Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN)— The Cherryville High School Ironmen are preparing for their 2025 season with hope and determination. Coach Patrick Bowman and his team will open this Friday night on the road against North Stokes High School, which will take them close to the Virginia line.
WNN's Rusty Wise interviewing Cherryville Ironmen Football Coach Patrick Bowman- August 19th, 2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
Bowman says the long trip offers a challenge, but the team has prepared with a plan to split up the travel and stay sharp. "We'll stop about an hour and a half down the road and get a little walk-through pregame meal," Bowman said. "We're excited. First game of the year, and all the goals start this week."
This year's roster includes 36 players, nine of whom are expected to play on both sides of the ball.
Cherryville Ironmen players gathering during a team practice on the field - August 19th, 2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
Bowman noted that fatigue in the second half was an issue last season, something the Ironmen focused on during offseason training. "We worked really hard, especially on conditioning and mental strength," he said. "These teams we play are well-coached, and they will make plays. We've got to survive and make great plays."
Players acknowledged the challenge of playing both ways but say it also builds toughness. Lineman Maddox Carrigan says it can be "very tiring" but believes it gives Cherryville an advantage.
"The other teams have guys only playing offense and defense, but they don't have the endurance that we do to play every snap of the game 24/7," he said. To prepare, players have been stretching, hydrating, and drinking pickle juice to prevent cramps.
Running back Jackson Heavner agreed that staying strong late in games is key. "Just knowing that fighting through the heat, fighting through the competition, that can change our whole mentality for the second half of the game," he said.
WNN's Rusty Wise interviewing running back Jackson Heavner - August 19th, 2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
This year, Cherryville enters a new conference alignment that adds competitive teams such as Stuart Cramer. Bowman said that while travel was not significantly affected, the level of competition has risen. "It's a true test early," he said. "We like our team, and we'll see where we're at the end."
The Ironmen will also face strong teams such as Shelby, Lincolnton, and Burns. Receiver and defensive back Enijahe Whitworth says the team is not intimidated by them. "We'll be ready for them," he said. "We're not going to let that stop us from doing what we do."
WNN's Rusty Wise interviewing Receiver and defensive back Enijahe Whitworth - August 19th, 2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
For Bowman, a successful season means winning rivalry games, competing for the conference title, and advancing in the playoffs. "To me, success is playing in the big games," he said. "Right now, I'm worried about beating North Stokes. One game at a time."
A Cherryville Ironmen player catching a ball during practice - August 19th, 2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
Players echoed his determination with their own expectations. Enijahe Whitworth says he'd like the team to win every game. He would also like to improve individually by getting more solo tackles. Jackson Heavner says he hopes to stay healthy after battling injuries last season.
Quarterback Jayden Adams says success is about unity as much as results. "Really just having a winning season and just win with my boys," Adams said. He praised the team's bond, explaining, "We've been playing since we were young. We just have hot chemistry, and we know how to play ball together."
WNN's Rusty Wise interviewing Quarterback Jayden Adams - August 19th, 2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
Javarius McElhaney, a Wide Receiver for the team, says his personal focus is on consistency. "I'm really just getting better with my hands and trusting my QB to throw to me more," he said. He explained that he has prepared for the season by drinking more water during the summer to prevent cramping during the games.
WNN's Rusty Wise interviewing Wide Receiver Javarius McElhaney - August 19th, 2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
Assistant coach Lee Roy Montgomery, who has been with the Ironmen since 1979, has not missed a single game in more than four decades.
Montgomery says a successful season for the team would be a seven-win season, a goal he believes is possible if the Ironmen continue to put in the work. He also complimented the condition of Rudisill Stadium into the season. "I saw the Ironmen stadium is looking great, the grass is good and green," Montgomery said.
The field at Rudisill Stadium appearing well taken care of with green grass - August 21st, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
The Cherryville New Year's Shooters will again shoot at the beginning of each game and for every Cherryville touchdown. At Coach Bowman's request, the shooters will use black powder muskets, adding loud excitement to the home games for the fans.
"The New Year's shooters here in Cherryville are a huge part of tradition here, and we're excited they've agreed to do it again this year. I think it adds an element to an atmosphere here that nowhere else can add," Bowman said.
The Ironmen are working on building their endurance and keeping up their traditions while also gearing up to compete in a tougher conference. Bowman feels confident that the team, with its blend of experienced seniors and promising underclassmen, is prepared for the challenges ahead.
The Cherryville Ironmen warming up on the field - August 19th, 2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
"We love these guys. They've worked extremely hard," Bowman said. "We've got a good group, and we're excited for that."
The Cherryville Ironmen's first home game at Rudsill Stadium will be against Owen on Friday, August 29th, 2025, at 7:30 PM. See the full WNN interview below.
2025 Cherryville Ironmen Football Schedule
Cherryville Ironmen Athletics
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