Senior leadership is always a key to any team’s success.

But teams also depend on big contributions from underclassmen and varsity newcomers. Here are seven Catawba County underclassmen who are poised to do big things this season.

Izzy Payne, St. Stephens

Payne is a sophomore, but he has already been an impact player for the Indians. When senior running back Brycen Gaither was injured last year, Payne stepped up. In the next five games, he averaged 21 carries per game and 75 yards.

His big breakout came in week 11 against Fred T. Foard. In that game, he picked up 323 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 35 carries.

“Izzy is the guy who carried a lot of that role last year and will probably be the first guy to do it most nights,” said St. Stephens coach Kyle Lowman. “He’s dynamic and

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