Saturday night’s ACC Network game from Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh will be the 113th meeting between the NC State Wolfpack and the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Tar Heels, recovering from a loss at Clemson, are preparing to face their rivals in the final game of the 2023 regular season. The Tar Heels’ offense, which averages 38.1 points per game, is the 12th highest nationally, and they’ve been successful on third downs, converting 49.7% of them. Quarterback Drake Maye and running back Omarion Hampton have been key players, with Maye throwing at least one touchdown pass in 10 of the 11 games this season and Hampton rushing for 100 yards in six consecutive games.

On the other side, the Wolfpack have been formidable opponents under the guidance of head coach Dave Doeren, the winningest coach in school history with 80 wins at NC State. They are one of only four teams in the Power 5 that have won eight or more games in each of the last four seasons. Their defense, which leads the ACC in total defense and scoring defense vs. league opponents, has been particularly impressive. In the last nine games, the Wolfpack defense has allowed just 88.5 rushing yards per game. During that span, three opponents have rushed for less than 100 yards. This game promises to be a thrilling end to the regular season, with both teams bringing their A-game to the field for bragging rights and a claim to best FBS team in the state.

NCAA Division II Playoffs (Round 2)

Lenoir-Rhyne vs Benedict: The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears are set to face the Benedict Tigers in the NCAA Division II playoffs this Saturday. The Bears have had a strong season, with an 11-1 record and an average of 40.17 points per game. Their rushing game is led by Dwayne McGee, who has gained 1213 yards with an average of 110.27 yards per game. In the passing game, Jalen Ferguson has completed 111 out of 154 attempts, throwing for 1468 yards and 16 touchdowns. The receiving corps is led by DeAree Rogers, who has made 43 catches for 621 yards and 6 touchdowns. On defense, Jon Ross Maye leads the team with 86 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. The Bears' defense has been particularly effective, with 35 sacks and 13 interceptions this season. The team's overall performance has been impressive, with an average of 443.7 yards per game. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the Bears looking to leverage their strong performance this season against the formidable Tigers.

NCAA FCS Playoffs (Round )

Gardner-Webb vs. Mercer: This Saturday, the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, under the guidance of Head Coach Tre Lamb, a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, will face off against the Mercer Bears in the NCAA FCS playoffs. The Bulldogs have had a strong season, with back-to-back conference championships for the first time since 2002 and 2003, and an undefeated home record. Their offense, led by Lamb, has been aggressive, averaging 34.7 points per game in conference games and converting 24 of their 37 fourth-down attempts. On the defensive end, Ty French has set a new school record for career sacks with 30.5 and has been named a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award. Running back Narii Gaither has also made history, becoming just the second player in program history to rush for at least 3,000 yards. The Bulldogs have a record of 9-36 against FCS teams ranked inside the national polls, but they defeated #13/14 UT Martin earlier this season. Freshman quarterback Jaylen King, a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, has gone 5-1 in his first six career starts, including leading the Bulldogs to a 38-34 upset victory over #13/14 UT Martin. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the Bulldogs looking to leverage their strong performance this season against the formidable Bears.

North Carolina Central vs. Richmond: This Saturday at 3pm, the NCAA FCS playoff game between North Carolina Central and Richmond is set to be a thrilling showdown. NCCU, with a record of 9-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play, has been a force to reckon with this season. They have outscored their opponents 403 to 296, averaging 36.64 points per game. Their rushing attack, led by Latrell Collier with 684 yards and 8 touchdowns, and Davius Richard with 579 yards and 15 touchdowns, has been particularly potent. Richard has also been impressive in the passing game, completing 60.98% of his passes for 1915 yards and 20 touchdowns. On the receiving end, Devin Smith and Joaquin Davis have been key contributors, with 505 and 404 receiving yards respectively. On the defensive side, Jayden Flaker leads the team with 74 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. With a rare appearance in the FCS playoffs, NCCU is poised to give a tough fight to the University of Richmond.

Honoring NCCFB Legend Armanti Edwards 

App State vs. Georgia Southern: App State will host Georgia Southern at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone in a game that will be broadcast on ESPNU Saturday afternoon at 3:30. App State leads the series 21-16-1 overall and 14-5-1 in Boone. Leading the Mountaineers’ offense is quarterback Joey Aguilar with 2,975 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, receiver Kaedin Robinson with 45 catches for 609 yards and 8 touchdowns, and running back Nate Noel with 787 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. Andrew Parker Jr. paces the App State defense with 98 tackles. The game will be a significant event, as it's not only the regular-season finale but also Senior Day, and the retirement of QB Armanti Edwards’ No. 14 jersey will take place at halftime. App State is also vying for a Sun Belt Championship Game berth. The team needs to beat Georgia Southern and have JMU win at Coastal Carolina to advance to face West champ Troy on Dec. 2.

As the clock struck noon on Selection Sunday, football fans across the nation eagerly tuned in to witness the unveiling of the 2023 FCS playoff bracket. The anticipation reached its peak as the NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee revealed the field of 24 teams competing for the prestigious title.

Two teams from North Carolina, Gardner-Webb and North Carolina Central, found themselves among the chosen few. For the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, it was a testament to their resilience throughout a challenging season. Despite facing one of the toughest nonconference schedules in FCS football, the Runnin' Bulldogs secured significant victories against Elon and #13 UT Martin. They stumbled along the way, facing tough losses to FBS Appalachian State and fellow playoff team Austin Peay. However, as conference play unfolded, Gardner-Webb turned the tide, finishing strong with a 5-1 record and clinching the conference championship for the second consecutive year.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the North Carolina Central University Eagles soared into the playoffs on the wings of an impressive season. Fresh off winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the HBCU national championship, the Eagles showcased their strength in a schedule that included marquee matchups against UCLA and a trip to the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis. Victories against South Carolina State and Norfolk State highlighted their success, while a challenging loss to Howard kept them out of the Celebration Bowl for a second year in a row but opened the door to the FCS playoffs.

As the bracket unfolded, fans marveled at the matchups that would define the road to the national championship in Frisco, Texas. Gardner-Webb was slated to face Mercer in the first round, a game that promised intensity and excitement. Meanwhile, NC Central prepared for a showdown with Richmond, setting the stage for a clash between two formidable opponents. Both North Carolina teams will play away from home for the first round of the playoffs with a win putting each team on the road at one of the top eight national seeds.

Top 8 seeds

1. South Dakota State
2. Montana
3. South Dakota
4. Idaho
5. Albany
6. Montana State
7. Furman
8. Villanova

The playoff journey begins on Thanksgiving weekend on ESPN+, with the first-round matchups set to captivate audiences across the nation. 

ELON – In a commanding performance, the Elon football team showcased their offensive prowess and defensive prowess, securing a decisive victory over Hampton in a game marked by explosive plays and defensive turnovers.

The first quarter set the tone for Elon's dominance as quarterback Matthew Downing orchestrated two impressive touchdown passes. The first, a 33-yard connection to Jamarien Dalton, occurred just 19 seconds into the game, with Jack Berkowitz converting the extra point. Elon quickly followed up with another Downing pass, this time a 60-yard bomb to Chandler Brayboy, extending their lead to 14-0.

Hampton responded with a scoring drive of their own, as Chris Zellous connected with Paul Woods for a 43-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 14-7 by the end of the opening quarter.

The second quarter witnessed Elon's continued offensive onslaught. Downing, displaying precision in his passes, linked up with Christian Da-Silva for a 33-yard touchdown, further extending the lead to 21-7. The Elon defense then made a significant impact, with Bo Sanders intercepting a pass and returning it 34 yards for a touchdown. Marco Patierno added to the defensive heroics with a 23-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, pushing Elon's lead to a commanding 34-7.

As the second quarter unfolded, Elon continued to capitalize on Hampton's defensive lapses, with Jack Berkowitz adding three more points to the board through a 39-yard field goal. The offensive onslaught continued just before halftime, as Downing connected with Johncarlos Miller II for a 53-yard touchdown, concluding the first half with Elon leading 44-7.

Despite Hampton's efforts to mount a comeback in the third quarter, Chris Zellous's 2-yard rushing touchdown brought the score to 44-14. However, Elon remained in control, ensuring a substantial lead heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Elon sealed their dominant performance with Wayne Dixie III's 27-yard touchdown run, capping a 51-14 victory. The play was part of a seven-play, 89-yard drive that showcased Elon's offensive versatility.

Elon finishes the season with a 6-5 overall record and 6-2 in the CAA.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – East Carolina’s football woes continued as they dropped to a 2-9 overall record and 2-4 in Annapolis, suffering a 10-0 defeat at the hands of Navy. The loss concluded the ECU’s road schedule for the season, with the Pirates finishing 1-5 away from home.

In a challenging offensive outing, ECU failed to score for the first time since October 4, 1997, when they suffered a 56-0 loss to Syracuse, ending a remarkable streak of 322 consecutive games with points on the board. The Pirates managed only 189 yards of total offense, including a season-low 34 rushing yards, highlighting the struggles on that side of the ball.

Despite the offensive difficulties, East Carolina’s defense showcased its resilience by holding Navy to 10 points. This marked the fourth time this season that the Pirates limited an opponent to 13 points or less. 

In individual player performances, quarterback Alex Flinn faced immense pressure from Navy’s defense but completed a career-high 24 of 38 pass attempts for 155 yards. However, he failed to secure any touchdowns and threw two interceptions. Flinn also led the team in rushing with 31 yards on 12 carries.

Chase Sowell emerged as a bright spot for the receiving corps, totaling 62 yards on 11 catches. On the defensive side, Teylor Jackson recorded his first career forced fumble, while Jason Shuford achieved his first career fumble recovery. BJ Davis stood out with a team-high 10 tackles, reaching double figures for the second consecutive week.

Looking ahead to their final game of the 2023 season, East Carolina is set to face Tulsa in an American Athletic Conference matchup on Saturday, November 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., and the game will be streamed live via ESPN+.

As the Pirates prepare to conclude their season, Coach Mike Houston remains focused on ending on a positive note against Tulsa, stating, “We have a chance to finish things off on a positive note with a win at home next week against a very talented Tulsa team."

TULSA, OK – The Charlotte 49ers pulled off a stunning comeback, overtime victory Saturday afternoon on the road against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. Walk-on quarterback Trexler Ivey led the 49ers offense back from a 17-0 deficit to secure the 49ers’ second win as a member of the American Athletic Conference.

The first quarter began with the Charlotte 49ers receiving the kickoff at their own 18-yard line. However, after an exchange of punts and a couple of turnovers on downs, it was the Tulsa Golden Hurricane who struck first. Cardell Williams, the Golden Hurricane' star running back, found the end zone twice with impressive rushes, and Chase Meyer added the extra points with successful kicks, putting Tulsa ahead 14-0.

Jairus Mack led the 49ers with 124 receiving yards Photo Credit: Sam Roberts/FreezeFrame

The 49ers didn't give up, and in the second quarter, Kyle Cunanan finally got Charlotte on the board with a 22-yard field goal. Terron Kellman later contributed a one-yard rushing touchdown to narrow the gap, making it 10-17 at halftime.

The third quarter saw Charlotte's defense and special teams stepping up their game, earning a safety after a Reid Williford blocked punt out of the back of the end zone and forcing a missed field goal attempt by the Golden Hurricane. Kyle Cunanan continued to prove himself as Charlotte's savior, drilling a 23-yard field goal to close the deficit to 15-17.

The fourth quarter was a rollercoaster of momentum and emotions for both squads. Cunanan's 49-yard field goal put Charlotte ahead, 18-17. However, Anthony Watkins responded with a one-yard rushing touchdown for the Golden Hurricane, taking back the lead at 23-18. Trexler Ivey led the 49ers on an impressive drive, connecting with Jack Hestera for an 18-yard touchdown pass, giving Charlotte a 26-23 lead. Tulsa's Chase Meyer forced overtime with a 27-yard field goal in the closing moments of regulation.

In overtime, the 49ers received the ball and wasted no time, as Trexler Ivey sneaked into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown. Kyle Cunanan's successful kick put Charlotte ahead 33-26.

Tulsa had its chance to respond, but Charlotte's Dontae Balfour intercepted a pass, sealing the breathtaking victory for the 49ers. The crowd erupted in celebration as the home team completed the comeback.

Key Players and Stats

-Trexler Ivey, Charlotte's quarterback, completed 20 of 36 passes for 277 yards and one touchdown.
-Nikhai Hill-Green led Charlotte with 11 tackles, 2.0 TFL, a forced fumble and a pass break-up.
-Terron Kellman was Charlotte's standout running back, carrying the ball 21 times for 53 yards and one rushing touchdown.
-Jairus Mack has seven catches for 124 yards.
-Jack Hestera caught 2 passes for 53 yards, including a crucial 18-yard touchdown reception.
-Kyle Cunanan's field goals were pivotal, making three of four attempts, including the game-tying 49-yarder.

Next Week

The 49ers will face Memphis at home next Saturday in an American Athletic Conference game set for 2 p.m. on ESPN+.

In a rare Saturday night matchup, the Appalachian State Mountaineers will face off against Marshall at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone. The game, scheduled for 6 p.m., is generating buzz as it is believed to be the first Saturday night home game played in Boone during November or December in recent memory. The last time the Mountaineers played a Saturday night game at Kidd Brewer Stadium was in 2014, their inaugural year as an FBS member. Since then, the team has enjoyed significant success at home, boasting a remarkable 51-10 record and drawing record-breaking crowds, with 2022 seeing ten of the top 12 crowds in stadium history.

The Mountaineers' strong performance at home, coupled with an average attendance of 35,774, has cemented their reputation as a powerhouse in college football. The 2023 season has also seen quarterback Joey Aguilar shine, leading the Sun Belt Conference with 20 touchdown passes and ranking 7th nationally. This upcoming game against Marshall carries added significance as it marks the first league matchup between the two teams in Boone since 1996, a nostalgic encounter for long-time fans. The game serves as a reminder of the rich history between Appalachian State and Marshall, who were both former FCS-level Southern Conference members and only recently reunited on the field in 2020 and 2021 for nonleague games. 

Lenoir-Rhyne vs. Catawba: On Saturday, November 4, 2023, #16 Lenoir-Rhyne (8-1, 6-1 SAC) faces Catawba (4-5, 2-5 SAC) at Moretz Stadium in Hickory. For Lenoir-Rhyne, a win would secure their spot in the SAC Championship next week, thanks to their head-to-head win this season, giving them a tiebreaker over Limestone, and they also control their destiny in the Piedmont Division race. LR can also clinch a championship berth if Limestone loses against Barton. This game is significant as the Bears aim to add to their 24 overall conference championships in program history, with seven won since 2010. Additionally, it marks the 102nd all-time battle between Lenoir-Rhyne and Catawba, one of the most played and closely contested rivalries in NCAA Division II. LR has recently dominated, winning four straight games and seeking to even the all-time series, which currently stands at 49-48-4 in Catawba's favor. The rivalry between the two schools has been a historic and pivotal part of the conference's football history, often deciding championships in their final regular-season game, although this tradition has changed with the introduction of the SAC Championship game after the regular season.

WINGATE – In a thrilling South Atlantic Conference football showdown, the Wingate University Bulldogs delivered a stunning upset, securing a 34-30 victory over the seventh-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne University Bears. The game, filled with high-stakes drama, ended with a jaw-dropping 75-yard touchdown pass with just 50 seconds left on the clock, catapulting Wingate to victory. 

The Bulldogs’ triumph improves their overall record to 6-3, with a 5-2 record in the South Atlantic Conference, while the highly-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne Bears now stand at 8-1 overall and 6-1 in league play. It’s worth noting that the Bears were one of just 11 remaining NCAA Division II teams without a loss leading up to this thrilling contest.

Wingate receiver Evan McCray goes 75 yards for the win Photo Credit: Anna Torras (Wingate Athletics)

How it Happened:

In the first quarter, Wingate initiated the scoring with a 52-yard, 12-play drive that culminated in a touchdown pass from Brooks Bentley to Matt Flanders. Lenoir-Rhyne responded with an 80-yard drive, ending with a touchdown pass from Jalen Ferguson to John Goodwin.

The second quarter saw Wingate regain the lead with a field goal, but Lenoir-Rhyne quickly answered with another touchdown pass from Ferguson to Malik Simmons. Wingate surged ahead again with a 47-yard touchdown pass from Bentley to Tremel Jones.

In the third quarter, Wingate took control, embarking on a 71-yard drive, resulting in a field goal. Lenoir-Rhyne swiftly replied with a 63-yard rushing touchdown by Dwayne McGee.

The final quarter was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams exchanging leads. Lenoir-Rhyne managed a field goal to go up by three points, but Wingate responded with a touchdown run by Bentley. Lenoir-Rhyne regained the lead with a touchdown pass from Ferguson to Songa Yates with just over a minute remaining. However, Wingate sealed the win with a sensational 75-yard touchdown pass from Bentley to McCray.

Key Stats:

• Lenoir-Rhyne amassed 262 passing yards and 221 rushing yards for a total of 483 yards.
• Wingate countered with 335 passing yards and 104 rushing yards, resulting in a total of 439 offensive yards.
• Although the Bears held a slight advantage in first downs with 24 compared to Wingate’s 21, they had the game’s only turnover, an interception on a desperation play at the end.
• Wingate controlled the clock, maintaining possession for over 32 minutes of game time.
• Wingate succeeded on seven of 13 third-down conversions, while Lenoir-Rhyne managed just one successful third-down conversion out of nine attempts.

Key contributors for the Bulldogs included Brooks Bentley, who completed 24 of 37 passes for 335 yards and three touchdowns, in addition to contributing 37 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. Evan McCray was instrumental with four receptions for 97 yards, including the game-winning 75-yard touchdown. Tremel Jones and Carlos Estronza also made significant receiving contributions.

On the defensive side, Tre Morrison and Jaheim Mullen led the way with 10 tackles each, while Dontorian Best added nine tackles. Dequan Mosley made a crucial interception to seal the win for Wingate, while Darius Randolph contributed with a tackle for loss, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry.

Special teams played a role in the victory, with Caleb Bonesteel hitting all four PATs and adding field goals of 21 and 39 yards.

The victory signifies Wingate’s second consecutive win against Lenoir-Rhyne and a memorable upset of the seventh-ranked team. The game was characterized by dramatic twists and turns, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams.

Looking ahead, Wingate will face Newberry in their next matchup on the road, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday. Lenoir-Rhyne, on the other hand, will regroup and prepare for their next game on Senior Day, where they will host Catawba at 2 p.m.

RALEIGH – The NC State Wolfpack delivered an electrifying performance at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday, securing a 24-17 victory over the Clemson Tigers in a game that had the Wolfpack faithful in a frenzy of excitement when the final horn sounded. With this win, head coach Dave Doeren celebrated his 100th career victory and tied the program record for most wins with 77, alongside Earle Edwards, who set the mark in 1970.

Freshman sensation KC Concepcion stole the show, notching two crucial touchdowns and showcasing his incredible versatility. Concepcion hauled in a 72-yard touchdown pass from quarterback MJ Morris, capping off a remarkable catch-and-run in the third quarter. His performance didn't stop there, as he also led the team in rushing, accumulating 51 yards on the ground.

The game began with a nine-yard touchdown connection between Morris and Concepcion, giving NC State an early 7-0 lead. The Wolfpack extended their lead with a 41-yard field goal from Brayden Narveson after an impressive 55-yard drive. Clemson managed to narrow the gap with a one-yard rushing touchdown from Phil Mafah, bringing the score to 10-7 in favor of NC State.

Just before halftime, Clemson had an opportunity to level the score with a field goal, but an NC State timeout disrupted their plans, keeping the score at 10-7. The Wolfpack defense stepped up in a big way, with Payton Wilson making a spectacular 15-yard interception return for a touchdown, giving NC State a 17-7 lead.

NC State's offensive momentum continued, with Morris and Concepcion connecting once again for a 72-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to its largest margin of the day. While Clemson managed to put together 10 consecutive points, it wasn't enough to overcome the Wolfpack's lead.

The Wolfpack defense played a pivotal role in this victory, forcing two turnovers, securing two sacks, and making nine tackles for a loss. Linebacker Sean Brown led the defensive effort with 11 tackles, and Jaylon Scott was right behind with 10 tackles.

The victory marks the second straight time NC State has defeated Clemson at home, and the first time since 2011 that the Tigers have lost back-to-back games. The Wolfpack now stands at 5-3 (2-2 ACC), moving within one game of securing a bowl berth.

Up next, NC State will face Miami in another crucial ACC matchup at Carter-Finley on Saturday, November 4, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m., broadcast on the ACC Network. The Wolfpack faithful have every reason to be excited about their team's resurgence after this impressive win over Clemson.

SALISBURY – Livingstone football maintained their impressive
form with a decisive 34-14 victory over St. Augustine’s Saturday afternoon. The
Blue Bears have now won four of their last five games, demonstrating a
remarkable resurgence, while St. Augustine’s continued to struggle, falling to
a 0-9 record.

The Blue Bears set the tone for the game early in the first
quarter when quarterback Brenton Hilton connected with Angel Carrillo for a
seven-yard touchdown pass. This swift strike put Livingstone on the scoreboard
with a 7-0 lead. On the ensuing drive, Livingstone’s defense came into the
spotlight as Osmanis Aguilera made a pivotal play, stripping the ball from St.
Augustine’s quarterback during a pass play. Kobe Pringle recovered the fumble
and returned it for a touchdown, extending Livingstone’s lead to 14-0. Late in
the first half, as halftime approached, Livingstone was eager to add to their
lead. Quarterback Marcus Drish displayed his skills, dropping back to pass and
then scrambling to his left before finding the endzone. This extended
Livingstone’s lead to 21-0 as they headed into halftime.

While St. Augustine’s managed to find the endzone in the
third quarter, reducing the deficit to 21-7, Livingstone quickly responded in
the fourth quarter. Marcus Drish delivered a perfectly placed pass into the
back corner of the endzone, connecting with Davontay Deloatch to re-establish a
three-score lead. Drish finished with 149 passing yards and a touchdown.
Additionally, he added 25 yards on the ground along with another touchdown. Deloatch
was the primary target for Drish, hauling in six receptions for 94 yards along
with the score that put the distance between Livingston and the defense.

The game saw notable performances from St. Augustine’s
players, including Anthony Archie, who led the Falcons’ rushers with 68 yards
and averaged an impressive 6.8 yards per carry. Archie also added 47 receiving
yards to his contribution. Meanwhile, Deandre Proctor was instrumental with
five catches for 50 yards, including a touchdown.

Jamieson Alston stood out on the defensive front for St.
Augustine’s, collecting six tackles and intercepting a pass. Alongside Alston,
Omarion Huntley contributed significantly to the team’s efforts. Defensively,
St. Augustine’s managed to hold Livingstone’s rushing attack in check, limiting
the Blue Bears to just 147 yards on the ground.

Livingstone’s next challenge will see them conclude their
season on Saturday, November 4, as they head to Charlotte to face Johnson C.
Smith while St. Augustine’s wraps up their season against Raleigh rival Shaw.

4A West:

#1 Weddington vs. #32 Providence

#16 Julius L. Chambers vs. #17 Northwest Guilford

#8 T.C. Roberson vs. #25 Reagan

#9 Myers Park vs. #24 Charlotte Catholic

#5 Hough vs. #28 Asheville

#12 Porter Ridge vs. #21 Cuthbertson

#13 Sun Valley vs. #20 Cox Mill

#4 Grimsley vs. #29 North Mecklenburg

#3 Mooresville vs. #30 A.L. Brown

#14 Davie County vs. #19 Mount Tabor

#6 Butler vs. #27 Alexander Central

#11 West Forsyth vs. #22 Ardrey Kell

#7 East Forsyth vs. #26 Page

#10 Lake Norman vs. #23 Independence

#15 Marvin Ridge vs. #18 Mallard Creek

#2 Watauga vs. #31 Hickory Ridge

4A East:

#1 Rolesville vs. #32 Purnell Swett

#16 Garner vs. #17 Wake Forest

#8 Jack Britt vs. #25 Fuquay-Varina

#9 Pine Forest vs. #24 Ashley

#5 Cardinal Gibbons vs. #28 Overhills

#12 Millbrook vs. #21 Heritage

#13 Clayton vs. #20 South View

#4 Pinecrest vs. #29 South Garner

#3 Hoggard vs. #30 Chapel Hill

#14 Holly Springs vs. #19 Jordan

#6 Apex Friendship vs. #27 Southeast Raleigh

#11 Laney vs. #22 Middle Creek

#7 Hillside vs. #26 New Hanover

#10 New Bern vs. #23 Apex

#15 Leesville Road vs. #18 Richmond Senior

#2 Cleveland vs. #31 Gray's Creek

3A West:

#1 Crest vs. #32 Parkwood

#16 Statesville vs. #17 South Point

#8 West Charlotte vs. #25 Northeast Guilford

#9 Hibriten vs. #24 Tuscola

#5 Jay M. Robinson vs. #28 North Davidson

#12 Northwest Cabarrus vs. #21 West Rowan

#13 Eastern Guilford vs. #20 Central Davidson

#4 Dudley vs. #29 West Iredell

#3 West Henderson vs. #30 Erwin

#14 Ledford vs. #19 East Lincoln

#6 Oak Grove vs. #27 Ashbrook

#11 Pisgah vs. #22 North Henderson

#7 A.C. Reynolds vs. #26 North Gaston

#10 Kings Mountain vs. #23 Smoky Mountain

#15 North Lincoln vs. #18 Rockingham County

#2 Hickory vs. #31 Hunter Huss

3A East:

#1 Havelock vs. #32 Dixon

#16 Cape Fear vs. #17 Western Alamance

#8 White Oak vs. #25 J.H. Rose

#9 North Brunswick vs. #24 Person

#5 Scotland County vs. #28 Rocky Mount

#12 Eastern Alamance vs. #21 Southern Durham

#13 Northern Nash vs. #20 Richlands

#4 Southern Nash vs. #29 Croatan

#3 Southern Alamance vs. #30 Orange

#14 Jacksonville vs. #19 C.B. Aycock

#6 Vance County vs. #27 Terry Sanford

#11 Harnett Central vs. #22 West Carteret

#7 Fike vs. #26 Southern Lee

#10 Currituck County vs. #23 South Johnston

#15 Williams vs. #18 Hunt

#2 Seventy-First vs. #31 Triton

2A West:

#1 Reidsville vs. #32 Madison

#16 West Stokes vs. #17 Southwestern Randolph

#8 Brevard vs. #25 Trinity

#9 North Stanly vs. #24 T.W. Andrews

#5 Monroe vs. #28 Bandys

#12 West Lincoln vs. #21 CHASE

#13 Burns vs. #20 Pine Lake Prep

#4 Bunker Hill vs. #29 East Rutherford

#3 Community School of Davidson vs. #30 Lexington

#14 East Surry vs. #19 Providence Grove

#6 Randleman vs. #27 West Stanly

#11 Forest Hills vs. #22 Anson

#7 Shelby vs. #26 Mount Pleasant

#10 North Surry vs. #23 Lincolnton

#15 Maiden vs. #18 East Gaston

#2 Salisbury vs. #31 East Davidson

2A East:

#1 Clinton vs. #32 Kinston

#16 Beddingfield vs. #17 James Kenan

#8 Cummings vs. #25 Heide Trask

#9 Martin County vs. #24 Southeast Alamance

#5 Wallace-Rose Hill vs. #28 Greene Central

#12 Hertford County vs. #21 St. Pauls

#13 West Craven vs. #20 North Pitt

#4 Nash Central vs. #29 Roanoke Rapids

#3 SouthWest Edgecombe vs. #30 Red Springs

#14 Farmville Central vs. #19 Southwest Onslow

#6 Whiteville vs. #27 South Granville

#11 East Duplin vs. #22 Eastern Wayne

#7 Princeton vs. #26 Camden County

#10 Louisburg vs. #23 Northwood

#15 Midway vs. #18 Holmes

#2 Northeastern vs. #31 North Johnston

1A West:

#1 Robbinsville vs. #32 Thomas Jefferson

#16 Mountain Island Charter vs. #17 Alleghany

#8 Bessemer City vs. #25 South Stanly

#9 Swain County vs. #24 Avery County

#5 Mountain Heritage vs. #28 Carver

#12 Starmount vs. #21 Cherokee

#13 Draughn vs. #20 Corvian Community

#4 North Rowan vs. #29 Elkin

#3 Eastern Randolph vs. #30 Cherryville

#14 Hayesville vs. #19 Christ the King

#6 Albemarle vs. #27 South Davidson

#11 Thomasville vs. #22 Andrews

#7 Bishop McGuinness vs. #26 South Stokes

#10 Murphy vs. #23 Polk County

#15 Mitchell vs. #18 East Wilkes

#2 Mount Airy vs. #31 Union Academy

1A East:

#1 Tarboro BYE

#16 Hobbton vs. #17 Northampton

#8 North Duplin vs. #25 Pamlico County

#9 Southeast Halifax vs. #24 Union

#5 Bear Grass Charter BYE

#12 Rosewood vs. #21 Washington County

#13 East Bladen vs. #20 North Edgecombe

#4 Northside (Pinetown) BYE

#3 Wilson Prep BYE

#14 Gates County vs. #19 Weldon

#6 North Moore vs. #27 Chatham Central

#11 Bertie vs. #22 Southside

#7 Lakewood vs. #26 Northwest Halifax

#10 Perquimans vs. #23 East Columbus

#15 Warren County vs. #18 Pender

#2 West Columbus BYE

In a thrilling Week 8 update of the Carolina Gridiron rankings, football fans across North Carolina witnessed some significant shifts, with undefeated teams continuing to dominate, and others making impressive leaps in the standings.

4A Classification: In the 4A Classification, the top spot remains firmly in the hands of Grimsley (6-0). Butler (6-1) held onto their second-place ranking, but Weddington (5-1) jumped into the third spot, followed closely by Hough (5-1) and Rolesville (5-1).

3A Classification: Crest (6-0) continues to assert their dominance in the 3A Classification, retaining their top position. Dudley (6-0) and Kings Mountain (6-0) held steady at second and third place, respectively. Northern Nash (6-0) and Seventy-First (6-0) also maintained their positions. Scotland (7-0) is slowly creeping its way up the ranking while West Henderson (7-0) entered the rankings at the 15th spot. Seven teams in the 3A Top 15 remain undefeated.

2A Classification: In the 2A Classification, Clinton (6-0) continues to lead the pack, followed by Northeastern (6-0) and Salisbury (7-0). East Duplin (6-0) and Monroe (5-1) round out the top five. Bunker Hill (6-0) and East Gaston (6-0) both made impressive leaps in the rankings. Meanwhile, Shelby (4-3) dropped to the 13th spot, making way for Community School of  Davidson (6-1).

1A Classification: Mount Airy (7-0) retained its stronghold on the 1A Classification, while Tarboro (5-0) and Swain (6-0) held steady at second and third place, respectively. Robbinsville (5-1) and Eastern Randolph (5-1) complete the top five. Starmount (6-1) moved up the rankings significantly while West Columbus (5-1) and Perquimans (5-0) make their debut.

Week 8 Carolina Gridiron Rankings:

4A Classification Rankings:

1. Grimsley 
2. Butler 
3. Weddington 
4. Hough 
5. Rolesville 
6. Mooresville 
7. Cleveland 
8. West Forsyth 
9. Chambers 
10. Davie 
11. Mallard Creek 
12. Cardinal Gibbons 
13. Watauga 
14. Hoggard 
15. East Forsyth 

3A Classification Rankings:

1. Crest 
2. Dudley 
3. Kings Mountain 
4. West Charlotte 
5. Northern Nash 
6. Seventy-First 
7. Scotland 
8. Hickory 
9. Eastern Guilford 
10. Eastern Alamance 
11. Northwest Cabarrus 
12. Jacksonville 
13. Robinson 
14. Southern Alamance 
15. West Henderson 

2A Classification Rankings:

1. Clinton 
2. Northeastern 
3. Salisbury 
4. East Duplin 
5. Monroe 
6. Reidsville 
7. East Gaston 
8. Bunker Hill 
9. Burns 
10. Forest Hills 
11. Nash Central 
12. Randleman 
13. Shelby 
14. West Lincoln 
15. CS Davidson 

1A Classification Rankings:

1. Mount Airy 
2. Tarboro 
3. Swain 
4. Robbinsville 
5. Eastern Randolph 
6. Murphy 
7. Draughn 
8. North Rowan 
9. Starmount 
10. Mitchell 
11. Mountain Heritage 
12. West Columbus 
13. Perquimans 
14. Thomasville 
15. Hayesville 

In an exciting update for North Carolina high school football enthusiasts, the Week 2 Carolina Gridiron rankings have been released, showcasing the top fifteen teams across four classifications. The rankings, based on a combination of performance and potential, provide an insightful snapshot of the current state of high school football across the state.

4A: Grimsley Holding Strong at Number One

In the 4A classification, Grimsley continues to hold the top spot after an impressive Week 1 showing on the road at Mount Tabor and will face a formidable Rolesville team this Friday night. East Forsyth and Weddington are right on their heels, securing their positions at second and third. The Cardinal Gibbons team also made a statement, rising to fourth place after an intense matchup with Jordan last week.

Here's the full 4A lineup for Week 2:

1. Grimsley
2. East Forsyth
3. Weddington
4. Cardinal Gibbons
5. Hough
6. Mallard Creek
7. New Bern
8. Chambers
9. Charlotte Catholic
10. Millbrook
11. Independence
12. Rolesville
13. Butler
14. Hillside
15. Mooresville

3A: Kings Mountain Making Waves

In the 3A classification, Kings Mountain takes the lead after a stunning Week 1 performance against Shelby. Cleveland County rival Crest follows closely in second place, with Northern Nash rounding out the top three. Notable contenders like Seventy-First and East Lincoln continue to battle for supremacy in this fiercely competitive classification.

Here's the full 3A lineup for Week 2:

1. Kings Mountain
2. Crest
3. Northern Nash
4. Seventy-First
5. East Lincoln
6. South Point
7. AC Reynolds
8. Dudley
9. Eastern Alamance
10. Rose
11. Williams
12. Havelock
13. Southern Alamance
14. Cape Fear
15. West Charlotte

2A: Reidsville's Domination

Reidsville High School's exceptional roster depth and start to the season has propelled them to the number one spot in the 2A classification. Monroe and Burns claim second and third place, respectively, after showcasing their prowess on the field and combining to outscore their opponents 98-0 in Week 1 action. The classification remains highly competitive, with East Duplin and Wallace-Rose Hill making significant strides to climb the rankings.

Here's the full 2A lineup for Week 2:

1. Reidsville
2. Monroe
3. Burns
4. East Duplin
5. Wallace-Rose Hill
6. Salisbury
7. Clinton
8. Shelby
9. Forest Hills
10. Bunker Hill
11. Chase
12. Hertford
13. Northeastern
14. James Kenan
15. Maiden

1A: Mount Airy Taking the Lead

Defending champion Mount Airy's dominant 58-0 Week 1 showing has earned them the top position in the 1A rankings. Tarboro and Robbinsville closely follow in second and third, displaying their determination to challenge the Granite Bears for the top spot in 1A football. Mitchell and Eastern Randolph round out the top five.

Here's the full 1A lineup for Week 2:

1. Mount Airy
2. Tarboro
3. Robbinsville
4. Mitchell
5. Eastern Randolph
6. Andrews
7. Draughn
8. Murphy
9. Thomasville
10. Swain
11. Polk
12. North Rowan
13. Hayesville
14. Northampton
15. Corvian

Get ready for some serious gridiron action, folks! Each week brings new twists, unexpected turns, and those unforgettable moments that make high school football a true thrill. These young athletes are giving it their all, and we're here for every heart-stopping play and triumphant touchdown. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!