Observer preseason Sweet 16 football poll

Rk.

School

Cl.

2014

Comment

1.

Mallard Creek

4A

15-1

13 starters back from two-time N.C. 4AA champs

2.

Butler

4A

10-3

23 lettermen, 11 starters return and deep at RB

3.

Independence

4A

12-1

First-year coach Justin Hardin inherits powerhouse

4.

Vance

4A

11-4

Deep, experienced team was 4A semifinalist in 2014

5.

Charlotte Catholic

4A

14-2

Strong defense key to hopes for third state final in four years

6.

Rock Hill South Pointe

3A

12-3

40 lettermen back for S.C. powerhouse

7.

Rock Hill Northwestern

4A

9-5

12 starters return for state title favorite

8.

Hough

4A

10-4

New starters at QB, RB for regional power

9.

Ardrey Kell

4A

10-4

New coach Joe Evans has balanced squad

10.

Mooresville

4A

10-2

Only two home games until Oct. 16 will be a test

11.

Weddington

3A

14-2

N.C. 3AA Western Regional champs in ’14

12.

Charlotte Christian

IND

10-1

Knights hunting fourth straight state title

13.

Cuthbertson

3A

11-4

N.C. 3AA Western Regional runner-up in ’14

14.

Hickory Ridge

3A

10-3

30 lettermen, 10 starters back, including QB Greg Waslo

15.

Providence

4A

10-4

First-year coach Brad Bowles has 14 starters, 24 lettermen back

16.

East Lincoln

2A

16-0

Trying to win third state title in four seasons