CHAPEL HILL – Monroe High School captured its second state football championship in program history Friday night, defeating previously unbeaten Northeastern 35-25 in the NCHSAA 2A title game at Kenan Stadium. The victory marks Monroe's first state championship since 2015 and caps off a perfect 15-0 season under head coach Johnny Sowell.

The game lived up to its billing as a matchup of undefeated powers, featuring explosive plays and momentum swings throughout the night. Both teams traded haymakers in a first quarter that saw four touchdowns, with Northeastern striking first on Trevaris Jones' 29-yard touchdown pass to Tyell Saunders.

Monroe answered immediately Jordan Young turned a 70-yard reception from Kaegan Chambers into a highlight-reel touchdown, breaking multiple tackles en route to the end zone. The teams continued trading scores, with Northeastern's Unique Blount and Monroe's Chambers adding first-quarter touchdowns to make it 12-14.

The second quarter saw Northeastern take control behind running back Carren Armstrong's 27-yard touchdown run, giving the Eagles an 18-14 advantage. However, Monroe's defense would stiffen, keeping Northeastern from taking advantage of interceptions by Khamani Bennett and keeping the Redhawks within striking distance heading into halftime.

Monroe seized control in the third quarter behind the powerful running of Nymir Kendall. The Redhawks back scored twice in a span of three-and-a-half minutes, including a 24-yard burst that gave Monroe a lead they would never relinquish. Kendall finished with 79 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries.

Northeastern refused to go quietly, as Jones connected with Zion Demps for a touchdown on the final play of the third quarter to pull within three at 28-25. However, Monroe's ground game proved too much down the stretch, with Zion Lindsey's 18-yard touchdown run with 2:18 remaining essentially sealing the victory. Lindsey led all rushers with 116 yards on 18 carries.

The Monroe defense played a crucial role in the victory, forcing three turnovers and recording multiple stops in critical situations. Jeremiah Lindsey led the defensive effort with 11 tackles, including two for loss, while Jesus Jarquin-Ambrosio provided a spark with a blocked punt.

For Northeastern (15-1), the loss marks their third runner-up finish in the last six seasons. Despite the defeat, the Eagles showcased their explosive offense, with Jones throwing for 177 yards and three touchdowns, while Armstrong added 113 yards rushing and a score.

The championship marks a crowning achievement for Monroe's program, which had previously finished as runners-up three times before breaking through with their first title in 2015. This second championship further cements the Redhawks' place among North Carolina's premier 2A programs.

RALEIGH – On a chilly Saturday afternoon at Carter-Finley Stadium, the West Charlotte Lions captured the NCHSAA 3A state championship with a hard-fought 14-7 victory over Seventy-First, riding an efficient passing attack and stalwart defensive effort to secure the title.

In a game where offensive opportunities proved scarce, West Charlotte quarterback Jamouri Nichols delivered a masterful performance, completing 12 of 13 passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns. His precision through the air proved to be the difference in a defensive struggle that saw both teams battle for every yard.

The Lions struck first, establishing their passing attack early when Nichols connected with KD Cotton on a 6-yard touchdown strike in the opening quarter. That early score would stand as the game's only points until late in the second quarter, as both defenses settled in and refused to yield ground.

Seventy-First, playing without starting quarterback Deandre Nance due to a knee injury suffered the previous week, showed remarkable resilience. The Falcons mounted an impressive seven-minute drive before halftime, culminating in Jayson Franklin's 5-yard touchdown run that knotted the score at 7-7.

The third quarter evolved into a tactical chess match, with field position proving crucial. West Charlotte appeared poised to break the deadlock when they drove deep into Falcons territory, but a touchdown run by Nichols was nullified by a penalty. The Lions' frustration mounted as they turned the ball over on downs at the 6-yard line.

The decisive moment finally arrived early in the fourth quarter when Nichols found Donte Nicholson for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown. The 10-yard scoring strike capped a methodical drive that started at the game's most critical juncture.

Seventy-First mounted two late challenges, recovering a fumble in Lions territory with 6:53 remaining, but the West Charlotte defense stood firm. The Falcons' final desperate drive ended on a botched spike attempt as time expired, setting off a celebration on the Lions' sideline.

The defensive nature of the contest was reflected in the statistics, with both teams finding rushing yards at a premium. West Charlotte's Emory McClain Jr. led all rushers with 47 yards on 14 carries, while the Lions' defense limited Seventy-First to just 46 total rushing yards on 26 attempts.

Davion Jones proved to be Nichols' favorite target, hauling in 8 receptions for 55 yards as the Lions consistently moved the chains through the air. The Falcons' Jytavius Whitted provided several explosive plays in defeat, including a 50-yard reception that set up their lone touchdown.

The victory marked a triumphant culmination for West Charlotte, whose defense proved championship-worthy by holding Seventy-First to just seven points. The Falcons entered the contest averaging significantly more points per game but found themselves stymied by a Lions defensive unit that recorded eight tackles for loss.

For Seventy-First, the loss was particularly bitter given their late opportunities. Despite the absence of their starting quarterback, the Falcons remained within striking distance throughout, a testament to their defensive unit led by Kaiveon Gear and Hector Bautista, who combined for 19 tackles.

The championship represents a crowning achievement for West Charlotte's program, which demonstrated championship mettle in the season's biggest moment. Their blend of efficient offense and suffocating defense proved to be the perfect formula for capturing the 3A crown on a memorable December afternoon in Raleigh.

CHAPEL HILL – On a chilly December evening that began with rain but ended in celebration, the Grimsley Whirlies secured their second state championship in program history, defeating the Rolesville Rams 35-23 in the NCHSAA 4A title game. The victory marks a triumphant return to the pinnacle for Grimsley, who last claimed the crown during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season.

Under the leadership of head coach Darryl Brown, the Whirlies (16-0) established their dominance early, building a two-touchdown lead in the first quarter and never relinquishing control, though Rolesville kept the outcome in doubt until the final period. The Whirlies' control was evident in the final statistics, as they accumulated 327 yards of total offense.

Game MVP Faizon Brandon directed the Whirlies' dynamic offense, striking quickly in the 46-degree weather at Kenan Stadium. Brandon, who finished an efficient 9-of-13 for 182 yards, connected with Khyan Battle for a 20-yard touchdown pass midway through the first quarter, setting the tone for what would become a masterful offensive performance.

The momentum continued to build as Battle, showcasing his versatility with 48 yards on punt returns, set up excellent field position. Offensive MOP Mitchell Summers, who proved to be a constant thorn in the Rams' side with 126 yards on 26 carries, needed just three plays to find the end zone, pushing the lead to 14-0.

Rolesville (14-2) refused to go quietly. The Rams' offense, which had struggled with ball control early, found its rhythm in the second quarter when quarterback Braden Atkinson connected with AJ Roberts on a spectacular 43-yard touchdown strike, breathing new life into their title hopes. Atkinson, who earned Rolesville's Offensive MOP honors, would finish with 298 yards passing and three touchdowns despite facing constant pressure.

The game's pivotal sequence came late in the second quarter. After Grimsley failed on a fourth-down attempt in their own territory, the defense immediately responded with an interception, swinging momentum back to the Whirlies. Summers capitalized moments later, breaking free for a 44-yard touchdown run that pushed the lead back to two scores.

The Rams showed their resilience, answering with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Atkinson to Jack McHugh just before halftime, keeping the game within reach at 21-14. Rolesville's Defensive MOP Xavier Lewis led all tacklers with 12 stops, including a sack, helping keep his team within striking distance.

The third quarter became a defensive struggle, with both teams trading possessions until Rolesville's Riley Daniels connected on a 23-yard field goal to narrow the gap to 21-17. However, the fourth quarter belonged entirely to Grimsley, with Defensive MOP Bryce Davis leading a fierce pass rush that recorded three of the team's six sacks.

Brandon, showcasing both his arm and legs, orchestrated two decisive scoring drives. First, he called his own number on a one-yard quarterback sneak to extend the lead. Then, with just over four minutes remaining, he delivered the knockout blow, finding Hudson Cooper streaking down the field for a 63-yard touchdown pass that essentially sealed the championship.

For Rolesville, Atkinson showed tremendous poise in defeat, finding success with multiple receivers as Gavin Waddell led all pass-catchers with seven receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown. The Rams' ground game, however, struggled to find consistent success against a stout Grimsley defensive front that limited them to just 38 rushing yards.

As the final seconds ticked away and the celebration began, the Whirlies' journey from their early-season determination to their late-December triumph was complete. For Coach Brown and his squad, the 2024 state championship trophy represents not just a single game's victory, but the culmination of a season's worth of dedication, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Two powerhouse programs are set to collide Friday night in Kenan Stadium as the Grimsley Whirlies (15-0) and the Rolesville Rams (14-1) meet in the 2024 NCHSAA 4A State Championship. These two familiar foes faced off earlier this season, with Grimsley claiming a 35-20 victory in late August. However, months have passed, and both teams have grown stronger, setting the stage for an epic rematch under the Friday night lights.

The Season So Far: Two Juggernauts

Grimsley, the top-ranked team in North Carolina, has been nothing short of dominant this season. The Whirlies boast a perfect 15-0 record, outscoring opponents 704-167. They’ve averaged a staggering 46.9 points per game while holding opposing offenses to just over 11 points per contest.

Rolesville, despite an early stumble against Grimsley, has been relentless ever since, rattling off 14 consecutive wins. The Rams are averaging an impressive 48.4 points per game and have scored 726 points overall this season, showcasing a potent aerial attack led by senior quarterback Braden Atkinson.

Both teams are battle-tested after deep playoff runs, with Rolesville overcoming perennial contenders like Cleveland and Cardinal Gibbons, while Grimsley edged defending champion Weddington and survived a tough contest against Hough.

Earlier Matchup: Grimsley 35, Rolesville 20

Their August clash feels like ancient history, but it provides insight into this high-stakes rematch. Grimsley’s dominant defense and balanced offense proved too much for Rolesville in that game. Senior running back Mitchell Summers exploded for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns, while quarterback Faizon Brandon added 175 passing yards and a touchdown through the air.

For Rolesville, Atkinson threw for 241 yards and 2 touchdowns, but turnovers and missed opportunities plagued the Rams. Since then, Rolesville’s offense has improved significantly, becoming more efficient and dangerous—qualities that will make this rematch far more competitive.

Key Players to Watch

Grimsley Whirlies:

- Mitchell Summers (RB): The workhorse of Grimsley’s offense, Summers has rushed for 2,207 yards this season, averaging 147.1 yards per game. His physical running style and ability to break big plays will be pivotal in controlling the tempo.

- Faizon Brandon (QB): The junior quarterback has been incredibly efficient, completing 77% of his passes for 2,632 yards and 33 touchdowns with just one interception all season.

- Bryce Davis (DL): On defense, senior Bryce Davis is a game-wrecker, averaging 7.8 tackles per game and leading the team with 17 sacks.

Rolesville Rams:

- Braden Atkinson (QB): Atkinson has had a stellar season, throwing for 3,627 yards and 50 touchdowns. His arm strength and chemistry with his receivers make him a constant threat.

- Gavin Waddell (WR): Waddell has been Atkinson’s go-to target, hauling in 58 catches for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field will challenge Grimsley’s secondary.

- Devon Thomas (RB): Thomas provides balance to the Rams’ offense, rushing for 797 yards and 16 touchdowns this season.

Matchups to Watch

1. Grimsley’s Ground Game vs. Rolesville’s Defense

Grimsley has leaned heavily on its rushing attack, averaging 245.9 rushing yards per game. Summers, alongside Brandon’s dual-threat ability, will look to test Rolesville’s defensive front, which has struggled at times against elite rushing teams.

2. Rolesville’s Passing Attack vs. Grimsley’s Secondary

The Rams’ aerial assault, led by Atkinson, averages 249.5 passing yards per game. Rolesville boasts a trio of talented receivers, including Waddell and Jalen Alford (812 yards, 16 TDs). Grimsley’s secondary, led by Kaden Catoe (11 touchdowns on offense, key contributor on defense), must limit big plays.

3. Turnover Battle

Both teams have thrived by forcing turnovers this season. Grimsley’s defense has tallied 10 interceptions, while Rolesville’s opportunistic secondary has recorded 9 picks. With so much talent on the field, a single turnover could swing the momentum.

Coaching and Adjustments

The rematch adds another layer of intrigue. Grimsley’s coaching staff, led by Coach Darryl Brown, has excelled at making adjustments all season. They’ll likely stick to their winning formula: a heavy dose of Summers on the ground and an opportunistic defense.

For Rolesville, Coach Martin Samek knows his team needs to start fast and limit mistakes. The Rams’ improved offensive efficiency since their Week 2 loss will give them confidence heading into this game.

What’s at Stake

For Grimsley, a win would cap off a perfect 16-0 season and secure their second state title in five years. The Whirlies are hungry to add to their championship legacy and prove they’re the best team in North Carolina.

Rolesville, on the other hand, seeks redemption. After falling short in past championship appearances, the Rams are determined to bring home their first-ever state title. A victory over Grimsley would avenge their earlier loss and cement Rolesville’s place as a top program in the state.

Final Thoughts

This championship showdown promises to be a classic. Grimsley’s balanced attack and elite defense will face its toughest test yet against Rolesville’s explosive offense. While Grimsley won their earlier matchup, expect a much closer contest this time.

Kickoff is set for Friday night at 7 PM. With the 4A title on the line, two of North Carolina’s best will leave it all on the field in pursuit of glory. Will Grimsley complete their perfect season, or will Rolesville rewrite the script?

Friday, December 20

7:00 p.m. – 4A Championship | Grimsley vs. Rolesville at Kenan Stadium

Saturday, December 21

11:00 a.m. – 3A Championship | West Charlotte vs. Seventy-First at Carter-Finley Stadium
3:00 p.m. – 1A State Championship | Corvian vs. Tarboro at Carter-Finley Stadium
6:30 p.m. – 2A State Championship | Monroe vs. Northeastern at Kenan Stadium

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association's regional finals delivered a night of intense football, with sixteen teams battling for state championship berths across four classifications, setting the stage for next week's ultimate showdown.

In the most decisive performance of the evening, top-seeded Tarboro dominated Wilson Prep, routing the newcomers 59-6 in the 1A East Regional Final. The Vikings continued their playoff momentum, having already scored 176 points in their previous three postseason games, securing their eighth consecutive regional championship.

The 1A West Regional Final saw fifth-seeded Corvian continuing its Cinderella run, defeating Mountain Heritage 28-19. This comes on the heels of their stunning upset of Mount Airy, which ended the Granite Bears' remarkable 43-game winning streak – the fifth-longest active streak in the nation.

In the 2A East Regional, top-seeded Northeastern maintained its strong form, defeating Whiteville 24-14. The team successfully avenged last year's regional final loss and will now advance to the state championship game for the first time since 2019. Standing opposite of the Eagles will be the Monroe Redhawks, who took down Brevard in convincing fashion.

The 3A East Regional Final witnessed Seventy-First emphatically defeating Jacksonville 43-7, a remarkable turnaround for a team that was the twelfth seed. In a rematch of the 1986 4A championship, the team facing Seventy-First will be the West Charlotte Lions, who took down the defending state champion Hickory Red Tornadoes on the road.

The 4A East Regional Final provided perhaps the most competitive matchup, with fifth-seeded Rolesville edging Cardinal Gibbons 38-31. This victory continues Rolesville's playoff magic, following their earlier upset of top-seeded Cleveland.

The 4A West Regional was a rematch of the 2022 regional final between Grimsley and Weddington, a game which the Whirlies won by a single point. The Warriors looked poised to return the favor, taking a 10-0 lead into the half. But Grimsley came roaring to life in the second half, putting up thirty-five points and making it back to the title game for the fourth time in school history.

These regional final results set up an exciting state championship weekend. Grimsley and Rolesville will clash in the 4A title game, Seventy-First and West Charlotte will battle in the 3A contest, Tarboro and Corvian will fight for 1A supremacy, and Northeastern and Monroe will compete for the 2A crown.

The championships will be held December 20-21 at Kenan Memorial Stadium and Carter-Finley Stadium, with Kenan Stadium hosting its 83rd and 84th state championship games in its historic football venue.

Regional Final Scores

1A East: (1) Tarboro def. (3) Wilson Prep, 59-6
1A West: (5) Corvian def. (2) Mountain Heritage, 28-19
2A East: (1) Northeastern def. (2) Whiteville, 24-14
2A West: (3) Monroe def. (9) Brevard, 41-15
3A East: (2) Seventy-First def. (12) Jacksonville, 43-7
3A West: (8) West Charlotte def. (3) Hickory, 36-20
4A East: (5) Rolesville def. (2) Cardinal Gibbons, 38-31
4A West: (1) Grimsley def. (2) Weddington, 35-23

The fourth round of the North Carolina high school football playoffs was defined by shocking upsets and dominant performances that will be remembered for years to come. Tarboro set the tone with a thunderous 50-0 shutout that left no doubt about their championship aspirations, while Jacksonville delivered the most stunning blow of the round, dismantling top-seeded Havelock 56-28 in a game that rewrote the postseason narrative. Brevard added to the night's spectacular highlights with an overwhelming 57-14 victory, and in perhaps the most surprising result, fifth-seeded Corvian dethroned previously unbeaten Mount Airy, proving that in the playoffs, anything can happen.

1A East Semifinals:

(1) Tarboro def. (4) Pender, 50-0

(3) Wilson Prep def. (10) Lakewood, 36-17

1A West Semifinals:

(2) Mountain Heritage def. (3) Murphy, 26-8

(5) Corvian def. (1) Mount Airy, 14-7

2A East Semifinals:

(1) Northeastern def. (12) James Kenan, 46-28

(2) Whiteville def. (19) Kinston, 48-21

2A West Semifinals:

(9) Brevard def. (13) Forest Hills, 57-14

(3) Monroe def. (2) Shelby, 41-23

3A East Semifinals:

(12) Jacksonville def. (1) Havelock, 56-28

(2) Seventy-First def. (11) Rose, 48-7

3A West Semifinals:

(8) West Charlotte def. (5) Dudley, 39-13

(3) Hickory def. (10) North Lincoln, 49-46

4A East Semifinals:

(5) Rolesville def. (1) Cleveland, 49-6

(2) Cardinal Gibbons def. (3) Hoggard, 38-0

4A West Semifinals:

(1) Grimsley def. (5) Hough, 35-28

(2) Weddington def. (3) East Forsyth, 37-21

Next Week's Regional Championship Matchups:

1A East: (1) Tarboro vs. (3) Wilson Prep
1A West: (2) Mountain Heritage vs. (5) Corvian
2A East: (1) Northeastern vs. (2) Whiteville
2A West: (3) Monroe vs. (9) Brevard
3A East: (2) Seventy-First vs. (12) Jacksonville
3A West: (3) Hickory vs. (8) West Charlotte
4A East: (2) Cardinal Gibbons vs. (5) Rolesville
4A West: (1) Grimsley vs. (2) Weddington

The state's high school football playoffs delivered drama and excitement this week, with some teams proving why they earned their spots while others shocked fans with unexpected wins. In a jaw-dropping performance, West Charlotte stunned top-seeded Erwin with a crushing 58-0 victory. James Kenan pulled off a heart-stopping win against Wallace-Rose Hill, squeaking by with a razor-thin 14-13 score that kept their championship hopes alive. Some matchups were more one-sided, like Tarboro's overwhelming 71-0 demolition of Warren County. Forest Hills turned heads by beating Salisbury 38-31, while Corvian took down Eastern Randolph 27-14. Each game wrote another chapter in these young athletes' seasons, with some dreams continuing and others coming to an end. The playoffs showed once again that anything can happen on the football field. Seeding means little when passion and determination take the field, and this week's games proved that point in dramatic fashion.

NCHSAA Football Playoff Fourth Round Matchups

1A East Results

1A West Results

2A East Results

2A West Results

3A East Results

3A West Results

4A East Results

4A West Results

NCHSAA Football Playoff Third Round Matchups

The road to championship glory begins this Friday as 253 high school football teams across North Carolina embark on their playoff journeys, marking the 110th season of crowning state champions in the Old North State. The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) released the playoff brackets on Sunday, November 10, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason culminating in four state championship games in December.

This year's championship games will be split between two of the state's most prestigious venues - Kenan Memorial Stadium at UNC Chapel Hill and Carter-Finley Stadium at NC State. Kenan Stadium, which has hosted 81 championship games since 1989, will add two more to its historic legacy, while Carter-Finley will host its 35th and 36th championship contests.

The 2024 playoffs feature an intriguing mix of traditional powerhouses and fresh faces. Four programs will make their NCHSAA playoff debuts this season: Montgomery Central in the 3A bracket, and Palisades, West Cabarrus, and Willow Spring in the 4A bracket. These newcomers will look to make their mark against some of the state's most successful programs.

Speaking of success, nine of the top ten winningest playoff programs in NCHSAA history since 1972 are back in the hunt this year. Shelby, the all-time leader with 120 playoff victories, leads this distinguished group. Other notable returning powers include Reidsville (97 wins), Swain County (97 wins), and Richmond County (89 wins). In an interesting first-round matchup, two of these historic programs will clash as Thomasville travels to Robbinsville.

The 2024 season has already produced some remarkable individual performances that could make the difference in the playoffs. Havelock's Jaylen Hewitt leads all passers with 3,174 yards and 31 touchdowns, while White Oak's Tareavion Mageo has dominated on the ground with 2,095 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. In the receiving game, Hobbton's Reggie Thompson has been nearly unstoppable, accumulating 1,361 yards on 82 receptions.

This year's playoffs also feature several compelling comeback stories. North Iredell is breaking the longest playoff drought in the state, making their first appearance since 2006 - meaning no player on the current roster was even born when the Raiders last reached the postseason. They're joined by 42 other programs returning to the playoffs after various lengths of absence, including Northern Vance (last appearance: 2008) and South Rowan (2009).

Fans unable to attend the games in person won't miss any of the action, as 68 first-round games will be broadcast live on the NFHS Network. An additional 45 local radio stations will provide coverage of various games across the state, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this historic playoff season.

The path to the championships, scheduled for December 20th and 21st, represents the fourth iteration of the current NCHSAA Football Playoff format. This format was implemented following the 2002-2021 period when eight champions were crowned, including the COVID-19 impacted spring season of 2021.

The seeding process this year maintains its focus on rewarding conference success while utilizing RPI ratings for final placements. Conference champions receive automatic berths and are seeded first, followed by additional qualifiers based on both conference standing and RPI ratings. The system ensures that teams can only qualify if all teams above them in their conference standings have also made the playoffs, maintaining competitive integrity.

As the 110th season of North Carolina high school football championships begins, the stage is set for another memorable playoff season. From historic programs chasing additional glory to newcomers looking to make their mark, the next few weeks promise to deliver the excitement and drama that high school football fans have come to expect from one of the state's most cherished sporting traditions.

See the full list of first-round matchups on Carolina Gridiron's 2024 Championship Central.

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) has released the seeds for this year’s highly anticipated high school football playoffs. Teams from across the state will begin their journey toward the championship on November 15, with the ultimate goal of reaching the State Championships held at Kenan Memorial Stadium at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Carter-Finley Stadium at North Carolina State University.

 Playoff Schedule

- First Round: November 15

- Second Round: November 22

- Third Round: November 29

- Fourth Round: December 6

- Regional Finals: December 13

- State Championships: December 20-21

Road to the Championship

The NCHSAA playoff system is built to recognize excellence across conferences, rewarding top-performing teams and those who fought hard throughout the season. Teams earn playoff berths through conference standings, with champions from conferences of 1-5 teams receiving automatic berths, while conferences of six or more teams also send runner-ups or tournament winners. Further playoff spots are filled by wild-card selections based on Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) ratings.

RPI ratings are used extensively in the seeding process, ensuring that high-performing teams are rewarded based on their conference rankings and season strength. Each region, East and West, is seeded independently, with conference champions getting precedence over other qualifying teams.

Path to Victory

From the opening round, higher-seeded teams will have the advantage of home field until the State Championships, where champions from each division will clash. Fans across North Carolina can look forward to an intense season finale, as the top teams from each region converge in Chapel Hill and Raleigh for a two-day championship event.

1A First Round

East

(1) Tarboro vs BYE

(16) Weldon vs (17) Lejeune

(8) Perquimans vs (25) Northwest Halifax

(9) Warren vs (24) Southside

(5) Northside (Pinetown) vs (28) East Columbus

(12) Gates vs (21) Washington County

(13) Rosewood vs (20) Hobbton

(4) Pender vs (29) Chatham Central

(3) Wilson Prep vs BYE

(19) KIPP Pride vs (14) West Columbus

(6) North Moore vs (27) Union

(11) Bertie vs (22) North Edgecombe

(7) Bear Grass vs (26) Pamlico

(10) Lakewood vs (23) Northampton

(15) East Bladen vs (18) Southeast Halifax

(2) North Duplin vs BYE

West

(1) Mount Airy vs (32) Thomas Jefferson

(16) Mountain Island vs (17) Bishop McGuinness

(8) South Stanly vs (25) Avery

(9) Starmount vs (24) Andrews

(5) Corvian vs (28) Elkin

(12) Mitchell vs (21) Draughn

(13) Cherokee vs (20) Carver

(4) Eastern Randolph vs (29) Swain

(3) Murphy vs (30) Highland Tech

(14) Alleghany vs (19) Christ the King

(6) Bessemer City vs (27) South Stokes

(11) Robbinsville vs (22) Thomasville

(7) North Rowan vs (26) Cherryville

(10) East Wilkes vs (23) Albemarle

(15) Union Academy vs (18) Hayesville

(2) Mountain Heritage vs (31) North Stokes

2A First Round

East

(1) Northeastern vs (32) Hertford

(16) Midway vs (17) Greene Central

(8) St. Pauls vs (25) East Duplin

(9) Nash Central vs (24) West Craven

(5) Martin County vs (28) North Johnston

(12) James Kenan vs (21) Roanoke Rapids

(13) Cummings vs (20) SouthWest Edgecombe

(4) Wallace-Rose Hill vs (29) Washington

(3) Southeast Alamance vs (30) Heide Trask

(14) South Columbus vs (19) Kinston

(11) Ayden-Grifton vs (22) North Lenoir

(6) South Granville vs (27) Edenton Holmes

(7) Eastern Wayne vs (26) Northwood

(10) East Carteret vs (23) Princeton

(15) Farmville Central vs (18) North Pitt

(2) Whiteville vs (31) Pasquotank

West

(1) Reidsville vs (32) RS Central

(16) North Surry vs (17) East Rutherford

(8) Bunker Hill vs (25) Hendersonville

(9) Brevard vs (24) Anson

(5) Salisbury vs (28) West Davidson

(12) Walkertown vs (21) Surry Central

(13) Forest Hills vs (20) Lexington

(4) Randleman vs (29) East Gaston

(3) Monroe vs (30) TW Andrews

(14) Burns vs (19) North Stanly

(11) East Surry vs (22) Southwestern Randolph

(6) West Stokes vs (27) North Forsyth

(7) Mount Pleasant vs (26) West Lincoln

(10) CS Davidson vs (23) Bandys

(15) Lincolnton vs (18) Maiden

(2) Shelby vs (31) Morehead

3A First Round

East

(1) Havelock vs (32) Westover

(16) Western Alamance vs (17) Vance County

(8) Terry Sanford vs (25) South Central

(9) Union Pines vs (24) Scotland

(5) Williams vs (28) East Wake

(12) Jacksonville vs (21) West Carteret

(13) Cape Fear vs (20) Southern Alamance

(4) Aycock vs (29) Eastern Alamance

(3) Northern Nash vs (30) Rose

(14) Southern Nash vs (19) Harnett Central

(11) Southern Durham vs (22) Fike

(6) Currituck vs (27) West Johnston

(7) White Oak vs (26) Lee County

(10) North Brunswick vs (23) Hunt

(15) Rocky Mount vs (18) Richlands

(2) Seventy-First vs (31) Croatan

West

(1) Erwin vs (32) Parkwood

(16) Pisgah vs (17) Smoky Mountain

(8) West Charlotte vs (25) Hunter Huss

(9) Freedom vs (24) West Rowan

(5) Dudley vs (28) Asheboro

(12) AC Reynolds vs (21) Central Davidson

(13) Kings Mountain vs (20) East Lincoln

(4) Robinson vs (29) Northeast Guilford

(3) Hickory vs (30) Tuscola

(14) Statesville vs (19) Franklin

(11) Oak Grove vs (22) North Iredell

(6) Crest vs (27) Eastern Guilford

(7) West Henderson vs (26) South Rowan

(10) North Lincoln vs (23) North Davidson

(15) Ashbrook vs (18) Northwest Cabarrus

(2) South Point vs (31) Montgomery Central

4A First Round

East

(1) Cleveland vs (32) Heritage

(16) Ashley vs (17) Laney

(8) Jordan vs (25) Enloe

(9) Apex Friendship vs (24) Pine Forest

(5) Rolesville vs (28) Middle Creek

(12) Pinecrest vs (21) New Hanover

(13) Clayton vs (20) Corinth Holders

(4) Richmond vs (29) Topsail

(3) Hoggard vs (30) Broughton

(14) Leesville Road vs (19) Conley

(6) New Bern vs (27) Gray’s Creek

(11) Millbrook vs (22) South View

(7) Jack Britt vs (26) Wake Forest

(10) Overhills vs (23) Hillside

(15) Garner vs (18) Southeast Raleigh

(2) Cardinal Gibbons vs (31) Willow Spring

West

(1) Grimsley vs (32) Western Guilford

(16) Reagan vs (17) Southeast Guilford

(8) Charlotte Catholic vs (25) Porter Ridge

(9) Palisades vs (24) Page

(5) Hough vs (28) South Iredell

(12) Mount Tabor vs (21) Independence

(13) Mallard Creek vs (20) Lake Norman

(4) Watauga vs (29) Ragsdale

(3) East Forsyth vs (30) Butler

(14) West Forsyth vs (19) Cuthbertson

(6) Mooresville vs (27) Alexander Central

(11) Northwest Guilford vs (22) Olympic

(7) Asheville vs (26) Marvin Ridge

(10) Northern Guilford vs (23) West Cabarrus

(15) Sun Valley vs (18) Roberson

(2) Weddington vs (31) Brown

The crux of the NCHSAA playoff system is the RPI formula. This formula, used for all team-bracketed playoffs, consists of three components:

- Winning Percentage (WP): Calculated by dividing the number of wins by the total games played, with ties considered as half a win.

- Opponents’ Winning Percentage (OWP): This involves averaging the winning percentages of a team's opponents. It's essential to note that games involving the team whose RPI is being calculated are not included in this process.

- Opponents’ Opponents Winning Percentage (OOWP): Similar to OWP, this is calculated for the opponents of a team's opponents. There's a slight exception for out-of-state teams, which we'll delve into next.

**Handling Out-of-State and International Opponents**

Out-of-state opponents from Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia are treated the same as in-state opponents if they have a verified MaxPreps account and schedule. For all other out-of-state opponents, their direct winning percentage counts, but each of their opponents receives a .500 winning percentage in the formula.

International opponents, on the other hand, do not impact the RPI calculation, ensuring that the system remains focused on in-state competition.

1A State Championship

Mount Airy 21, Tarboro 3
MVP: Tyler Mason

Mount Airy Offensive MOP – Mario Revels 
Mount Airy Defensive MOP – Ian Gallimore
Tarboro Offensive MOP – Kamerin McDowell-Moore 
Tarboro Defensive MOP – Isaiah Jones

Mount Airy Secures 9th NCHSAA Football State Championship

2A State Championship

Reidsville 28, Clinton 18
MVP: Al Lee

Reidsville Offensive MOP – Kendre Harrison
Reidsville Defensive MOP – Paul Widerman
Clinton Offensive MOP – Josiah Robinson
Clinton Defensive MOP – Jayden Williams

Reidsville Secures Record Setting NCHSAA 20th State Championship

3A State Championship

Hickory 33, Seventy-First 26
MVP: Brady Stober

Hickory Offensive MOP – Isaiah Lackey
Hickory Defensive MOP – Henry Pitts
Seventy-First Offensive MOP – Deandre Nance 
Seventy-First Defensive MOP – Zayvion Hill

Hickory Wins 3A Title in Nail-Biting Finish

4A State Championship

Weddington 56, Hoggard 21
MVP: Keenan Jackson

Weddington Offensive MOP – Tyler Budge
Weddington Defensive MOP – Aiden Harris
Hoggard Offensive MOP – Hudson Wilharm
Hoggard Defensive MOP – Kamar Fulton

Weddington Dominates in Fourth Title Win in Eight Years