Independence makes a jump, two new teams join Observer Sweet 16 poll
Independence picked up perhaps its biggest win of the season Friday, shutting out three-time state champion Mallard Creek, 35-0, in Mint Hill.
That allowed the Patriots to jump three spots in The Observer’s Sweet 16 poll to No. 7.
Mallard Creek fell from No. 4 to No. 10.
Two new teams are in.
Belmont’s South Point High (6-2) returns to the poll after shutting out Kings Mountain, 35-0, on Friday. The Red Raiders have won two straight.
Also in this week is Charlotte’s Olympic High.
After an 0-2 start, Olympic has won six games in a row and is now 6-2 overall, 5-0 in its new conference, the Greater Metro 6A/7A, one game clear of AL Brown (5-3, 4-1) and West Cabarrus (4-4, 4-1).
Since Olympic beat both of those teams earlier this year, the Trojans can win the conference title Friday at Berry.
The Sweet 16, which began in 1984, ranks the top teams in The Observer’s coverage zone. Currently, that includes NCHSAA and NCISAA schools 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 Talking Preps streaming show.
The Observer’s Sweet 16
Rk., School, Rec., Prvs.
1. Providence Day (8-0), 1
2. Hough (8-0), 2
3. West Charlotte (6-2), 3
4. Myers Park (7-1), 5
5. Weddington (8-1), 6
6. Mooresville (6-2), 7
7. Independence (6-2), 10
8. Ashbrook (8-0), 8
9. East Lincoln (8-1), 9
10. Mallard Creek (5-3), 4
11. Lake Norman (6-2), 12
12. South Point (6-2), NR
13. JM Robinson (7-1), 14
14. Corvian Community (7-1), 15
15. Northwest Cabarrus (7-1), 16
16. Olympic (6-2), NR
