LAURINBURG — After going 8-4 in 2025 and a game short of a state championship, the Fighting Scots football team exceeded expectations last season. A big part of their success was due to their ground game and opportunistic defense.
The 2026 season will be defined by whether they reach the state championship. Although we’re 57 days away from their season opener, here are four bold predictions going into the season:
Collin Hill Is The Answer At Quarterback
“If we had completed that pass” and “if we can only push the ball downfield” were common remarks echoed among Fighting Scots fans throughout the season.
A defining moment that summed up last year’s quarterback play came during the final regular-season home game against Cape Fear, when a conference title was at stake. Quarterback Bryson Powell missed a wide-open Wyatt Locklear for what would have been the game-winning touchdown, as the Scots went on to lose 12-7.
That was a recurring issue for Scotland last season: The inability to push the ball downfield to stretch defenses. With the running ability the Scots possess, defenses are daring them to win through the air and maybe left-handed quarterback Collin Hill is the answer. Hill appears to have full control of the offense and is providing reassurance at a position Scotland has desperately needed.
“I am the quarterback for this team,” Hill said. “I put us in the best position to win — as a kid, I dreamed of winning games while being the quarterback at Pate Stadium. Now I have the opportunity to do so.”
Prediction: Hill passes for 10-plus touchdowns and 1,000-plus yards.
Michael McLean Surpasses 2,000 Rushing Yards
A common phrase in sports is that, in a player’s second year, “the game slows down for you.”
However, for sophomore Michael McLean, the complete opposite can be true. The No. 1-ranked player in the Class of 2029 put together one of the more remarkable freshman seasons in Scotland County history, rushing for 1,247 yards and 24 touchdowns, earning Freshman of the Year honors and selection to the first-team All-State team.
Now in his second year as the full-time feature back, he no longer shares a backfield—it’s his show. It has been evident in summer workouts that he looks quicker, faster and more confident, taking advantage of the opportunities in front of him.
Last season, he had 189 carries while sharing the backfield with running back Tyjurian White, who rushed for 1,126 yards on 128 carries. Once White suffered a season-ending injury, McLean showed just how explosive he can be as the primary ball-carrier, rushing for 691 yards and 13 touchdowns in four games.
For the first time in his high school career, McLean enters as Scotland’s unquestioned No. 1 running back and Scotland County will get its first look at what the “Magic” Mike show looks like with a full workload at Pate Stadium.
Prediction: McLean rushes for 2,000-plus yards and 20-plus touchdowns on 250-270 carries.
Nazire’ Campbell Leads The Team In Receiving
Nazire’ Campbell continues to shine on the field, establishing himself as the Scots’ primary outside receiver. It is hard not to notice how explosive he looks off the ball, how he’s turning 5-yard slants into touchdowns and coming down with contested catches.
A missing piece of last year’s offense was the lack of a go-to guy on the outside. The Scots have not had a receiver eclipse 40 receptions since Dajuan Gibson in 2024. Campbell may have solved this problem, as head coach Richard Bailey has emphasized getting him the ball.
“[Nazire’ Campbell] works all the time. Even if the throw isn’t perfect, he’s going to make a play. I trust he will make a play 100% of the time I throw him the ball,” Hill said.
“I want to be the best receiver to ever come through Scotland County,” Campbell said.
Prediction: Campbell has 35-plus receptions for 400-plus yards and four to five touchdowns.
Secondary Records Double-Digit Interceptions
Maybe the most complete part of this year’s unit, Scotland’s secondary, is loaded with talent. With youth and experience at every position, this group has been labeled as arguably the most complete secondary in recent memory.
Scotland has recorded two double-digit interception seasons since 2020, but expect that trend to change with the addition of three-star defensive back Chris George and returning players Ja’kari Monley, Keson McNair and Jordan McLean.
Prediction: Scotland records 11 interceptions.