Charlotte, NC, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Hough (NC, Cornelius) has claimed the number one position in the latest Carolinas Top 25 poll after an unbeaten start with a 3-0 record. The poll sees them rise from fourth place, showcasing their strong performance. Providence Day, Dutch Fork, and Northwestern follow closely in the rankings, with several teams experiencing shifts based on their recent match outcomes. New entries include Hoggard, AC Flora, and Belton-Honea Path, all maintaining undefeated records. The rankings reflect the competitive nature of high school football in the Carolinas.
Charlotte, NC — The latest Carolinas Top 25 poll has ranked Hough (NC, Cornelius) as the new leader in high school football, taking the number one spot after an unbeaten start to the season. The poll, which highlights the strongest high school football teams in North and South Carolina, is compiled weekly by Chris Hughes and is sponsored by McClatchy Media.
Hough’s ascent to the top comes after a solid 3-0 record, jumping from the previous rank of 4th. This week’s rankings also saw three new teams make their entry: Hoggard (NC, Wilmington), AC Flora (SC, Columbia), and Belton-Honea Path (SC, Honea Path), all boasting undefeated records of 3-0.
Second place is held by Providence Day (NC, Charlotte), which also maintains an unbeaten record at 3-0, though they have dropped from the previous week’s second position. Dutch Fork (SC, Irmo), which previously occupied the first spot, has fallen to third place with a record of 2-0.
Northwestern (SC, Rock Hill) rounds out the top four with a record of 3-0, climbing from fifth place. Grimsley (NC, Greensboro) holds fifth with a record of 3-0 but has slipped from the third position. The latest rankings highlight the competitive spirit of high school football in the Carolinas, showcasing teams that continue to rise and fall based on recent match performances.
Current Rankings Snapshot
- 1st: Hough (NC) – Record: 3-0
- 2nd: Providence Day (NC) – Record: 3-0
- 3rd: Dutch Fork (SC) – Record: 2-0
- 4th: Northwestern (SC) – Record: 3-0
- 5th: Grimsley (NC) – Record: 3-0
- 6th: Irmo (SC) – Record: 3-0
- 7th: South Pointe (SC) – Record: 2-1
- 8th: Myers Park (NC) – Record: 3-0
- 9th: Mallard Creek (NC) – Record: 2-1
- 10th: South Florence (SC) – Record: 2-1
Additional Rankings
Beyond the top ten, Cardinal Gibbons (NC, Raleigh) remains in 11th place with a 3-0 record. West Charlotte (NC, Charlotte) has dropped to 12th with a record of 1-2. Weddington (NC, Weddington) follows in 13th at 2-1, while Millbrook (NC, Raleigh) holds the 14th spot with a 3-0 record.
Further down the list, Cleveland (NC, Clayton) moves up to 15th place with a 2-1 record, and Independence (NC, Mint Hill) follows closely in 16th. Greenwood (SC, Greenwood) has also improved to 17th with a 2-0 record. The rankings also see figures like Summerville (SC, Summerville) at 18th and North Augusta (SC, North Augusta) at 19th with impressive records of 2-1 and 3-0 respectively.
New Entries
The newly ranked teams include:
- Hoggard (NC, Wilmington) – 3-0, ranked 23rd
- Belton-Honea Path (SC, Honea Path) – 3-0, ranked 24th
- AC Flora (SC, Columbia) – 3-0, ranked 25th
This week’s rankings reflect the dynamic nature of high school football, with several teams experiencing significant shifts based on their performances, providing a thrilling backdrop for fans and athletes alike.
FAQ Section
What is the Carolinas Top 25 poll?
The Carolinas Top 25 poll ranks the best high school football teams in North and South Carolina based on performance and is sponsored by McClatchy Media, with weekly compilations by high school football expert Chris Hughes.
How are the rankings determined?
The rankings are determined based on team performance, including win-loss records and recent game outcomes likely to influence their standing.
What changes occurred in this week’s rankings?
This week, Hough (NC) moved into the first position while three new teams made their entry into the rankings, reflecting significant competition among the teams.
How many teams are currently ranked?
There are currently 25 teams ranked in the Carolinas Top 25 poll, with performances leading to increases or decreases in their standings.
Ranking Overview
| Rank | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hough (NC) | 3-0 |
| 2 | Providence Day (NC) | 3-0 |
| 3 | Dutch Fork (SC) | 2-0 |
| 4 | Northwestern (SC) | 3-0 |
| 5 | Grimsley (NC) | 3-0 |
| 23 | Hoggard (NC) | 3-0 |
| 24 | Belton-Honea Path (SC) | 3-0 |
| 25 | AC Flora (SC) | 3-0 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina High School Football: Week 2 Highlights
Lander University Launches New College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Dutch Fork Tops South Carolina High School Football Rankings
High School Football Action Set for September 5 in South Carolina
South Carolina High School Football Rankings Released
South Carolina High School Football Week 3 Highlights
Greenwood Eagles Suffer Third Straight Loss Against Chapman Panthers
Greenwood Eagles Suffer Third Consecutive Loss
High School Football Week 3 Results in Columbia, South Carolina
Week 2 High School Football Matchups Announced in South Carolina
Additional Resources
- The State – High School Football Rankings
- On3 – South Carolina High School Football Rankings
- Charlotte Observer – High School Sports Article
- SI – North Carolina High School Football Rankings
- Herald Online – High School Sports News
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Google Search: High School Football Rankings
- Google Scholar: High School Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Google News: High School Football in the Carolinas
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