By Mike London
mlondon@salisburypost.com
KANNAPOLIS — There are quite a few football teams that seemingly win big every year, and A.L. Brown certainly fits that description.
The Wonders, who last experienced a losing season when they were a 4A squad in 1977, have won four South Piedmont Conference championships in a row, have collected nine conference titles in the past 10 years and 13 in the last 15.
The end isn’t in sight.
With Damien Washington back to lead 12 returning starters and a 9-1 jayvee group joining the fun, new coach Mike Newsome should enjoy his first season in Kannapolis.
Northwest Cabarrus hasn’t beaten the Wonders on a football field in 37 years, but at least on paper, the Trojans are the most serious challenger.
Kicker Bradley Pinion has signed with Clemson. Defensive end/tight end Weston Smith, linebacker Jarrin Hogue, DB Will England and running back John Edmond are returning all-conference types, and Colby Williford is back at quarterback.
Concord has just four returning starters, although 6-foot-7 QB B.J. Beecher, tight end Terrance Knox, a UNC commitment, and safety Jerrick Grier are marquee guys.
Concord is an-Concordish 24-24 since winning a 3A state title in 2006.
Mount Pleasant, very successful in 2A not long ago, is 8-16 in its two seasons in the 3A ranks.
Bolstered by a 10-0 jayvee team, the Tigers could break even this year — with a few breaks.
The defense should be stout, with linebacker Deon Pillsbury and end Dezmond Leach returning. They combined for 179 tackles last season.
Cox Mill shocked the world in 2010, winning seven games in just its second season of competition. That success came right on the heels of the expected 0-11 in the Chargers’ debut.
QB Arrick Hincher, big lineman Chris Blakeney and receiver/DB Parker Kenney lead 13 returning starters, so another winning season is likely for the guys in purple.
Compared to Cox Mill, Hickory Ridge has been around a while, but this still will be only the Ragin’ Bulls’ fifth season.
HR’s jayvee team was good, and running back T.J. Allen heads eight returning starters.
Linebackers Michael Steinbacher, receiver John Brewer and offensive lineman Brendan Byrne are standouts for a Robinson team looking for its first winning season since 2004. The Bulldogs could surprise and move up to fourth or fifth.
Central Cabarrus expects to be improved in every facet of play, but the Vikings, who haven’t won a game the last two seasons, still have some catching up to do.
Central, Robinson, Mount Pleasant, Cox Mill and Hickory Ridge have never beaten A.L. Brown, while neighbor Northwest is 3-35-1 against the Wonders in what really can’t be called a rivalry until the Trojans break through and win one.
It’ll be a surprise if the Wonders don’t run the table in the league again, but the fight for second place should be fun to watch.