Showing posts with label Weddington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weddington. Show all posts

Friday, December 13, 2024

Regional Finals: Champions Emerge In Dramatic Playoff Showdowns

11:45 PM


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





Regional Finals: Champions Emerge In Dramatic Playoff Showdowns

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Carolina Gridiron Unveils Preseason Top 15 Rankings for North Carolina High School Football

11:32 AM





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.



Sunday, December 10, 2023

Weddington Dominates in Fourth Title Win in Eight Years

10:35 AM

RALEIGH – In a spectacular display of dominance, the Weddington Warriors clinched the NCHSAA 4A state championship with a resounding 56-14 victory over the Hoggard Vikings at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC. The Warriors' defense played a pivotal role in their triumph, relentlessly shutting down Hoggard's offensive attempts. Led by standout players like Drew Harris and Sam Neely, the Warriors' defense applied unrelenting pressure, accumulating sacks and turnovers that stifled any hopes of a Viking comeback.

The defensive dominance was on full display as Drew Harris and his teammates showcased their skills with a combined total of 8 solo tackles, 24 assists, and multiple tackles for loss. Gannon Anthony made a significant impact with a crucial interception, while Aiden Harris and Matthew Massaro contributed to the defensive dominance with sacks and tackles that kept Hoggard on the backfoot throughout the game. Weddington's defensive unit proved to be an impenetrable force, allowing only 14 points and sealing their championship victory.

The scoring kicked off in the first quarter with the Hoggard Vikings taking an early lead. After Trey Nixon intercepted a Weddington pass and nearly ran it back for a pick-six, quarterback Hudson Wilharm connected with Charlie Kilbourne for a 4-yard touchdown pass, putting the Vikings on the board. However, the Weddington Warriors quickly responded, with Keenan Jackson's 5-yard rushing touchdown, followed by another impressive 27-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Budge to Jackson, bringing the score to 14-7 in favor of the Warriors by the end of the first quarter. The Warriors continued to dominate in the second quarter, extending their lead with Nick Diamond's 12-yard rushing touchdown and Jackson's 21-yard touchdown reception, entering halftime with a commanding 28-7 advantage.

The third quarter showcased the Warriors' defensive dominance with a punt block return for a touchdown by TJ Davis starting off the scoring. The Weddington offensive onslaught continued with rushing touchdowns by Nick Diamond, Brady Ritter, and Tyler Budge, pushing the score to 56-14 and a running clock by the end of the quarter. Despite a late resurgence by the Hoggard Vikings in the fourth quarter, including a 65-yard rushing touchdown by Hudson Wilharm and a 20-yard touchdown toss from Wilharm to Ryan McAllister, the Weddington Warriors secured their triumph with a final score of 56-21.

On the offensive side, quarterback Tyler Budge orchestrated a masterful performance, completing 17 of 24 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. The rushing game complemented the aerial assault, with Nick Diamond leading the charge with 105 yards and two touchdowns. Keenan Jackson's dynamic playmaking abilities were showcased as he contributed both in the air and on the ground, scoring two rushing touchdowns and receiving one.

In the end, the Weddington Warriors secured a well-deserved victory, showcasing not only their offensive fireworks but also their resilience in the face of a determined opponent. As the players and coaches exchanged handshakes at midfield, the mutual respect between the two teams was palpable, a testament to the sportsmanship that defines high school athletics.

Thursday, December 7, 2023

NCHSAA 4A State Championship Preview: Weddington vs. Hoggard

9:00 AM


This Saturday at 7 p.m., Carter-Finley Stadium will be the battleground for the NCHSAA 4A State Championship, featuring a tough, physical matchup between Weddington High School and Hoggard High School. Both teams have shown remarkable resilience and skill throughout the season, earning their spots in this highly anticipated championship game.

Team Overview

Hoggard, with an average of 42.6 points per game, has shown a strong offensive presence throughout the season. Their key players include #22 M’kel Bellamy, who averages 58.5 rushing yards per game, and #15 Hudson Wilharm, who contributes 183.0 passing yards per game. On the defensive side, #21 Reagan Printy leads with an average of 12.4 tackles per game.

Weddington, on the other hand, has a balanced approach with an average of 37.5 points per game. Their offense is led by #34 Nick Diamond, who averages 68.2 rushing yards per game, and #12 Tyler Budge, who contributes 197.3 passing yards per game. On defense, #4 Gannon Anthony leads with an average of 8.2 tackles per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Chapel Hill this season, with Hoggard winning 52-0 and Weddington winning 66-13. This common opponent provides a glimpse into the potential dynamics of the upcoming championship game.

The Road to the Championship

Hoggard’s journey to the championship has been marked by impressive victories, including a 41-20 win over Cardinal Gibbons. Weddington, despite a couple of losses, has shown resilience, bouncing back with a 34-14 win over Independence.

As we look forward to this weekend’s championship game, it’s clear that both teams bring a unique set of strengths to the table. It will be exciting to see how these dynamics play out on the field. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling showdown at Carter-Finley Stadium!

Monday, December 4, 2023

State Championship Coaches Speak About This Week's Games

7:31 PM


The 2023 Championship Games will be held December 8th and 9th at Kenan Memorial Stadium on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and at Carter-Finley Stadium on the campus of North Carolina State University

Carolina Gridiron was on the scene for today's press conference with the eight regional champion coaches. 

 

Saturday, December 2, 2023

State Championship Matchups, Times, and Locations Set

11:13 AM


 


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

Friday, December 20, 2019

Weddington's Keith Duncan Named FWAA First Team All-American

10:06 AM
DALLAS (FWAA) – The Football Writers Association of America, in partnership with the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, is proud to announce its 2019 All-America Team, headlined by 12 players from the Big Ten Conference – nine of them on the first team – and 11 from the Southeastern Conference that includes Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow of LSU.

Fifty-four standout players were selected to two teams by the association's All-America committee after voting from the entire membership. Since 2013, the FWAA has named a second team. Overall, there are 35 schools represented from eight Football Bowl Subdivision conferences, including 14 players who are competing in the College Football Playoff and three repeat selections.

The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic is presenting the All-America Team as part of what has been a season-long campaign to promote the 75-year history of this prestigious honor. Each All-American will receive a commemorative football and the first-team selections will be presented with a custom All-America watch.

"We are honored to partner with the FWAA to recognize the very best athletes at their respective positions in our game," said Rick Baker, Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic President/CEO. "These young men join a remarkable fraternity of college football greats before them, and now their names and accomplishments will forever be marked in history."

Since 1945, the FWAA team has been among the five used in the NCAA's selection of an annual consensus All-America team in college football. Since the 2002 season, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), The Associated Press, The Sporting News, and the Walter Camp Football Foundation have joined the FWAA as the five designated selectors by the NCAA.

The top two teams in the College Football Playoff – Ohio State (5) and LSU (4) – lead all programs on the combined first and second teams. The Buckeyes tied for the national-high with three first-team members led by the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Bednarik Award winner, defensive end Chase Young, along with defensive back Jeff Okudah and running back J.K. Dobbins, who was selected as an all-purpose player. Quarterback Justin Fields and offensive lineman Wyatt Davis are on the second team. LSU's Burrow, who set multiple SEC passing records and is on pace to break more, is the first-team quarterback along with his main target, Biletnikoff Award-winning wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. Burrow also won the Maxwell, Davey O'Brien and Walter Camp Awards, and joins offensive lineman Lloyd Cushenberry III and defensive back Derek Stingley Jr., who are second-team members.

Stingley is one of three freshmen on the team as part of 34 underclassmen. There are 19 seniors and 19 juniors on the roster along with one graduate student. Earning their second All-America honors from the FWAA are running backs Jonathan Taylor of Wisconsin (first team in 2018 as well) and Travis Etienne of Clemson (second team both seasons) and offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton of Oregon (second team both seasons). The conference breakdown is: Big Ten (12), SEC (11), Big 12 and Pac-12 (9), ACC (8), Conference USA (2), Mountain West (2) and American Athletic (1). There are 11 players from Texas – seven on the first team – and five each from Florida and Louisiana.

It has been a big year for the Big Ten and its nine first-team members. Wisconsin ties Ohio State for the most first-teamers with three, highlighted by Taylor, the school's career rushing record-holder and two-time Doak Walker Award winner, center Tyler Biadasz, the Rimington Trophy winner, and linebacker Zach Baun, one of the national leaders in tackles for loss. Wisconsin closes the decade having had an All-American in nine of 10 seasons, a string that began with offensive tackle Gabe Carimi winning the Outland Trophy in 2010. Ohio State's five players are the most it has ever placed on an FWAA All-America team and the Buckeyes placed three on the first team for the first time since 2002. Their first-team trio ties four other seasons behind only the 1944 team's four members for the most first-teamers in school history. Ohio State has had at least one FWAA All-America player in six of the last seven seasons.

Minnesota's Winfield Jr. is the Gophers' first All-American since 2014 and only their second since two-time All-America center Greg Eslinger won the Outland Trophy in 2005. He is Minnesota's first All-America defensive back since 1999. Iowa offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs and kicker Keith Duncan give the Hawkeyes All-Americans in seven consecutive seasons and marks the second time in three seasons for them to have two first-teamers. Penn State, which takes on Memphis in this year's Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at Noon ET on Dec. 28 on ESPN, completes the Big Ten field with linebacker Micah Parsons on the second team.

LSU's four All-Americans mark its highest total ever and, with Burrow and Chase on the first team, this is the 10th time for the Tigers to have at least two first-teamers in a season. LSU has had at least one All-American in three of the last four seasons. Georgia, with J.R. Reed in the secondary and Outland Trophy semifinalist Andrew Thomas on the offensive line, placed two on the first team for only the third time in its history and has now had an All-American in three straight seasons.

Kentucky, with Ray Guy Award winner Max Duffy on the first team, now has back-to-back first-teamers for the first time since 1949-50. Linebacker Josh Allen was the 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner and Bob Gain was a two-time All-America offensive tackle selection (1949-50) and the 1950 Outland Trophy winner. The Wildcats also have offensive lineman Logan Stenberg on the second team. Alabama punt returner Jaylen Waddle earned the Crimson Tide a first-team selection for a 12th consecutive season. Auburn's Derrick Brown is the Tigers' first first-team selection since 2016 and Florida defensive back C.J. Henderson is Florida's first All-American since 2016.

The Big 12 tied the Pac-12 with nine selections but has the best distribution among all the conferences, as seven of its 10 schools are represented on the combined team. Oklahoma extended its All-America streak to six years and has had at least one first-teamer (wide receiver CeeDee Lamb this season) in four consecutive years. Sophomore center Creed Humphrey is on the second team. Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard gives the Cowboys an eighth first-teamer this decade and 10th in the last 12 seasons. Baylor and TCU have their first All-Americans since 2015; Baylor's James Lynch is the Bears' third defensive All-America player since 1991, and this is only the third time (2015, 1955) for TCU to have two All-Americans (Jeff Gladney and Jalen Reagor) in the same season.

Utah defensive linemen Bradlee Anae marks the third time in the last four seasons that the Utes have had a defensive player on the first team and four of the last six, and also has defensive lineman Leki Fotu on the second team. Prior to 2014, Utah had only two All-Americans on defense. The Utes have had an All-American in five consecutive seasons with a Pac-12-high three this season with running back Zack Moss on the second unit. Oregon ends the decade with two All-America picks from its offensive line, Outland Trophy winner Penei Sewell and two-time selection Throckmorton. Evan Weaver is Cal's first All-American since 2006 and the Bears' fourth since 2000.

Clemson now has a first-team selection in five straight seasons with offensive lineman John Simpson and Butkus Award winner Isaiah Simmons making this year's top unit; it's the ninth time this decade for the Tigers to have an All-American and the fifth time for the Tigers to have two first-team selections. Virginia kick returner Joe Reed is the Cavaliers' first first-team selection since 2007 but the program's third straight All-America pick after only having two this century prior to 2016.

Tight end Harrison Bryant earned Florida Atlantic's first All-America selection and the John Mackey Award winner is Conference USA's sixth this decade. Louisiana Tech didn't have its first All-America selection until 1992 but now has two in successive seasons as defensive back Amik Roberston becomes the Bulldogs' fifth All-American.

Among the other second team members, James Proche reset SMU's career receiving record books this season and becomes the Mustangs' first All-American since running back Reggie Dupard in 1985. Boise State defensive lineman Curtis Weaver becomes the Broncos' fourth All-American and first since 2015. San Diego State earned its fourth All-America nod this century and seventh overall as Luq Barcoo becomes the Aztecs' first defensive player to be so honored.

Kansas State has had only 14 All-Americans but has a current string of three in a row. Three of the last four have been return specialists, including Joshua Youngblood this season. Iowa State tight end Charlie Kolar is the Cyclones' second All-American in the past three seasons and is Iowa State's seventh all-time honoree. Texas Tech has had an All-American in consecutive seasons for a fifth time now with linebacker Jordyn Brooks.

Pitt defensive lineman Jaylen Twyman is the Panthers' first defensive All-American since Aaron Donald won the Outland Trophy and Bronko Nagurski Trophy in 2013. Miami's Greg Rousseau is the Hurricanes' second All-American since 2005. Wake Forest has back-to-back All-America selections for the first time as kicker Nick Sciba earned this year's nod, and punt returner Greg Dortsch earned it in 2018. Syracuse has had an All-American in three consecutive seasons thanks to its special teams; it has punter Sterling Hofrichter this year after placing kicker Andre Szmyt on the 2018 first team.

Michael Pittman Jr. is USC's first All-American since a three-year run from 2014-16 and only the Trojans' fourth choice this decade. Hamilcar Rashed is Oregon State's sixth All-American and first since 2013. Brandon Aiyuk gives Arizona State an All-America selection in three of the last four seasons. Prior to that string, no Sun Devil had earned the honor since defensive end Terrell Suggs won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy in 2002.

2019 FWAA ALL-AMERICA FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
QBJoe Burrow, LSU6-4216Sr.Athens, Ohio
RBChuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State6-1207So.Sherwood Park, Alberta
RBJonathan Taylor, Wisconsin5-11219Jr.Salem, N.J.
WRJa'Marr Chase, LSU6-1200So.Metairie, La.
WRCeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma6-2189Jr.Richmond, Texas
TEHarrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic6-5240Sr.Gray, Ga.
OLPenei Sewell, Oregon6-6325So.Malaeimi, American Samoa
OLJohn Simpson, Clemson6-4330Sr.North Charleston, S.C.
OLAndrew Thomas, Georgia6-5320Jr.Lithonia, Ga.
OLTristan Wirfs, Iowa6-5322Jr.Mount Vernon, Iowa
CTyler Biadasz, Wisconsin6-3321Jr.Amherst, Wis.
DEFENSE
DLBradlee Anae, Utah6-3265Sr.Laie, Hawaii
DLDerrick Brown, Auburn6-5318Sr.Sugar Hill, Ga.
DLJames Lynch, Baylor6-4295Jr.Round Rock, Texas
DLChase Young, Ohio State6-5265Jr.Upper Marlboro, Md.
LBZack Baun, Wisconsin6-3235Sr.Brown Deer, Wis.
LBIsaiah Simmons, Clemson6-4230Jr.Olathe, Kan.
LBEvan Weaver, California6-3235Sr.Spokane, Wash.
DBJeff Okudah, Ohio State6-1200Jr.Grand Prairie, Texas
DBJ.R. Reed, Georgia6-1194Gr.Frisco, Texas
DBAmik Robertson, Louisiana Tech5-9183Jr.Thibodaux, La.
DBAntoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota5-10205So.The Woodlands, Texas
SPECIALISTS
KKeith Duncan, Iowa5-10180Jr.Weddington, N.C.
PMax Duffy, Kentucky6-1194Jr.Perth, Australia
KRJoe Reed, Virginia6-3215Sr.Charlotte Court House, Va.
PRJaylen Waddle, Alabama5-10182So.Houston, Texas
APJ.K. Dobbins, Ohio State5-10217Jr.La Grange, Texas

2019 FWAA ALL-AMERICA SECOND TEAM
Offense: QB Justin Fields, Ohio State; RB Travis Etienne, Clemson; RB Zack Moss, Utah; WR Michael Pittman Jr., USC; WR James Proche, SMU; TE Charlie Kolar, Iowa State; OL Lloyd Cushenberry III, LSU; OL Wyatt Davis, Ohio State; OL Logan Stenberg, Kentucky; OL Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon; C Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma. Defense: DL Leki Fotu, Utah; DL Greg Rousseau, Miami; DL Jaylen Twyman, Pitt; DL Curtis Weaver, Boise State; LB Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech; LB Micah Parsons, Penn State; LB Hamilcar Rashed, Oregon State; DB Luq Barcoo, San Diego State; DB Jeff Gladney, TCU; DB C.J. Henderson, Florida; DB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU. Specialists: K Nick Sciba, Wake Forest; P Sterling Hofrichter, Syracuse; KR Joshua Youngblood, Kansas State; PR Jalen Reagor TCU; AP Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State.

The FWAA's All-America Committee selected this 76th annual team based on nominations from the entire membership. This is just the seventh season in the modern era (post-1950) that the FWAA has named a second team. The FWAA also selected an all-purpose player for a third time, which made for a 54-man full team.

The FWAA All-America Team was first selected in 1944, three years after the organization was formed. The FWAA's inaugural team included Army's Heisman Trophy tandem of Doc Blanchard and Glenn Davis and Georgia Tech's Frank Broyles, who later became Arkansas' head football coach and athletic director.

Over the years, the FWAA team has highlighted all the game's great players in several media forums. From 1946-70, LOOK magazine published the FWAA team and brought players and selected writers to New York City for a celebration. During that 25-year period, the FWAA team was introduced on national television shows by such noted hosts as Bob Hope, Steve Allen and Perry Como.

After LOOK folded, the FWAA started a long association with NCAA Films (later known as NCAA Productions), which produced a 30-minute television program. The team was part of ABC-TV's 1981 College Football Series. From 1983-90, the team was introduced on either ABC or ESPN. In 2002 and '03, the All-America team was honored with a banquet at the Citrus Bowl.

The same bowl also was a sponsor when the team was featured on ABC and ESPN from different locations on Disney properties from 2004-07. From 2008-10, the team had been the subject of a one-hour ESPN special.

For seven decades the FWAA has selected an All-America team with the help of its members and an All-America Committee, which represents all the regions in the country. From that All-America team, the FWAA also selects the Outland Trophy winner (best interior lineman) and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner (best defensive player).

Some of the true greats of the writing profession have helped to select this team over the years: Grantland Rice, Bert McGrane, Blackie Sherrod, Furman Bisher, Pat Harmon, Fred Russell, Edwin Pope, Murray Olderman, Paul Zimmerman – and the list goes on and on. The FWAA All-America team is steeped in tradition and history and is selected by a writers' group with those same attributes.

The Cotton Bowl Classic was formed in 1937 with the mission of providing the most innovative of all college football bowl games and to be a leader in creating premier college sports experiences for universities, student-athletes, sponsors, and the community. Since the inaugural game in 1937, the Classic has contributed nearly a billion dollars to higher education. Each year, football fans attending the Cotton Bowl Classic generate more than $30 million in direct spending for the North Texas community.

The Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists of more than 1,400 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters, and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com or call 214-870-6516.

2019 FWAA All-America Committee: Kirk Bohls, Austin American-Statesman; Ken Capps, TexasFootball.com; Scott Dochterman, The Athletic; Scott Farrell, collegepressbox.com; Bryan Fischer, NBC Sports; Suzanne Halliburton, Austin American-Statesman; Clay Henry, Hawgs Illustrated; Adam Hunsucker, Monroe News-Star; Doug Lesmerises, Cleveland.com; Nate Mink, Syracuse Post-Standard; Dylan Montz, Ames Tribune; Tony Siracusa, Last Word on College Football; Phil Steele, Phil Steele Publications; Chris Vannini, The Athletic; John Wagner, Freelance.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Carolina Gridiron Week 9 Top 15 Released

10:51 PM


Carolina Gridiron ranks the top fifteen teams in each classification weekly during the football season. Teams are ranked based on a number of factors including strength of schedule, wins, and quality losses. Interact with us on Twitter (@NCGridiron and @NCGridironNews) and let us know your thoughts using the hashtag #CGTop15.





Thursday, October 10, 2019

Carolina Gridiron Week 8 Top 15 Released

10:36 PM


Carolina Gridiron ranks the top fifteen teams in each classification weekly during the football season. Teams are ranked based on a number of factors including strength of schedule, wins, and quality losses. Interact with us on Twitter (@NCGridiron and @NCGridironNews) and let us know your thoughts using the hashtag #CGTop15.





Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Carolina Gridiron Week 7 Top 15 Released

10:48 PM


Carolina Gridiron ranks the top fifteen teams in each classification weekly during the football season. Teams are ranked based on a number of factors including strength of schedule, wins, and quality losses. Interact with us on Twitter (@NCGridiron and @NCGridironNews) and let us know your thoughts using the hashtag #CGTop15.






Thursday, September 26, 2019

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Carolina Gridiron Week 5 Top 15 Announced

10:38 PM


Carolina Gridiron ranks the top fifteen teams in each classification weekly during the football season. Teams are ranked based on a number of factors including strength of schedule, wins, and quality losses. Interact with us on Twitter (@NCGridiron and @NCGridironNews) and let us know your thoughts using the hashtag #CGTop15.





Friday, September 13, 2019

Carolina Gridiron Week 4 Top 15 Announced

5:33 PM


Carolina Gridiron ranks the top fifteen teams in each classification weekly during the football season. Teams are ranked based on a number of factors including strength of schedule, wins, and quality losses. Interact with us on Twitter (@NCGridiron and @NCGridironNews) and let us know your thoughts using the hashtag #CGTop15.









Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Carolina Gridiron Week 3 Top 15 Announced

10:20 PM


Carolina Gridiron ranks the top fifteen teams in each classification weekly during the football season. Teams are ranked based on a number of factors including strength of schedule, wins, and quality losses. Interact with us on Twitter (@NCGridiron and @NCGridironNews) and let us know your thoughts using the hashtag #CGTop15.





Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Monday, August 12, 2019

2019 Preseason Top 15 Announced

2:52 PM

Carolina Gridiron has released its preseason Top15 rankings of the football teams in North Carolina. With a winning streak of 45 games, three-time defending 4AA champ Wake Forest takes the top spot in 4A while 3A #1 Weddington is looking for its third title in four years. Reidsville, coming off its seventeenth overall state title, is looking to repeat in 2A. Two-time defending 1AA champ Tarboro holds the top spot in the 1A classification. These rankings are updated weekly during the regular season at www.carolinagridiron.com and on Twitter using the hashtag #CGTop15.