5 Shocking Facts About West Charlotte High Football's Championship Season And Coaching Drama
The West Charlotte High School football program exploded back onto the national radar in the 2024 season, culminating in a dramatic state championship victory that electrified the Charlotte community. This triumphant return to glory, however, was quickly followed by a shocking turn of events that has left the storied program in a state of flux as of late December 2025, with the team searching for a new leader to maintain its newfound dynasty.
The Lions' journey from a historic but inconsistent program to an NCHSAA 3A powerhouse is a testament to the talent in West Charlotte and the dedication of the coaching staff and players. Yet, the current instability at the top has raised serious questions about the future of the program and its ability to repeat its success in the coming years.
The 2024 NCHSAA 3A State Championship: A Return to Glory
The 2024 football season will forever be etched in the annals of West Charlotte High School history. It marked the culmination of a four-year rebuilding process under then-Head Coach Sam Greiner, whose mission was to restore the "throne" to the Lions.
The team finished the season with a stellar 13-2 record, navigating a challenging schedule that included tough matchups against regional powerhouses. Their hard-fought campaign led them to the NCHSAA Class 3A State Championship game.
The Championship Game Details
- Opponent: Seventy-First High School (Fayetteville)
- Date: December 21, 2024
- Venue: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC
- Final Score: West Charlotte 14, Seventy-First 7
The victory was a monumental achievement, securing the Lions' first state title since 1995 and only their second since joining the NCHSAA. The championship win validated the program's resurgence and re-established West Charlotte as a dominant force in North Carolina high school football.
The Shocking Dismissal of Coach Sam Greiner
In one of the most surprising and controversial high school sports stories of the year, championship-winning Head Coach Sam Greiner was dismissed from his position shortly after the 2024 season's conclusion. Greiner had been the architect of the Lions' turnaround, taking over a program that had struggled with coaching stability, cycling through nine coaches in the 13 years prior to his arrival in 2020.
The dismissal, which occurred despite the team's state title, sent shockwaves through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) athletic community. Greiner had previously led Harding High School to a state championship, making his success at West Charlotte a repeat performance of rebuilding a struggling program into a champion.
As of late 2025, the search for a new head coach is a critical priority for the West Charlotte administration. The new hire will face the immediate, high-pressure task of maintaining the championship culture and stability established by Greiner, who was credited with putting the Lions back on the football map.
Key Players and Future Prospects for the Lions
The 2024 championship team was built on a foundation of exceptional talent, and the program continues to produce high-level recruits who are attracting attention from top college programs. The team's success is a direct result of these student-athletes' performance in the highly competitive Queen City Conference.
Several key players were instrumental in the championship run and are names to watch in college football recruiting circles:
- DeQuinder Williams II: A standout defensive back (CB) from the 2024 class, Williams was a key piece of the defense and has garnered recruiting interest, including commitments to Campbell and Charlotte.
- Davion Jones: Ranked among the top 50 high school football players in the Charlotte region, Jones is a major prospect whose on-field performance was critical to the Lions' success.
- KD Cotton: An integral part of the 2024 championship team, Cotton's transfer to Weddington High School is a significant loss for the program's immediate future and highlights the challenges of maintaining roster stability after a coaching change.
- Aidan Turner, Noah Collins, and Rakim Finch: These senior and junior players were noted on the 2024-2025 roster and formed the core of the state championship squad, providing leadership and talent on both sides of the ball.
The 2025 season opened with the Lions still highly ranked in preseason polls, a testament to the "good core of returning players" expected to carry the torch forward. However, the ongoing coaching search and player transfers create a challenging environment for the team as they look to defend their NCHSAA 3A title.
The West Charlotte Football Legacy and Community Impact
The West Charlotte Lions football program is more than just a team; it is a vital institution within the west side of Charlotte. Its history is deep, with the community having followed the team for decades.
The 2024 championship victory was a powerful moment of community pride, echoing the legendary 1995 title run. The Lions have a history of reaching the state championship stage, having played in seven title games since joining the NCHSAA, demonstrating a long-standing tradition of excellence.
The recent success has also brought the program under intense scrutiny from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools regarding game-day operations and logistics, including restrictions faced during playoff games. This attention underscores the high-profile nature of the program and the massive community support it commands.
The next chapter for West Charlotte football will be defined by who steps into the head coaching role. That person will be tasked not only with winning games but also with unifying the team, retaining top talent, and honoring the legacy of the 2024 champions while navigating the complexities of high-stakes high school athletics.
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