Magnificent Seven’s top three unchanged; Butler moves in

HERBERT L. WHITE | THE CHARLOTTE POST

The Post's Magnificent Seven high school football rankings remain the same among the top three teams with Hough No. 1, followed by Mallard Creek and Chambers. Butler replaced Independence at No. 7.

A week into the 2026 high school football season, and most of Magnificent Seven registered wins.

The preseason top three – Hough, Mallard Creek and Chambers – won, although the No. 1 Huskies were pressed by Rock Hill Northwestern. There was one exit with No. 7 Independence losing to Byrnes (S.C.) in a low-scoring affair that opened the door for Butler to slide into the rankings.

This week’s rankings:

1. Hough (1-0). The Huskies’ 15-10 win against Rock Hill Northwestern proved Hough’s defense has the potential to be North Carolina’s best. Up next is another good test in Cardinal Gibbons for the home opener.

2. Mallard Creek (1-0). The Mavericks opened with an impressive 45-25 win against Rolesville.  Next is a road trip to Maury (Va.) for a non-conference clash.

3. Chambers (1-0). A 50-21 romp against Gray Collegiate Academy was quite the debut for Cougars quarterback Jamouri Nichols. Next up is a trip to Hopewell.

4. Palisades (1-0). The Pumas lost head coach Jonathan Simmons for undisclosed reasons, but powered to a 42-28 win against Gastonia Ashbrook with assistant Darrel Wilson at the helm. 
Next up is neighborhood rival Olympic.

5. Charlotte Catholic (1-0). Teams and seasons change, but the Cougars’ mastery of South Mecklenburg is a familiar constant. If you need proof, last week’s 24-0 thrashing offers plenty. 

6. West Charlotte (0-1). New coach D.J. McFadden took a rough debut in a 24-0 loss to Greensboro Grimsley. Will the Lions shake it off with Monroe rolling into Historic West End?

7. Butler (1-0). Speaking of new coaches, Donald Littlejohn took the Bulldogs to a 27-14 win at Olympic in his debut. Another road trip – this week at Statesville – awaits.

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