Football passions run deep in North Carolina. From our 33 college programs to more than 400 high school teams to the NFL team that we call ours, the Old North State lives and breathes football all year round. The players, coaches, fans and communities make it special — and sometimes, notable performances and moments can slip through the cracks of a busy weekend.
That’s why this season, NC Football News and The NC Sports Network are teaming up to spotlight The Big Four — four difference-makers or standout stories that deserve the spotlight, whether they happened under the Friday night lights, on a college campus or even on the national stage.
This week’s Big Four standouts are making a difference from the prep ranks all the way to the NFL and back again:
Presented by the NC Sports Network
NC Football News is proud to team up with The North Carolina Sports Network to spotlight the people and programs shaping football in our state. Also sponsoring our week Fabulous 15 rankings, North Carolina Sports Network is back in 2025 with even more can’t-miss coverage — from The David Glenn Show to the new Bold North State Football Weekly podcast.
👉 Don’t miss the latest insights and bold takes from the NC Sports Network — click HERE (to read) and HERE (to watch).
1. Alim McNeill – Sanderson Legend Honored
Raleigh native and Detroit Lions star defensive lineman Alim McNeill returned home last Friday night to see his No. 29 jersey retired at Sanderson High School — the first football player in school history to receive the honor. McNeill played for the Spartans from 2014–17, went on to star at NC State and is now one of the highest-graded defensive linemen in the NFL.
“It’s kind of surreal being out here not playing, but it’s good to see everybody here,” McNeill told WTVD-ABC11. “The energy is still the same. It feels good … I want to be the best at what I do. I didn’t want to necessarily be the greatest, but I wanted to be the best.”
Sanderson celebrated by rolling past Riverside 63-26 to improve to 2-0. McNeill’s Detroit Lions kick off their season at Green Bay on Sunday. McNeill has 137 total tackles in his four-year NFL career as well as 11.5 sacks.
2. Brody Lowe – Grimsley Freshman Steps Up
With five-star Tennessee commit Faizon Brandon sidelined with a hand injury, freshman quarterback Brody Lowe made his first-ever varsity start for Grimsley High in Greensboro — and delivered. Lowe threw for 344 yards and two TDs in a 31-17 road win over West Forsyth, keeping the Whirlies – defending 4A champions who haven’t lost since 2023 – unbeaten at 2-0.
It looks like Lowe will get the ball again this Friday night when Grimsley hosts East Forsyth. Multiple outlets have reported that Brandon will not play this week.
.@JayCapers highlights from @grimsleyfb win over @WF_Football ….Freshman @BROLOWE10 stepped in at QB for the Whirlies in place of the injured @faizon_brandon …@WFMY @WFMYhss pic.twitter.com/b3I6d02kl8
— Brian Hall (@bhallwfmy) August 30, 2025
3. Alonza Barnett III – Back in Action
Speaking of Grimsley quarterbacks – this past Saturday former Whirlies signal caller Alonza Barnett III returned to James Madison’s starting lineup for the first time after suffering a knee injury last November. Barnett threw for a TD and ran for another in a win over Weber State, looking every bit the preseason All-Sun Belt quarterback. He’s already on the Johnny Unitas, Davey O’Brien, and Maxwell watch lists, and his 2024 torching of UNC still looms large.
Barnett’s stat line from last season in Chapel Hill bears repeating: He completed 22-of-34 passes for 388 yards and five touchdowns – while also rushing for 99 yards and two more scores – as JMU romped past the Heels 70-50.
"He's just a warrior."
Alonza Barnett III's return to the field for #JMU was nothing short of special (via @CatieHarper): https://t.co/PsuueYutUZ pic.twitter.com/tvD5pcWrRF — Daily News-Record Sports (@DNR_Sports) September 2, 2025
4. Scott Chadwick – 200 Career Wins
Clayton High head coach Scott Chadwick joined the 200-win club Friday night as the Comets defeated Southern Nash 49-14. Chadwick has built winners at Marvin Ridge, Myers Park, and now Clayton, with stints in Georgia and Maryland along the way. His milestone comes as Clayton improves to 2-0, with career win No. 201 on the line this week at Hoggard.
Nominate a Big Four Spotlight
Have a name we should consider for a future Big Four feature? Send your tip to publisher Eric Lusk at eric@ncfootballnews.com or tag us on X/Twitter @NCFootballNews.
Include:
- Name, team or school, role
- Why it is Big Four worthy (1–2 sentences)
- Game details if pertinent (opponent, date, score)
- Link to a box score, stat page, or clip (if you have one)
- A photo would be great!
Thanks for helping us spotlight the people who make North Carolina football special.
