Lake Norman Publications

2020-21 Football Preview: Mountain Island Charter Raptors



Trae Nickelson is one the Raptors’ top returning weapons on offense. /Doug Coats

Gotta practice what he’s been preaching was a motivation that carried Robert Washington through a football offseason unlike any other.

When team workouts were scarce and Zoom meetings replaced blocking drills, the Mountain Island coach suited up in a semi-pro league as a cornerback. Washington competed for the Iredell Warriors in the Carolinas Elite Football Alliance in the fall – and some of his players caught him in action.

“That was a totally different experience,” Washington said. “When you can physically show them certain things, by practicing what you preach, and I think that motivated them. I was in a different role. Now they’re the ones cheering me on.”

How did he play?

“The boys did tell me, ‘I’m proud of you,’” Washington said of his championship-winning team. “They didn’t have anything else to do.”

With 18 returning starters off last season’s 11-win team, the Raptors have plenty of experience listening to Washington’s instruction. That starts with the defense, which will miss Christian Sellers’ behemoth sack numbers. But UNC commit Gabe Stephens will still be at defensive end and linebacker. Also back is the team’s leading tackler from 2019, Jay Brandon Jones, and the leader of the secondary, Christian Hunter.

“He’s going to play everywhere in the secondary,” Washington said. “He brings attitude, that dog mentality. He’s a dog in a good way.”

Gone is Gaston County’s all-time leading rusher Elijah Burris, but Washington believes junior Caleb Patton can still be a difference maker with 11.1 second 100-meter speed. Against conference champion Thomas Jefferson last season, Patton ran for 82 yards, averaging nearly 12 yards per carry while filling in for Burris.

“Elijah doesn’t come around often, that type of player,” Washington said. “Caleb was just as special, just behind Elijah. … He’s got it all, speed, power.”

At quarterback will likely be Dylan Goodson, who played JV for the last two seasons. But 6-2 sophomore Tiger Coffin also has shown flashes to lead the Raptors. Those guys will take snaps behind a young, but talented offensive line, that includes Justin Fang, who has received Division 1 offers. Washington is excited to see players like those who’ve moved up through the Mountain Island program.

“That’s what you like to see in your system, kids working their way up,” Washington said.

Todd Pledger provides what Washington calls his “12th defensive player” through kicking touchbacks. The 6-foot-8 kicker is committed to UNC, and has also connected on field goals from 40-plus yards.

The Raptors will start their season against a higher classification, traveling up N.C. 16 to face 2A East Lincoln. Washington hopes it could be the start of an annual event.

“Hopefully we could get a nice rivalry going,” he said.

 

Quick hits

Head Coach: Robert Washington, 6th season (44-16)

2019 record: 11-3

Conference: Southern Piedmont 1A

Base Offense: Spread

Base Defense: 4-3

Returning starters: 18 total

 

Schedule

Feb. 27: at East Lincoln (Sat.)

March 5: vs. Christ the King

March 12: vs. Thomas Jefferson

March 19: vs. R-S Central

March 26: at Pine Lake Prep

April 1: vs. Community School of Davidson

April 9: at Union Academy

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