Preps: 2025 Metro 6A/7A Conference Football Preview

Metro 6A/7A Conference Football Preview | 2025 Season
As the Tar Heel State’s largest schools kick off realignment in 2025, the Metro 6A/7A Conference brings together seven programs—four in Class 6A and three in Class 7A—for what figures to be one of the state’s most competitive leagues. Below, we break down each school’s 2024 résumé, roster turnover, impact returnees, key losses and our projected finish (with Grimsley atop the standings and Dudley close behind).

Metro 6A/7A Membership

• Class 7A: Grimsley (7A), Page (7A), Southwest Guilford (7A)
• Class 6A: Ben L. Smith (6A), Dudley (6A), Ragsdale (6A), Western Guilford (6A)

Grimsley Whirlies (7A)

2024 Record: 16–0 overall, 7–0 Metro 4A (State Champions)
Key Losses: Graduated senior RB Mitchell Summers (rushed for 2356 yards, 47 TDs); 5 Star DE Bryce Davis (27 sacks, graduated, at Duke)
Returnees to Know:

• Faizon Brandon, Sr. QB – 3,800 yds & 44 TDs; five-star Tennessee recruit; 2024 MaxPreps NC Player of the Year
• Kaden Cato, Sr. WR – 64 catches, 953 yards and 11 touchdowns during his 2024 Junior year, top returning WR.
• Kosci Barnes, Sr. CB – 4 INTs & 42 tackles in ’24
  Outlook: An undefeated defending champion returning almost every starter, Grimsley is the clear preseason favorite to repeat in Metro 7A and the State Title.

Dudley Panthers (6A)

2024 Record: 13–1 overall, 7–0 Mid-State 3A (Regional Runner-Up)
Key Losses: QB Jacquez Crawford (transfer), RB Eli Harris (1,250 yds, 15 TDs)
Returnees to Know:

• DE Andrew Rogers (Jr) – Totaled 23 sacks and 76 tackles during 2024 Sophomore season.
• Seven total two-way starters – Offense and defense anchor the roster; expect veteran leadership across the trenches
  Outlook: Dudley’s perfect conference slate and playoff run underscore its title bona fides; look for the Panthers to push Grimsley every step of the way.

Ragsdale Tigers (6A)

2024 Record: 4–7 overall, 2–5 Metro 4A
Key Losses: OL Ethan Shockley, DB Amari Wilson
Returnees to Know:

• Jeremiah Rorie, Sr. G,T – 6’4″ 280 lb Senior will anchor the offensive line.
• Broedi Ditty, Jr. WR/DB – 24 rec. yds & 1 TD vs. Northeast Guilford; emerging two-way talent
  Outlook: After a rebuilding year, Ragsdale’s youth should accelerate its growth; a mid-pack finish is realistic.

Page Pirates (7A)

2024 Record: 3–8 overall, 3–4 Metro 4A (5th)
Key Losses: QB Colin Hayes (graduated), LB Marcus Ford (89 tackles)
Returnees to Know:

• Zamari Williamson, So. QB – Threw for 703 yds & 10 TDs as a Freshman
• Jessie Poole IV, So. RB – Averaged 4.3 yards per carry as a freshman, had 100+ yard TD run in 2024
• Outlook: Page bolsters its roster with an experienced offensive line; look for incremental improvement in a tough 7A slate.

Southwest Guilford Cowboys (7A)

2024 Record: 1-9 overall, 0-7 Metro 4A
Key Losses: WR Nathan Brown, DL Isaiah Clark
Returnees to Know:

• Jeramyah Clarida , Sr. SS/CB/WR – Leading Returning tackler from 2024
• Tylan Grimes, So. CB/WR – 2 Interceptions in 2024
  Outlook: New coaching regime takes over after a 1-9 2024 season.

Ben L. Smith Golden Eagles (6A)

2024 Record: 5–6 overall, 3–4 Metro 4A
Key Losses: RB Jordan Thames (1,000 yds), OL Carlos Nguyen
Returnees to Know:

• Darius Chukwuemeka, Sr. QB/WR – duel threat player will be looked upon to carry a heavier load this season
• Devon Mills, So. RB – Contributor on offense and special teams.
  Outlook: Smith’s balanced attack and veteran secondary project to keep the Golden Eagles comfortably in the middle of the pack.

Western Guilford Hornets (6A)

2024 Record: 4-7 overall, 1–6 Metro 4A
Key Losses: DL Tyrell Smith, RB Aaron Clark
Returnees to Know:

• Tim Baker, Sr. RB – 937 yds & 10 TDs; averaging 5.3 yards per carry in 2024
• Simeon Libby, Jr. DL – 84 tackles and 6 sacks in ’24
  Outlook: A young roster with a handful of impact seniors; Western Guilford may struggle to climb higher than sixth.

Predicted Metro 6A/7A Finish

1. Grimsley Whirlies (repeat state champs)
2. Dudley Panthers (conference perfection carries over)
3. Page Pirates
4. Ragsdale Tigers
5. Ben L. Smith Golden Eagles
6. Western Guilford Hornets
7. Southwest Guilford Cowboys

With kickoff slated for August 22nd, the Metro 6A/7A Conference promises marquee matchups under the Friday-night lights—headlined by perennial powers Grimsley and Dudley in a battle for North Carolina’s top spot.