In the ever-evolving landscape of North Carolina high school football, Week 4 brings forth an intriguing mix of stability and dynamic change as the Carolina Gridiron rankings for all four classifications are revealed. This comprehensive report delves into the updated standings and highlights any notable surges or shifts since Week 3.

4A Classification: Grimsley Maintains Control, Two Groups of Mavericks in Top Spots

In the 4A classification, Grimsley continues to exert its dominance, securing the top spot with an impressive 3-0 record. While Grimsley maintained its position with authority, Mallard Creek, Weddington, and East Forsyth remain right on their heels. Cleveland makes their first appearance of the season and Marvin Ridge joins the Top 15 after an impressive last-minute win over Ardrey Kell.

The Week 4 rankings for the 4A classification are as follows:

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

3A Classification: Crest Maintains Top Spot, West Charlotte Surges

Transitioning to the 3A classification, Crest continues to hold the pole position, showcasing their strength with a 3-0 record. Both the Chargers and county rival Kings Mountain fended off ranked 2A in-county opponents this past Friday. Meanwhile, West Charlotte made a significant move, advancing from the 10th spot in Week 3 to a formidable 7th place in Week 4 after a win over Charlotte rival Independence.

The Week 4 rankings for the 3A classification are as follows:

1. Crest
2. Kings Mountain
3. Dudley
4. Northern Nash
5. East Lincoln
6. Seventy-First
7. West Charlotte
8. Havelock
9. Eastern Guilford
10. Eastern Alamance
11. AC Reynolds
12. South Point
13. Scotland
14. Western Alamance
15. Northwest Cabarrus

2A Classification: Reidsville Leads, Clinton and Salisbury Impress

In the 2A classification, Reidsville maintains its stronghold at the top, demonstrating consistency with a 3-0 record. Clinton and Salisbury, however, have made significant strides, with Clinton securing the 2nd spot and Salisbury firmly planting itself in 3rd place after both teams had impressive wins this past week. The Princeton Bulldogs climbed into the rankings this week after an impressive 3-0 start to the season.

The Week 4 rankings for the 2A classification are as follows:

1. Reidsville
2. Clinton
3. Salisbury
4. Northeastern
5. East Duplin
6. Monroe
7. Forest Hills
8. Whiteville
9. Bunker Hill
10. Chase
11. Edenton Holmes
12. Nash Central
13. Burns
14. Princeton
15. Shelby

1A Classification: Mount Airy Leads, Starmount Shines

Lastly, in the 1A classification, Mount Airy maintains its top-tier status with an unblemished 3-0 record while most of the top five remain the same. Starmount is the standout mover this week, rising from 13th place in Week 3 to a top ten spot.

The Week 4 rankings for the 1A classification are as follows:

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

As the North Carolina high school football season unfolds, these rankings serve as a compass, guiding us through the intricate web of competition. The remarkable jumps by various teams illustrate the dynamic nature of the sport, where dedication and talent can yield substantial rewards. With each passing week, the anticipation of electrifying matchups and unforeseen developments on the gridiron continues to build, making the high school football season an exhilarating journey for players and fans alike. 

RALEIGH – Mount Airy’s Tyler Mason came into Saturday’s game having scored forty-one touchdowns through fifteen games and needing one-hundred-thirty-seven yards to reach two-thousand yards on the season. The junior lived up to his billing, rushing for three touchdowns and 139 yards and leading his team to the NCHSAA 1A state championship with a 20-7 victory over Tarboro on Saturday afternoon.

The Mount Airy defense entered Saturday afternoon’s 1A state championship against Tarboro giving up less than ten points per game on average. The Granite Bears defense had pitched shutouts in four of its last five regular-season games and two more in the playoffs. Mount Airy was able to hold the Vikings off the scoreboard for the first twenty-seven minutes of the game, finally surrendering a score in the third quarter.

Tarboro finally found its way in the third quarter. After Omarion Lewis picked off a Mount Airy pass and returned it into Granite Bears territory, Vikings running back Mason Satterfield barely broke the goal line on a run around the right side of the formation to get Tarboro on the board for the first time on the afternoon, but it was not enough to dig out of the hold the Vikings found themselves in after surrendering three touchdowns first.

In a twist seen more in 1A football than in other classifications, both team’s quarterbacks made strong defensive efforts on the other side of the ball. Mount Airy’s Ian Gallimore led his team with fourteen tackles and Tarboro’s Omarion Lewis snagged an interception to go along with eight tackles.

The win was the Granite Bears’ seventh title and first since a 2008 win over Williamston. Tarboro, making its sixth straight title game appearance, drops just its second title game in that span.

Congratulations to Wake Forest, Charlotte Catholic, Randleman, and Mount Airy for finishing #1 in their classifications.

Congratulations to Mallard Creek, Charlotte Catholic, East Duplin, and Mount Airy for finishing #1 in their classifications.

Carolina Gridiron Preseason 1A Top 15

1. Wallace-Rose Hill

2. West Montgomery

3, James Kenan

4. Murphy

5. Swain

6. Plymouth

7. Robbinsville

8. East Surry

9. Whiteville

10. Tarboro

11. Mount Airy

12. Riverside-Martin

13. Lakewood

14. Starmount

15. Mountain Island