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.

RALEIGH – In a game between titans both looking for a return to championship glory, the Reidsville Rams emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle against the Clinton Dark Horses to claim the NCHSAA 2A State Championship. The Rams' explosive offense, coupled with a stalwart defense, propelled them to a 28-18 triumph that extended their NCHSAA-leading record of twenty state championships.

From the opening kickoff, the Rams set the tone for the evening, taking charge with a methodical drive culminating in a 12-yard touchdown pass from Al Lee to Dionte Neal. The Dark Horses responded with a 23-yard field goal from Sumner Brandt, signaling their intent to stay in contention.

The Rams, however, were undeterred. Quarterback Al Lee orchestrated a masterful 18-yard touchdown connection to Kendre Harrison, widening the gap to 14-3 before the end of the first quarter.

As the game progressed into the third quarter, Clinton rallied with a powerful 1-yard rushing touchdown from Amaris Williams, narrowing the Rams' lead to 14-10. Reidsville answered back swiftly, with Lee once again finding Harrison for a 24-yard touchdown reception, restoring the Rams' dominance at 21-10.

The climax of the game occurred in the fourth quarter when Al Lee delivered a 45-yard touchdown pass to Cam'ron Jones, securing a commanding lead for the Rams. Although Clinton fought back with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Nydarion Blackwell to Amaris Williams, the Rams' earlier surge proved insurmountable.

A standout moment in the game was a crucial onside kick by Nydarion Blackwell, reclaiming possession for Clinton. However, the Rams' defense stood firm, denying the Dark Horses an opportunity to capitalize on the turnover.

The game was not short on drama, with key plays punctuating the contest. Jariel Cobb's ground prowess for Reidsville, coupled with timely receptions from Neal, Harrison, and Jones, showcased the Rams' offensive diversity. On the defensive side, Aidan Mansfield's stellar performance, including nine total tackles, played a pivotal role in stifling the Dark Horses' advances.

Clinton's efforts were led by the dynamic duo of Robinson Josiah and Amaris Williams, who consistently found gaps in the Rams' defense. Despite their resilience, penalties and the Rams' formidable defense prevented Clinton from fully closing the scoring gap.

In the end, the Reidsville Rams hoisted the championship trophy, their 28-18 triumph a testament to their skill, teamwork, and unyielding determination. As the teams met at midfield for the trophy ceremony and the Reidsville faithful erupted in celebration, the Rams etched their names into the storied history of North Carolina high school football, savoring a well-deserved 2A state championship victory.

This Saturday, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 2A State Championship will feature an electrifying match between Clinton High School and Reidsville High School at Carter-Finley Stadium. The game is set to kick off at 3 p.m.

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