The Grimsley / Hough Conundrum

[drop_tables]

For many years on messages boards such as these, folks would say until you beat the top team, you cannot be ranked above said top team. Well that's the case here. Grimsley has never lost to Hough. Yet, just about everywhere has Hough ranked higher than Grimsley. Our very own unwritten rules are being broken before our eyes.

2022: Grimsley 40, Hough 37 F/3OT (Playoffs)
2023: Grimsley 42, Hough 35 F (Playoffs)
2024: Grimsley 35, Hough 28 F (Playoffs)

Last year Grimsley was ranked higher and rated higher in all the polls and computer systems in pre-season and throughout the season. It wasn't until later in the season when Hough started to turn some heads. Hough has continued to add pieces in the portal this past off season while it seems like Grimsley didn't get nearly as many high profile transfers this summer compared to past years. Plus, they lost their D1 QB. So Hough is currently ranked higher based off paper/depth charts/transfers. Instead of past success.

So, who is better? WHO YA GOT?

 

[PortcityFB]

I was surprised how competitive the Clayton-Grimsley game was. Clayton imploded in the 3rd qtr which was the difference in the game. I watched Hoggard completely dominate Clayton (38-14). I think Rolesville would have matched up well with Clayton and I feel Millbrook would have beat them, pulling away. Hough was better than Millbrook last year for sure. Grimsley may have been the 4th or 5th ranked team in 8A last year.
Hough
Millbrook
Hoggard
Rolesville/Grimsley

Hough will have to put things together but they have added much talent thru the portal. I would go with Hough as the best team in the state heading into the season.

 

[Vik-Val 86]

That would probably been fun matchup this year. Or maybe put Hough n Grimsley in a non conference matchup for next year.

 

[Bigdadd1110]

22,23,24 Grimsley was better and had homefield advantage. In 25 Hough was maybe the best team in NC history and could be better this year, Saw both Grimsley and Hough multiple times and it wasn't close. Hough was much better. Grimsley should have lost to WC. Hough dominated an excellent WC team at home. Homefield in the playoffs in these matchup is easily 8-10 points to the home team. PD is gonna get killed going to Hough. Not sure the last time Hough lost at home. WC/Grimsley is going to be more competitive than folks think.

 

[PortcityFB]

22,23,24 Grimsley was better and had homefield advantage. In 25 Hough was maybe the best team in NC history and could be better this year, Saw both Grimsley and Hough multiple times and it wasn't close. Hough was much better. Grimsley should have lost to WC. Hough dominated an excellent WC team at home. Homefield in the playoffs in these matchup is easily 8-10 points to the home team. PD is gonna get killed going to Hough. Not sure the last time Hough lost at home. WC/Grimsley is going to be more competitive than folks think.

You are usually spot on but I will disagree with you about the 25 Hough team being the best in state history. Maybe you are being a little sarcastic.

 

[Bigdadd1110]

You are usually spot on but I will disagree with you about the 25 Hough team being the best in state history. Maybe you are being a little sarcastic.

Nah. No sarcasm at all. With the advancement of the game the teams now are better than teams 20-30 years ago as a whole. Especially the better to elite teams. There is less parity now. Grimsley ended the season nationally ranked and most football guys would say Hough was better last year than Grimsley. Just based on common opponents Hough was much better. WC, WF.

-Wouldn't have said that at all until I saw them live. Have seen a lot of football and Hough 25 may have been top 5 of the most dominant teams i've ever seen in NC highschool football. That includes Northern Durham 93, Richmond 97/98. Indy 02-04, Mallard CReek 13-15 Some of the Crest teams. dutch fork. Dudley, weddington 23.

Just think on it and give me a more impressive team than Hough 25.......... And we can discuss.