia University.
Linebacker James Boyle: He’ll be the centerpiece of Davie’s defense. Tough, quick, aggressive and vocal.
“Our leader and our field general on defense,” Holman said.
Luke Pratapas: The experienced right tackle is the anchor of Davie’s offensive line.
“Smart and he’s got a nasty streak,” Holman said.
New faces: Stephon Dalton will be a key to Davie’s running game. Peyton Hampton is a big freshman ready to play varsity. He could start at free safety.
“You’re going to be hearing a lot about him for years,” Holman predicted.
Common Sense Says: Davie should be pretty good, but with a schedule that includes West Rowan and North Rowan, pretty good could still mean 4-7.

Davie County schedule

Aug. 21 ……………………………….. Page
Aug. 28 …………………………………at West Rowan
Sept. 4 ………………………………….Dudley
Sept. 11 …………………………….at North Rowan
Sept. 18 ………………………………….Hopewell
Sept. 25 ……………………………….R.J. Reynolds
Oct. 2…………………………………..at Reagan
Oct. 9 …………………………………….West Forsyth
Oct. 16 ………………………………..at N. Davidson
Oct. 23 ……………………………….Open
Oct. 30 ………………………………..Mount Tabor
Nov. 6 …………………………………..at Parkland