Major changes in The Observer’s Sweet 16 high school football poll this week
Two new teams join The Charlotte Observer’s Sweet 16 poll this week, and Hough is no longer the top team in the region.
After a convincing 55-34 win over nationally-ranked Rabun Gap on Friday, Providence Day moves from No. 2 to No. 1. The Chargers (5-0) were No. 1 in preseason.
Hough (5-0) assumed the No. 1 ranking after a season-opening win over Rock Hill’s South Pointe and stayed there nearly a month.
Two new teams join the poll — Porter Ridge (4-1) and Northwest Cabarrus (3-1).
Porter Ridge beat Union County rival Cuthbertson, 42-17, Friday and won its second straight game. Northwest Cabarrus bounced back from a close 21-17 loss to No. 10 Ashbrook with a 44-13 win over South Rowan on Friday.
The Sweet 16, which began in 1984, ranks the top teams in the media company’s coverage zone. That coverage zone now includes NCHSAA and NCISAA teams in the following counties: Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln and Union.
The poll is compiled by longtime N.C. high school football expert Chris Hughes, a co-host of The Observer’s streaming Talking Preps show.
The Sweet 16 champion, named in December, will receive a large banner to hang in its gymnasium.
Quick links
Quick links
High school football rewind: NC scores, schedules, complete coverage
No. 2 Providence Day gets revenge on Rabun Gap with blowout at home
No. 3 Mallard Creek gets dramatic win at Gibbons in Raleigh
No. 5 Weddington wallops No. 15 Charlotte Catholic in Sweet 16 shocker
South Mecklenburg wins fourth straight, stops East Meck
Talking Preps Week 5 postgame podcast
The Observer’s Sweet 16 poll
Rk., School, Rec, Prvs.
1. Providence Day (4-0), 2
2. Hough (5-0), 1
3. Mallard Creek (4-1), 3
4. Myers Park (4-1), 4
5. Weddington (4-1), 5
6. Independence (4-1), 6
7. West Charlotte (3-2), 7
8. Mooresville (3-2), 10
9. East Lincoln (5-0), 8
10. Ashbrook (5-0), 12
11. Statesville (5-0), 16
12. South Point (3-1), 11
13. Porter Ridge (4-1), NR
14. Northwest Cabarrus (3-1), NR
15. Palisades (3-2), 13
16. Lake Norman (3-2), 9
This story was originally published September 21, 2025 at 5:30 AM.