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.
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