CHARLOTTE – As the anticipation for the upcoming high school football season builds, Carolina Gridiron has released its highly anticipated preseason Top 15 rankings for all four classifications in North Carolina. These rankings offer a glimpse into the teams expected to make waves in the 2024 season. With a slew of returning players, each of the state’s defending champions is situated in the top spot to start the season.

In the 4A classification, defending champion Weddington claims the top spot, followed closely by Butler and Grimsley. The Warriors from Weddington are poised to repeat, building on their recent successes and adding additional power through new players on the roster. Butler and Grimsley, perennial powerhouses, are expected to provide fierce competition for the Warriors throughout the season.

Notable entries in the 4A rankings include Independence at number 5, a program with a storied history in North Carolina high school football. East Forsyth and Cardinal Gibbons, ranked 7th and 8th respectively, are also teams to watch, known for their state titles in recent years.

4A Top 15

1. Weddington

2. Butler

3. Grimsley

4. Hough

5. Independence

6. Rolesville

7. East Forsyth

8. Cardinal Gibbons

9. Cleveland

10. Hoggard

11. Mallard Creek

12. Chambers

13. Porter Ridge

14. Myers Park

15. Watauga

Moving to the 3A classification, defending champion Hickory leads the pack, with Seventy-First and Crest rounding out the top three. With much of the roster returning, the Tornadoes are primed for another standout season. Dudley, sitting at number 4, is another program with a strong football tradition that could challenge for the top spot as the season progresses.

The 3A rankings also feature some intriguing teams like West Henderson and AC Reynolds at 5th and 6th, respectively. These mountain region schools could shake up the rankings as the season unfolds.

3A Top 15

1. Hickory

2. Seventy-First

3. Crest

4. Dudley

5. West Henderson

6. AC Reynolds

7. Robinson

8. North Lincoln

9. West Charlotte

10. Havelock

11. Northern Nash

12. Southern Alamance

13. Jacksonville

14. Williams

15. Northwest Cabarrus

In the 2A classification, the Reidsville Rams claim the number one position, followed by Monroe and Forest Hills. Reidsville’s dominance in recent years makes them a favorite to maintain their top ranking. However, traditional powerhouses like Salisbury and Shelby, ranked 4th and 5th, are sure to provide stiff competition.

The 2A rankings also include some programs on the rise, such as Bunker Hill and Burns at 7th and 8th. These teams could be poised for breakout seasons that catapult them up the rankings.

2A Top 15

1. Reidsville

2. Monroe

3. Forest Hills

4. Salisbury

5. Shelby

6. Clinton

7. Bunker Hill

8. Burns

9. Randleman

10. Northeastern

11. West Lincoln

12. Brevard

13. Lincolnton

14. Whiteville

15. CS Davidson

Finally, in the 1A classification, Mount Airy stands atop the rankings, with Eastern Randolph and Tarboro close behind. Even with a new coaching staff, Mount Airy’s returning roster is setting high expectations for the Granite Bears this season. Tarboro, a consistent force in 1A football and last year’s runner-up, will be looking to climb from their 3rd place preseason ranking.

The 1A rankings also feature some intriguing small-school programs like Robbinsville and Swain County at 4th and 5th. These mountain schools have a history of punching above their weight and could make significant moves in the rankings.

1A Top 15

1. Mount Airy

2. Eastern Randolph

3. Tarboro

4. Robbinsville

5. Swain County

6. North Rowan

7. Mountain Heritage

8. Thomasville

9. Murphy

10. West Columbus

11. Hayesville

12. Wilson Prep

13. Starmount

14. East Bladen

15. Draughn

As with any preseason rankings, these are based on a mix of expectations and roster retention. The true test will come when teams take the field this fall. Fans can expect intense rivalries, upset victories, and emerging stars as the season unfolds across all four classifications.

Carolina Gridiron’s rankings provide a starting point for discussions and debates among high school football enthusiasts across the state. As teams begin their seasons this week, these rankings will serve as motivation for some and a target for others.

The diversity of schools represented in these rankings showcases the depth and quality of high school football across North Carolina. From large urban schools to small rural programs, the passion for football runs deep in the Old North State.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on these top-ranked teams to see if they can live up to their preseason billing. But in high school football, anything can happen, and that’s what makes the upcoming season so exciting for players, coaches, and fans alike.

CHARLOTTE – Carolina Gridiron has unveiled its prestigious 2024 Preseason All-Gridiron Team, spotlighting North Carolina’s most exceptional high school football players. This year’s selection features standout athletes from various schools across the state, representing the pinnacle of talent in their respective positions. 

East Forsyth’s quarterback Bryce Baker leads the offensive selections, recognized for his exceptional arm talent and field vision. The running back positions are claimed by Christopher Daley II from East Lincoln and Amareon Blue of Jordan, both known for their explosive play-making abilities.

Mount Tabor’s Shamarius Peterkin, Forest Hills’ Je’rel Bolder, and Robinson’s Brian Rowe have earned spots for their impressive performances in the receiving corps. Providence Day’s Kendre Harrison rounds out the passing targets as the selected tight end.

The offensive line boasts some of the state’s most dominant blockers, including David Sanders of Providence Day, Trey Blue from Cary, West Forsyth’s PJ Dean, Tai Buster of Brown, and Hoggard’s Michael Gibbs.

Defensively, the line is anchored by a formidable group consisting of Isaiah Campbell (Southern Durham), Bryce Davis (Grimsley), Donovan Darden (Havelock), and Sherrod Henderson (Trask).

The linebacker selections showcase the state’s defensive prowess, featuring Traquin Watson from North Johnston, Weddington’s Thomas Davis, Jr., Taeshawn Alston of Vance County, and Palisades’ Kendric Davis.

In the secondary, Jordan Young (Monroe), JaDon Blair (Mount Tabor), Braxton Winston (Providence Day), and Samari Matthews (Hough) have been recognized for their stellar defensive play.

The team also acknowledges two exceptional athletes in Monroe’s Kaegan Chambers and Havelock’s Jonathan Williams, noted for their versatility on the field.

Special teams selections round out the roster, with Hough’s Kandler Happe as punter, Cuthbertson’s Spencer Crum as kicker, and Charlotte Catholic’s Jack Baade as long snapper.

This year’s All-Gridiron Team reflects the widespread talent across North Carolina, with selections coming from both perennial powerhouses and rising programs. The diversity of schools represented underscores the depth of talent in the state’s high school football landscape.

As the season approaches, these players will be ones to watch on Friday nights. Their selection to the Preseason All-Gridiron Team recognizes their past achievements and sets high expectations for their performance in the upcoming season.

College recruiters and fans alike will keep a close eye on these standout athletes, many of whom are expected to make significant impacts at the collegiate level. The 2024 season promises to be an exciting showcase of North Carolina’s high school football talent, with these All-Gridiron selections leading the way at their respective schools.