Chesterfield Football Ironing Out The Early Kinks

By David Shelton

Senior Writer

Chesterfield - The 2026 season is year two for Chesterfield High football coach Nick Dixon. Despite an 0-2 start to the season, Dixon remains positive about the potential of his team.



“We lost a few players in key spots but we have a good group returning that I think will be competitive,” Dixon said this summer. “I think we have been able to establish the culture that we want here and the kids are excited about football. We’re going to need some time early on to iron out the kinks but we will be competitive. We had a good spring and summer so we just need to build off that.”

The Rams lost their season opener to C. A. Johnson (44-0) and lost to Latta, 42-21, in week two. They were scheduled to play Lewisville on Sept. 4, Anson County (NC) on Sept. 11, and Cheraw on Sept. 18.

While there are eight returning starters on offense, one of the holes to fill this season was at quarterback where the Rams lost a three-year starter. One of the top receivers last season, Emani Welch, has moved into the position and is learning the ropes on the go. His top receivers are Holden Lowery and Justin Gaskins, with Ryan Moten working at tight end.

The running game is solid with the return of Jullian McClain and Greg Rushing, the top two ground gainers in 2025.

The run game is only as effective as the guys along the front can be. Chesterfield’s starting tackles are Levi Jones and Will Evans, while Ma’Qwan Blount and Jaheim Long are the guards. Ronnie Guinn returns as the starting center.

The defense has been shaky early on against two good offenses but Dixon feels the unit as a whole has solid potential.

There are seven returning starters on defense. Leading the defense is returning linebackers Savion Hubbard and Owen Faulkenberry. Jackson Dalton and Jameson Dalton are filling the other two linebacker spots.

Along the three-man front are Jones, Averay Moore and Kent Beaver. Brayden Melton and Zymir Bennett are the starting corners, while Welch is a strong safety and Mark Moten is at free safety. Sophomore Wallace Herring should see a lot of time at linebacker.

Brentley Sexton handles the placekicking and punting duties.