The 2025 North Carolina high school football season continues with a conference clash as West Lincoln (Lincolnton, NC) travels to face Bessemer City (NC) on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7:30 PM. Both teams enter with identical 1-1 records, looking to gain momentum early in league play.
Game Details
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Matchup: West Lincoln Rebels (NC) @ Bessemer City Yellow Jackets (NC)
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Date & Time: Friday, September 5, 2025 – 7:30 PM
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Location: Bessemer City High School, Bessemer City, NC
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Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
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West Lincoln Rebels
West Lincoln opened the year with split results, combining strong offensive bursts with some defensive struggles. Ranked #5,451 nationally and #142 in North Carolina, the Rebels average nearly 200 total yards per game behind RB Tj Stradford’s ground attack. Their defense has been opportunistic, but consistency across four quarters remains the key.
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2025 Record: 1-1
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National Rank: #5,451
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State Rank (NC): #142
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Key to Win: Lean on the run game and control the tempo to keep Bessemer City’s offense off the field.
Main Squad:
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#2 Tj Stradford – RB
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#12 Gus Avery – QB
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#18 Kenan Stewart – WR
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#5 Grae Ponder – LB
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#50 Brandon Miller – DL
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#10 Chase Wilson – WR/DB
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#55 Caleb Morgan – OL/DL
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#8 Jalen Tate – WR
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#44 Mason Harris – LB
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#22 Xavier Holmes – DB
Bessemer City Yellow Jackets
The Yellow Jackets also sit at 1-1 overall, scoring just 20 points while allowing 65 through two contests. Ranked #7,172 nationally and #210 in North Carolina, Bessemer City has shown flashes of offensive balance, with QB Gavin Chastain leading the way through the air. Their defense has been active in the pass rush, averaging 3.5 sacks per game.
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2025 Record: 1-1
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National Rank: #7,172
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State Rank (NC): #210
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Division Rank: #22
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Key to Win: Protect the quarterback and create turnovers to swing momentum against West Lincoln’s rushing attack.
Main Squad:
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#9 Gavin Chastain – QB
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#1 Keon Smith – RB
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#2 Walt McCoy – WR
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#5 Jailynn Newton – LB
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#12 Marcus Smith – DL/LB
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#56 Vontavious McGill – OL/DL
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#7 Chris Allen – WR/DB
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#24 Jordan Parker – RB/DB
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#60 Elijah Carter – OL
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#21 Malik Johnson – DB
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Lincoln | 5,451 | 142 (NC) | 1-1 |
| Bessemer City | 7,172 | 210 (NC) | 1-1 |
Abu Sayem is a sports enthusiast and writer who enjoys sharing stories about high school athletics. He is passionate about celebrating the teamwork, dedication, and spirit of young athletes.
