Two new Union County teams join The Observer’s Sweet 16 poll as playoffs get underway
Two Union County teams have jumped into The Observer’s Sweet 16 poll this week.
Marvin Ridge upset four-time N.C. 3A state champion Charlotte Catholic Friday, handing the Cougars their first postseason loss since 2016. The Mavericks rallied from a 19-0 deficit and blocked a field goal on the final play to win 20-19.
Monroe is also in the poll this week. The Redhawks lost 37-6 to Marvin Ridge to start the season but have won seven straight games, including Friday’s 57-13 first-round playoff win over Lincolnton. Monroe has allowed 28 points total since beating Sun Valley 60-21 on Sept. 17.
Two teams made big jumps: Ardrey Kell moved from No. 13 to No. 10 and Hickory Ridge jumped four spots to No. 8 ahead of Friday’s N.C. game of the week, a second-round home playoff game with No. 2 Chambers, a rematch of Chambers’ thrilling 34-27 win at home earlier this season.
| Rank | School | Record | Prev. |
| 1 | Hough | (11-0) | 1 |
| 2 | Chambers | (10-1) | 2 |
| 3 | Richmond | (10-1) | 3 |
| 4 | Shelby | (10-1) | 5 |
| 5 | Weddington | (10-1) | 6 |
| 6 | South Mecklenburg | (9-2) | 8 |
| 7 | Salisbury | (10-0) | 7 |
| 8 | Hickory Ridge | (9-2) | 12 |
| 9 | Myers Park | (8-3) | 9 |
| 10 | Ardrey Kell | (8-2) | 13 |
| 11 | Maiden | (11-0) | 10 |
| 12 | Statesville | (10-0) | 15 |
| 13 | Crest | (8-2) | 14 |
| 14 | West Charlotte | (7-3) | 16 |
| 15 | Marvin Ridge | (8-2) | NR |
| 16 | Monroe | (8-1) | NR |
- Poll compiled by Chris Hughes