After compiling data since 2004, we have come up with the 20 best high school football programs in North Carolina.
Independence, shown here in 2012, is the most dominant North Carolina team in the MaxPreps era.
Photo by Keith Coward
It has been 10 years now that MaxPreps has put out football computer rankings, presented by the Army National Guard.
That's plenty of time to come up with a solid list of which programs have been the most dominant during the MaxPreps era.
For the purpose of the rankings, each team will be awarded points based off where it finished in the computer rankings after each season. For example, if a team finished No. 1 overall it receives 25 points. If the team finished No. 25 overall, it would get one point. A team also receives 30 points for winning a state title and 15 for being the runner-up.
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View North Carolina rankings for the past 10 yearsMost dominant North Carolina football programs in the MaxPreps era
1. Independence (Charlotte) - 266 pointsOverall record: 116-25
With three state titles and four No. 1 finishes, Independence has solidified itself as the state's most dominant team.
2. Butler (Matthews) - 263Overall record: 120-23
Butler has captured three state championships and notched eight Top 10 finishes.
3. Charlotte Catholic - 226Overall record: 129-21
The Cougars lay claim to two state titles and seven Top 25 finishes.
4. Dudley (Greensboro) - 208Overall record: 113-28
Dudley has claimed the No. 2 ranking twice, as well as three state championships.
5. West Rowan (Mt. Ulla) - 186Overall record: 121-21
The Falcons captured three consecutive 3A state titles from 2008-10, finishing in the Top 5 in each season.
6. Reidsville - 180Overall record: 127-23
Three undefeated seasons have resulted in three state titles for the Rams.
7. Richmond (Rockingham) - 177Overall record: 115-21-1
Richmond has finished in the Top 25 nine times, claiming a 4AA state title in the process.
7. Shelby - 177Overall record: 116-35
Shelby has recorded three state championship victories and four Top 25 finishes.
9. New Bern - 172Overall record: 107-29-1
The Bears lay claim to two state titles and seven Top 25 finishes.
10. Northern Guilford (Greensboro) - 164Overall record: 77-9
A perfect season in 2012 gave the Nighthawks a third-consecutive state championship and the No. 2 ranking.
11. Rose (Greenville) - 162Overall record: 91-41
Rose has won three state championships and claimed the No. 2 ranking twice.
11. Tarboro - 162Overall record: 107-33
Tarboro claimed a state title in 2010 after finishing the season undefeated. It has totaled three since 2004.
13. Havelock - 152Overall record: 92-43
In all three years the Rams have finished in the Top 25, they have won a state a 3A state championship.
14. Thomasville - 147Overall record: 113-31
The Bulldogs have compiled four state titles and four Top 25 finishes.
15. Jack Britt (Fayetteville)- 141Overall record: 114-30
Since 2004, the Buccaneers have finished in the Top 25 five times and ended the season as the runner-up four times.
16. Mallard Creek (Charlotte) - 134Overall record: 68-26
A perfect season in 2013 helped the Mavericks capture a state title and the No. 1 ranking.
16. Western Alamance (Elon) - 134Overall record: 111-29
The Warriors reached the No. 2 ranking in 2007 after winning a 3A state championship.
18. Concord - 132Overall record: 96-42
Concord has been the victor in two state championship games and has finished in the Top 25 four times.
19. Crest (Shelby) - 126Overall record: 95-48
Crest has five Top 25 finishes and a state title on its record.
20. Southwest Onslow (Jacksonville) - 114Overall record: 117-26
The Stallions have claimed two state titles and finished as the runner-up twice more.
