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.

As the NCHSAA football playoffs head into the fourth round, anticipation is high for thrilling matchups and historic achievements. Among the standout narratives is Tarboro's remarkable 16th consecutive post-Thanksgiving appearance, the longest streak in North Carolina. The Vikings, eyeing an eighth straight fourth-round presence, have been dominant in the East Regional, clinching the title six years in a row.

In a clash of resilience and ambition, Tarboro faces East Bladen, the No. 13 seed, marking their deepest playoff run since 2009. Wilson Prep, making only its second playoff appearance, is set for a post-Thanksgiving debut, while West Columbus looks to build on last year's near miss, determined to break through the fourth round after a hiatus since 1985.

Robbinsville, a familiar face in the fourth round with six appearances in the last decade, seeks redemption after falling short in the third round last season. North Rowan, making its first fourth-round appearance since 1992, aims to recapture the glory of its 1992 state runner-up finish.

In the 2A bracket, Clinton and Nash Central are making significant playoff strides, with Clinton making its first fourth-round appearance since 2019, and Nash Central celebrating its inaugural entry into the round. Whiteville, back after a 1987 2A Championship, showcases their resilience in the 1A Classification, while Northeastern returns for the seventh time since 2010.

The 3A bracket sees perennial contenders Havelock and Crest making their mark once again, with Havelock on its 14th fourth-round appearance and Crest in its 15th. Southern Alamance is set for its fourth-round debut, adding an element of unpredictability to the mix.

In the 4A bracket, Rolesville continues its dominance with a fourth consecutive appearance, while Cardinal Gibbons looks for redemption after last year's second-round exit. Butler, making its seventh fourth-round appearance, faces Independence, marking the Patriots' return after a hiatus since 2009.

The excitement is further amplified by the notable high-scoring encounters in the third round, setting the stage for a gripping fourth round. Notably, the clash between Nash Central and Hertford County produced a record-breaking combined score, securing its place in the NCHSAA Football Record Book.

As fans gear up for the upcoming matchups, the stage is set for a weekend of thrilling football action, where history will be made, and teams will battle for a coveted spot in the Regional Finals.