Charlotte, North Carolina, August 3, 2025
News Summary
As high school football teams in North Carolina prepare for the upcoming season, they are organizing scrimmages despite an ongoing heat wave. Safety is a priority, with practice times adjusted to ensure players remain safe in extreme conditions. This year’s season features significant changes, including an expanded classification structure and notable teams like Grimsley High, home to the nation’s top player. Programs across counties have new coaching staff as schools reorganize to enhance competition and excitement heading into the first games of the season.
Charlotte, North Carolina – As high school football teams across North Carolina gear up for the 2025 season, scrimmages are being organized despite a severe heat wave affecting practice conditions. With heat indexes expected to reach triple digits until Thursday, safety remains a top priority for players and coaches.
High SchoolOT is compiling a comprehensive list of high school football scrimmages across the state, which will be organized by date and updated regularly. Teams are encouraged to submit details about their scrimmages, including participating teams, location, cost, and start times, by emailing [email protected].
Practice for private schools in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association commenced on Monday, while public and charter schools in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association will begin practices on Wednesday. The first official games of the 2025 season are set for Friday, August 15, with a major lineup of games scheduled for August 22.
Among the teams to watch this season is Greensboro’s Grimsley High, which boasts the nation’s No. 1 overall player, Faizon Brandon. The senior quarterback, committed to the University of Tennessee, is coming off an impressive previous season. Grimsley claimed the public school 4A state championship in the last season, while West Charlotte (3A), Monroe (2A), and Tarboro (1A) also emerged as champions in their respective divisions. In the private school divisions, champions included Rabun Gap (Division I) and Asheville School (Division II).
Notable games in the first week of the season include the matchup between Rolesville and Mallard Creek, as well as Grimsley’s highly anticipated clash against West Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium. Grimsley currently holds North Carolina’s longest win streak, with 16 consecutive wins, followed by Monroe with 15 wins and Tarboro at 10 wins.
This season also marks a significant change in the classification structure within the N.C. High School Athletic Association. The organization has expanded from four to eight classifications, with the new alignment set to last for the next four seasons. The largest classification, 8A, consists of only 32 schools, while 7A has the highest number of teams with 60. Other classifications have between 58-59 schools.
New coaching appointments have surpassed 20 across various counties, including Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, and Union. Garinger High is under new leadership with coach Jupiter Wilson, who is striving to end the school’s 48-game losing streak, the longest in North Carolina.
Some changes are also present in the rules this season, with the National Federation of High Schools allowing electronic signs for play signals but prohibiting in-helmet communication and the use of audio/video devices on the field. Additionally, a new ruling states that if a forward fumble goes out of bounds, the play will be reinstated at the spot of the fumble.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will undergo reorganization this season, as Charlotte Catholic returns to a restructured Union County league while other teams transition to different conferences to foster competitiveness. Early-season matchups for Garinger may present opportunities to potentially snap the team’s long losing streak against similarly struggling opponents.
FAQ
What is the start date for high school football practice in North Carolina for the 2025 season?
Private schools began practice on Monday, while public and charter schools will begin on Wednesday.
When is the first game of the 2025 season?
The first games are scheduled for Friday, August 15, with a significant night of games on August 22.
Who are some of the top teams in North Carolina for the upcoming season?
Notable teams include Grimsley High, which holds the longest current win streak, as well as other champions like West Charlotte, Monroe, and Tarboro.
What are the changes in the classification system this season?
The N.C. High School Athletic Association has expanded from four to eight classifications, which will last for the next four seasons.
What is the longest losing streak in North Carolina high school football?
Garinger High currently holds the record with a 48-game losing streak.
Key Features of the Upcoming Season
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Start Date for Practice | Private schools: Monday; Public/Charter schools: Wednesday |
| First Games | August 15, with significant games on August 22 |
| Main Teams | Grimsley High, West Charlotte, Monroe, Tarboro |
| Classification Change | Expanded from four to eight classifications |
| Longest Losing Streak | Garinger High with 48 games |
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Additional Resources
- MSN Sports: North Carolina High School Football Preseason Top 25 Rankings
- High SchoolOT: Where to Watch NC High School Football Scrimmages
- On3: Top 10 Games of the 2025 North Carolina High School Football Season
- Wikipedia: North Carolina High School Athletic Association
- Charlotte Observer: North Carolina High School Football Updates
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
