4A Check-In: Ranking the Top 10 Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While I've run classification power rankings throughout the year on <a href="https://x.com/whelms21/status/2099583830470393935?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter/X</a>, I haven't had time for in-depth breakdowns on Prep Redzone. Going forward, I'd like to touch on a class or two each week, highlighting the potential contenders, dark horses, and key players. We'll start with the 4A class because it was the most difficult to rank and is probably the least accurate. What better place would there be to start?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ranking the Top 10 4A Teams</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: Below I'll drop my most recent 4A Power Rankings. Then, I'll highlight some key players on each team.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2398982,"width":"571px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/09/image_3b096d.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2398982" style="width:571px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1) Hibriten Panthers</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I currently have the Panthers as the top team in the 4A class, but there's not a huge gap between the top few teams and the teams in the 6-10 range on this list. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607912' first='Elan' last='Lipford']</strong> is one of the best in the class, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1623147' first='Grady' last='Beam']</strong> continues to excel as both a defensive back and a receiver. Over the next few games, we'll find out if their rushing diversity is the product of choice or an indication that they lack a true No. 1 running back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2) Stuart W. Cramer Storm</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're still a week away from getting a true read on Stuart Cramer's championship potential, as they've predictably coasted through an easy non-conference slate. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2079239' first='Camden' last='Stillwell']</strong> has been excellent on a low-volume basis this year, while linebackers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1622591' first='Bryce' last='Cuadra']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2104509' first='Brayden' last='Fortenberry']</strong> lead the defense. Fortenberry is one of three talented rushers, and they have talent both on the outside (<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607810' first='Qualteau' last='Hawkins']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1666255' first='Landon' last='Lee']</strong>) and the lines (<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1078495' first='Amari' last='Broome']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2220829' first='Kelly' last='Bridges']</strong>).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Again, we won't know their true potential until a September 25 matchup with Shelby, but the Storm have performed as expected early this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3) Burns Bulldogs</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the opposite end of the scheduling spectrum, we have the Burns Bulldogs, who have played a Top 3 team in each of the <a href="https://x.com/whelms21/status/2099579566343827530?s=20">3A</a>, <a href="https://x.com/whelms21/status/2099580737540231438?s=20">5A</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/whelms21/status/2099581339074695342?s=20">6A</a> classes. I was specifically impressed with last week's comeback win over Lincolnton. The running game took a couple of weeks to click, but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608319' first='Max' last='Davis']</strong> is a Class Player of the Year Candidate behind a strong offensive line (led by FCS recruit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2117497' first='Gage' last='Camp']</strong>). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2214299' first='Antavious' last='Stroud']</strong> and receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2147485' first='Jorian' last='Ussery']</strong> have each taken massive steps forward as juniors, giving the Bulldogs more depth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">4) Reidsville Rams</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm still not sure what to make of the Rams. Multiple things are true: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>They've taken a predictable step back after losing the best senior class in the history of North Carolina athletics</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>They've played a mixed schedule. Reidsville has lost to two undefeated teams and beaten two teams that are a combined 1-6. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The running game has regressed.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>There's <em>plenty</em> of talent on this team.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ultimately, I think their placement fixes itself over time. I'd even argue that the passing game, led by quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1050807' first='Tyson' last='Broadway']</strong> and emerging receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2177962' first='Damarien' last='Whitted']</strong>, is explosive enough to stress any 4A defense. Edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1678650' first='Kadence' last='Pruitt']</strong> leads a strong defense that remains one of the best in the 4A class. While two early losses show they're not unbeatable, it's hard to imagine a 4A final without the Rams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">5) West Craven Eagles</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles are once again loaded at the skill positions. The defense has taken a predictable step back. Can the Eagles improve enough over the course of the year to improve on last year's narrow Eastern Regional Final loss?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1664518' first='CJ' last='Person']</strong> is one of the most athletic players in the state, and he's growing more comfortable each week. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1351177' first='Xavier' last='Cuthbertson']</strong> has been explosive as always. There's plenty of talent at the skill positions, but I'm in "wait and see" mode when it comes to the defense and the lines of scrimmage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">6) East Duplin Panthers</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1705626' first='Noah' last='LeBlanc']</strong> looks like one of the best two-way players in the class early. The senior has almost 500 rushing yards and 50 tackles in four games. Sophomore <strong>James Matas</strong> has three sacks to lead a Panther defense that has been strong against the pass in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"> 7) Maiden Blue Devils</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm still not sure what to make of Maiden, despite a schedule that should give us an indication of the Blue Devils' potential. The offense is balanced, with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2074322' first='Keyahjae' last='Smyre']</strong> being the focal point in the running game and as a receiver. The Blue Devils are playing a handful of freshmen, including impressive defensive tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2399319' first='Jairus' last='Rice']</strong>, so there's a strong chance the team improves with experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">8) West Iredell Warriors</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a second consecutive strong non-conference season for the Warriors, the question remains the same as last year: Can a talented offense gel well enough in conference play to outscore opponents? Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616122' first='Ja'Braylan' last='Patterson']</strong> is having his best season as a starter, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1321028' first='Amario' last='Spence']</strong> is already over 500 yards this season. Leading tackler <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2113132' first='Trae' last='Clyburn']</strong> has lived in the backfield. Can they keep momentum through the meat of the schedule?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">9) Tuscola Mountaineers</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mountaineers have steamrolled their lower-classification competition early in the season. That didn't happen last year in what ended up being an up-and-down campaign. This year, Tuscola is far more explosive, thanks to the emergence of junior running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2399328' first='Sam' last='Trantham']</strong> and senior receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2399326' first='Elijah' last='Pruitt']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">10) Eastern Wayne Warriors</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's (mostly) about the defense for Eastern Wayne, as the Warriors have three shutouts to begin the season. As they transition to conference play, the Warriors will continue to rely heavily on massive receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2399336' first='Levi' last='Evans']</strong> to continue to make plays. The 6'7" receiver is a major jump ball threat. The Warriors play great team defense, with defensive lineman <strong>Delonte Artis</strong> leading the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Will we continue to break down contenders by class in the coming weeks. Disagree with my rankings? Let me know on Twitter/X (@<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">whelms21</a>)</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->