Hough High embraces Keep Pounding Classic challenge 

CAMERON WILLIAMS | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Coaches from Indian Land, Northwestern, Cardinal Gibbons and Hough high schools were joined by Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales for a press conference on the Keep Pounding Classic Aug. 29 at Bank of America Stadium.

The Hough Huskies headline the 2026 Keep Pounding High School Classic.

It’s the third straight year a Charlotte-Mecklenburg school is represented in the Carolina Panthers-hosted event, and the second in a row for the Huskies, who will square off against Cardinal Gibbons Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. Hough beat Rock Hill South Pointe 14-10 in the invitational last season.

“Defensively, (Cardinal Gibbons) be well prepared,” Hough coach DeShawn Baker said. “Whatever they do, we’ll make sure we have a game plan for and offensively. With teams like that, we just have to be physical. We have to be physical; make sure we execute on offense and make sure we do not turn the ball over or make stupid mistakes.”

Hough won the 2025 NCHSAA 8A state title and is one of the favorites to win another in 2026. Baker and his staff worked diligently to put together a tough nonconference schedule to prepare for the level of competition they would see in the playoffs. 

Cardinal Gibbons finished their 2025 season 12-2 with losses to Mallard Creek and 7A runner-up Clayton. Crusaders coach Steven Wright was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the classic, as it is the first time they were selected.

“Coach Baker has done a great job since he’s been there,” Wright said of Hough, “but we’re looking forward to the matchup. … I think Charlotte’s got a great reputation for football. They’ve been a standard bearer for the state for a long time, and I think Raleigh has made some huge strides over the past decade and is now making some noise of its own.”

Hough returned several key pieces from last year, including rising quarterback Ethan Royal, who threw for 2,272 yards last season and 29 passing touchdowns. Royal added 14 touchdowns on the ground and 721 rushing yards. 

“I just have to keep the main thing the main thing,” Royal said. “At the end of the day, it’s a game and it’s a game that [my teammates and I] all love. Making sure to keep it in perspective keeps the pressure off my back.”
Hough lost 26 seniors, including four-star defensive back and co-captain Samari Matthews, but Baker is confident Royal is ready to fill those shoes. 

“If Ethan has any pressure on him, you’d never know it,” Baker said. “He is cucumber cool. Like I said last year, he is never too high or never too low. Everybody follows Ethan’s lead. … I’m just excited for him. His recruitment is going well right now. I’m just happy to have him and see where he lands in college. But as far as pressure, I’m not sure it will even affect him.” 

South Carolina upper-state showdown

In the 4 p.m. game, Upstate South Carolina foes Northwestern and Indian Land will face off.

Northwestern is fresh off a 13-1 season capped with a 5A state championship. Indian Land finished 2025 with an 11-2 record with their two losses coming against Northwestern 51-13 in the regular season and 51-19 in the playoffs. 

This is Northwestern’s second KPC. They dropped a one-score game to NCISAA power Providence Day in 2023. 

“There’s a buzz around our school and a buzz around our community about it,” Trojans coach Page Wofford said. “We are very fortunate to be here, and I really feel like we are trying to hold up the standard and tradition of Northwestern football and Rock Hill football and our tradition there.” 

For Indian Land, which is making its KPC debut, coach Adam Hastings knows the challenge that Northwestern presents. He looks forward to embracing it. 

“We’re excited about the opportunity,” he said, “and I’m excited for the people in our area.  A lot of times when people hear the name Indian Land, they think it’s a small little place that’s a stop on Highway 521, and our goal has always been to expand the reach of knowledge of just how great of a community that we have and who we are.”

Comments