Top 25 Early Contenders high school football team preview: No. 10 Mallard Creek

In the history of North Carolina high school football, only one school has won more than three straight 4A championships.

That was Independence (Charlotte) from 2000 to 2006.

Mallard Creek, which started its varsity football program just nine seasons ago, attempts to be the second after the Mavericks breezed to their third straight 4AA title last year with 49-6 romp over Page in the finals.

For the second straight year, the program begins the season ranked among the nation's Top 10.

Clearly, the Mavericks (14-2 last season) have muscled their way into the power elite of Mid-Atlantic football.

Coach Michael Palmieri, winner of two straight state Coach of the Year awards, embraces the challenges and chatter that goes along with it.

His program has sent six to 10 players to FBS programs annually over the last five years, he said, and this year's squad has more than 20 potential Division I players.

See the Mallard Creek Early Contenders photo shoot

To test them, Palmieri has put together a rugged early schedule, which features two defending state champions — Dillon and Butler — and two perennial national powers, Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) and South Pointe (Rock Hill, S.C.).

"We're in a great situation here," Palmieri said. "We're a public school with 2,600 kids. We're blessed with a lot of great athletes and dedicated coaches. We're going for it. We'll put our resume up there with anyone."

The Players
With six returning starters on each side of the ball, and at least three impact transfers, the Mavericks might have their best team of all.

They have plenty of star power, led by all-around athlete Ryan Jones, a 6-foot-3, 219-pound incoming senior who will play receiver and safety.

The North Carolina commitment is listed at No. 198 in the 247Sports Composite and the No. 9 athlete.

"He's a great wide receiver, but will contribute for us just as much on the defensive side of the ball," Palmieri said.

The Mavericks are loaded where coaches love best, in the trenches and the front seven on defense.

Offensive tackles Travaris Moore (6-6, 285) and Eric Douglas  (6-5, 280) are top college prospects and defensive tackle Grant Gibson (6-1, 287) has already committed to North Carolina State.

Douglas is headed to South Carolina and Moore, No. 226 in the 247Sports Composite, has 11 offers and is considering Tennessee, North Carolina, North Carolina State and South Carolina.

"Our entire offensive line is returning so we're feeling very good about that obviously," Palmieri said.

The Mavericks scored two key ball-handlers in transfers Chauncey Caldwell, a 6-3, 228-pound quarterback with three college offers, and running back/linebacker Cameren Lowery (6-0, 235).

Another transfer, cornerback Jacobe Clement (6-1, 190) should be another difference-maker.

"We got all the pieces," Palmieri said. "We just have to put it all together."

The Keys
Getting Caldwell, a dual threat, acclimated to the new system will be of the utmost importance.

That may be asking a lot with its schedule top-loaded so heavily. But Palmieri is confident the new signal-caller is just what the Mavericks need.

Mallard Creek Game Film: Ryan Jones Ultimate Highlights

Look for Mallard Creek to lean on other skill players like running backs Darnell Walker (5-10, 210), Nasjzae Bryant (5-10, 205) and Joel Gilmore (5-7, 170) and receivers Keshaun Abel and Jaquez Taylor (5-8, 185) to get the job done.

In their first nine seasons, Palmieri and the Mavericks have got it done, going 96-29. Of those 29 losses, 20 came in the first two seasons.

"We're right where we want to be," Palmieri said.