Sun Valley SpartansSun Valley (9-4, 5-1)
The Spartans look to continue their success under HC Ryan Smith but will need to replace a lot on offense and it starts with a new starting QB in 2026. The Spartans have named Grayson Hensley as the starter week 1. Sun Valley has had 2 starting QBs over the past 6 seasons with Noah Lineberry, a 2-year starter who then succeed Brady Turriff, a 4-Year for HC Ryan Smith at Sun Valley. Hensley played in 4 games and threw for 121 yards and 1 TD. The Spartan offense will be led by senior Josh Bell. Bell rushed for 404 yards and 4 TDs on 72 carries last season behind Zach Cullen (1231 yds 11 TDs), who graduated. Junior RJ Sherrod transferred from Piedmont totaling 483 all-purpose yards with 5 TDs as a sophomore in Unionville. Both Bell and Sherrod have been named UCHSF O-Player of the Year candidates The Spartans receiver room loses their top 4 receivers to graduation. Senior Austin Fields returns with 10 catches for 118 yards, and 1 TD is the most seasoned receiver returning. Fields will be joined by Josiah Rivera-Laney, Quasir Williams, and Chris Stafford.
Defensively the Spartans will need to reload as well. Gone are 4 of their top 5 tacklers from 2025. Amari Baker will anchor the SV defensive line after a 72 tackle and 6 sacks junior season. Chris Dickey returns after 43 tackles last season. The Sun Valley defensive backfield will have senior Joseph Jones and sophomore Quasir Williams as lock down defenders. Jones was named all-SCC after collecting 50 tackles with an interception in 2025. Williams started as a freshman and totaled 29 tackles with 2 tackles for a loss. Led all of Union Co. with 5 interceptions and 2 Pick-6’s while being named 2nd Team All-UCHSF. The Baker and Williams have been named UCHSF D-Player of the Year candidates. Spartan kicking game graduated Branden Carr (18 XPS & 2 FGs) and is currently an open competition. The Spartans will open the 2026 season on the road hosting Lake Norman on Aug. 21st.