Week 5 Carolina Gridiron Rankings: North Carolina High School Football's Elite Stand Tall

North Carolina towns are once again buzzing with excitement as the high school football season charges ahead. Week 5 has brought a fresh set of rankings in the Carolina Gridiron, showcasing the best teams from North Carolina's high school football landscape across all four classifications. As teams jostle for position and new contenders emerge, let's delve into the Week 5 rankings.

4A Classification: Grimsley Stays Atop; Rolesville Jumps Up

In the 4A classification, Grimsley (3-0) retains their stronghold on the top spot. Their impeccable start to the season, combined with their potent performance on the field, has kept them at the pinnacle. East Forsyth (3-0) also holds steady in the second spot.

However, the most significant jump in this classification comes from Butler (2-1). The Bulldogs climbed from seventh to third after a stunning 22-15 victory over Weddington (3-1), who had been ranked third in Week 4. Butler's defense proved impenetrable, helping them secure this substantial leap in the rankings.

Rolesville (3-1) showcased their offensive prowess by defeating Cardinal Gibbons (2-2) with a commanding 52-32 scoreline. This victory propelled Rolesville from eleventh to fifth in the rankings. Watauga (3-1) also made a notable appearance, securing the thirteenth spot after a thrilling 36-35 victory over AC Reynolds (1-3).

4A Classification Rankings:

1. Grimsley
2. East Forsyth
3. Butler
4. Hough
5. Rolesville
6. Weddington
7. Mallard Creek
8. Charlotte Catholic
9. Mooresville
10. New Bern
11. Chambers
12. Cardinal Gibbons
13. Watauga
14. Lake Norman
15. Cleveland

3A Classification: Crest, Kings Mountain, and Dudley Remain Top 3

In the 3A classification, the top of the rankings remain largely unchanged. Crest (3-0), Kings Mountain (3-0), and Dudley (3-0) hold the first three positions, respectively.

Northern Nash (4-0) showcased their prowess with a dominant 37-12 victory over Conley (2-2), solidifying their fourth-place ranking. Meanwhile, Eastern Alamance (4-0) scored a monumental win by defeating 2A's top-ranked team, Reidsville (3-1), with a narrow margin of 19-14. This triumph catapulted Eastern Alamance into the sixth position.

3A Classification Rankings:

1. Crest
2. Kings Mountain
3. Dudley
4. Northern Nash
5. East Lincoln
6. Eastern Alamance
7. West Charlotte
8. Seventy-First
9. Havelock
10. Scotland
11. Eastern Guilford
12. Robinson
13. Northwest Cabarrus
14. South Point
15. West Henderson

2A Classification: Dark Horses Climb to #1; East Gaston and James Kenan Join the Rankings

In the 2A classification, Clinton (4-0) continues to set the pace, taking over their top ranking for the first time this season. Their impressive 47-14 victory over Whiteville (3-1) further cements their status as the team to beat in 2A. Monroe (3-1) jumped from sixth to fourth in the rankings after an extraordinary 70-0 victory over East Mecklenburg (0-4). Princeton (3-0) also maintains their presence in the rankings.

2A Classification Rankings:

1. Clinton
2. Salisbury
3. Northeastern
4. Monroe
5. Forest Hills
6. East Duplin
7. Reidsville
8. Bunker Hill
9. Nash Central
10. Burns
11. Whiteville
12. Princeton
13. East Gaston
14. Shelby
15. James Kenan

1A Classification: Mount Airy and Tarboro Stay at the Top

The 1A classification saw minimal changes in the top ranks. Mount Airy (4-0) continues to dominate, securing their first-place position.

Northampton (4-0) emerged as a new entrant in the rankings at fourteenth following their impressive 20-12 victory over North Edgecombe (2-2). Mountain Island also earned their spot in the rankings.

1A Classification Rankings:

1. Mount Airy
2. Tarboro
3. Robbinsville
4. Swain
5. Mitchell
6. Eastern Randolph
7. Draughn
8. Thomasville
9. Starmount
10. Murphy
11. North Rowan
12. Northampton
13. Andrews
14. Hayesville
15. Mountain Island

These rankings offer a snapshot of the fierce competition and outstanding performances seen on North Carolina's high school football fields. With each passing week, the stakes get higher, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead. Fans can't wait to see how these rankings evolve as the teams continue to battle for gridiron supremacy.