By Randy Capps
Under current NCHSAA regulations, only eight football teams can win a state championship. That’s one in each classification, and Clayton fell one game short of winning the 7A crown with a 24-14 loss to nationally-ranked Grimsley in the title game in Chapel Hill.
The journey, which included 12 wins, a victory over Cleveland and a couple of impressive playoff wins over Southeast Raleigh and Cardinal Gibbons, rallied the town behind head coach Scott Chadwick and his program.
So, how does Clayton follow a season that will be talked about in that corner of Johnston County for years to come?
“(We’re) Trying to prove that last year was not a one hit wonder and that we can be a yearly threat to compete for a state championship,” Chadwick said.
While quarterback Aiden Smalls took 3,407 yards of total offense and 47 touchdowns with him to N.C. State, senior transfer Damacio Cueto steps in to fill the void. He threw for more than 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns for Leesville Road last season.
He’s not as mobile as Smalls — not many quarterbacks rush for more than 1,500 yards — but he’s an accurate passer that might allow the Comet offense to be a bit more aerial this season.
Nick Capozzi and Weston Barth provide experience on the offensive line, and running backs Terris Hobbs (427 yards, 9.7 yards per carry) and Corinth Holders transfer Blake Beckwith (885 yards, 8 TD) should ensure that the new-look offense has a bit of balance.
“Offensively, Hobbs is the wild card,” Chadwick said. “If he can stay healthy, he can be a star. But he has not been able to do that in his career.”
Keshawn Stancil (94 tackles, 28 tackles for loss (TFL), seven sacks) is now at the University of Miami, but eight other starters return to a unit that was dominant at times last season, allowing just under 15 points per game.
Senior Akedran (AK) Crumel (39 tackles, 4 INT) is a four-year starter at corner with a hat full of college offers while Ta’Shaun Walker (71 tackles) is a three-year starter at safety with a list of college suitors of his own. Seniors Jordan Hamm (74 tackles, 18 TFL) and Imari Givens (73 tackles) solidify the linebacking corps and another senior, Kaiden Blackwell (53 tackles, 8 sacks, 18 TFL), is the headliner on the line. He’ll be joined there by Hunt transfer CJ Dickerson, who was among the Warriors’ leaders in tackles, TFL and sacks (15).
Nathaniel Lunger will handle the kicking and punting, and should take another step forward after a busy 2025.
“We’ll rely heavily on an experienced defense to carry the load, especially early on,” Chadwick said.
We’ll get an idea how it’s all coming together on Aug. 21 when the Comets host the reigning 1A state champions, Wilson Prep.
