As we’ve reached the halfway point of the North Carolina high school football season, teams in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties are preparing for a back stretch which will determine their NCHSAA playoff fates.

Here is a midseason look at what has transpired thus far in 2024, as well as what may lie ahead.

Biggest surprise?

While expected to improve under first-year head man Ashton Simmons, the Storm have something brewing with their first 4-0 start in program history.

Cramer (4-0, 2-0 Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A) is averaging 47 points per game, with quarterback Clee Phillips completing 76% of his passes for 551 yards and nine touchdowns. He also has 290 rushing yards and three TDs.

The Storm defense is also much improved, already with nine sacks and 13 turnovers forced.

Doing i

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