High School Sports

The Charlotte Observer’s 2024 high school football preview

By Langston Wertz Jr.

August 16, 2024 10:00 AM

Welcome to The Observer’s 2024 high school football preview. Tap below for more content.

County previews

(Get previews for all teams in each county, with predictions, notes and the all-county teams)

A Ballantyne Ridge football player addresses the media at SoMECK 4A media day at Palisades High School Saturday

Mecklenburg County private schools

Mecklenburg County public schools

Cabarrus County schools

Gaston County schools

Iredell County schools

Lincoln County schools

Rock Hill-area schools (SC)

Union County schools

Feature stories

Providence Day offensive lineman David Sanders is perhaps the best high school football player in America. He plans to announce his college decision on Saturday, August 17, 2024. — Providence Day offensive lineman David Sanders is perhaps the best high school football player in America. He plans to announce his college decision on Saturday, August 17, 2024. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

The nation’s top high school football player may be in Charlotte. Meet Providence Day’s David Sanders

Jay M. Robinson wide receiver Brian Rowe, a top NC talent who has committed to the Univesrsity of South Carolina, poses for a portrait after practice in Concord, NC on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. — Jay M. Robinson wide receiver Brian Rowe, a top NC talent who has committed to the Univesrsity of South Carolina, poses for a portrait after practice in Concord, NC on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com

In Cabarrus County, Brian Rowe put down the basketball, became a national football recruit

Why Reidsville High’s Kendre Harrison, the national male athlete of the year, transferred to Providence Day

Mooresville High, 28-7 past three years, has bigger goals this season

In Rock Hill, South Pointe aims to recapture its timely tradition

‘It’s become a witch hunt.’ Transfers on the rise, but so are false narratives

Myers Park High junor Rodney Dunham has more than 20 major college Division I football offers — Myers Park High junor Rodney Dunham has more than 20 major college Division I football offers Kelly Hood Special to The Observer

Meet Myers Park’s ‘unknown’ national recruit, Rodney Dunham

Monroe High’s Jordan Young is ‘unstoppable force’ on the field

West Charlotte aims to turn Cleveland County nightmares into state title dreams

State Board of Education warming to NIL for public school athletes

Charlotte Catholic has a new coach but going back to old offense

Queen City coaches face uphill challenge in NC’s top league

Charlotte-area high school football transfers, like in college, are on the rise

MaxPreps player of the year transfers to Providence Day, two weeks before the season

What are the best rivalry games in the Charlotte-area, and in North Carolina?

West Lincoln’s Jaylin Winnex preparing for a huge senior season

With key returnees, Ashbrook aims for a big comeback in Gaston County

Rankings/Lists

Players from several girls’ flag football teams and players, coaches and cheerleaders from Independence, Myers Park, Providence Day and Weddington High Schools were invited to Bank of America Stadium by the Carolina Panthers for a special media day photo and videoshoot Tuesday — Players from several girls’ flag football teams and players, coaches and cheerleaders from Independence, Myers Park, Providence Day and Weddington High Schools were invited to Bank of America Stadium by the Carolina Panthers for a special media day photo and videoshoot Tuesday Kelly Hood

Here is the preseason All-Observer team

Who’s No. 1 in The Sweet 16? Also who made the ‘second’ Sweet 16?

Meet the top 50 high school football players in Mecklenburg County

Meet the top 50 high school football players in the region

Photo galleries

Players with West Charlotte’s football team, who are expected to be an NCHSAA state championship contender this season, begin practice in Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. — Players with West Charlotte’s football team, who are expected to be an NCHSAA state championship contender this season, begin practice in Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. MELISSA MELVIN-RODRIGUEZ mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com

Southwestern 4A media day

Queen City 3A/4A media day

SoMECK media day

West Charlotte practice

Mooresville football practice

Langston Wertz Jr.

The Charlotte Observer

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