The 2025 Keep Pounding Classic will return to Bank of America Stadium on August 22, featuring a doubleheader packed with top-tier high school football talent, including two reigning state champions from the Charlotte region.
The event kicks off at 4 p.m. with Hough High School (N.C.) facing South Pointe High School (S.C.). That game will be followed by a prime-time showdown at 8 p.m. between defending North Carolina 3A champion West Charlotte and 4A champion Grimsley High School.
The Keep Pounding Classic is hosted in partnership with the Carolina Panthers and Belk, part of a multi-year agreement announced last October that emphasizes support for community programs and high school athletics.
“Belk takes great pride in celebrating the communities we serve and the moments that bring us together,” said Don Hendricks, CEO of Belk in a press release. “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 event is named after the Panthers’ iconic team motto and legacy of linebacker Sam Mills.
Top-Ranked Teams Return
The Hough Huskies, coming off a 12-2 season and a 2024 state semifinal appearance, are widely projected as contenders for a state title this year. South Pointe, a perennial power in South Carolina with seven state titles, went 11-3 last season and also reached the state semifinals.
Congratulations Hough
🎟️ $8 available now on Ticketmaster: https://t.co/OAHWIg5Zn7
Presented by @belk | #ThisisHSFootball pic.twitter.com/OxvdN4fxjl
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 14, 2025
The Grimsley Whirlies enter the season with national attention, ranked #16 in Sports Illustrated’s early high school football poll following their 16-0 record and 2024 4A state championship. For 2025, Grimsley will compete in the NCHSAA’s newly established 7A classification.
Congratulations Grimsley
🎟️ $8 available now on Ticketmaster: https://t.co/OAHWIg5Zn7
Presented by @belk | #ThisisHSFootball pic.twitter.com/MFniUl6z8C
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 14, 2025
West Charlotte returns 21 starters from last season’s 3A state title team, which finished 13-2. The Lions will compete in the new 8A classification, highlighting their growth and competitive depth.
Congratulations West Charlotte
🎟️ $8 available now on Ticketmaster: https://t.co/OAHWIg5Zn7
Presented by @belk | #ThisisHSFootball pic.twitter.com/kqRwRsxC85
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 14, 2025
This year’s Keep Pounding Classic is expected to draw a large crowd, as it showcases some of the most successful high school programs in the Carolinas on a professional stage.
