The Carolina Panthers are set to present the 2025 Keep Pounding High School Classic, sponsored by Belk, on August 22 at Bank of America Stadium. The event features defending state champions and title contenders in a doubleheader format. The Hough Huskies will face South Pointe Stallions at 4:00 PM, followed by a matchup between Grimsley Whirlies and West Charlotte Lions at 8:00 PM. General admission tickets are priced at $8 and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.
“The Carolina Panthers are proud to partner with Belk to kick off the high school football season with two exciting matchups that highlight the important role football plays in bringing communities together,” stated Kristi Coleman, CEO of Tepper Sports & Entertainment and President of the Carolina Panthers. “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.”
The partnership between the Carolina Panthers and Belk, which was announced last October, emphasizes the Panthers community pillars and includes the naming rights for the Keep Pounding High School Classic.
“Belk takes great pride in celebrating the communities we serve and the moments that bring us together,” expressed Don Hendricks, CEO of Belk. “This incredible event put on by the Carolina Panthers highlights the talent, determination and spirit of young athletes across our region and we are honored to be a part of it.”
The Hough Huskies from North Carolina are seen as a strong contender for the state title following a successful 12-2 season and reaching the state semifinal in 2024. The South Pointe Stallions from South Carolina aim for their eighth state championship after an 11-3 season and reaching the semifinals last year.
North Carolina’s Grimsley Whirlies are ranked #16 nationally in Sports Illustrated’s “Way Too Early” preseason high school poll after a 16-0 season culminating in a 4A state championship in 2024. West Charlotte Lions, also from North Carolina, are returning with 21 starters from their 3A state championship team that completed a 13-2 season. This year, Grimsley is entering the NCHSAA’s new 7A classification, while West Charlotte will compete in the 8A class.
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