By Cameron Lee
April 14, 2025
The Panthers have announced the lineup for the third annual 2025 Keep Pounding Classic at Bank of America Stadium, which has hosted local high school football games since 2023. Taking place on Friday, August 22, the doubleheader will feature matchups between the Hough Huskies (Cornelius) and the South Pointe Stallions (Rock Hill) at 4:00 p.m., followed by a battle between reigning state champions the Grimsley Whirlies (Greensboro) and the West Charlotte Lions at 8:00 p.m.
The Hough Huskies are coming off a 12-2 season and a trip to the 4A state semifinals, led by senior quarterback Trey Blakeney and returning four-star cornerback Samari Matthews. They’ll face South Carolina powerhouse South Pointe Stallions, a program that has produced NFL stars such as Jadeveon Clowney and Stephon Gilmore. The Stallions, who have won seven state championships, enter the season opener after an 11-3 campaign and a state semifinal appearance in 2024. Their defense is anchored by nationally ranked defensive back J’Zavien Currence, a 6’3″ four-star safety who committed to South Carolina in October.
The 8:00 p.m. matchup features the Grimsley Whirlies, fresh off a 16-0 season and a 4A state championship, led by the nation’s No. 1-ranked player (per 247Sports), quarterback Faizon Brandon, who is committed to Tennessee. Brandon threw for 2,814 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just two interceptions in 2024, completing 77.1% of his passes while also adding 625 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns.
The West Charlotte Lions are coming off a 3A state championship and return 21 starters, led by head coach Sam Griner — who also guided Harding to its first state title in over 60 years in 2017. The Lions boast a deep roster featuring standout senior offensive weapons in KD Cotton, Rakim Finch, and Donte Nicholson, along with senior defensive end Sam Johnson and junior linebacker Michael Griffin Jr.
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“This year’s Keep Pounding High School Classic will be a great showcase of school spirit and competitive play, featuring four talented programs from both North and South Carolina,” said Kristi Coleman, President of the Carolina Panthers in a press release.
The Keep Pounding High School Classic is part of a multi-year partnership between the Panthers and Belk, announced last October, which includes the naming rights to the annual event. The inaugural Classic, which featured only one game (Providence Day vs. Northwestern High), kicked off in 2023. This year’s edition is undoubtedly the most talent-filled in the event’s short history.
The ultimate high school football experience is coming to Bank of America Stadium!
Get your $8 tickets for the Keep Pounding High School Classic presented by @Belk 🏈
🔗 https://t.co/hqGAdOjvE1 pic.twitter.com/umcZr2ZxsT
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 19, 2025
You can purchase tickets to the Keep Pounding High School Classic taking place at Bank of America Stadium on Friday, August 22 here.
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