Carolina Panthers to Host Interstate High School Football Game in Bank of America Stadium

The Panthers’ inaugural Keep Pounding High School Classic is a season-opening regional matchup between North Carolina and South Carolina powers Northwestern (Rock Hill, South Carolina) and Providence Day School (Charlotte, North Carolina).

“Supporting youth and high school football is a pillar of the Carolina Panthers community endeavors,” said Riley Fields, director of community relations for the Carolina Panthers. “High school football plays an important role in our communities across the Carolinas, and we’re thrilled to elevate our support by bringing the first-ever high school football game to Bank of America Stadium with a powerhouse matchup between the Northwestern Trojans and Providence Day Chargers.”

Learn more about the Panthers' youth and high school football programs. 

Both schools start the season in the Preseason High School Football America 300 national rankings, powered by NFL Play Football.

Providence Day is ranked No. 128 after winning its second straight North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association AAA state title in 2022. The Chargers, who were 12-1 last season, will be led by quarterback Jadyn Davis, North Carolina’s 2022 Mr. Football. Davis has given his verbal commitment to the University of Michigan.

Northwestern, after finishing No. 151 in the nation in ’22 with a 13-2 mark, is ranked No. 133 in the preseason national rankings. The Trojans lost in South Carolina’s 4A championship game to South Florence last season.

See the top 100 teams in the preseason HSFA rankings.