​Lincolnton and Shelby got quite accustomed to each other last fall.Lincolnton outlasted Shelby in the teams’ regular-season matchup, earning a 35-34 win that gave it the inside track to the Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A title. Months later, the teams renewed acquaintances in the NCHSAA 3A West final, the Golden Lions scoring a measure of revenge on their way to the 2025 NCHSAA 3A state title.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAre the teams again in line for two meetings this fall? Such would surprise no one; both teams again brimming with talent and veteran experience.HOME, SWEET HOME: Gastonia, Shelby high school football teams with greatest home-field advantageMARK YOUR CALENDAR: See 2026 high school football schedules for Gastonia, Shelby schoolsWith another high school football season drawing ever closer, here are several bold predictions for Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A.To no one’s surprise, Shelby is again a preseason favorite to claim a state title, this after going the long way — winning six playoff games, five away from home — to earn the 2025 NCHSAA 3A crown.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDespite losing quarterback Lan Farmer, who left as Cleveland County’s all-time leading passer, don’t expect a dropoff in production from the Shelby offense. Cruz Scott is projected to take snaps from center, equipped with a bevy of targets including Immanuel Collins, who finished with an area-high 57 receptions for 1,086 yards and 13 TDs. He’s joined in the wide receiver room by J.J. Williams, all-purpose man Kendrick Raper and the returning Tyler Morgan, who is back after a year at Ashbrook.Though known more for its aerial attack, Shelby has answers on the ground as well in the form of running back Jonas Woods. Last fall, Woods rushed for 1,107 yards and 15 yards as a freshman.Rashad Lynch posted video game numbers during the 2025 campaign, completing 63% of his passes for 2,699 yards and 33 touchdowns, in addition to a team-high 1,116 rushing yards and nine more TDs. His work helped Lincolnton win 11 games, claiming the Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A title and a berth in the NCHSAA 3A West final.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe has 4,027 career passing yards and 49 TDs, along with 1,483 rushing yards and 12 TDs. Lynch has led Lincolnton to 17 wins over the past two seasons, including a pair of league championships.Heading into his senior season, one would be hard-pressed to believe he takes a step back in a campaign brimming with expectations for the Wolves.In what was believed to be a year of development, coach David Devine led a young Burns football team to seven wins. Despite that, the Bulldogs believe there was still plenty of meat left on the bone.Following a hard-fought NCHSAA 4A second-round loss to state finalist Brevard, Burns believes it has the wares necessary to compete for a championship in 2026.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThough breaking in a new starting quarterback, the Bulldogs again will lean on