High school football in Charlotte is basically a religion, and if the stadium at Mallard Creek is the cathedral, then every Friday night is a wild, unpredictable sermon. You think you know what to expect. You show up for the Mallard Creek football game expecting a defensive masterclass or maybe a blowout, but then the opening kickoff happens.
Everything changes.
The 2025 season was a perfect example of why this program remains the most fascinating, and sometimes frustrating, ticket in the North Carolina 4A landscape. They finished 7-4 overall. That looks "fine" on paper, right? But the paper doesn't mention the 63-13 blowout loss to Grayson in Georgia or the absolute defensive clinic they put on against Chambers. It's a rollercoaster.
The Playoff Heartbreak Against West Forsyth
Honestly, the way the season ended still stings for the Creek faithful. On November 14, 2025, the Mavericks hosted West Forsyth in a high-stakes playoff matchup. People expected a grind. They got one.
Mallard Creek lost 10-20.
It was a game defined by "almosts." The defense, led by seniors like Matthew Harris and Askia Mustafa, kept them in the hunt. They are physical. They hit hard. But the offense just couldn't find that final gear when it mattered most. If you were there, you saw a team that looked like it was one play away from a deep state run, only to watch the clock bleed out in the cold Charlotte air.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Mavericks
Most casual fans see the three state titles from the mid-2010s and expect a blowout every week. That’s not the reality anymore. The Queen City is deeper now.
You've got Hough, Myers Park, and a resurgent West Charlotte program all fighting for the same oxygen. Mallard Creek isn't just "better" than everyone else by default. They have to scrap. This year, their league record was 3-2. They lost to West Charlotte 32-9 in a game that felt like a changing of the guard, especially with the news that DJ McFadden—a coach with deep Mallard Creek ties—just took over the West Charlotte program for the 2026 season.
The Khalil Price Factor
If there was a bright spot that kept fans in the stands, it was Khalil Price. The kid is a freak athlete. He committed to Campbell University back in May 2025, and you can see why the Camels wanted him.
- He’s 6’3”.
- He wins state titles in track.
- He catches passes that shouldn't be caught.
In the season opener against Rolesville, Price was the difference-maker. When starting quarterback Perry Justice went down early with an injury, sophomore Cailen Napier and senior Sam Cheeseboro had to step up. Price made them look good. He hauled in a touchdown on a 4th-and-17 that basically deflated Rolesville's sidelines.
The Chaos Factor and the "New" Rivalry
We have to talk about the atmosphere. A Mallard Creek football game is rarely just about the four quarters. Remember the 2024 West Charlotte game? The one where fights in the stands forced an evacuation?
That tension hasn't fully evaporated.
The rivalry with West Charlotte has become the most intense "must-watch" event in the city. When Mallard Creek travels, they bring a massive crowd. When they host, the atmosphere is electric but heavy. It’s high-stakes football that feels like it’s being played for more than just a spot in the standings.
💡 You might also like: Why the NY Knicks Last Night Proved They Are Finally Real Contenders
Youth Movement in the Backfield
Keep an eye on Xavier Edmond. He’s only a sophomore, but he finished the year as the team's leading rusher, averaging over 64 yards per game.
He’s got that "get-out-of-the-way" running style. He’s not dancing in the hole; he’s hitting it. Alongside fellow sophomore Joshua Person, the Mavericks' backfield is set for the next two years. That’s the scary part for the rest of the 4A division. While the seniors are moving on, the core of the offense is just getting started.
Why the Defense is Still the Identity
Coach Kennedy Tinsley has kept the "Creek Defense" brand alive. They finished the season ranked around 20th in the state, which might seem low compared to their historic peaks, but look at the schedule.
They played Grayson (GA).
They played Cardinal Gibbons.
They played Myers Park.
They don't duck anybody.
The defense specializes in the "bend but don't break" philosophy, except when they're playing North Meck or Chambers. In those games, they just broke the opponent. The 31-0 shutout against Chambers on October 30 was a vintage Mavericks performance. No air. No room to breathe. Just constant pressure.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you’re planning on heading to a Mallard Creek football game next year, here’s the reality of what you need to know to actually enjoy it:
- Buy tickets early: The big rivalry games (Hough, West Charlotte, Chambers) sell out. Don't show up at the gate expecting to stroll in.
- Watch the sophomores: Cailen Napier (QB) and Xavier Edmond (RB) are the future. The 2026 season will live or die on their growth.
- Arrive for the atmosphere: The band, the "Blue Crew," and the local intensity are 50% of the experience.
- Expect the unexpected: Mallard Creek has a weird habit of playing down to opponents and then playing like a top-5 national team against giants.
The 2025 season might have ended in a 10-20 playoff loss, but the foundation hasn't crumbled. They are still the team everyone loves to hate and hates to play. As long as the Mavericks are producing D1 talent like Khalil Price and maintaining that defensive nastiness, they’ll remain the center of the Charlotte football universe.