Football season is still not over — at least not at the college level, where several of the NCAA’s 39 bowl games have yet to be played.
But high school football season is behind us. The sting from Scotland’s loss to East Forsyth in the state championship game is still very real for several players, coaches and fans, but it is now almost time to start preparing for offseason workouts.
Before the Fighting Scots go back to the drawing board and figure out a way to get back to the championship game, we need to acknowledge the top performers from a team that made a deep playoff run after finishing the regular season with a 5-5 record.
I compiled a list of the top 10 performers from this season’s team. These rankings are primarily based on stats, consistency and the long-term potential of each player.
1. Syheam McQueen, RB, senior
The Scots are certainly going to miss the man better known as “Smiley.” The senior rushed for over 1,200 yards this season despite being hampered by nagging MCL injuries. He scored two touchdowns during the state championship game.
McQueen is a workhorse who has the potential to have a strong college career. And it’s not just his on-the-field achievements that stand out. Staying true to his nickname, McQueen was known for his sportsmanship and the respect he had for his opponents, regardless of how hard they hit him.
2. Joseph McKoy, RB/DB, senior
McKoy didn’t have many opportunities to catch his breath this year. He broke the 1,000-yard mark as a running back, tallied four interceptions on defense and earned all-conference honors as a specialist.
McKoy’s ability to fill several roles at once was especially valuable while the Scots dealt with several serious injuries this year.
3. Tyshuon Thomas, DB, senior
Under the guidance of defensive backs coach Dominquie Green, a former Fighting Scot who played college football at North Carolina, Thomas put together a remarkable senior season. He had four interceptions this season, finishing in a tie with fellow senior Joseph McKoy for the highest total on the team.
Thomas is an agile defender who is known for performing well under pressure. Expect to see him excel in a college program.
4. Austin Norton, OL, senior
Being an offensive lineman is generally a thankless job, but Norton did it well. And he did his job despite being banged up at several points throughout the year. He even played in the state championship game while nursing a separated shoulder.
If that doesn’t justify his all-conference selection, I don’t know what will.
5. Nick Callahan, LB, junior
Sandhills Athletic Conference teams should be a little worried about having to go against Callahan for another year. Callahan, who finished among the team’s leaders in tackles, made himself known as a physical defender who could also get the job done in coverage (three interceptions).
He’s a soft-spoken individual off the field, but Callahan’s voice could be hear above the crowd on Friday nights. Callahan’s senior leadership will be vital next season.
6. Isaiah Wilson, DB, senior
Wilson was the team’s leading tackler this season, and his experience helped Scotland’s secondary tremendously. He was one of the main reasons why the Scots were able to turn in several impressive defensive performances, including a 28-0 win against Seventy-First in the 4A East regional.
7. Jason Romero, DE, junior
Romero’s junior season was cut short by a neck injury, but he caused problems for opposing offenses when he was healthy. He finished with six sacks and six tackles for loss through eight games.
Romero has a chance to end his high school career on a good note next season.
8. Dashay Singletary, DL, junior
Singletary was a disruptive lineman and a key part of Scotland’s pass rush. Singletary had nine sacks this season.
Playing alongside Romero, Singletary can help the Scots be a force up front next year.
9. Trey Chavis, WR, sophomore
Chavis was an inexperienced receiver who had to connect with two inexperienced quarterbacks. That was a rough process early in the season, but Chavis showed progress as the year progressed. Deep passes that he dropped early in the season became touchdown catches as he got more experience under his belt.
Chavis had over 500 receiving yards and caught six touchdowns this season. He still has two years to improve, and he could become a formidable weapon for the Scots during that time.
10. Ladarrius McNeill, LB, freshman
McNeill didn’t play like a freshman. He was among the top five tacklers on the team, and he also grabbed a pair of interceptions. Near the beginning of the season, head coach Richard Bailey said McNeill has what it takes to be a great football player if he continues to work hard.
This season was a solid start to McNeill’s career.
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