North Carolina High School Football Rankings: Top 25 Teams - September 24
Despite a fresh round of games over the weekend, the North Carolina On3 Massey Ratings top 25 list for Sept. 24 features most of the teams already included in last week’s rankings. With the fifth week of the 2024 North Carolina high school football season over, 13 of the 25 ranked teams remain undefeated.
While North Carolina’s rankings have remained stagnant, two teams from ‘The Tarheel State’ are among the nationwide top 100 list. Hence, it isn’t surprising that they claim the first two spots in the statewide classification.
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.
CLICK HERE to watch your high school’s games on NFHS Network now!
1. Weddington
Previous: No. 1
The Warriors remain the top team in North Carolina after a 56-0 domination of Chapel Hill. It’s their second shutout victory this season, and their top-ranked defense hasn’t allowed 20 points in a game. Meanwhile, their 56 points against the Tigers is a season-high, beating the 48 they scored against West Forsyth. Weddington can extend their winning streak to 12 games (dating back to last season) by defeating fifth-ranked Westside on Sept. 27.
2. Grimsley
Previous: No. 2
Surrendering seven points in consecutive games improves the Whirlies’ record to 4-0. In their last match against Southeast Guilford, Faizon Brandon had 204 passing yards, 44 rushing yards, and three touchdowns. However, Mitchell Summers was a thorn in the Falcon’s side, finishing with 154 rushing yards, 71 receiving yards, and five touchdowns (four rushing). The Whirlies can clinch a 5-0 mark against the visiting Northwest Guilford in a battle of undefeated squads.
3. Mallard Creek
Previous: No. 3
The Mavericks found ways to extend their winning streak to three games. They’re not blowing out opponents, leaving their fans tense until the final buzzer sounds. Case in point: they defeated West Charlotte by one point, 13-12, and outclassed Archbishop Moeller in overtime the week before. Those close wins have Mallard Creek as the third-best team in North Carolina high school football, and they can extend their winning ways against Hopewell on Sept. 27.
4. William Amos Hough
Previous: No. 4
The Huskies are coming off back-to-back shutout victories, including a 56-0 domination of North Mecklenburg. Ralph Blakeney threw two touchdown passes, and Jycen Anciso added two rushing touchdowns. Jamison Funderburk, Sean Brady, and Syir Sutton had a touchdown each. On the other side of the ball, Hough’s defense finished with 13 tackles for negative yardage and nine sacks against the Vikings. The Huskies will have their sights on a fourth consecutive victory when they face Chambers on the 27th.
5. East Forsyth
Previous: No. 5
The Eagles have North Carolina high school football’s top-ranked offense after scoring 69 points against Reagan. Bryce Baker threw four touchdown passes in that 48-point victory over the Raiders, and Jaylin Murry had two rushing scores. Meanwhile, Corey Blair, JP Gilchrist, and Jaire Richburg combined for 208 receiving yards and five touchdowns. East Forsyth’s defense played inspired football, finishing with 77 tackles and four interceptions. The Eagles will carry their 54.5 points-per-game average versus Davie County on Friday.
6. Providence Day School
Previous: No. 6
The Chargers have allowed an average of only 9.75 points in their four victories. That impressive stat factored in Providence Day’s 55-7 victory against Christ School. Zaid Lott torched the Greenies with 298 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Ian Cline added 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Gordon Cellars led all receivers with 117 yards and two scores. On deck for Providence Day is North Raleigh Christian in a highly winnable match per On3’s Massey Rankings.
7. Cleveland
Previous: No. 7
The Rams improve to 4-0 after a 44-14 triumph against Corinth Holders. What’s more impressive is that Cleveland has allowed only 20 points in their last three victories after giving up 32 in their season-opening win against John T. Hoggard. In their win against the Pirates, Jackson Byrd had four touchdown passes, three going to Malachi Thomas. Byrd, Porter Bennett, and Kaleb Ferrell combined for 166 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The Rams can extend their winning streak to five games by defeating South Garner on Sept. 27.
8. Independence
Previous: No. 8
Justin Little had 253 passing yards and two touchdowns in Independence’s 40-13 win over South Mecklenburg, keeping them undefeated after four matches. Jayden Jones was sensational, finishing with 211 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Conversely, Bryce Lee led Independence’s defense with seven tackles (four for losses) and two sacks. The Patriots will carry North Carolina high school football’s ninth-best defense to their Sept. 27 game against Charlotte Catholic.
9. Rolesville
Previous: No. 9
The Rams clinched their fourth win in five games with a 65-0 shutout win over Athens Drive. It’s the second time Rolesville has blanked an opponent this season, the first being on Sept. 6 against East Wake. Meanwhile, Wakefield will be in trouble during their Sept. 12 match if the Rams can match or surpass their 52.75 points per game average in their four victories.
10. Dudley
Previous: No. 10
The Panthers have surrendered seven points in their first four matches. That stat alone proves why Dudley is undefeated after four games. They have completed three consecutive shutout victories, the last being a 62-0 demolition of High Point Central. LJ Southern and Jayden Brown combined for 206 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Dudley’s receivers collected 218 yards and three touchdowns. A victory over Atkins on the 27th retains their unblemished record after five games.
Teams 11-25 in the latest North Carolina High School Football Rankings
11. Monroe
12. Crest
13. Cardinal Gibbons
14. John T. Hoggard
15. Mount Tabor
16. Seventy-First
17. Leesville Road
18. Clayton
19. Charlotte Christian
20. Watauga
21. Mooresville Senior
22. Porter Ridge
23. West Forsyth
24. Hickory
25. Reagan