Two schools join Observer’s Sweet 16 rankings of region’s top HS football teams

Welcome Palisades and Lake Norman to The Charlotte Observer’s Sweet 16 high school football poll this week.

Palisades (4-2) returns to the poll after Friday’s come-from-behind 14-11 win at Ardrey Kell. The Palisades win is its first over its southern Mecklenburg County rival.

Also new to the poll this week is Lake Norman High from Iredell County.

Lake Norman beat previously unbeaten Statesville 35-0 Friday, knocking Statesville out of the rankings.

The Sweet 16, which began in 1984, ranks the top teams in The Observer’s coverage area, which currently includes NCHSAA and NCISAA teams in the following counties: Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln and Union counties.

The rankings are compiled by longtime N.C. football expert Chris Hughes, a co-host of The Observer’s Talking Preps streaming show that airs each Tuesday at 8 p.m.

The Observer’s Sweet 16

Rk., School, Rec, Prvs.

1. Providence Day (6-0) 1

2. Hough (6-0) 2

3. West Charlotte (5-2) 3

4. Mallard Creek (5-2) 4

5. Myers Park (5-1) 5

6. Weddington (5-1) 6

7. Mooresville (4-2) 8

8. East Lincoln (7-0) 9

9. Ashbrook (6-0) 10

10. Independence (4-2) 7

11. Charlotte Catholic (4-2) 12

12. Porter Ridge (5-2) 13

13. Charlotte Latin (6-0) 15

14. Lake Norman (4-2) NR

15. JM Robinson (5-1) 16

16. Palisades (4-2) NR