Only two teams in The Observer’s Sweet 16 football poll are still playing, meet Friday
Weddington and Independence are the only teams left playing high school football in the greater Charlotte area.
This week, the teams move up to the top two spots in The Observer’s Sweet 16. Weddington is No. 2 behind NCISAA state champ Providence Day. Independence moves up a spot to No. 3.
Independence (11-3) will play at Weddington (12-2) on Friday in a North Carolina 4A western regional championship game, or state semifinal. The Patriots have won four straight playoff games on the road.
Independence upset Butler on Friday, 10-7. Weddington was a 44-27 winner against Greensboro Grimsley.
The Warriors were a controversial pick as the No. 1 overall seed in the 4A Western playoffs after losing twice during the regular season, including on the final night of regular-season play. Now, they could play for a state title.
Weddington won back-to-back NC 3AA championships in 2018 and 19,and will try to make its first 4A final. The Warriors also won the 2016 3AA state championship.
Independence won 4A state titles in 2000 and 2001, then won five more 4AA titles from 2002-06. The Patriots haven’t been this deep in the playoffs in more than a decade.
