Gastonia, Shelby high school football rankings: How area teams stack up going into Week 2

Here’s a look at the top eight high school football teams in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties following Week 1 , as ranked by the USA Today Sports Network.

1. Shelby (1-0)

Last week: defeated Kings Mountain, 32-16.

The scoop: Following a sluggish start, the Shelby offense awakened in the second half to score 25 points en route to a comfortable victory over Kings Mountain. While it took some time for its offensive counterparts to gain their footing, the Golden Lion defense was stingy throughout. Kings Mountain finished with 188 yards of total offense.

Next: vs. A.C. Reynolds (0-1)

2. Crest (0-0)

Last week: Idle

The scoop: While most opted to begin their season last Friday night, Crest will kick off its 2024 campaign in Week 2. It will be the first game-type experience for the Chargers, whose matchup with Monroe in the Cleveland County Jamboree was canceled due to inclement weather.

Next: vs. Burns (1-0)

BRAGGING RIGHTS: Here's how Shelby football overcame a slow start to take down rival Kings Mountain

WEEK 1 HONOR ROLL: Gastonia, Shelby area high school football: Week 1 top performers

3. North Lincoln (1-0)

Last week: defeated West Lincoln, 27-14.

The scoop: Few teams made the impact North Lincoln did in Week 1. The Knights ran roughshod over West Lincoln, racking up 294 yards on the ground, with junior Shannon Wingate responsible for 223 of those. North Lincoln’s defense also had its way, intercepting two passes, recovering two fumbles and earning three sacks.

Next: vs. Lincolnton (0-1)

4. South Point (1-0)

Last week: defeated Lincolnton, 28-6.

The scoop: South Point earned a workmanlike victory Friday, knocking off Lincolnton in its season debut. The Red Raiders averaged 5.3 yards per carry, with fullback Chyance Ford’s 97 yards leading the way. It was South Point’s fourth consecutive win in a season-opener.

Next: vs. Charlotte Christian (1-0)

5. East Lincoln (1-0)

Last week: defeated Stuart Cramer, 41-24

The scoop: A win’s a win, but East Lincoln certainly leaves Week 1 with much room for improvement. The Mustangs’ youth showed on defense, Stuart Cramer going blow-for-blow for the better part of three quarters. Such defensive lapses must be straightened before getting to Western Foothills 3A competition.

Next: vs. Forestview (0-1)

6. Burns (1-0)

Last week: defeated Forestview, 32-6.

The scoop: Burns got it done in the trenches last Friday, running for more than 200 yards in a rout of Forestview. Each of the Bulldogs’ points came after Forestview took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Burns’ ability to dominate via its running game will be put to the test Friday, taking the brief bus ride to Boiling Springs to take on Crest.

Next: vs. Crest (0-0)

7. Kings Mountain (0-1)

Last week: lost to Shelby, 32-16.

The scoop: Though not the result it desired, Kings Mountain came away a few positives from its loss to Shelby. The Mountaineers seem to have found a quarterback, the offense running more smoothly with T.J. Armstrong taking snaps from center. Kings Mountain’s defense also has dominant potential, limiting Shelby to under 100 yards at halftime.

Next: vs. Cox Mill (0-1)

8. Ashbrook (1-0)

Last week: defeated Forest Hills, 29-13.

The scoop: A fast, furious Ashbrook defense put everyone on notice Friday night, forcing four turnovers — two of which were returned for touchdowns — against Forest Hills. Nevertheless, coach Darius James and the Green Wave aren’t satisfied, believing his team left its share of points off the scoreboard.

Next: at West Mecklenburg (0-1; Sept. 6)

9. Mountain Island Charter (1-0)

Last week: defeated Cabarrus Stallions, 55-6

The scoop: Mountain Island Charter made light work of Cabarrus Stallions, quarterback Grayson Harvey throwing for 419 yards and seven touchdowns, one shy of matching a Gaston County record. Four of those scoring tosses went to Justice Washington, with Caleb Murray catching two of his own.

Next: vs. Covenant Day (1-0)

10. Hunter Huss (1-0)

Last week: defeated Draughn, 44-0.

The scoop: Hunter Huss jumps into the top 10 following a shutout at Draughn. Quarterback Javarion Brown had a career night, throwing five touchdown passes to four different receivers. The Huskies are seeking their first 2-0 start since the 2018 season, one in which they won 13 games and the Big South 3A title.

Next: vs. Hibriten (0-1)

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gastonia, Shelby high school football rankings: How area teams stack up going into Week 2