The Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 poll returns. Who’s the top team to start the season?
Providence Day starts the 2023 high school football season in the same place it ended the last one: No 1 in The Charlotte Observer’s Sweet 16 poll, which is now sponsored by Deer Park Water.
In support of local youth sports, Deer Park has partnered with The Observer to provide expanded coverage of the news outlet’s high school football-related content this fall.
A year ago, Providence Day finished the season 12-1 and nationally ranked in several polls. Providence Day became the third NCISAA team to win the region’s oldest high school football poll. Charlotte Christian won it in 2018 and Charlotte Latin won in 2007.
This season, Providence Day will chase a school-record third straight state title and try to become the first back-to-back Sweet 16 champion since Chambers won in 2019 and 2020.
▪ This season, the teams eligible for the poll have changed.
In the spring, The Observer trimmed its coverage area to only include NCHSAA and NCISAA schools in the following counties outside Mecklenburg: Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln and Union Counties. This fall, schools in York and Lancaster Counties return to the coverage zone, all counties that touch Mecklenburg County.
That brings back S.C. state powers like Northwestern and South Pointe from Rock Hill. Both teams start the season inside the top 10.
South Pointe previously won Sweet 16 titles in 2008, 2011, 2016 and 2017. Northwestern won in 1993.
Preseason Sweet 16 Poll
| Rk. | School | Cl. | 2022 Record |
| 1. | Providence Day | IND | 12-1 |
| 2. | Hough | 4A | 11-3 |
| 3. | Independence | 4A | 11-2 |
| 4. | Butler | 4A | 10-3 |
| 5. | Rock Hill - Northwestern | 4A | 13-2 |
| 6. | Rock Hill - South Pointe | 4A | 8-4 |
| 7. | Weddington | 4A | 13-2 |
| 8. | Chambers | 4A | 9-3 |
| 9. | Mallard Creek | 4A | 8-4 |
| 10. | East Lincoln | 3A | 16-0 |
| 11. | Monroe | 2A | 12-2 |
| 12. | South Point | 3A | 13-2 |
| 13. | Hickory Ridge | 4A | 6-5 |
| 14. | Charlotte Catholic | 4A | 9-3 |
| 15. | West Charlotte | 3A | 7-6 |
| 16. | Forest Hills | 2A | 9-2 |
This story was originally published August 4, 2023 at 6:30 AM with the headline "The Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 poll returns. Who’s the top team to start the season?."
