Last season

Record: 3-7 overall, 1-4 in Tobacco Road 6A/7A conference (fifth)
Playoffs: Missed the playoffs

2026 preview

Northern Durham hasn’t been more prepared in its three offseasons under coach Jason Trousdale than now.

After Trousdale was hired in May 2024, the Knights played in one scrimmage before losing the first three games of a 2-8 campaign. Last year, they weren’t able to line up against another team until a 44-0 loss to Bartlett Yancey in Week 1.

Trousdale acknowledged his team wasn’t ready entering last season. But with a productive summer and more preseason bouts lined up, he’s making sure that isn’t the case for this fall.

“We were able to do a ton this summer that we hadn’t done in the two summers before,” Trousdale said. “So, our conditioning, I feel, is a lot better than it was at the (2025) season at this time — opening of the season — and the (2024) opening of the season.”

Said Trousdale, “We’re a little bit stronger football team. We move faster. I think, collectively as a group, the kids get along very well, and the coaches get along, so I think all that stuff ties into the importance of being successful.”

The Knights have also prepared physically and mentally through their increased depth. Northern’s roster will consist of 20 seniors and numerous juniors who saw playing time in previous years. The team hopes that experience alongside its underclassmen creates a pool of more impactful players.

“We have depth where we haven’t had in years past,” Trousdale said. “That’s what’s exciting about it. You can throw that many guys out at your opponents, you have a chance.”

Juniors Tylen Percell, Javar Copeland and Imanee Little and seniors David Pendergrass and Todd Smith are expected to lead the trenches this year. They’ll look to protect returning senior quarterback Amir Liles, who’s battled injuries in the last two seasons, and junior running back Kamaree Moore, who led the team in rushing as a sophomore. Senior Ja’Carreis Jones will contribute at running back and slot receiver in addition to his duties in the defensive secondary. Darion Marks, a senior linebacker, will also see some ball-carrying opportunities.

At receiver, Trousdale foresees huge years from 6-foot, 3-inch senior Josh Mainor and 6-foot, 4-inch senior Demirion Kelly. Both will provide larger targets next to junior slot receiver Jordan Miles.

“They’ll present some problems on the outside,” Troudsdale said.

On the defensive end, the Knights are excited about senior linebacker Trevor Grate, a Southern Durham transfer who logged six tackles for loss and two sacks for the Spartans last season. Northern will welcome another Southern transfer in junior defensive lineman Jayden Ragland, while senior Eli Ragland, junior Austin Brown and junior Jadon Liles make up the edge rushing corps.

“We feel good about our front,” Trousdale said. “Our interior box is pretty solid. And then, with the back end with Ja’Carreis. Kristian Kidd is another guy who’s a two-way guy. He’ll play 50% offense as a receiver. He’s a sophomore. A (2029) kid. He’s got a chance to get some real live looks. And then, also, Aaron Fulcher is another guy that’ll be in the secondary as a safety as well as Jalil Allen and Ezekiel Eddy.”

Said Trousdale, “Caden Coe is another corner that will get some time as far as the secondary goes. And then, we have Gavin Scurry. He’ll help out inside linebacker.”

Northern will have to make a huge step to return to its winning ways in 2026, but Trousdale feels “really good” about how his players and staff have emphasized operating as a team this offseason. The Knights have anticipation instead of uncertainty going into the new year, and they hope the different sentiment leads to better results on the field.

Schedule
*conference game

Aug. 21 — vs. Bartlett Yancey
Aug. 28 — at Carrboro
Sept. 4 — vs. Felton Grove
Sept. 11 — vs. Green Hope
Sept. 18 — BYE
Sept. 25 — at Orange
Oct. 2 — at Riverside*
Oct. 9 — at Southern Durham*
Oct. 16 — vs. East Chapel Hill*
Oct. 23 — vs. Chapel Hill*
Oct. 30 — at Hillside*