Our All-North Carolina prep football rankings are out. Who’s the best team in the state?

Who are the best high school football teams in North Carolina?

Each week during the fall and spring football seasons, the Charlotte Observer and The News & Observer will determine that, and rank the state’s best teams.

This won’t be done by classification or geography. It’s one ranking, one list and one No. 1 team.

Public schools don’t start their football seasons until February, so this school year we will have rankings in both the fall and spring. The Charlotte Observer’s Sweet 16 poll will also appear weekly for the top teams in the newspaper’s coverage area.

The preseason No. 1 in the All-North Carolina fall rankings is three-time state champion Charlotte Christian. The Knights are a favorite to win a fourth title — if a championship is played. The N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association hasn’t determined if it will host a state final.

Four Charlotte schools — Charlotte Christian, Charlotte Latin, Charlotte Country Day and Providence Day — will only play each other, creating a conference “bubble” among teams that have similar coronavirus screening guidelines.

The All-North Carolina rankings - Week One

Also considered: Metrolina Christian; Christ School

Langston Wertz Jr.

The Charlotte Observer

704-358-5133

Langston Wertz Jr. is an award-winning sports journalist who has worked at the Observer since 1988. He’s covered everything from Final Fours and NFL to video games and Britney Spears. Wertz -- a West Charlotte High and UNC grad -- is the rare person who can answer “Charlotte,” when you ask, “What city are you from.” Support my work with a digital subscription