Two new teams, one from each state, join Carolinas Top 25 prep football poll
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- Mooresville entered the Carolinas Top 25 at No. 19 after beating East Forsyth.
- Providence Day claimed the No. 1 spot after a win over nationally-ranked Rabun Gap.
- The rankings are compiled by Chris Hughes and cover top teams in NC and SC.
Welcome two new teams to the Carolinas Top 25 poll this week.
Independence High, an N.C. power from Mint Hill, rejoins the poll at No. 21. Independence beat Charlotte’s Mallard Creek, 35-0, on Friday, a loss that knocked Mallard Creek out of the top 25.
Also new this week is unbeaten Indian Land (SC), which beat Clover 35-0 Friday behind 300 yards passing and four touchdowns from sophomore QB Matt Kucia.
The poll is sponsored by McClatchy media properties in the two states and is compiled by longtime high school football expert Chris Hughes, a co-host of The Charlotte Observer’s Talking Preps weekly streaming show.
Carolinas Top 25
Rk., School, State, hometown, Rec, Prvs.
1. Providence Day (NC, Charlotte) 8-0, 1
2. Hough (NC, Cornelius) 8-0, 2
3. Grimsley (NC, Greensboro) 8-0, 3
4. South Pointe (SC, Rock Hill) 7-1, 4
5. Irmo (SC, Irmo) 8-0, 5
6. West Charlotte (NC, Charlotte) 6-2, 6
7. Millbrook (NC, Raleigh) 8-0, 7
8. Northwestern (SC, Rock Hill) 8-1, 8
9. Dutch Fork (SC, Irmo) 6-1, 10
10. South Florence (SC, Florence) 7-1, 9
11. Myers Park (NC, Charlotte) 7-1, 12
12. Weddington (NC, Weddington) 8-1, 13
13. Greenwood (SC, Greenwood) 7-1, 20
14. Cleveland (NC, Clayton) 8-0, 15
15. Mooresville (NC, Mooresville) 7-2, 17
16. Cardinal Gibbons (NC, Raleigh) 7-1, 18
17. Ridge View (SC, Columbia) 6-2, 21
18. Summerville (SC, Summerville) 6-2, 14
19. James Island (SC, Charleston) 7-1, 16
20. Hoggard (NC, Wilmington) 8-0, 19
21. Independence (NC, Mint Hill) 6-2, NR
22. Belton-Honea Path (SC, Honea Path), 8-0, 22
23. Oceanside Collegiate (SC, Mount Pleasant) 7-2, 23
24. Gaffney (SC, Gaffney) 6-2, 24
25. Indian Land (SC, Indian Land) 8-0, NR
This story was originally published October 23, 2025 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Two new teams, one from each state, join Carolinas Top 25 prep football poll."
