Mallard Creek High School Unveils Loaded 2026 Football Schedule

North Carolina powerhouse to face national champion Buford, top Virginia squad Maury, and Tennessee's McCallie School

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:38pm

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Mallard Creek High School, a North Carolina football powerhouse, has announced its 2026 schedule, which features matchups against some of the top programs in the Southeast. The Mavericks will take on reigning national champion Buford (GA), Virginia's top-ranked Maury Commodores, and Tennessee's McCallie School, among other challenging opponents.

Why it matters

Mallard Creek has consistently been one of the top high school football teams in North Carolina, producing numerous Division I prospects. This loaded 2026 schedule will test the Mavericks and provide valuable experience as they look to compete for a state championship and national recognition.

The details

The Mavericks' 2026 slate includes several marquee matchups, starting with a season-opener against Rolesville. They'll then face off against Maury (VA), Buford (GA), Myers Park, McCallie School (TN), West Charlotte, North Mecklenburg, Independence, Butler, and Chambers. Mallard Creek is led by rising junior quarterback Cailen Napier and 6-foot-6, 320-pound offensive lineman Austin Ballou, who will look to guide the team to success against this challenging schedule.

  • Mallard Creek High School announced its 2026 football schedule on March 21, 2026.
  • The Mavericks' season will kick off on August 21, 2026 against Rolesville.

The players

Mallard Creek High School

A North Carolina high school football powerhouse known for producing Division I talent and consistently being one of the top teams in the state.

Cailen Napier

The Mavericks' rising junior quarterback, who threw for 992 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2025.

Austin Ballou

A 6-foot-6, 320-pound offensive lineman who will be a key part of Mallard Creek's offensive line in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Revised! From beginning to end, we will be tested. #Creekboyz THE LIFE!”

— Mallard Creek Football, Twitter account

What’s next

Mallard Creek will look to finalize game times and home/away designations for their 2026 schedule in the coming months.

The takeaway

Mallard Creek High School's 2026 football schedule is a true test of the program's mettle, as they will face off against some of the top teams in the Southeast. This challenging slate will provide valuable experience for the Mavericks as they aim to compete for a state championship and national recognition.