As the high school football season approaches kickoff in the 336 area code, Sports Carolina Monthly unveils its highly anticipated preseason rankings. These rankings take into account a combination of factors, including returning starters, coaching continuity, and overall program strength. Let’s break down the top 5 teams poised to make a run for the playoffs:
1. East Forsyth (Last Year: 10-2): The East Forsyth Eagles soar to the top spot after a strong finish to the 2023 season. The defending CPC champs look loaded for a deep run into November. Look for senior quarterback Bryce Baker (2023: 3082 yards passing, 39 touchdowns, 3 Ints) to lead a potent offense deep at all skill positions. Wide Reciever Jaire Richburg leads a talented and loaded WR core while Senior DEs Robbie Whitney and Ke’moir Pouncey led a changed defense that allowed only 17 ppg in 2023. This group of Eagles have lost only 3 games in the past 2 seasons, two of them in the playoffs to Hough in 2022 and Independence in 2023. Biggest difference for the Eagles this season compared to the previous couple of seasons will be their Offensive Line, it is HUGE and deep.
2. Grimsley Whirlies (13-1): The Grimsley Whirlies boast a balanced attack with Nationally top ranked 2026 QB Faizon Brandon running the show with Senior RB Mitchell Summers in the backfield, who racked up over 2500 yard of total offense from scrimmage in 2023. National top 2025 Recruit DE Bryce Davis returns for senior year after an injury shortened Junior Campaign. The Whirlies only loss last season was in the Western 4A Semifinals on the road to eventual 4A champ Weddington. Grimsley has dominated Guilford County, racking up a record of 62-4 since 2019. The Whirlies have not lost a Metro 4A Conference game since 2018.
3. Dudley Panthers (14-1): The Dudley Panthers are led by Senior WR Nasir Newkirk Kordell Bartley, CJ Neely, and Antonio Lee. The main question for the Panthers will be who will emerge at QB? Dudley looks to avenge their only loss of 2023 in the state championship game vs a Hickory team that is loaded as well. In the last 9 seasons, Head Coach Stephen Davis has led the Panthers to double digit wins 7 times including state championship runs in 2016 and 2021.
4. Reidsville Rams (15-1): The Reidsville Rams return a veteran squad hungry for another championship run. Look out for nationally ranked Junior TE Dre Hairston, who was named the 2023-24 National Maxpreps player of the year (2023: 940 yards receiving, 16 touchdowns, 9 sacks, 10 touchdowns) to lead the charge along with fellow Junior WR Diontae Neal (547 yards receiving, 7 touchdowns). The Football Capital of North Carolina will look to go back to back 2A state champs this season.
5. Mount Tabor Spartans (8-5): The Mount Tabor Spartans look to improve on a solid 2023 season with the return two highly ranked senior prospects in Senior DB JaDon Blair (5 star Notre Dame commit) and Senior WR Shamarius “Snook” Peterkin who has offers from NC State, North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Florida State. The Spartans will have to battle a tough Central Piedmont Conference including top ranked East Forsyth and rivals West Forsyth and Reagan to make noise in November.
Honorable Mention: West Forsyth (8-4), Mt Airy (16-0), Oak Grove (11-2)
This preseason poll promises an exciting season of high school football in the 336. As teams take the field, Sports Carolina Monthly will be there every step of the way, providing in-depth coverage, analysis, and highlights. Stay tuned to see which teams rise to the challenge and claim gridiron glory!
