The 2024-2025 football season has been a thrilling ride for both Rolesville and Cardinal Gibbons, two of North Carolina’s top-ranked teams. With their undefeated conference records and high-powered offenses, these two teams have established themselves as contenders for the state title. Let’s break down their impressive performances, head-to-head results, and what makes them stand out in this exciting season.

A Near Perfect Season for Both Teams

Rolesville has posted a 13-1 overall record, with a 5-0 mark in conference play. Their only loss came in non-conference action, but they bounced back strongly, finishing the season with an outstanding 0.929 win percentage. At home, Rolesville has been dominant with a 6-1 record, while their away performance has been nearly perfect with a 7-0 record.

Cardinal Gibbons, with a 12-1 overall record, has also had an impressive season. Like Rolesville, they finished with a perfect 5-0 conference record. Their only loss came against Rolesville in a thrilling overtime game on September 13, 2024, which added drama to this already fierce rivalry. With an 8-1 record at home and 4-0 away, Cardinal Gibbons has proven to be one of the state’s best.

Offensive and Defensive Powerhouses

Both teams have proven to be offensive juggernauts, scoring at will and consistently posting high point totals.

• Rolesville averages 49.1 points per game, with explosive offensive playmaking. Their balanced attack has led them to 354.4 total yards per game, with 125.1 rushing yards and 229.2 passing yards per game. Their strength lies in both the air and on the ground, with standout players such as Braden Atkinson, who has been a key part of their passing attack, and Devon Thomas, a strong rusher with 65.1 rushing yards per game.
• Cardinal Gibbons, while slightly behind in total yards, averages 41.7 points per game, with 396.5 total yards. Their offense is centered around the arm of Gannon Jones, who has passed for 240.9 yards per game, and their dynamic receiving corps, led by Sam Dodd, who averages 81.3 receiving yards per game. The team is also solid on the ground, with Kendall Scotton rushing for 64.3 yards per game.

Defensive Showdowns

Both teams have also been solid on defense, though Cardinal Gibbons has had more success in terms of tackles per game, averaging 53.6, compared to Rolesville’s 35.4. Xavier Lewis of Rolesville leads his team with 7.2 tackles per game, while Braylon Peebles of Cardinal Gibbons contributes 6.7 tackles per game. Rolesville has been more focused on preventing big plays, while Cardinal Gibbons has been more aggressive, recording more sacks per game (1.4) than Rolesville (0.9).

Key Players

• Rolesville:
  • Devon Thomas (RB): 65.1 rushing yards per game, 9.8 points per game.
  • Braden Atkinson (QB): 237.9 passing yards per game, 236.2 total yards per game.
  • Gavin Waddell (WR): 63.0 receiving yards per game.
  • Xavier Lewis (LB): 7.2 tackles per game.
• Cardinal Gibbons:
  • Kendall Scotton (RB): 64.3 rushing yards per game.
  • Gannon Jones (QB): 228.9 passing yards per game, 269.2 total yards per game.
  • Sam Dodd (WR): 81.3 receiving yards per game.
  • Braylon Peebles (LB): 6.7 tackles per game.

Head-to-Head: Rolesville Comes Out on Top

The most significant matchup of the season between these two teams came on September 13, 2024, when Rolesville triumphed over Cardinal Gibbons in a nail-biting overtime game. After a hard-fought battle, Rolesville won 30-27. The game was closely contested, with Rolesville pulling ahead in the final minutes of overtime, solidifying their place as one of the top teams in the state.

Statistical Comparison

Common Opponents and Results

Both teams have faced similar opponents, and both came out victorious in these matchups:

• Athens Drive: Rolesville won 65-0 (Sept 23, 2024), Cardinal Gibbons won 57-7 (Oct 4, 2024).
• Richmond: Rolesville won 44-6 (Nov 29, 2024), Cardinal Gibbons won 31-13 (Sept 6, 2024).

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

As the season progresses, both Rolesville and Cardinal Gibbons continue to impress with their near-perfect records and well-rounded teams. With powerful offenses, stout defenses, and key players who can make an impact at any time, these two teams are positioned for deep playoff runs. The thrilling overtime victory for Rolesville earlier in the season has set the stage for an exciting postseason, with fans eagerly awaiting their potential rematch. Both teams are a testament to the strength of North Carolina high school football, and the upcoming playoffs will be a showcase of their talent and determination.