Charlotte Celebrates Unique Honors in High School Football

News Summary

Charlotte, North Carolina, recently celebrated the 2024 High School Football Players of the Year, notably recognizing linemen for the first time. David Sanders from Providence Day claimed the offensive player of the year award, while Aiden Harris from Weddington made headlines as a top recruit. Additionally, Coach Sam Greiner led West Charlotte to its first state championship in nearly three decades. This year’s accolades highlight the emerging talents and achievements in high school football across the region, signaling a promising future for the sport.

Charlotte Celebrates Rare Honors in High School Football

Charlotte, the heart of North Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as the 2024 High School Football Players of the Year have been announced, and there’s a twist this year—a pair of linemen have taken home the prestigious titles. It’s not every day that offensive and defensive linemen are recognized in this way, making this year’s accolades even more special.

The top players were handpicked from a select group in a sprawling seven-county area that includes Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, and Union in North Carolina, plus York and Lancaster in South Carolina. Players who wish to be in the running for the All-Observer team must get the nod from their coaches, ensuring that only the cream of the crop makes the list.

Dominating the Field: David Sanders

First up is David Sanders from Providence Day, an impressive senior offensive lineman who towers at 6-foot-6 and weighs in at 290 pounds. In a field often dominated by skill positions, Sanders is a shining star as he draws attention as one of the best high school players in the entire country. His status as the nation’s No. 1 recruit at offensive tackle has sent him straight to Tennessee, where he has already made waves in the recruiting scene.

Four years running on the All-Observer team is no small feat, but Sanders has made it happen. He has become a trailblazer by being the first offensive lineman to snag the offensive player of the year award since the inception of these honors back in 1997. With an impressive 93% grading as a state finalist, he also earned the title of Big South Conference Player of the Year and claimed the coveted Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year award during his junior year. His high school career has been nothing short of legendary, boasting three state championships, and he’ll cap it off at the Navy All-American Bowl in San Antonio next month.

Weddington’s Rising Star: Aiden Harris

Not one to be overlooked is Aiden Harris from Weddington High School. This dynamic defensive lineman is making a name for himself as a top 50 recruit for the class of 2026, with an impressive collection of over 20 Division I offers, including giants like Auburn and Ohio State. His skill on the field is undeniable: during the season, he recorded an astonishing 82 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, and an impressive 13.5 sacks, alongside blocking two kicks that added to his team’s successes.

This season, Harris’s contributions helped Weddington reach the state semifinals, showcasing his abilities while playing alongside his twin brother Drew and fellow standout T.J. Davis, who is committed to Notre Dame. It seems that Weddington’s defensive lineup is not just strong; it’s a formidable force to be reckoned with!

West Charlotte’s Remarkable Coach: Sam Greiner

Turning our attention to coaching greatness, let’s talk about Sam Greiner of West Charlotte. Leading the Lions to their very first N.C. High School Athletic Association state championship in 29 years is no small feat. This remarkable turnaround is noteworthy, especially considering that the team had a record of only one winning season from 2011 to 2022. Under Greiner’s guidance, the team has celebrated three consecutive winning seasons, a remarkable shift in culture and achievement.

Greiner has achieved two state titles in just seven years, bringing life back to a struggling program that had faced numerous challenges, including a tough start with a 1-10 season at Harding. His coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of inspiring players and instilling belief within them, leading to successful outcomes on the field.

A Historic Championship Journey

West Charlotte’s latest triumph saw them win their semifinal game against Hickory, ending an impressive 30-game winning streak with a score of 36-20. The Lions will now head into the 2024 N.C. 3A state championship game, where they’ll face Fayetteville Seventy-First.

As Charlotte revels in the success of its young athletes and dedicated coaches, one thing is clear: the future of high school football in the area is looking exceptionally bright!