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.

CHAPEL HILL – The Tarboro Vikings and Mount Airy Granite Bears clashed in a highly anticipated showdown during the 1A State Championship match at Kenan Memorial Stadium on the University of North Carolina campus. This marked their second encounter in the state finals, with each team having claimed victory over the other in previous championship matches in 2017 and 2022. On Saturday, Mount Airy emerged victorious, walking away with their ninth NCHSAA Football State Championship with a decisive 21-3 win.

In a defensive stalemate that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the first quarter showcased a remarkable 55-yard punt from Tarboro's Oscar Perez Gaspar, landing just shy of the 5-yard line. Gaspar later contributed the initial points of the game in the second quarter, nailing a 39-yard field goal to cap a seven-play, 17-yard drive. As the first half came to a close, Tarboro's defense made a crucial goal line stand, and the Granite Bears missed a 21-yard field goal attempt, leaving Tarboro with a 3-0 lead at halftime.

The turning point occurred in the third quarter when Deric Dandy's pivotal tackle on fourth and one led to a turnover on downs, granting Mount Airy possession on the Tarboro 29-yard line. Seizing the opportunity, Tyler Mason powered through with a 12-yard run after a 5-play sequence, propelling the Granite Bears to a 7-3 lead.

The momentum continued in the fourth quarter as Ian Gallimore executed a quick shovel pass to Mario Revels for an electrifying 89-yard touchdown within the first 15 seconds. Gallimore, orchestrating a patient 9-play, 32-yard drive, connected with Blake Hawks in the endzone, sealing the championship title for Mount Airy with a commanding 21-3 lead.

Tarboro concluded the season with a commendable 13-1 record, marking their 14th appearance in the state finals since their debut in 1984. This year's appearance marked their seventh consecutive entry, maintaining a shot at the state title every year since 2017. Despite the defeat, the Vikings hold a respectable state finals record of 8-6, with runner-up finishes in both 2022 and 2023.

Meanwhile, Mount Airy wrapped up an undefeated season with a flawless 16-0 record. This marked their 14th appearance in the final game of the season, boasting a 9-5 record in championship appearances since their inaugural participation in 1935.

This Saturday at 12 p.m., the NCHSAA 1A State Championship will see a thrilling face-off between Mount Airy High School and Tarboro High School at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Despite the 211 miles separating these schools, Chapel Hill proves to be an ideal meeting spot, being 113 miles from Mount Airy and 101 miles from Tarboro.

Last Week’s Highlights

In the 1A Regional Championships, Mount Airy, the West No. 2 Seed, traveled to No. 1 Seed Robbinsville and scored 13 unanswered points to claim a 27-16 win. This victory has given the Granite Bears the opportunity to defend their 2022 state championship. The Bears now hold a 5-6 record in Regional Finals since 1972.

On the other hand, East No. 1 Seed Tarboro defeated No. 2 Seed West Columbus 49-12 in the Regional Championship. Mason Satterfield and Caiden Everette were the stars of the match, with Satterfield running for three touchdowns and Everette rushing for 111 yards and two scores. The Vikings now have a 14-3 record in Regional Finals and have won an East Regional Championship for eight consecutive years.

Team Rankings, Records, & History

The two teams come into this week’s game having held the top two spots in the Carolina Gridiron Top 15 since the preseason rankings were announced. In the 2022 NCHSAA 1A state championship, Mount Airy defeated Tarboro with a score of 20-7. This victory marked Mount Airy’s eighth state title and their first since 2008. The win over Tarboro was the first championship chapter in Mount Airy’s history book in 14 years. Before that, Mount Airy’s last state championship came in 2008 in a 37-14 rout over Williamston in the 1A title. On the other hand, Tarboro has won nine state titles overall in school history (1965, 1984, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2017, 2018, 2020-21, 2021).

Scoring Averages

Tarboro has an average score of 44.2 points per game, with most points scored in the first half. Mount Airy, on the other hand, has a higher average of 52.5 points per game, with a significant number of points also scored in the first half.

Team Stat Comparison

Both teams have unblemished records and impressive stats on both sides of the ball. Tarboro (13-0) scored a total of 575 points while conceding only 91 this season while Mount Airy (15-0) has amassed 788 points while only giving up 88 in quest to defend their title. Mount Airy leads in rushing yards per game (376.0), passing yards per game (56.0), and total yards per game (432.0). Tarboro, however, has a higher average of tackles per game (67.8) and sacks per game (1.5).

Team Leaders

Tarboro’s Mason Satterfield leads in rushing yards per game (87.1) and total yards per game (95.2), while Omarion Lewis leads in passing yards per game (26.9). Cam’ron Harper and Tyler Powell lead in tackles per game (8.1) and sacks per game (0.5) respectively.

For Mount Airy, Tyler Mason leads in rushing yards per game (138.7) and total yards per game (138.7), while Ian Gallimore leads in passing yards per game (41.4) and tackles per game (10.1). Deric Dandy leads in sacks per game (0.9).

Final Thoughts

With both teams undefeated this season and boasting impressive stats, this championship game promises to be a thrilling encounter. Will the Granite Bears successfully defend their title, or will the Vikings extend their winning streak in the East Regional Championship to the state level? Tune in this Saturday to find out!

Friday, December 8

7:00 p.m. – 3A Championship | Hickory vs. Seventy-First at Kenan Stadium

Saturday, December 9

Noon – 1A State Championship | Mount Airy vs. Tarboro at Kenan Stadium

3:00 p.m. – 2A State Championship | Reidsville vs. Clinton at Carter-Finley Stadium

7:00 p.m. – 4A State Championship | Weddington vs. Hoggard at Carter-Finley Stadium