Charlotte, NC, July 30, 2025
News Summary
West Charlotte High School is set to clash with Grimsley in the Keep Pounding High School Classic, showcasing top talents in North Carolina high school football. As the defending state champions, West Charlotte enters the matchup with 14 returning starters led by quarterback Jamouri Nichols. Grimsley, with its own star quarterback Faizon Brandon, aims to defend its title. The game promises high stakes and excitement at Bank of America Stadium.
Charlotte, NC – In a highly anticipated showdown, West Charlotte High School will face off against Grimsley in the Keep Pounding High School Classic on August 22, following West Charlotte’s narrow victory for the No. 1 ranking in HighSchoolOT’s 2025 preseason statewide Top 25 for football. This matchup highlights the intersection of talent and determination as both teams prepare to compete at a high level.
West Charlotte, the defending N.C. High School Athletic Association 3A state champions, will be stepping up to the 8A classification this season. The Lions had a remarkable run last year, overcoming past struggles to secure their first state championship in 29 years. This season, they return 14 starters, showcasing a mix of skilled juniors, sophomores, and promising freshmen. The team is led by quarterback Jamouri Nichols, who is recognized as one of the five most accurate quarterbacks in the state. With a strong defense that has become known for its aggressive play, West Charlotte has a solid foundation heading into the season.
Grimsley, the reigning 4A state champions, holds a prestigious spot as well, featuring 5-star quarterback Faizon Brandon in his final high school season. Brandon not only led Grimsley to a 2024 championship title against Rolesville, but he also comes back with an intact receiving corps. However, he faces the challenge of replacing key players who recently graduated, such as 2,000-yard rusher Mitchell Summers and top defensive end Bryce Davis. Brandon’s credentials as a top-tier talent are further solidified by his commitment to the University of Tennessee and his distinction as the nation’s No. 1 prospect for the class of 2026.
The upcoming matchup is significant as both teams are packed with talent and high expectations. West Charlotte ranks in the No. 1 position due to its stellar performance last season and strong returning players, while Grimsley holds the No. 2 spot. This rivalry is made all the more thrilling by the shared recent successes of both programs. The Keep Pounding High School Classic will take place at Bank of America Stadium, capturing the attention of high school football fans across the region.
In addition to West Charlotte and Grimsley, Hough High School is ranked third, undergoing a quarterback change but boasting a strong supporting cast that includes a collection of talented athletes. Weddington and Cardinal Gibbons round out the top five rankings, with Weddington noted for having the best front seven in the state and Gibbons expected to feature an explosive offense led by quarterback Gannon Jones.
As the rankings unfold, 16 of the top 25 teams in North Carolina are from the western half of the state, emphasizing the region’s strong football culture. Notably, defending state champions from other classifications such as Tarboro and Monroe also appear within the rankings, hinting at a competitive season ahead.
Overall, this exciting matchup between West Charlotte and Grimsley highlights the emerging talent within North Carolina’s high school football landscape. Players from both teams, including Nichols, who already secured a college offer from Johnson C. Smith, and Brandon, fresh off a season completing 77.1% of his passes for 2,814 yards and 35 touchdowns, face high expectations as they pursue glory this season.
The highly-anticipated game is set to kick off at 2:30 PM on August 22 in Charlotte, serving as an important early test for both teams as they gear up for a competitive season.
Key Features of the Showdown:
- Team Registrations: West Charlotte vs. Grimsley
- Game Date and Venue: August 22, Bank of America Stadium
- Current Rankings: West Charlotte (No. 1), Grimsley (No. 2)
- Key Players: Jamouri Nichols (West Charlotte), Faizon Brandon (Grimsley)
- Noteworthy Stats: Nichols 2,633 yards and 29 touchdowns; Brandon 2,814 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2024
FAQ Section
What is the Keep Pounding High School Classic?
The Keep Pounding High School Classic is an annual high school football event featuring top teams from across North Carolina. It showcases exciting matchups in a significant venue.
When is the game between West Charlotte and Grimsley scheduled?
The game is scheduled for August 22 at 2:30 PM.
Where will the game take place?
The game will be held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Who are the key players to watch in this matchup?
Key players include Jamouri Nichols, quarterback for West Charlotte, and Faizon Brandon, the quarterback for Grimsley.
What are the current rankings for West Charlotte and Grimsley?
West Charlotte is ranked No. 1, while Grimsley holds the No. 2 position in the HighSchoolOT’s Preseason Top 25 rankings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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JaQurious Conley Aims to Mentor Teammates Ahead of Season
Charlotte FC Secures Victory Over Toronto FC
Charlotte 49ers Football Program Undergoes Major Changes
Clemson Football Adapts to New ACC Safety Policies
Bill Belichick Joins UNC as Head Football Coach
ACC Media Days Kick Off with Key Storylines
Carolina Panthers Begin Training Camp with High Hopes
Charlotte High Schools Shine in Sports Amid Controversy
Grimsley High School Ranks No. 17 in Preseason Poll
Additional Resources
- HighSchoolOT: Statewide Rankings
- Charlotte Observer: High School Sports
- WSOC TV: Community Impact
- Carolina Panthers: Keep Pounding Classic
- Google Search: North Carolina High School Football
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg 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 Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
