In essence, preparation for Crest football’s 2025 season began last November on the dark, winding roads of N.C. Highway 18.

In a highly-anticipated third-round playoff matchup with NCHSAA 3A state champion Hickory, the Chargers led by two touchdowns midway through the third quarter before the Red Tornadoes responded with 28 unanswered points to claim a 63-48 victory. While lamenting what went wrong, coach Greg Lloyd spent the bus ride devising a plan of action hoping to avoid a similar fate the following year.

“Hickory was good, they proved why they were a state champion the year before, and why they were one of those in the running for it last year,” said Crest football coach Greg Lloyd. “We were right with them, and had a lead in the second half. We led every game played last year in t

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