Two undefeated North Carolina programs are set to collide tonight when Grimsley welcomes East Forsyth in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup at 7 p.m. Both teams are 2-0, but their paths to early success highlight two very different approaches on the field.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: East Forsyth vs Grimsley
When: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here Now
Grimsley enters with a national ranking of No. 19 and the top spot in the state. The Whirlies have handled business on the road to open the season, securing back-to-back wins, including a 31-17 victory over West Forsyth. They are averaging just under 30 points per game while giving up 22 points per outing.
Quarterback Brody Lowe has been the centerpiece of Grimsley’s offense. He leads the team with 344 passing yards per game and has quickly established himself as one of the most productive passers in the state. His favorite target, Hudson Cooper, contributes 81 receiving yards per contest. Running back Faizon Brandon balances the attack with 62 rushing yards per game, giving the Whirlies the ability to move the ball both through the air and on the ground.
On the defensive side, linebacker Jaiden Wardlaw anchors the unit with seven tackles per game, while Makai Yon adds pressure up front with 0.5 sacks per contest. While the numbers don’t show a dominant defense just yet, the Whirlies have stepped up late in games, averaging 12 points scored in the fourth quarter and showing the ability to finish strong.
East Forsyth, ranked No. 447 nationally and No. 11 in North Carolina, has also started fast with convincing wins on both sides of the ball. The Eagles average 32 points per game while allowing just 10, giving them one of the best early-season scoring margins in the state. Their offensive production has been impressive, piling up 449 total yards per contest.
Quarterback JD Fulp has been highly efficient, averaging 184 passing yards per game while contributing 188.5 total yards. His top target, Jaire Richburg, averages 80.5 receiving yards, while running back Cannen Rottweiler leads the ground game with 107 rushing yards per outing. This balance has made East Forsyth tough to defend.
Defensively, the Eagles have been stout. Adrian Soloman Jr. has been a standout with 17 tackles per game and 1.5 sacks, setting the tone for a defense that averages more than 84 tackles per contest. That physicality has been a major factor in their ability to limit opponents to just one touchdown per game.
Statistically, the matchup presents an intriguing contrast. East Forsyth has been more dominant on the ground, averaging 266.5 rushing yards per game, while Grimsley relies heavily on Lowe’s arm and a passing attack that produces over 250 yards. On defense, East Forsyth has shown more consistency, but Grimsley’s late-game scoring ability could be a difference-maker.
Tonight’s game is not just a test of unbeaten records but also an opportunity for both teams to prove where they stand in the state hierarchy. For East Forsyth, a win would validate their early dominance and boost their ranking. For Grimsley, it’s a chance to protect their top spot in North Carolina against a physical, well-rounded opponent.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Greensboro, where one team’s perfect start will come to an end.
