Is this NC private school powerhouse the top football team in the Charlotte region?
The high school football season doesn’t start until August, but here’s our annual look at a “way-too-early” Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 rankings of the best teams in the area.
And starting at No. 1 is Providence Day, the 2021 N.C. private school state champions. It’s rare for a small private school to start at No. 1, but the Chargers have the makings of national powerhouse.
The Chargers return 16 starters and 21 lettermen from the state champions and feature multiple players with Power 5 college football offers.
They include senior linemen Josh Holl (6-6, 305), Tyson Moorer (6-3, 285), Carson Parker (6-1, 285); receivers Jordan Shipp (6-1, 190) and Channing Godwin (6-0, 180); linebacker Keyaan Abdul-Rahim (5-11, 205); along with defensive backs Chris Peal (6-2, 195), Braxton Winston (6-0, 170) and Brody Barnhardt (6-0, 182).
Add to that mix former Providence Day middle school star Jadyn Davis, who returns after playing two season at Catawba Ridge in South Carolina.
Davis has been ranked as high as the No. 1 quarterback and player nationally in the class of 2024. Currently, 247 Sports has Davis as the No. 9 overall recruit in his class and the No. 2 quarterback recruit nationally.
Way Too Early Sweet 16
| Rk. | School (Class) | 2021 Rec |
| 1. | Providence Day (IND) | 8-3 |
| 2. | Hough (4A) | 14-1 |
| 3. | Chambers (4A) | 0-16* |
| 4. | Weddington (4A) | 12-2 |
| 5. | Richmond Senior (4A) | 10-2 |
| 6. | Charlotte Catholic (4A) | 7-3 |
| 7. | Shelby (2A) | 15-1 |
| 8. | Myers Park (4A) | 0-12* |
| 9. | Charlotte Christian (IND) | 5-5 |
| 10. | Ardrey Kell (4A) | 9-3 |
| 11. | Hickory Ridge (4A) | 9-3 |
| 12. | South Point (3A) | 11-4 |
| 13. | Maiden (2A) | 13-1 |
| 14. | Kings Mountain (3A) | 10-3 |
| 15. | Mallard Creek (4A) | 6-5 |
| 16. | Butler (4A) | 7-3 |
On the bubble: Cannon School (10-2); East Lincoln (8-4); Lake Norman (8-4); Marvin Ridge (8-3); Monroe (8-2); North Rowan (8-4); Northwest Cabarrus (4-6); Salisbury (11-1); Watauga (8-3).
This story was originally published June 19, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
