North Carolina High School Football Rankings: Top 25 Teams – Sept. 17
Of the top 25 teams in the North Carolina On3 Massey Ratings as of Sept. 17, 14 remain undefeated after four weeks of action. That number further breaks down to five North Carolina high school football teams with a 4-0 record, including top-ranked Weddington.
Meanwhile, there’s only one team from the state crème of the crop with two losses, highlighting the competitiveness of every squad on the list. Here’s how the top teams in North Carolina fared after the latest round of games.
The On3 Massey Ratings, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory. According to the model, one North Carolina team ranks in the top 100 nationwide.
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1. Weddington
Previous: No. 1
The Warriors’ top-ranked defense helped propel them to the top spot in the North Carolina rankings and 81st nationwide. However, after giving up only 20 points in their first three games, they surrendered 19 against Butler during their Sept. 13 game. However, Weddington still earned a 4-0 record after scoring 24 unanswered points to start the game. While they are still the best team in-state, the Warriors will need a better effort to defeat Chapel Hill on Sept. 20.
2. Grimsley
Previous: No. 2
The Whirlies dominated Reagan to score their third victory in as many games. The Raiders had no answers for Grimsley’s ground game, which generated 223 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, wide receiver Khyan Battle had five receptions for 124 yards. Grimsley’s defense didn’t give Reagan a chance after limiting them to seven points and generating 18 tackles for losses. The Greensboro-based squad can improve to 4-0 with a victory over Southeast Guilford in three days.
3. Mallard Creek
Previous: No. 3
The Mavericks bounced back from their loss to Grayson by defeating Ohio-based powerhouse Archbishop Moeller 21-14. Mallard Creek’s defense brought out their A-game, leading to five sacks and two interceptions against the Crusaders. Matt Ponatoski had a 50-yard interception touchdown return, while Zykier Stripling had two sacks and four tackles for negative yardage. Mallard Creek also limited Archbishop Moeller to 12 rushing yards and 181 net yards on offense. The Mavericks will try to earn two consecutive victories when they face West Charlotte on the 20th.
4. William Amos Hough
Previous: No. 4
After a disappointing one-point loss to Northwestern, South Carolina’s top-ranked team, in their season opener, the Huskies have found their rhythm with back-to-back wins over Myers Park and Carolina Forest. William Amos Hough shut down the Panthers while gathering 41 points, led by Jamison Funderburk’s two rushing touchdowns. Ashawd Wynn and Sean Brady each had a touchdown catch, helping improve their record to 2-1. On defense, the Huskies finished with four sacks and ten tackles for losses. Hough can extend their winning streak to three games by defeating North Mecklenburg on the 20th.
5. East Forsyth
Previous: No. 5
The Eagles offense ranked third among North Carolina high school football teams after scoring 49 points in their Sept. 13 victory over A.C. Reynolds. Quarterback Bryce Baker led the way with 482 passing yards and five touchdowns, three of which went to JP Gilchrist. His pinpoint passing helped Gilchrist, Jaylin Murry, and Jaire Richburg exceed 100 receiving yards against the Rockets. It’s now Reagan’s problem to stop an offense averaging 49.6 points per game when they face East Forsyth on Sept. 20.
6. Providence Day School
Previous: No. 6
Make it two straight wins for the Chargers against Charlotte-based schools. After a 24-9 decision over Charlotte Catholic, Providence Day completed a 63-15 beatdown of Charlotte Country Day. Quarterbacks Cole Cater and Zaid Lott combined for five touchdown passes, while Lott and Ian Cline added four rushing touchdowns. Cater and Lott distributed the wealth by completing a touchdown pass to five receivers. Their defense was also on point, finishing with five sacks, three tackles for losses, and an interception. Providence Day can improve to 4-1 with a win over Christ School on the 20th.
7. Rolesville
Previous: No. 7
Massey Ratings predicted a close win by Rolesville over 12th-ranked Cardinal Gibbons. The Rams delivered on that projection by securing a 30-27 overtime victory over the Crusaders. Devon Thomas contributed in all facets of the offense, finishing with 116 rushing yards, 89 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. Likewise, running back Amir Brown and tight end Jack McHugh added one touchdown each. After that fiercely fought contest, Rolesville should have an easier time against Athens Drive (Sept. 20) and Wakefield (Oct. 4).
8. Cleveland
Previous: No. 8
After giving up 32 points to John T. Hoggard in their season-opening victory, the Rams have limited Heritage and West Johnston to six points. In Cleveland’s shutout win over the Wildcats, Jackson Byrd threw for 249 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, DeAngelo Ruffin finished with 84 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Cleveland’s defense limited West Johnston to 116 yards on offense by generating 16 tackles for negative yardage, five sacks, and three interceptions. The Clayton-based school will have a date with Corinth Holders on the 20th for a shot at a 4-0 record.
9. Independence
Previous: No. 9
The Patriots are now at 4-0 after a 40-13 victory against South Mecklenburg. Massey Ratings predicted Independence would dominate the Sabres, and they delivered as Jayden Jones led the way with 211 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Brian Crowder and Ricky Myers Jr. had a touchdown catch from Justin Little. Having the same performance level against Charlotte Catholic on Sept. 27 could hand them a 5-0 record.
10. Dudley
Previous: No. 10
The Panthers secured their second consecutive shutout victory by defeating Hillside on Sept. 6. Adding insult to injury, Dudley scored 44 points against the Hornets, led by CJ Neely’s 115 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Jaquez Crawford and Brayden Jeffries combined for four passing touchdowns, and the Dudley ground attack generated 219 rushing yards and three scores. The defense also did their part with 17 tackles for losses and two sacks. Defeating High Point Central on Sept. 20 gives the Panthers a 4-0 record to start the season.
Teams 11-25 in the latest North Carolina High School Football Rankings
11. Crest
12. Cardinal Gibbons
13. Porter Ridge
14. John T. Hoggard
15. Clayton
16. West Forsyth
17. Watauga
18. Seventy-First
19. Charlotte Christian
20. Monroe
21. Reagan
22. Leesville Road
23. Chambers
24. Havelock
25. Mount Tabor