FOREST HILLSForest Hills (9-3, 3-2)
The Yellow Jackets have a new coach in Gregg Giddings. Giddings replaces Jamie Deese who took a HC in charlotte after 6 seasons in Marshville. The QB is set with Noah Furr under center. Furr threw for 887 yards and 9 TDs to just 2 INTs in ’25. The real issue is how is going to run the ball for the Yellow Jackets? Kylan Polk transferred to rival Monroe in the off season. Furr is the leading rusher that is returning. He ran for 187 yards on 33 carries and 1 TD. Senior Chris Baker may get time in the backfield. He saw limited time last season with 118 yards on 22 carries. Yellow Jackets lost their top 4 receivers from 2025 to graduation. Larry Parker is the leading receiver back with just 2 catches for 58 yards and 2 TDs in 2025.
The Yellow Jackets will return 3 of their top 6 tacklers from 2025. Senior Chris Baker returns with 87 stops in 2025 and is a UCHSF D-POY Candidate. Senior DL Kai Phinazee will anchor the Yellow Jacket front 4 (65 stops) and will demand double teams on the defensive line. Phinazee recorded 3 sacks and an interception in 2025. The Yellow Jacket kicking game returns Alex Zambrano. Zambrano was good on 19-of-24 on PATs and missed his only FG attempt as a sophomore. The Yellow Jackets open the 2026 season at Salisbury on Aug. 21st.