The North Carolina On3 Massey Ratings top 25 list as of Oct. 16 showed little changes among the first ten teams. However, it isn’t surprising that the first three teams in the North Carolina high school football rankings are among the nation’s best squads.

Meanwhile, only two teams in the top 25 (Richmond Senior and Mooresville) switched places. Based on the games during the second weekend of October, here’s where the state’s best teams are with the playoffs fast approaching.

The On3 Massey Ratings, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory. According to the model, three North Carolina teams rank in the top 100 nationwide.

CLICK HERE to watch your high school’s games on NFHS Network now!

It’s hard to unseat the Warriors from the top spot, especially after their top-ranked defense surrendered only 39 points in six games. Weddington is coming off two consecutive shutdown victories, including their Oct. 10 match against Porter Ridge. Meanwhile, their offense has also picked up, as proven by scoring at least 48 points in three of their last four games. Weddington can maintain their undefeated record with a road victory against Sun Valley on the 18^th.

After their season-opening loss to Northwestern, South Carolina’s second-ranked squad, the Huskies are on a six-game winning streak. William Amos Hough completed three shutout victories throughout that stretch and recently defeated West Charlotte 40-14. Ralph Blakeney led the way with 178 passing yards and four touchdowns, while Jycen Anciso had two touchdown catches. However, while Hough has been on smooth sailing lately, they will face a grueling challenge from fifth-ranked Mallard Creek on the 18th.

Coincidentally, the Whirlies have given up exactly seven points to four of their last five opponents. That group includes their previous opponents, Ragsdale, which did not score until the third quarter. Conversely, Faizon Brandon had 232 passing yards and four touchdowns, while Kaden Catoe had 132 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Micah Williams and Mitchell Summers powered the ground game with 197 rushing yards and three touchdowns combined. In their next match, Grimsley can earn its seventh victory in the 2024 North Carolina high school football season against Southwest Guilford.

The Eagles have remained undefeated while maintaining an average victory margin of 41.3 points. That number improved after East Forsyth’s 62-6 demolition of Parkland, marking their largest winning advantage in seven games. In addition to limiting the Mustangs to one touchdown, the Eagles defense finished with 14 tackles for losses and four sacks. Meanwhile, Bryce Baker had four touchdown passes, while JP Gilchrist and Kendal Sawyer combined for 236 yards and three touchdowns. An 8-0 record is at stake for the Eagles when they visit R.J. Reynolds on the 18^th.

The Mavericks are on a five-game winning streak after defeating Harding University 53-0. Mallard Creek inflicted damage in the first half by scoring 47 points before halftime and was in cruise control by the second half. Outscoring their last three opponents 152-7 made them the third-best defense in the state. However, to maintain their winning run, the Mavericks must grind it out against Hough in what could be a defensive battle.

The Chargers haven’t experienced defeat since bowing down to top-ranked Weddington on Aug. 22. They’ve extended their winning streak to five games after defeating Charlotte Christian 28-14. The Knights failed to solve Ian Cline, who finished with 275 rushing yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Jaylen Himes added 85 receiving yards and two touchdowns for Providence Day. The Chargers will finish the 2024 North Carolina high school football regular season with road games against Rabun Gap-Nacoochee and Charlotte Latin.

The Rams scored only 35 points against Millbrook, tying their lowest output in the season. However, it’s enough to notch their sixth victory this year because they kept the Wildcats off the scoreboard. In addition to Rolesville’s defense shutting down Millbrook, Braden Atkinson paced the Rams offense with 325 passing yards and four touchdowns. Likewise, Anthony Roberts tallied 118 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Rolesville can improve their standing to 7-1 with a victory over Knightdale.

The Rams have extended their undefeated run by scoring at least 42 points in each of their last five games. That schedule includes their 42-12 victory over Willow Spring, in which Cleveland’s defense kept the Storm off the scoreboard in the first half. On offense, Jackson Byrd provided direction with 290 passing yards and three touchdowns while adding two rushing touchdowns off 61 yards. Meanwhile, the Rams’ defense swarmed Willow Spring with 26 tackles for negative yardage and nine sacks. On deck for the Rams is Southeast Raleigh, which Cleveland will host on Oct. 18.

The overtime loss to Rolesville must have inspired the Crusaders to embark on a three-game winning streak. Their latest conquest, Enloe, did not score a single point. In contrast, quarterback Gannon Jones navigated Cardinal Gibbons’ offense well enough to finish with 291 passing yards and four touchdowns, while Brayden Karras helped him with 176 yards and three touchdowns. The Crusaders will go to Sanderson and compete for their sixth win in the 2024 North Carolina high school football season.

The Redhawks soared to another victory after dominating Parkwood 55-6. Zion Lindsey and Jamir Jackson combined for 221 rushing yards and five touchdowns against the Wolf Pack, while Quay Knotts and Jayden Caudle scored touchdowns from kickoff returns. After playing on the road in their last three games, the Redhawks will have back-to-back home games against Anson and Piedmont on the 18^th and the 25^th.

11. Seventy-First
12. Dudley
13. Mount Tabor
14. John T. Hoggard
15. Independence
16. Clayton
17. West Forsyth
18. Charlotte Christian
19. Leesville Road
20. Hickory
21. Havelock
22. Richmond Senior (+1)
23. Mooresville (-1)
24. Watauga
25. Crest