Week 3 of the North Carolina high school football season brings a big challenge for the Southern School of Energy and Sustainability Spartans (1-1) as they travel to Raleigh to face the Cardinal Gibbons Crusaders (2-0) on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Cardinal Gibbons, one of the state’s top-ranked teams, looks to extend its unbeaten start, while SSEAS aims to pull off a statement road win.
Game Details
-
Matchup: Southern School of Energy & Sustainability (Durham, NC) @ Cardinal Gibbons (Raleigh, NC)
-
Date & Time: Friday, September 5, 2025 – 7:00 PM
-
Location: Cardinal Gibbons High School, Raleigh, NC
-
Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
Fans can purchase digital tickets through GoFan or stream the game live on the NFHS Network (subscription: $13.99/month or $79.99/year).Watch here: Start your free trial today
Southern School of Energy & Sustainability Spartans
The Spartans enter this matchup 1-1, showing flashes of offensive potential with 54 points scored through two games. However, defensive consistency has been an issue, allowing 58 points so far. They’ll need a balanced effort and mistake-free football to keep pace with Cardinal Gibbons.
-
2025 Record: 1-1
-
National Rank: #2,232
-
State Rank (NC): #55
-
Class Rank: #16
-
Key to Win: Establish early rhythm offensively, avoid turnovers, and find ways to pressure Gibbons’ quarterback.
Main Squad:
-
#2 Marcus Wright – QB/DB (Team leader on both sides of the ball)
-
#5 Elijah Carter – RB (Power runner, short-yardage specialist)
-
#7 Jayden Harris – WR/CB (Top playmaker in the passing game)
-
#11 Cameron Daniels – LB (Defensive anchor)
-
#3 Talik Johnson – WR (Deep threat option)
-
#20 Deshawn Lee – RB/FS (Two-way contributor)
-
#15 Isaiah Moore – WR/DB
-
#44 Justin Rogers – DL (Line disruptor)
-
#30 Jeremiah Scott – LB
-
#9 Tyler Banks – WR/KR (Special teams spark)
Cardinal Gibbons Crusaders
Cardinal Gibbons has stormed out to a 2-0 start, ranked #218 nationally and #8 in North Carolina. QB Gannon Jones has been sharp, averaging 182 passing yards per game, while WR Brayden Karras adds a dangerous receiving option. On the ground, RB Noah Terry balances the attack with 57 rushing yards per game. Defensively, the Crusaders have allowed just 26 points in two contests, showcasing their strength across the board.
-
2025 Record: 2-0
-
National Rank: #218
-
State Rank (NC): #8
-
Class Rank: #3
-
Key to Win: Keep Jones in rhythm, establish the run with Terry, and maintain defensive pressure to limit SSEAS’s scoring chances.
Main Squad:
-
#3 Gannon Jones – QB (182.0 Passing YPG, 207.5 Total YPG)
-
#8 Noah Terry – RB (57.0 Rushing YPG)
-
#1 Brayden Karras – WR (Receiving Leader, 81.0 YPG)
-
#88 Evan Windley – WR/KR (Scoring Leader, 5.0 PPG)
-
#11 Skylar Alston – LB (Defensive Leader, 3.0 Tackles per game)
-
#50 Chris Matthews – OL/DL (Line anchor)
-
#22 Isaiah Brown – DB (Coverage specialist)
-
#16 Jordan Steele – WR/DB
-
#77 Mason Grant – OL/DL
-
#33 Caleb Bryant – LB/TE
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Class Rank | 2025 Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSEAS | #2,232 | #55 | #16 | 1-1 |
| Cardinal Gibbons | #218 | #8 | #3 | 2-0 |
Abu Sayem is a sports enthusiast and writer who enjoys sharing stories about high school athletics. He is passionate about celebrating the teamwork, dedication, and spirit of young athletes.
