The North Carolina high school football season is kicking off this week, and there isn’t a more anticipated matchup on the calendar than the state’s top-ranked Grimsley [Greensboro] Whirlies at the second-ranked West Charlotte [Charlotte] Lions.
Grimsley is the defending 16-0 NCHSAA Class 4A state champions from Greensboro, and they’ve got the nation’s top quarterback in the Class of 2026 leading the way. Five-star signal caller Faizon Brandon is committed to Tennessee, and he leads an offensive unit that scored at least 34 points in every game last year.
He’ll take his Whirlies up against a West Charlotte squad that won the NCHSAA Class 3A title a year ago en route to a 13-2 finish. North Carolina’s realignment in the offseason split its four classes into eight heading into this fall which shook things up a bit. West Charlotte is now a Class 8A school while Grimsley is in the new Class 7A.
The two defending state champions are well-stocked to make another run, but it’s hard to overlook the talent of Brandon who shines no matter what level of competition he’s facing. Last year as a junior, Brandon completed 77.1 percent of his attempts for 2,814 yards with 35 touchdowns and only two interceptions. He’s been committed to Tennessee since August 3, 2024, and is considered a lock to join the Volunteers in 2026.
WATCH: Grimsley vs. West Charlotte live on NFHS Network
Here’s what you need to know about Friday’s matchup between Grimsley and West Charlotte, including streaming information and start time.
How to watch Grimsley vs. West Charlotte football
Grimsley vs. West Charlotte will not be broadcast on traditional television, but it will be streamed live by the NFHS Network.
NFHS Network is the leader in streaming live and on-demand high school sports from across the country. Sign up today to watch the game live or on demand.
Grimsley vs. West Charlotte start time
- Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
- Time: 8 p.m. EST
It’s roughly 90 miles from Grimsley’s campus in Greensboro, North Carolina, to the West Charlotte campus in Charlotte where these two North Carolina powers will square off Friday night. Their week one matchup will answer the question of which team – the Lions or Whirlies – is currently the Tar Heel State’s best eleven.
Grimsley football schedule 2025
RECORD: 0-0
* — Denotes Metro 6A/7A contests
| DAY/DATE | OPPONENT |
| FRI, 8/22 | at West Charlotte [Charlotte, NC] Lions |
| FRI, 8/29 | at West Forsyth [Clemmons, NC] Titans |
| FRI, 9/5 | vs. East Forsyth [Kernersville, NC] Eagles |
| FRI, 9/19 | at Southwest Guilford [High Point, NC] Cowboys* |
| FRI, 9/26 | vs. Western Guilford [Greensboro, NC] Hornets* |
| FRI, 10/3 | vs. Varina [Richmond, NC] Blue Devils |
| FRI, 10/10 | vs. Ragsdale [Jamestown, NC] Tigers* |
| FRI, 10/17 | at Page [Greensboro, NC] Pirates* |
| FRI, 10/24 | vs. Dudley [Greensboro, NC] Panthers* |
| FRI, 10/31 | at Ben L. Smith [Greensboro, NC] Golden Eagles* |
West Charlotte football schedule 2025
RECORD: 0-0
* — Denotes Class 7A Region 2 contests
| DAY/DATE | OPPONENT |
| FRI, 8/22 | vs. Grimsley [Greensboro, NC] Whirlies |
| FRI, 8/29 | at Monroe [NC] Redhawks |
| FRI, 9/5 | at South Pointe [Rock Hill, SC] Stallions |
| FRI, 9/12 | vs. Providence [Charlotte, NC] Panthers |
| FRI, 9/19 | vs. West Mecklenburg [Charlotte, NC] Hawks |
| FRI, 9/26 | at Mallard Creek [Charlotte, NC] Mavericks |
| FRI, 10/3 | vs. Independence [Charlotte, NC] Patriots |
| FRI, 10/17 | at Butler [Matthews, NC] Bulldogs |
| FRI, 10/24 | at Chambers [Charlotte, NC] Cougars |
| FRI, 10/31 | vs. North Mecklenburg [Huntersville, NC] Vikings |
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