East of I-95 football playoff preview

The second round brings familiar opponents, long road trips and a first playoff test for teams that received opening-round byes.

This preview covers 42 games involving programs east of Interstate 95: 41 NCHSAA second-round matchups across all eight classifications and John Paul II Catholic’s NCISAA eight-man semifinal at Faith Christian in Rocky Mount. Each matchup includes the players and recent results that matter, followed by what both teams must do to win.

All games are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. NCHSAA winners advance to the third round Nov. 20. John Paul II and Faith Christian are playing for a berth in the eight-man state championship game.

Player statistics reflect the games reported by schools and may not cover every game on a team’s schedule.

1A East

No. 9 Washington County (3-8) AT No. 1 Northside-Pinetown (10-0)

1A East second round | Pinetown | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Washington County has a short turnaround after beating Columbia 46-8 on Monday. Its next opponent has had a first-round bye and has not allowed a point in its last three games.

Northside-Pinetown finished the regular season with consecutive shutouts of East Carteret, Southside and Jones Senior. The Panthers have outscored opponents 417-69, averaging 41.7 points while allowing 6.9.

The running game presents several problems at once. Quarterback Anthony West has a reported rushing average of 100.3 yards per game. Zy’marian Oneal has 899 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in nine reported games, while Diante Moore has 883 yards and 12 rushing scores. Washington County cannot solve the matchup by concentrating on one ball carrier.

Washington County has its own player who can produce with his arm and legs. Kiymani Jones has thrown for 747 yards and seven touchdowns and rushed for 422 yards and seven scores in six reported games. Dre Kel Betts has eight catches for 271 yards and four touchdowns in five reported games, giving Washington County a potential source of explosive plays.

The common-opponent results favor Northside. It beat Manteo 48-12 and Southside 40-0; Washington County lost to those teams 36-22 and 16-12, respectively. Those comparisons identify the size of the challenge without erasing what Washington County accomplished in the opening round.

What Washington County must do to win: The defensive front must hold its assigned gaps and finish tackles against West, Oneal and Moore. Overcommitting to the first runner would give Northside another place to attack. Offensively, Jones needs productive early downs and a few carefully chosen throws to Betts, with ball security taking priority over forcing a play. Washington County must turn its best field position into points and keep its defense from facing repeated short fields.

What Northside-Pinetown must do to win: Northside needs to establish its full running rotation and make Washington County tackle through sustained possessions. Defensively, it must contain Jones without losing Betts downfield. The top seed should make Washington County earn first downs and avoid the turnovers or coverage mistakes that could turn a difficult road assignment into a close game.

No. 10 Weldon STEM (1-9) AT No. 2 Hobgood Charter (8-2)

1A East second round | Hobgood | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Weldon STEM saved its first victory for the postseason. The Chargers beat Rocky Mount Prep 16-8 in the opening round, reversing a 36-18 regular-season loss to the same opponent.

Now they face a Hobgood Charter team that won its final six regular-season games. The Raiders closed with a 36-8 victory over Mattamuskeet and finished unbeaten in conference play.

Hobgood has outscored opponents 266-138. Weldon has scored 64 points in 10 games, making its ability to build on last week’s offensive production a central issue in this matchup. A close game would give the Chargers an opportunity to make the same kind of defensive stand that carried them through the first round.

Sophomore Armanti Alston is a major reason Hobgood can threaten a defense in more than one way. In eight reported games, he has rushed for 836 yards and nine touchdowns on 65 carries, an average of 12.9 yards per attempt. He has also completed nine of 14 passes for 172 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. Will May is a defensive player to watch, with a reported average of 8.8 tackles per game.

Northwest Halifax provides the shared comparison. Hobgood beat the Vikings 14-6, while Weldon lost to them 18-12. Both games were competitive, although the Raiders were more successful at keeping Northwest Halifax out of the end zone.

What Weldon STEM must do to win: Weldon must keep Alston from turning a crease into a long touchdown and maintain coverage when he becomes a passer. Its offense needs to move the chains often enough to give the defense a break, then finish the limited scoring chances it creates. The Chargers also need clean exchanges and dependable special teams so Hobgood has to drive the field.

What Hobgood Charter must do to win: Hobgood should make Weldon defend Alston’s running and passing ability while keeping the offense out of long-yardage situations. The Raiders must match the Chargers’ urgency early and avoid giving them a takeaway that produces an easy score. May and the defense need to win early downs and make Weldon string together plays against a set defense.

No. 6 KIPP Pride (4-7) AT No. 3 Sallie B. Howard (6-3)

1A East second round | Wilson | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

KIPP Pride already knows it can win at Sallie B. Howard. The Pride did it Sept. 18, taking a 26-20 overtime victory in the teams’ first meeting.

The rematch comes with a third-round berth at stake. KIPP advanced by beating Jones Senior 15-12, ending a three-game losing streak. Sallie B. Howard received a bye after closing its regular season with a 12-6 victory over Washington County.

The Eagles’ defense has given them a chance every week during conference play. They allowed 36 points over those five games. Against Washington County, Tyshaun Hassell, Malik Jones, Jaydon Canady and Manuel Alvarez each intercepted a pass, and Canady returned his interception for a touchdown.

That ball-hawking defense changes the decisions KIPP must make. Entering the postseason, Josiah Esperance had a reported rushing average of 82.8 yards per game and seven rushing touchdowns. Derrian Shearin averaged 54.7 rushing yards and had five scores on the ground. Those runners give the Pride a way to attack without repeatedly challenging the Eagles’ secondary.

Sallie B. Howard counters with Donnell Ricks, Hassell and Kennari Artis in its running game. Its defensive leaders include Joshua Simmons with six reported interceptions and Hassell with five.

The common opponents provide mixed context. Both teams beat Weldon, but Sallie B. Howard defeated Southeast Collegiate Prep 14-6 while KIPP lost to the Trojans 55-8. The Eagles’ stronger result there matters, but the head-to-head win belongs to KIPP.

What KIPP Pride must do to win: The Pride need Esperance and Shearin to produce manageable third downs and keep the offense patient. Throwing late over the middle or forcing a deep ball would play into Sallie B. Howard’s defensive strength. KIPP also must tackle the Eagles’ runners before they reach the secondary and avoid surrendering the defensive touchdown or short field that could decide another tight meeting.

What Sallie B. Howard must do to win: The Eagles must slow KIPP’s running game without chasing the ball out of their assigned gaps. On offense, they need to create more sustained possessions through Ricks, Hassell and Artis rather than depend on the defense to score. Winning the turnover battle would help, but Sallie B. Howard must also finish drives when KIPP keeps the football secure.

No. 5 Southeast Collegiate Prep (4-6) AT No. 4 North Edgecombe (6-4)

1A East second round | Tarboro | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

North Edgecombe won the first meeting 20-8 on Aug. 20. Southeast Collegiate Prep arrives for the rematch with a much stronger finish to its regular season.

The Trojans won their final three games, beating KIPP Pride, Northampton and Weldon by a combined 133-30. North Edgecombe ended its regular season with a 36-0 loss to Wilson Prep. Both teams had first-round byes.

The Warriors’ offense starts with sophomore Saadiq Barber, who has rushed for 1,088 yards and 11 touchdowns on 118 carries. His 9.2 yards per attempt show why Southeast Collegiate cannot allow him to reach the second level untouched. Jaylin Williams and Rashid Deloatch provide additional rushing options, while Jamarion Jones has seven reported touchdown passes.

Southeast Collegiate has its own productive runner in Clinton Mills, who has a reported rushing average of 75.3 yards and 11 total touchdowns. Quarterback Clintion Nicholson Jr. adds another rushing threat.

Both defenses have a player capable of wrecking a possession. North Edgecombe’s Dmarus Powell has 15 reported sacks. Southeast Collegiate lineman Qua’Dreiz Neville has 11 sacks and a reported average of 11.7 tackles per game. Protection and avoiding obvious passing situations will matter on both sidelines.

Northwest Halifax supplies another comparison: North Edgecombe beat the Vikings 14-0, while Southeast Collegiate lost 14-6. The Trojans’ late surge gives this rematch a different setting, but they still must solve a defense that held them to one touchdown in August.

What Southeast Collegiate Prep must do to win: The Trojans must prevent Barber from producing repeated explosive runs and make North Edgecombe work through longer drives. Their offensive line needs a clear plan for Powell, with Mills and Nicholson keeping the offense ahead of the chains. Neville’s pressure can help create a short field, but Southeast Collegiate must turn those opportunities into points and carry its recent offensive improvement into this matchup.

What North Edgecombe must do to win: The Warriors need to reestablish Barber and their complementary runners after being shut out in the finale. They must account for Neville before the snap and avoid penalties that expose the protection on long passing downs. Defensively, containing both Mills and Nicholson is essential; stopping one runner will not be enough if the other can extend drives.

1A West

No. 7 Rosman (6-5) AT No. 2 Wilson Prep (6-4)

1A West second round | Wilson | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Wilson Prep begins defense of its state championship against a Rosman team coming off a 50-0 first-round victory over Andrews.

The Tigers won the 2025 1A title by beating Robbinsville 9-8. This season’s 6-4 record includes a demanding nonconference stretch: a 30-28 win over Greene Central and close losses to Northeastern, 35-32, and Farmville Central, 46-40. Wilson Prep followed its 1-4 start with five consecutive victories, closing with a 36-0 shutout of North Edgecombe.

Freshman Tenille Jones has rushed for 1,129 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 10.5 yards on 108 carries. Ny’Dariun Daniels adds production as a runner and receiver, with reported averages of 109.8 rushing yards and 46.6 receiving yards. Zalik Cannady leads the reported sack totals with nine.

Rosman’s first-round win showed its own ability to spread carries. Brayan Reynaldo rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown on eight attempts, while Zeke Gainey gained 89 yards and scored three times on eight carries. Amdyn Baptist intercepted two passes, and Braden Rackley returned a fumble for a touchdown.

Both offenses rely heavily on the ground game: Wilson Prep reports 279.2 rushing yards per game and Rosman 253.3. The teams had no common regular-season opponent, so the most useful comparison is how each handles an offense with several running threats.

What Rosman must do to win: Rosman must tackle Jones before he can accelerate through the secondary and keep Daniels accounted for when he moves from runner to receiving threat. Its offense needs to sustain the ground production from the Andrews game while avoiding long-yardage situations against Cannady. Another takeaway could help, but Rosman must protect the football and produce points on ordinary possessions as well.

What Wilson Prep must do to win: Wilson Prep needs disciplined pursuit against Reynaldo and Gainey, with the edge defenders maintaining containment instead of chasing every inside handoff. On offense, Jones and Daniels can force Rosman to defend several areas of the field. The Tigers must keep those possessions clean and avoid the interceptions or loose-ball returns that helped Rosman turn its opener into a rout.

No. 5 East Columbus (4-6) AT No. 4 Winston-Salem Prep (6-4)

1A West second round | Winston-Salem | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

East Columbus and Winston-Salem Prep both received first-round byes, but they arrive with different offensive profiles.

The Phoenix won their final five regular-season games, outscoring opponents 162-62 during that stretch. They scored 46 points in each of their last two games and average 28.4 for the season. East Columbus averages 10.2 points and has depended on its defense in victories, allowing no more than eight points in any of its four wins.

Demetrius Dexter is central to the Gators’ chances. He has thrown for 486 yards and four touchdowns, rushed for 521 yards and three scores, and intercepted five passes on defense. JT Hudson has 25 catches for 364 yards in nine reported games, while Dawson Crosby leads the defense with a reported average of 11.3 tackles. Jacob Stukes has seven sacks.

Prep can attack through several players. Jamari Wilson has rushed for 1,021 yards and eight touchdowns and thrown for 870 yards and eight scores. Tim Smith has 1,105 passing yards and 10 touchdowns in nine reported games. Jeremiah Hall has 800 receiving yards, and Elijah Skinner has 760 receiving yards and six defensive interceptions. Jordan Haney’s 13 sacks give the Phoenix another way to change a possession.

Both teams lost at home to Chatham Central: East Columbus fell 14-0, and Prep lost 30-24. The Gators also pushed East Bladen in a 22-20 loss and beat North Duplin 23-8, evidence that their defense can keep a game within reach.

What East Columbus must do to win: The Gators must limit explosive completions to Hall and Skinner and pressure the passer without opening a running lane for Wilson. Dexter needs to produce positive early-down runs so Haney cannot attack predictable passing situations. Defensive stops must become favorable field position, and East Columbus must finish the scoring opportunities it earns.

What Winston-Salem Prep must do to win: Prep needs to contain Dexter and force East Columbus into longer third downs. Offensively, the Phoenix must use their running and receiving threats without giving Dexter or Stukes an easy takeaway. Sustained touchdown drives would place more demands on the Gators’ offense, but Prep first has to win possessions against a defense that has kept several opponents in single digits.

2A East

No. 16 Rosewood (4-7) AT No. 1 Tarboro (9-1)

2A East second round | Tarboro | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Rosewood earned another week by scoring 36 unanswered points in its 36-16 first-round win over Pamlico County. Its next assignment is a Tarboro program defending the 2A state championship.

The Vikings beat Murphy 22-0 in last season’s title game. They enter Friday with eight consecutive wins, an unbeaten home record and an offense that has scored at least 32 points in every game. Tarboro averages 46 points while allowing 17.3; Rosewood averages 24 points and allows 32.9.

Tarboro reports 389.7 rushing yards per game. Senior Antonio Draughn Jr. has 1,518 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in nine reported games. Sophomore Jaden Davis has added 472 yards and nine rushing scores in five reported games. Quarterback Reggie Bess II has thrown for 455 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception, making the occasional pass another responsibility for Rosewood’s defense.

The Eagles can create explosive plays of their own. Connor Smith has thrown for 1,237 yards and 17 touchdowns. Zamarrian Richardson has 26 catches for 568 yards and seven scores. Elijah Parker has rushed for 535 yards and five touchdowns while leading Rosewood with 108 reported tackles. Aldinio “Dino” Previl has 1,066 rushing yards in 10 reported games, but his availability for Friday has not been confirmed.

The teams had no common opponent this season. Rosewood’s recent test against Princeton is relevant to the challenge ahead: the Bulldogs rushed for 492 yards in their 52-28 victory over the Eagles.

What Rosewood must do to win: Rosewood must hold its rushing lanes, finish tackles and prevent Tarboro from turning a missed assignment into a long touchdown. Smith needs enough protection and manageable downs to find Richardson and Parker without forcing throws. The Eagles also need sustained possessions and points from their best opportunities so Tarboro cannot repeatedly put its running game back on the field.

What Tarboro must do to win: The Vikings need to establish their full rushing attack and make Rosewood defend more than one ball carrier. Ball security and avoiding drive-killing penalties are essential. Defensively, Tarboro must keep Richardson and the other receivers in front of it, limit yards after the catch and force the Eagles to complete longer drives.

No. 15 Hobbton (4-7) AT No. 2 John A. Holmes (8-1)

2A East second round | Edenton | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Hobbton brings one of the bracket’s most productive individual runners into a matchup with a Holmes offense that spreads its rushing production across several threats.

The Wildcats beat Northampton 56-12 in the first round, following a 30-25 victory over North Duplin in their regular-season finale. Holmes received a bye after winning its final six games, including a 56-22 victory over Manteo. The Aces’ only loss was 42-41 to Northeastern.

Sophomore Javarus Johnson has rushed for 2,187 yards and scored 25 total touchdowns for Hobbton. The Wildcats report 333.6 rushing yards per game, with Amir Tate providing another option. Tate has 694 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns and 213 receiving yards in nine reported games.

Holmes reports 324 rushing yards per game and averages 46.6 points. David Sutton has 827 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns. Quarterback Mason Byrum has thrown for 654 yards, 10 touchdowns and two interceptions, giving the Aces a way to punish a defense that commits too heavily to the run.

The teams had no common opponent this season. Hobbton has scored enough to stay close in several losses, including a 46-40 game against East Bladen and a 44-38 game against Lakewood. The defensive requirement is clear: all seven of the Wildcats’ losses came in games when they allowed at least 34 points.

What Hobbton must do to win: The Wildcats need Johnson and Tate to sustain drives while avoiding the penalties or negative plays that force the offense away from its strength. Defensively, Hobbton must account for Sutton and Byrum on every snap and prevent clean running lanes from becoming long gains. Red-zone stops matter because trading touchdowns throughout the game would place a heavy burden on every Hobbton possession.

What John A. Holmes must do to win: The Aces must meet Johnson near the line and tackle with help, while keeping Tate from exploiting all the attention paid to the leading runner. Holmes needs its own running game to produce manageable downs and make Byrum’s passing opportunities selective. The Aces also must protect the football so Hobbton cannot combine its strong rushing attack with repeated short fields.

No. 14 East Carteret (5-6) AT No. 3 Warren County (10-0)

2A East second round | Warrenton | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

East Carteret has scored 117 points during a three-game winning streak. Warren County has allowed 12 all season.

The undefeated Eagles have recorded nine consecutive shutouts since beating Vance County 52-12 in their opener. Their most recent result was a 55-0 win over Northwest Halifax, and their season scoring margin stands at 444-12.

East Carteret has found better offensive production late in the year. The Mariners finished the regular season by beating Jones Senior 34-0 and Pamlico County 47-8, then eliminated Union 36-6 in the first round. Sophomore Conlan Elson rushed for 167 yards and three touchdowns on 10 carries against Union.

Maintaining that rushing production against Warren County will be a different test. The Eagles have shut out opponents with a variety of records and classifications, including a 42-0 road victory over South Granville. Their latest win included three sacks and a fumble-return touchdown by Mekhi Chavis.

Warren County also has enough offense to make a short field costly. Amir Gamble rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries against Northwest Halifax. Quarterback Zynir Douglas added 65 rushing yards and two scores on seven attempts. The Eagles report 240 rushing yards per game.

The teams had no common opponent during the 2026 regular season. East Carteret’s recent improvement gives it a clear starting point, but the Mariners must show they can sustain drives when the first running lane is closed.

What East Carteret must do to win: The Mariners need Elson to produce positive gains without depending on the long runs that came against Union. Protection must account for Chavis, and the offense cannot give Warren County defensive scores or possessions near the goal line. On defense, East Carteret must contain both Gamble and Douglas, then turn any takeaway or field-position advantage into points.

What Warren County must do to win: The Eagles must tackle Elson early and force East Carteret to convert longer passing downs. Their offense needs to use Gamble and Douglas without creating unnecessary turnover opportunities. Warren County should make the Mariners drive the length of the field and keep its defensive pursuit disciplined against an offense that has gained confidence over its last three games.

No. 13 Northwest Halifax (6-5) AT No. 4 Lakewood (7-3)

2A East second round | Roseboro | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Northwest Halifax has won four of its last five games. Lakewood has won six straight. Their second-round meeting places two offenses built around the running game on the same field.

The Vikings advanced with a 32-8 victory over Lejeune, recovering from a 55-0 loss to Warren County in the regular-season finale. Lakewood received a bye after completing a 6-0 conference schedule and shutting out East Columbus 14-0.

Lejeune is the common opponent. Lakewood beat the Devilpups 23-0 in August; Northwest Halifax beat them by 24 points in the playoff opener. Both results show that each team can control a game when its defense supports the running attack.

Northwest Halifax reports 268.8 rushing yards per game. Freshmen Zamaree Davis and Phillip Putney and junior Jahvell Perry give the Vikings several options with the ball. Their production makes defensive assignment discipline more useful than simply loading up to stop one runner.

Lakewood reports 243 rushing yards per game. Senior Calvin Lacewell leads the reported rushing averages at 118.9 yards, while junior Donovan Smith has 12 reported total touchdowns. Quarterback Burroughs Strickland has 701 passing yards, and Trevon Tillery provides a receiving option when defenses focus on the backfield.

The Leopards have already won close conference games against East Bladen, 34-29, and Hobbton, 44-38. Northwest Halifax has found its own ways to finish, with victories over Southeast Collegiate Prep and Weldon during its late-season run.

What Northwest Halifax must do to win: The Vikings need Davis, Putney and Perry to keep the offense out of long passing downs and to finish possessions instead of relying only on rushing yardage. Defensively, they must slow Lacewell without losing Smith or Tillery when Lakewood changes the point of attack. Avoiding giveaways would keep a productive Lakewood offense from starting near the end zone.

What Lakewood must do to win: Lakewood needs to win first down against the Vikings’ multiple runners and force their offense into less comfortable situations. Lacewell and Smith must keep the Leopards moving, with Strickland taking the passing opportunities the defense allows. Lakewood also needs touchdowns from sustained drives; moving the ball between the 20s will accomplish little if Northwest Halifax keeps the score close.

No. 12 Camden County (5-6) AT No. 5 Manteo (7-3)

2A East second round | Manteo | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Camden County returns to Manteo three weeks after a 26-20 loss, this time with its season on the line.

The Bruins scored 40 points in their first-round victory over American Leadership Academy-Johnston. Manteo received a bye after a 56-22 loss to Holmes in its regular-season finale. Before that defeat, Manteo had won three straight conference games, including the six-point victory over Camden.

The matchup includes a dangerous receiving threat in Manteo senior Zay Banks. He has 30 catches for 729 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 24.3 yards per reception. Quarterback Drew Brown and running back Oliver Fifield give the offense a way to build drives before looking for Banks downfield. Fifield has a reported rushing average of 60.2 yards per game.

Camden’s running game includes Jaylen Mitchell. Gabriel Norman handles the passing responsibilities, and Ny’Aiden Daniels is the leading reported receiving threat. Linebacker Danny Defilippo is central to the defense and leads the Bruins’ reported tackle averages.

The common-opponent results do not point uniformly toward one team. Camden beat Bertie 12-8, while Manteo lost to the Falcons 30-22. Manteo beat Gates County 16-14, while Camden lost to the Red Barons 18-7. The teams also both beat First Flight and Perquimans County and lost to Northside-Pinetown and Holmes.

Those results, along with their close first meeting, place extra importance on explosive plays and the possessions that end without points.

What Camden County must do to win: Camden must keep Banks from getting behind its secondary and make Manteo complete longer drives. Mitchell’s running needs to give Norman manageable downs and create opportunities for Daniels. The Bruins also have to finish their promising possessions; in a rematch decided by six points the first time, empty trips inside scoring range could prove costly.

What Manteo must do to win: Manteo needs a productive ground game to prevent Camden from devoting all its coverage attention to Banks. Brown must take the available completions without forcing the big play. Defensively, the home team needs to contain Mitchell and prevent Norman from turning a broken play into a first down, while improving on the points it allowed in the regular-season finale.

No. 11 Bertie (4-7) AT No. 6 East Bladen (7-3)

2A East second round | Elizabethtown | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Neither team had to play to reach this round. East Bladen received a bye, and Bertie advanced when Triangle Math & Science Academy forfeited its first-round game.

East Bladen has not played since its 49-34 regular-season finale against Union on Oct. 23. Bertie’s last game on the field was a 36-6 victory over Perquimans County on Oct. 30. Both teams must turn the extra preparation time into sharp execution when play resumes.

The Eagles’ offense starts with two productive runners. Junior Jaden Lewis has 1,529 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns. Senior Riley Collins has 1,083 rushing yards and 14 rushing scores in nine reported games. East Bladen averages 35.4 points, with Lewis coming off a six-touchdown rushing performance against Union.

The defensive numbers give Bertie a reason to attack. East Bladen has allowed 28.6 points per game and won three games despite allowing more than 30. Braylon Johnson leads its reported tackles with 54, while Joel Lewis has 5.5 sacks.

Bertie’s three on-field victories came against Hobgood Charter, Manteo and Perquimans County. The Falcons beat Hobgood 14-0 and Manteo 30-22, showing they can defeat winning teams even though they have struggled to score consistently.

The teams had no common opponent this season. East Bladen and Bertie also have not met in football dating to at least 1990.

What Bertie must do to win: Bertie must get multiple defenders to Lewis and Collins and keep their routine carries from becoming long touchdowns. Its offense needs to turn defensive stops into sustained drives against an East Bladen unit that has allowed scoring opportunities. The Falcons cannot waste favorable field position or give the Eagles extra possessions through turnovers.

What East Bladen must do to win: The Eagles need clean exchanges and dependable blocking after the extended layoff, then must make Bertie defend both leading runners. Their defense has to limit explosive gains and force the Falcons to sustain drives. East Bladen’s rushing production will matter more if its defense can end possessions without requiring the offense to answer another touchdown.

No. 10 West Columbus (5-5) AT No. 7 Southside (7-3)

2A East second round | Chocowinity | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Both teams begin their postseason after first-round byes. West Columbus arrives off a 59-20 victory over Union, while Southside closed with a 25-0 shutout of Lejeune.

The Vikings won their final three regular-season games, including a 44-28 victory over Hobbton. Southside won four of its last five, with the lone defeat in that stretch coming against unbeaten Northside-Pinetown.

Quarterback DJ Graham is a central concern for Southside. His ability to run and throw gives West Columbus more than one way to extend a possession, and Santonio Vereen and Charlie McLeod are receiving targets.

Southside’s offense features Chance Haywood, who has rushed for 791 yards and seven touchdowns. Quarterback Jaheim Moore has 613 passing yards. The Seahawks report 186.6 rushing yards per game and 61.3 through the air. Linebacker Timari Moore leads their reported tackles at 10.2 per game.

North Duplin is the common opponent. Southside lost 28-14 at North Duplin in August, while West Columbus lost 36-16 at home in October. Both will need better defensive results Friday than they produced against the Rebels.

Southside has won several close games, including an overtime victory at North Edgecombe and narrow wins over Washington County and Perquimans County. Its experience finishing close games could matter against a West Columbus offense that scored at least 44 points in two of its final three games. Managing the possessions between the big plays will be just as important as producing those plays.

What West Columbus must do to win: The Vikings need to give Graham room to make decisions without forcing him to rescue long-yardage possessions. Vereen and McLeod must make Southside defend the width and depth of the field. Defensively, West Columbus has to tackle Haywood consistently and prevent the Seahawks from using long drives to keep Graham on the sideline.

What Southside must do to win: Southside must contain Graham when the first passing option is covered and keep its secondary from abandoning the receivers to chase the quarterback. Haywood needs enough early-down production to keep the offense balanced within its strengths. Clean possessions and red-zone finishes would help the Seahawks control the pace without depending on repeated defensive stops against an offense that finished strongly.

No. 9 North Duplin (5-4) AT No. 8 Gates County (5-5)

2A East second round | Gatesville | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

North Duplin and Gates County both received first-round byes, but the end of the regular season left them with different points to address.

The Rebels lost their last two games, falling 23-8 to East Columbus and 30-25 to Hobbton. Gates County closed with consecutive home wins over Bertie, 18-0, and Camden County, 18-7. The Red Barons allowed one touchdown across those final two games.

North Duplin has several players who can carry the running game. Cole Grady, DJ Carlton and Jayden Pope have reported rushing averages of 53.2, 50.9 and 48.2 yards, respectively. Carlton has eight reported total touchdowns. Fullback and linebacker Noa Quintanilla contributes on both sides, while Damarion Smith has four reported interceptions.

Gates County counters with Aiden Jordan, who averages a reported 83.1 rushing yards and has 10 total touchdowns. Zaden Woodley gives the Red Barons a player who can change a game on either side of the ball, with 11 reported total touchdowns and six interceptions. Robert Baker leads the reported tackle averages at 6.6 per game.

There was no common opponent or head-to-head meeting this regular season. Gates County’s other close results include a 13-6 loss to Pasquotank County and a 16-14 loss to Manteo. North Duplin has its own one-possession experiences, including a 13-12 win over Rosewood and a 40-35 loss to East Bladen.

For two teams that lean on the run, losing a possession or getting trapped in long-yardage situations could change the entire game.

What North Duplin must do to win: The Rebels need their multiple runners to sustain drives and avoid another game in which scoring opportunities disappear. Their defense must tackle Jordan at the first opportunity and account for Woodley when Gates County throws or uses him elsewhere. North Duplin also must protect the football against a secondary with a proven interception threat.

What Gates County must do to win: Gates County needs the same early-down discipline it showed in its final two wins, with defenders holding their responsibilities against North Duplin’s rotating ball carriers. Jordan and the offense must generate first downs without handing the Rebels a takeaway. Finishing drives with touchdowns would make the Red Barons’ recent defensive improvement more valuable in a game that could offer relatively few possessions.

3A East

No. 17 Greene Central (7-4) AT No. 1 Northeastern (9-1)

3A East second round | Elizabeth City | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Greene Central heads back on the road after a 42-6 first-round win at Wake Prep. JoJo Sanders scored on a fake punt, Ben Ramsey returned an interception for a touchdown and Kaz Farrior returned a fumble 69 yards for another score. The Rams forced four turnovers.

Northeastern received a bye, has won eight straight and is 6-0 at home. The teams are nearly even in scoring average: Greene Central at 42.7 points and Northeastern at 43.4.

The Eagles can attack in several ways. Da’mari McNeill has rushed for 1,892 yards and 22 touchdowns. Zak Ishman has passed for 2,238 yards and 28 scores, with Te’vaughn Bell producing 945 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns and Ayden Holley adding 702 yards and seven scores.

Greene Central counters with Cody Gaitor’s 948 rushing yards, Donovan Ingram’s 925 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns in seven reported games, and Joshua Cetnar’s 17 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing scores. Trey Bynum has nine touchdown catches. Farrior, Treylan Eatmon and Travion Melton give the Rams defensive playmakers who can disrupt possessions.

The common opponents favor Northeastern. The Eagles beat Wilson Prep 35-32 and Martin County 54-19; Greene Central lost to those teams 30-28 and 40-23. Northeastern also won the programs’ 2024 playoff meeting 50-6.

What Greene Central must do to win: Tackle McNeill before he reaches open space and pressure Ishman without allowing Bell and Holley to get behind the secondary. On offense, Gaitor, Ingram and Cetnar need productive early-down runs to keep the entire playbook available. Greene Central needs touchdowns from its best drives and must turn any takeaway or special teams opportunity into favorable field position or points.

What Northeastern must do to win: Establish McNeill and make Greene Central decide how many defenders it can commit to the run. The Eagles need to limit Cetnar’s ability to extend drives with his legs and force the Rams into longer passing situations. Ball security and alert special teams play are essential against a team that scored three touchdowns outside its offense in the first round.

No. 15 Northwood (6-5) AT No. 2 Whiteville (9-0)

3A East second round | Whiteville | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Whiteville begins its postseason after an unbeaten regular season and a first-round bye. The Wolfpack has scored at least 31 points in every game, averages 41.7 points and finished the regular season with a 48-12 win over South Columbus.

Northwood advanced by beating Kinston 34-30. Finn Sullivan threw for 254 yards and five touchdowns, although Kinston intercepted him twice. Campbell Parks caught three touchdown passes in that win, giving Whiteville another receiving threat to account for alongside Raje Torres.

Sullivan has 22 touchdown passes this season. Torres has eight receiving touchdowns and averages 65.4 receiving yards per game. Aiden Girard gives the Chargers a rushing option, while linebacker Joshua Johnson averages 7.5 tackles in the reported statistics.

Whiteville’s Ty’Lae Rose has been credited with 1,335 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, and quarterback Luke McLean has surpassed 1,000 passing yards. The Wolfpack’s ability to run effectively while retaining a passing threat presents a different defensive challenge from simply loading the line against one ball carrier.

Northwood averages 24.4 points, substantially below Whiteville’s scoring pace. Its first-round performance showed it can produce a bigger offensive night, but doing so on the road against an unbeaten opponent requires consistent protection and fewer empty possessions.

What Northwood must do to win: Give Sullivan time to find Torres and Parks, especially when Whiteville brings extra defenders toward the line. Girard needs enough early-down production to keep the Chargers from becoming predictable. Northwood must tackle Rose in groups, prevent routine runs from becoming long touchdowns and protect the ball more carefully than it did against Kinston.

What Whiteville must do to win: Make Rose’s running game establish favorable down-and-distance situations, then use McLean when Northwood overcommits. Defensively, the Wolfpack must account for Parks near the goal line and avoid allowing Torres uncontested opportunities downfield. Sustained possessions would keep Sullivan on the sideline and make Northwood earn its scoring chances against a set defense.

No. 14 Princeton (6-5) AT No. 3 Midway (8-1)

3A East second round | Dunn | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

The first meeting produced 98 points. Midway won 52-46 at Princeton on Sept. 18, using a 28-point third quarter to reverse a halftime deficit. The playoff rematch moves to Midway.

Princeton’s Teo McPhatter rushed for 359 yards and four touchdowns in that game. Midway quarterback Tanner Williams answered with 220 rushing yards and three scores on 13 carries. The lesson for both defenses is clear: stopping the other team’s most productive runner requires more than winning an occasional play.

McPhatter enters the second round with 2,804 rushing yards and 41 rushing touchdowns in 11 reported games. Princeton advanced by beating Pender 58-26 and is averaging 45.3 points.

Midway averages 39.6 points and received a first-round bye. Wesley Tew averages 115.3 rushing yards, Williams averages 134.2 passing yards and receiver Ace Matthews averages 47.4 receiving yards in the reported statistics. Brayden Stowers leads the Raiders’ reported tackle pace at 13 per game.

The shared schedule offers useful context. Midway beat Wallace-Rose Hill 19-16, while Princeton lost to the Bulldogs 42-7. Both lost to James Kenan, Midway 29-22 and Princeton 35-15. Midway’s only loss came against the Tigers.

What Princeton must do to win: Keep McPhatter productive while creating enough variation to prevent Midway from attacking the same rushing paths repeatedly. The Bulldogs need to identify Williams as a running threat on every snap and finish tackles before he reaches the second level. A few defensive stops would matter more than trying to match every Midway possession with a quick score; Princeton cannot repeat the third-quarter breakdown from the first meeting.

What Midway must do to win: Make McPhatter earn yards through repeated contact and avoid giving him open lanes after the first defender misses. Stowers and the defensive front need to turn some of Princeton’s early downs into short gains. Offensively, involving Tew alongside Williams would force Princeton to defend more than the quarterback and create opportunities for Matthews when the Bulldogs bring help against the run.

No. 13 Louisburg (8-3) AT No. 4 James Kenan (8-1)

3A East second round | Warsaw | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

James Kenan enters the postseason on a six-game winning streak after sweeping its five conference games. The Tigers received a first-round bye and last played in a 13-10 win over Wallace-Rose Hill.

Louisburg earned its trip to Warsaw by defeating Ayden-Grifton 20-15. The Warriors have allowed 154 points in 11 games, an average of 14.0. James Kenan has allowed 106 in nine, an average of 11.8, making defensive execution a central part of this matchup.

The difference is on the other side of the ball. James Kenan averages 36.3 points, compared with Louisburg’s 23.2. The Tigers have shown they can win both a low-scoring game and a higher-scoring matchup, beating Midway 29-22 and Princeton 35-15 before the close regular-season finale.

Keyshawn Murray contributes to James Kenan as both a runner and passer. Zyquan Twitty averages 11.7 tackles in the Tigers’ reported defensive statistics, while Taulil Pearsall provides another disruptive presence.

Louisburg’s options include quarterback Jett Hamilton, running back Ramzi Chapman and receiver Trashawn Manson. Manson averages 50.8 receiving yards in the reported figures. Grasyn Grissom averages 9.2 tackles, and Deaven Holmes gives the Warriors a source of pressure up front.

What Louisburg must do to win: Keep James Kenan from dictating the game with its rushing attack and force the Tigers to convert longer third downs. Hamilton needs protection that gives Manson time to get into his routes, while Chapman must provide enough steady gains to sustain possessions. The Warriors need to finish their scoring opportunities; empty trips inside James Kenan territory would put more pressure on a defense that may have little margin for error.

What James Kenan must do to win: Use Murray’s ability to run and pass to keep Louisburg’s linebackers from attacking downhill without consequence. Defensively, Twitty and the front need to limit Chapman and make Hamilton work from predictable passing situations. The Tigers must protect the football and avoid turning a close defensive game into a short-field opportunity for the visiting Warriors.

No. 12 South Columbus (7-4) AT No. 5 Martin County (7-3)

3A East second round | Williamston | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

South Columbus produced its highest point total of the season in a 58-6 first-round win over McMichael. Martin County begins its postseason after a bye and a 35-6 win over Hertford County in its regular-season finale.

Both offenses have a strong reason to start with the running game. South Columbus’ Gentry Thompson averages 103.2 rushing yards and 35.0 receiving yards in the reported statistics, giving the Stallions a player who can create problems in more than one way. Quarterback Jaxon Greene averages 96.1 passing yards.

Jordan Matthewson is central to Martin County’s attack. He averages 116.1 rushing yards in the reported figures and rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries against Hertford County. He also caught a touchdown pass in that game. Martin County rushed for 334 yards as a team in the victory.

The Gators average 32.7 points, compared with South Columbus’ 23.5. Martin County is 4-1 at home, while South Columbus is 2-3 on the road. The Stallions’ first-round performance showed their offensive ceiling, but sustaining that production against Matthewson and a rested home team is the next test.

Defensively, Josh Watts leads South Columbus’ reported tackle pace at 7.4 per game. Daylon Duncan is among the Stallions’ pressure threats, while Austin Spruill fills that role for Martin County.

What South Columbus must do to win: Tackle Matthewson before he builds momentum and make Martin County earn first downs instead of allowing long rushing gains. Thompson needs touches both on the ground and through the air so the Gators cannot concentrate on one point of attack. The Stallions must stay efficient on early downs, give Greene manageable passing situations and finish drives when they reach scoring range.

What Martin County must do to win: Reproduce the blocking and rushing efficiency from the Hertford County victory while keeping South Columbus from surrounding Matthewson without a response. Defensively, the Gators must locate Thompson on every snap, including when he releases as a receiver. Preventing the Stallions from repeating their early offensive success against McMichael would help Martin County control the pace at home.

No. 10 Farmville Central (7-4) AT No. 7 Hertford County (6-4)

3A East second round | Ahoskie | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Farmville Central has won four straight and scored at least 31 points in each of those games. The Jaguars advanced with a 49-6 win over Heide Trask after building a 42-0 halftime lead.

Carlnell Cotton supplied 105 total yards and two touchdowns in that victory, and Connor Kessler threw for 127 yards and three scores. Cotton averages 121.5 rushing yards in the reported statistics. Kessler averages 134.3 passing yards, and Xavier Bottoms gives the Jaguars a receiving option at 45.0 yards per game.

Hertford County received a first-round bye after losing its regular-season finale 35-6 to Martin County. The Bears are 4-1 at home and have demonstrated their ability to produce offense, including a 64-33 win over Currituck County and a 50-48 overtime win over Pasquotank County.

Justin Bunch averages 128.7 rushing yards, Rucker Nixon averages 140.6 passing yards and Jermaine Beale averages 10.9 tackles in Hertford County’s reported statistics. Chase Everette provides a threat off the edge.

Farmville Central averages 38.4 points and Hertford County 35.1. The teams did not face a common opponent during the regular season. Farmville’s current winning streak and Hertford County’s home record offer more useful context than trying to compare the records alone.

What Farmville Central must do to win: Keep Cotton involved without becoming dependent on one runner, and give Kessler chances to find Bottoms before Hertford County can settle into predictable coverages. The Jaguars need to prevent Bunch from turning early downs into long gains. Sustained tackling and a few forced passing situations would help Farmville avoid the type of possession-for-possession game in which one mistake can erase an offensive advantage.

What Hertford County must do to win: Reestablish the running game after the Martin County loss and give Nixon opportunities against a defense that must respect Bunch. Beale and the defensive front need to contain Cotton and make Kessler throw under pressure. The Bears must finish possessions and avoid giving a confident Farmville offense short fields or extra opportunities.

No. 9 Wallace-Rose Hill (6-4) AT No. 8 Pasquotank County (6-4)

3A East second round | Elizabeth City | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Wallace-Rose Hill’s record hides how close the Bulldogs have been to a much different season. Their four losses came by a combined nine points: two to East Duplin, one to Clinton and three apiece to Midway and James Kenan.

The Bulldogs opened the playoffs with a 68-0 win over Trinity. They have allowed 115 points in 10 games, an average of 11.5, and their reported offense is built heavily around the run: 310.8 rushing yards per game compared with 21.4 passing yards.

Adrian Glover leads the reported rushing production at 138.6 yards per game. Tyreque Williams averages 9.6 tackles. Those figures identify two central challenges for Pasquotank: stopping the run and sustaining offense against a defense that has kept Wallace-Rose Hill in nearly every game.

Pasquotank received a first-round bye after a 34-28 loss at Northeastern. The Panthers were tied 28-28 at halftime but did not score in the second half. They have also beaten Martin County 38-21 and pushed Hertford County to overtime in a 50-48 loss.

Jayce Griffin averages 74.2 rushing yards in Pasquotank’s reported statistics, while Josiah Bennett supplies another offensive option. Dudley Bradshaw averages 10.6 tackles. The Panthers are 4-1 at home.

What Wallace-Rose Hill must do to win: Keep Glover and the running game moving without allowing penalties or negative plays to create obvious passing situations. The Bulldogs need to finish drives and make their defensive stops count; their close losses show how costly one missed opportunity can be. Defensively, containing Griffin and keeping Bennett from extending possessions would limit Pasquotank’s chances to produce a long scoring play.

What Pasquotank County must do to win: Bradshaw and the front must close rushing lanes and force Wallace-Rose Hill to execute longer drives. The Panthers need enough first-down production to avoid asking a modest passing attack to repeatedly solve third-and-long. They also must keep generating offense after halftime, building on the competitiveness they showed at Northeastern while correcting the second-half scoring drought.

4A East

No. 16 Washington (4-7) AT No. 1 East Duplin (9-1)

4A East second round | Beulaville | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Washington earned another week with a 34-28 first-round victory over Eastern Wayne. The Pam Pack has won four of its last six games after an 0-5 start, but its next assignment is an East Duplin team that swept its conference and went 5-0 at home.

The Panthers received a first-round bye after closing the regular season with five straight wins. They allowed only 27 points in those five games, including a 54-0 victory over South Lenoir in the finale. East Duplin averages 34.1 points while allowing 14.4.

The Panthers’ reported offensive averages show where their strength lies: 299.2 rushing yards and 35.8 passing yards per game. Senior fullback Noah LeBlanc has 984 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns on 116 carries in 10 reported games. Keeshon McKinnie adds 686 yards and 11 rushing scores, giving Washington more than one runner to account for.

Washington’s reported leaders include quarterback Shamar Blo at 92.2 passing yards per game, Jahcere Collins at 55.2 rushing yards and Anderson Thomas at 31 receiving yards. Blo’s ability to contribute as a runner adds another consideration for East Duplin’s defense.

The teams did not face a common opponent during the regular season.

What Washington must do to win: The Pam Pack must meet LeBlanc and McKinnie near the line and force East Duplin to do more than repeatedly run for first downs. Early-down production from Collins and the running game would make it harder for the Panthers to concentrate on the quarterback and Washington’s receivers. Sustained drives can limit East Duplin’s possessions, but Washington needs touchdowns from those drives and cannot give the Panthers short fields through turnovers.

What East Duplin must do to win: LeBlanc and McKinnie need to keep the offense moving without penalties or negative plays creating unnecessary passing situations. The Panthers must pressure the quarterback while maintaining their running lanes, then tackle receivers before short completions become first downs. Ball security and reliable special teams would keep the Pam Pack from turning a short field into the kind of early score that changes the game.

No. 19 Southwest Onslow (5-6) AT No. 3 Clinton (7-3)

4A East second round | Clinton | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Southwest Onslow returns to the same field where it ended the regular season, seeking a different result against a familiar conference opponent.

Clinton beat the Stallions 30-16 on Oct. 30. Southwest Onslow responded with a 48-8 first-round victory at North Pitt, while the Dark Horses received a bye.

The first meeting provides a more useful comparison than the teams’ seeds. Southwest Onslow reported 202 rushing yards but only 18 passing yards in that loss. Finding enough production through the air to complement the ground game is one of the Stallions’ central challenges in the rematch.

Senior running back Trenstin Ton Bolden has 1,479 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on 200 carries in 11 reported games. Mason Houze averages 35.4 receiving yards in the Stallions’ reported statistics.

Clinton has several ways to respond. Gavin Miller has 607 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in eight reported games. Quarterback Elijah Bryant averages 114.2 passing yards and has added 333 rushing yards and four scores in 10 games. Jonah Boone averages 44.9 receiving yards.

Both teams beat Pender, Heide Trask and South Lenoir and lost to East Duplin. Clinton averages 31 points and allows 19.4; Southwest Onslow averages 27.1 and allows 24.8.

What Southwest Onslow must do to win: Bolden’s running can sustain possessions, but the Stallions need timely completions to Houze and other receivers when Clinton crowds the line. Defenders cannot pursue Miller so aggressively that Bryant escapes with the ball or finds an uncovered receiver behind them. Southwest Onslow needs to turn productive rushing drives into touchdowns and avoid penalties that erase gains or create long third downs.

What Clinton must do to win: The Dark Horses need to tackle consistently and make Southwest Onslow repeat its execution across an entire drive. Mixing Miller’s carries with Bryant’s passing and running would prevent the Stallions from concentrating on one point of attack. Clinton needs clean possessions and alert special teams, forcing Southwest Onslow to solve the defense over longer stretches of the field.

No. 13 Ledford (5-6) AT No. 4 West Craven (8-2)

4A East second round | Vanceboro | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Ledford arrives after a 42-6 first-round victory over Jordan-Matthews. West Craven begins its postseason following a bye and a seven-game winning streak.

The Eagles won all six of their Three Rivers 4A games. Their closing stretch included a 20-12 win at Southwest Edgecombe and a 35-6 victory over Eastern Wayne. West Craven has scored 388 points and allowed 153, averaging 38.8 and 15.3, respectively.

Quarterback Christopher Person Jr. gives the Eagles production on the ground and through the air. His reported averages are 131.8 passing yards and 64.5 rushing yards per game, with 17 reported touchdown passes. Xavier Cuthbertson averages 64.9 receiving yards. Behn Dennison leads the reported tackle averages at 13.9 per game.

Ledford’s offense has its own established threats. Garrett Parton averages 112.3 rushing yards in the Panthers’ reported statistics. Receiver Tyson Chavis averages 87.3 receiving yards, and quarterback Cameron Eller averages 93.6 passing yards.

The contrast in scoring is larger than the difference in reported offensive yardage: West Craven averages 305.7 total yards to Ledford’s 295.1, but the Panthers average 21.9 points. The teams did not face a common opponent during the regular season.

What Ledford must do to win: The Panthers need to pressure Person without opening running lanes and stay with Cuthbertson when Person extends a play. Consistent rushing gains must lead to scoring opportunities, with Eller finding Chavis when the Eagles commit extra attention to the run. Protecting the football and covering kicks would make West Craven work through more plays rather than allowing its offense to begin near the end zone.

What West Craven must do to win: Dennison and the defensive front need to prevent Ledford from controlling possession with repeated manageable rushing gains. The Eagles cannot focus entirely on the running game and allow Ledford’s leading receiver to turn a few catches into long touchdowns. Person’s running and passing give West Craven options; the Eagles need to use both while finishing possessions and avoiding turnovers after the bye.

No. 22 Central Davidson (4-7) AT No. 6 Southwest Edgecombe (7-3)

4A East second round | Pinetops | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Central Davidson already has one road upset, beating No. 11 Nash Central 28-21 in the first round. Its next trip brings a Southwest Edgecombe team that finished second in the Three Rivers 4A and received a bye.

The Cougars closed the regular season with a 48-14 win over North Johnston. All three of their defeats came against teams still playing: Tarboro, Northeastern and West Craven. They also showed they could finish close games, beating North Pitt 19-18 and Washington 22-20.

Nash Central is the shared opponent. Southwest Edgecombe won 36-8 on the road in August; Central Davidson won 28-21 there last week. Both won at the same site, but the games came at very different points in the season.

Central Davidson’s reported averages are heavily weighted toward the run: 264.8 rushing yards and 28.3 passing yards per game. Zack Wyatt averages 95 rushing yards in the reported statistics, with Keith Leonard another backfield option.

Southwest Edgecombe is more balanced, reporting 170 rushing yards and 157.1 passing yards per game. Andre Downey Jr. averages 92.1 rushing yards, quarterback Devion Mayo Jr. averages 139.6 passing yards, and De’Mazion Williams averages 40.3 receiving yards.

What Central Davidson must do to win: Wyatt, Leonard and the other backs need positive early-down gains so the Spartans can continue using their strength throughout a possession. Central Davidson must limit Downey without leaving Williams free behind the defense, especially when Southwest Edgecombe uses its balance to create space. The Spartans need clean exchanges, manageable third downs and touchdowns when they reach scoring territory. Empty possessions would give the Cougars more opportunities to dictate the game.

What Southwest Edgecombe must do to win: Early run stops and disciplined tackling would make the Spartans rely more heavily on a passing game with limited reported production. Downey’s carries should create opportunities for Mayo, while completions to Williams can prevent Central Davidson from concentrating defenders near the line. Penalties, missed tackles and turnovers would help Central Davidson keep its rushing attack on the field and reduce Southwest Edgecombe’s opportunities to answer.

No. 9 Fairmont (6-5) AT No. 8 Southwestern Randolph (7-3)

4A East second round | Asheboro | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Fairmont’s offense arrives with momentum after a 58-6 first-round win over Carver, its third consecutive game with more than 45 points.

Jeremiah Morris rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries in that victory, including a 70-yard run. Jamarion Brown added a rushing touchdown, while Davion Hunt returned a fumble for a score. Kayvion Evans and Landon Gist combined for Fairmont’s three sacks.

Brown averages 148.6 passing yards in the Golden Tornadoes’ reported statistics. Morris averages 69.8 rushing yards, and Tariq Leggett averages 43.4 receiving yards. That distribution gives Fairmont several ways to attack rather than depending on one type of possession.

Southwestern Randolph received a bye after finishing its regular season with a 35-7 win over North Moore. The Cougars have scored 361 points and allowed 176, averages of 36.1 and 17.6. They are seeking their first eight-win season since 2021.

The Cougars’ roster includes senior quarterback Brady Combs and backs Carter King and Braxten Proctor. Five of their wins have come by at least 28 points, with three shutouts.

The teams did not face a common opponent during the regular season.

What Fairmont must do to win: Early rushing gains would create better passing situations, while completions can keep Southwestern Randolph from loading up to stop Morris. Fairmont needs sound tackling and disciplined pressure, with defenders pursuing turnovers without giving up their assignments or allowing easy escapes. The Golden Tornadoes need to convert their best possessions and avoid turnovers that would hand a productive opponent short fields.

What Southwestern Randolph must do to win: Morris showed what one missed tackle can become against Carver. The Cougars need to limit those gains while keeping coverage on Leggett. Fairmont’s first-round defense produced both sacks and a touchdown. Reliable protection and clean exchanges would prevent those plays from changing this matchup. Sustained possessions and red-zone execution would allow Southwestern Randolph to use its offense while limiting the Golden Tornadoes’ opportunities to build another scoring surge.

5A East

No. 16 West Carteret (5-6) AT No. 1 Southeast Alamance (10-0)

5A East second round | Haw River | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

West Carteret earned its trip with a 21-14 first-round victory over Currituck County. The Patriots now face an unbeaten Southeast Alamance team averaging 47.5 points.

The Stallions received a bye after surviving Eastern Alamance 45-42 in their regular-season finale. Quarterback Tyler Jackson threw for 372 yards and four touchdowns in that game, while DJ Callis rushed for 183 yards and a score.

Jackson’s season totals explain the challenge. In 10 reported games, he has completed 183 of 277 passes for 2,989 yards, 39 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Joseph Gibbs averages 94.1 receiving yards in Southeast Alamance’s reported statistics, and Callis averages 81.7 rushing yards.

West Carteret needs its own offensive contributors to create possessions that last. Senior running back Ian Hawryschuk averages 68.4 rushing yards in the Patriots’ reported statistics. Sophomore quarterback Fin Beyus averages 76.2 passing yards, and Jejuan Tripp averages 43.8 receiving yards. Max Thayer leads the reported tackle averages at 6.8 per game.

The teams did not face a common opponent. Southeast Alamance has scored 475 points, but it also allowed 73 across its final two regular-season games, leaving West Carteret a clear reason to value every scoring chance.

What West Carteret must do to win: The Patriots need pressure that does not expose the secondary, solid tackling after catches and coverage that prevents Gibbs from getting free downfield. Productive early-down runs would give Beyus manageable passing situations and help West Carteret limit the number of drives Southeast Alamance receives. The Patriots need to capitalize on takeaways and favorable field position while protecting the football themselves. Missed scoring chances would be costly against this offense.

What Southeast Alamance must do to win: Callis’ running can prevent the Patriots from concentrating solely on Jackson and Gibbs, giving the Stallions several answers to defensive adjustments. Limiting Hawryschuk would put more pressure on Beyus and allow Southeast Alamance’s pass rush to become a larger factor. Jackson has nine interceptions despite his substantial production. Taking available completions and protecting possessions would force West Carteret to earn its opportunities through sustained offense.

No. 15 Southern Nash (5-6) AT No. 2 Northside-Jacksonville (10-0)

5A East second round | Jacksonville | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Southern Nash advanced with a 41-25 first-round victory over Rockingham County. Northside-Jacksonville opens its postseason after completing a perfect regular season and receiving a bye.

The Monarchs have scored 388 points and allowed 101. Their last outing, a 42-35 win over Havelock, showed they could also finish a close, high-scoring game after winning eight of their previous nine by more than one possession.

Senior running back Rahlai Anderson has 1,272 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 163 carries in 10 reported games. Junior quarterback Reginald Gray has completed 92 of 162 passes for 1,664 yards, 19 touchdowns and four interceptions. Gray has also rushed for 366 yards and three scores.

Gavyn Davis averages 60 receiving yards, and Zion Jones averages 63.2 rushing yards in the Monarchs’ reported statistics. Matthew Smoot averages 8.4 tackles, while Daniel Wisnewski has seven reported sacks.

Southern Nash is more heavily committed to the ground game, reporting 237.2 rushing yards and 31.8 passing yards per game. Kee’Brion Smith averages 109.4 rushing yards, with DJ Baker another important backfield option. Quarterback Lovelle White Jr. has 348 passing yards and two touchdowns in 11 reported games.

The teams did not face a common opponent during the regular season.

What Southern Nash must do to win: Smith and Baker need to turn early-down carries into manageable third downs, allowing the Firebirds to sustain possessions instead of repeatedly asking White to throw long. Southern Nash needs disciplined tackling at the line and coverage that stays with Davis when defenders are drawn toward the running game. The Firebirds need to convert takeaways and short fields into touchdowns while avoiding the turnovers and penalties that would give Northside additional chances.

What Northside-Jacksonville must do to win: The Monarchs need to close rushing lanes and force the Firebirds into situations where they cannot keep handing the ball to their backs. Anderson, Jones, Gray and Davis give Northside different ways to move the ball. Using those options would make Southern Nash defend more than one threat. Sound ball security and red-zone execution would prevent Southern Nash from shortening the game through takeaways and long possessions of its own.

No. 14 Montgomery Central (6-5) AT No. 3 Hunt (9-1)

5A East second round | Wilson | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Montgomery Central advanced with a 48-7 first-round victory over J.F. Webb. Hunt begins its postseason following a bye and regular-season closing wins over Rocky Mount, 49-7, and Fike, 33-27.

The Warriors reached last season’s 5A championship game, losing to Crest 31-14. This year’s team has again built its offense around a quarterback who can do considerable damage on the ground.

Senior Mez Harris has rushed for 1,449 yards and 19 touchdowns and passed for 906 yards and 10 scores in 10 reported games. He has thrown four interceptions. Jayden Newsome averages 45.3 receiving yards in Hunt’s reported statistics, while Trevorus Cooper leads the defense with 116 reported tackles.

Montgomery Central also relies heavily on the run. The Timberwolves report 271.3 rushing yards per game, compared with Hunt’s 259.4. Quarterback Rykeem Stanback averages 117.6 rushing yards and 40.3 passing yards, and Jyquel Moore averages 42.5 receiving yards. Gavin Scott averages 9.7 tackles.

The teams did not face a common opponent. Hunt’s only loss came against Northern Nash, and the Warriors have shown they can win close games, beating Tarboro by three points, South Garner by one and Fike by six.

What Montgomery Central must do to win: The Timberwolves need disciplined pursuit and secure tackling, forcing Hunt to earn repeated short gains instead of allowing its quarterback to turn the corner. Stanback’s running must produce first downs, with timely throws to Moore when Hunt commits extra defenders near the line. Montgomery Central needs touchdowns from sustained drives and clean special teams play, limiting the short-field opportunities that would help Hunt establish separation.

What Hunt must do to win: Cooper and the defensive front need to close lanes without abandoning coverage, especially when the Timberwolves look for Moore behind a run-focused defense. Productive contributions from the rest of the backfield and completions to Newsome would make Montgomery Central defend more of the field. With both teams capable of running and consuming time, giveaways could be especially costly. Hunt needs to sustain drives and make its scoring opportunities count.

No. 13 Western Alamance (6-5) AT No. 4 Croatan (9-1)

5A East second round | Newport | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Western Alamance arrives after a 56-0 first-round victory over Southern Wayne. Croatan received a bye after closing its regular season with a 56-20 win over Dixon.

The Cougars are 5-0 at home and have won three straight since their only defeat, a 46-11 loss at Northside-Jacksonville. They average 37.5 points while allowing 15.

Senior Andrew Boucher is central to Croatan’s offense as both a runner and receiver. In 10 reported games, he has rushed for 1,630 yards and 15 touchdowns on 203 carries, an average of 8 yards per attempt. He has also caught 23 passes for 384 yards and five touchdowns.

Quarterback Kannon McBride averages 134.3 passing yards in the Cougars’ reported statistics. Antoine Blunt averages 41 receiving yards, and Carter Boal averages 8.7 tackles.

Western Alamance has balance of its own. Quarterback Grayson Smith has thrown for 1,705 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 11 reported games. Christian Payton averages 92.9 rushing yards. Dawson Boysel averages 10.6 tackles, while Carson White averages 1.2 sacks in the Warriors’ reported statistics.

The teams did not face a common opponent during the regular season.

What Western Alamance must do to win: The Warriors need to limit Boucher’s carries without forgetting that he can catch passes. Defensive attention cannot disappear when he leaves the backfield. Payton’s running can help keep Croatan from concentrating on the pass. Smith needs to take available completions and avoid forcing throws into coverage. White and the pass rush need to disrupt McBride without giving up rushing lanes or leaving the Cougars’ receivers uncovered on extended plays.

What Croatan must do to win: Boucher’s rushing and receiving production can force Western Alamance to adjust, creating opportunities for McBride to involve Blunt and the other receivers. The Cougars need to make Western Alamance work for first downs, then maintain coverage when Smith looks to move the chains through the air. Clean protection, ball security and disciplined special teams would prevent the Warriors from turning defensive pressure into the short fields that can change a road playoff game.

No. 11 St. Pauls (8-3) AT No. 6 Fike (8-2)

5A East second round | Wilson | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

St. Pauls survived a 33-32 first-round game against Person. Its next test comes against a Fike team that is unbeaten at home and has scored 453 points in 10 games.

The Demons received a bye after closing the regular season with a 33-27 loss to Hunt. They average 45.3 points and allow 15.4, while St. Pauls averages 30.2 and allows 15.6.

Senior quarterback Sam Finch has completed 94 of 138 passes for 2,129 yards, 28 touchdowns and three interceptions in 10 reported games. Darryl Loatman averages 92.5 receiving yards in Fike’s reported statistics, and Antavious Riggins averages 65.9 rushing yards.

St. Pauls’ offense leans more toward the run, reporting 218 rushing yards per game compared with 102.8 passing yards. Jayden Graham averages 121.7 rushing yards. Quarterback Andrew Lowry averages 99 passing yards, and Malikah Locklear averages 45.6 receiving yards.

The defensive leaders also matter. St. Pauls’ Wyatt Bullard averages 8.2 tackles, and Dallas Richardson averages 0.7 sacks. Fike’s Devarian Archie averages 8.1 tackles, with Jordan Sloan averaging 0.8 sacks in the reported statistics.

The teams did not face a common opponent during the regular season.

What St. Pauls must do to win: Productive carries would give Lowry manageable passing situations and help the Bulldogs limit how often Finch gets the ball. St. Pauls must keep Loatman in front of the secondary and tackle after completions, making Fike put together longer possessions. Richardson and the defensive front need to disrupt Finch, but extra pressure cannot come at the cost of uncovered receivers or open rushing lanes.

What Fike must do to win: Archie and the defense need early-down stops that push St. Pauls toward longer passing situations rather than allowing the Bulldogs to dictate possession. Reliable protection would allow the Demons to involve Loatman, while Riggins’ running can keep St. Pauls from defending only the pass. Fike needs touchdowns from its best drives and cannot give an opponent coming off a one-point playoff win extra chances through avoidable mistakes.

No. 9 Rocky Mount (7-4) AT No. 8 Havelock (5-5)

5A East second round | Havelock | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Rocky Mount advanced with a 38-20 first-round victory over C.B. Aycock. Havelock opens its postseason after a bye, carrying a record shaped by games against several of the region’s top teams.

The Rams closed the regular season with a 42-35 loss at unbeaten Northside-Jacksonville. Before that, they beat West Carteret 41-0, Dixon 41-16 and Swansboro 53-19 in consecutive games.

Tarboro is the common opponent. Rocky Mount lost 38-34 there in August, while Havelock lost 37-28 there in September. Both showed they could score against the Vikings, but those results alone do not settle this matchup.

Havelock running back Michael Gatling has 1,119 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns on 175 carries in 10 reported games. Quarterback Kaleb Montanye averages 133.1 passing yards in the Rams’ reported statistics, and Jeffrey Jones averages 40.7 receiving yards. Andrew Williams has 152 reported tackles.

Rocky Mount quarterback Jason Battle has thrown for 874 yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions in 10 reported games, one fewer than the team has played. Braylen Fox averages 64.3 rushing yards, and Ur’Hynus Pierce averages 43.1 receiving yards in the Gryphons’ reported statistics.

What Rocky Mount must do to win: The Gryphons need to close running lanes and finish tackles, forcing Havelock to sustain drives rather than allowing its leading scorer easy breaks. Fox and the running game need to produce enough early-down yardage that Battle can use Pierce without facing repeated long-yardage situations. Rocky Mount needs to turn favorable field position into touchdowns and avoid turnovers that let Havelock’s offense begin near the goal line.

What Havelock must do to win: Gatling’s carries can draw defensive attention, but Montanye must keep Rocky Mount honest by finding Jones and other receivers when opportunities develop. Williams and the defensive front need to limit the ground game, then keep Pierce covered when Battle looks for a larger gain. Havelock needs to finish its offensive work and avoid penalties or giveaways that would give Rocky Mount extra possessions in a matchup of neighboring seeds.

6A East

No. 16 South Johnston (5-6) AT No. 1 J.H. Rose (10-0)

6A East second round | Greenville | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

J.H. Rose begins its postseason with an unbeaten record and an offense that can attack through the air or on the ground. South Johnston arrives after a 55-22 first-round victory over Felton Grove.

The Trojans leaned on Caden Stack, who rushed for 223 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, including a 79-yard run. He has 1,099 rushing yards this season, giving South Johnston a runner capable of turning a manageable gain into a possession-changing play.

Rose has several ways to answer. Chase Davis has completed 129 of 191 passes for 2,018 yards, 25 touchdowns and five interceptions. Daran Bell has seven touchdown catches, Jaleek Parson has six and Shammah Cabell has five. Ja’vion Jordan supplies balance with 91.7 reported rushing yards per game and 12 rushing touchdowns.

The Rampants defeated D.H. Conley 53-0 in their regular-season finale before receiving a first-round bye. Jordan rushed for 156 yards and four touchdowns on 11 carries in that game, while Davis threw for 194 yards and three scores. Rose averages 41.1 points per game; South Johnston averages 25.8.

What South Johnston must do to win: Stack has to help the Trojans control early downs and sustain possessions. That means converting productive runs into first downs and touchdowns, especially when Rose’s offense is waiting on the sideline. Defensively, South Johnston must pressure Davis without losing track of his receivers downfield. Iymanuel Johnson’s six reported sacks offer a starting point, but the Trojans cannot rely on pressure alone. Tackling Jordan and preventing uncontested deep completions are equally important.

What J.H. Rose must do to win: Rose must stop Stack before he reaches open space and make South Johnston earn yards through longer possessions. On offense, Davis needs time to work through his receiving options while Jordan keeps the defense from concentrating entirely on the pass. The Rampants should make their depth of production count: finish drives, protect the football and avoid giving South Johnston short fields that reduce the Trojans’ need to move the ball consistently.

No. 15 Gray’s Creek (7-4) AT No. 2 Jacksonville (7-2)

6A East second round | Jacksonville | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Gray’s Creek and Jacksonville both enter on three-game winning streaks, and each scored 49 points in its most recent outing. The timing was different: the Bears beat Northern Durham 49-20 in the first round, while Jacksonville defeated White Oak 49-0 in its regular-season finale before a bye.

The Cardinals’ running game presents the central challenge. Amari Pearson averages 111.1 reported rushing yards per game and has 18 rushing touchdowns. Montez Jimenez averages another 61.3 yards on the ground, and Josiah Benton contributes 40.3. Against White Oak, Pearson ran for 121 yards and a touchdown on seven carries and added 39 receiving yards and another score.

Gray’s Creek has a productive runner of its own. Chris King has rushed for 1,046 yards on 174 carries. Treven Tipton has added 556 yards and six touchdowns, and quarterback Kendall Jackson has thrown 10 touchdown passes.

There are defensive playmakers on both sides. Jacksonville’s Kenneth Jones has seven reported sacks, and Sammie Rogers averages 9.4 tackles. Gray’s Creek’s Tristian Coleman has five interceptions, while Keenan Ashworth averages 9.2 tackles. Those numbers make ball security and avoiding obvious passing situations especially relevant for both offenses.

What Gray’s Creek must do to win: The Bears must account for all of Jacksonville’s runners instead of sending every defender toward Pearson. Sound assignments and tackles near the line can force the Cardinals into longer drives. Offensively, King and Tipton need to keep Jackson out of repeated third-and-long situations, where Jones can attack the protection. Coleman’s ability to create a takeaway could matter, but Gray’s Creek cannot sacrifice coverage discipline while chasing one. Any extra possession must become points.

What Jacksonville must do to win: The Cardinals need to limit King on early downs and make Jackson win from difficult down-and-distance situations. Their offensive advantage is the ability to distribute carries among several threats, with Pearson also contributing as a receiver. Jacksonville must use that variety while protecting the ball against a defense with an experienced interceptor. Sustained drives and clean execution will keep Gray’s Creek from building the confidence and field position it enjoyed in its first-round win.

No. 13 Swansboro (8-3) AT No. 4 Scotland (9-1)

6A East second round | Laurinburg | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Swansboro’s defense has carried it into the second round. Now the Pirates face a Scotland team that has won nine straight and features one of the bracket’s most productive rushing threats.

Mike McLean has rushed for 1,503 yards and 25 touchdowns on 181 carries. He supplied 240 yards and two scores on 22 attempts in Scotland’s 21-13 victory over Cape Fear in the regular-season finale. The Fighting Scots finished that game with 312 rushing yards before taking a first-round bye.

Swansboro advanced with a 19-6 victory over White Oak. Carmello Beasley produced 98 receiving yards and 56 rushing yards on seven carries, while Beasley and Connor Mead each intercepted a pass. The Pirates followed a 21-0 regular-season finale against Richlands with another defensive performance that kept their opponent out of rhythm.

The difference in scoring output is substantial: Scotland averages 38.7 points per game, compared with Swansboro’s 24.5. Scotland also has receiving options behind its ground game. Nasiah McLean averages 52.1 reported receiving yards per game, and quarterback Collin Hill averages 139.7 passing yards. Those threats make it risky for Swansboro to devote every defender to the run.

What Swansboro must do to win: The Pirates must get multiple defenders to Mike McLean and finish tackles before an ordinary carry becomes a long gain. Their safeties still have to respect Hill’s ability to throw, especially toward Nasiah McLean. Beasley needs touches in different parts of the offense so Scotland cannot key on one formation or one play. Swansboro also must sustain enough possessions to give its defense rest; repeated short drives would place an increasing burden on that unit.

What Scotland must do to win: The Fighting Scots should establish McLean while remaining willing to throw when Swansboro crowds the line. Staying patient on offense can reduce the chance of giving the Pirates the interceptions they produced against White Oak. Defensively, Scotland must identify Beasley wherever he lines up and prevent easy yards after the catch. Making Swansboro drive the length of the field, without penalties or missed tackles extending possessions, would put more pressure on an offense that has scored 59 points across its past four games.

7A East

No. 17 Topsail (5-6) AT No. 1 Cleveland (9-1)

7A East second round | Clayton | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Topsail brings a clear offensive formula into its visit to the top seed: give Kyle Albert room to run and turn those carries into touchdowns. Albert rushed for 194 yards and all five Pirates touchdowns on 25 carries in a 34-7 first-round win over Fuquay-Varina.

Cleveland also defeated Fuquay-Varina, winning 49-7 on Oct. 2. The common opponent provides some context, but the Rams’ broader challenge comes from an offense averaging 39.6 points and a defense with several players capable of disrupting a possession.

Quarterback Owen Hulbert has 19 passing touchdowns and nine rushing scores while completing 67.4% of his passes. KB Ferrell averages 75.6 reported rushing yards per game and has 10 rushing touchdowns. Jamil Johnson, Wyatt Caldwell and Tahj Guerrant each average more than 42 receiving yards per game, giving Hulbert options beyond a single primary target.

Defensively, Jackson Fox has 10.5 reported sacks and Colt Robinson has six. Theron Batiste has four interceptions, while Markus Medley averages 11.3 tackles. Cleveland finished its regular season with a 21-20 win over Clayton and is 5-0 at home. Topsail received interceptions from Cameron Creech and Gavin Switzer in its first-round victory.

What Topsail must do to win: Albert must help the Pirates avoid the passing situations in which Fox and Robinson can attack freely. Topsail needs sustained drives that produce points, while its defense must account for Hulbert’s running ability as well as Cleveland’s receivers. Bringing extra defenders to stop Ferrell cannot mean leaving easy throws available downfield. The Pirates also need sound special-teams play and secure possessions; a top seed with several scoring threats becomes more difficult to manage when given a short field.

What Cleveland must do to win: The Rams must tackle Albert consistently and prevent Topsail from building its offense around repeated successful early-down runs. Hulbert can put pressure on the Pirates by distributing the ball among his receivers and using Ferrell to maintain balance. Cleveland’s defense has the production to create difficult passing downs, but it must earn those opportunities through its run defense. On offense, protecting the ball will keep Topsail’s defensive backs from supplying the momentum they generated against Fuquay-Varina.

No. 18 North Brunswick (6-5) AT No. 2 Garner (8-2)

7A East second round | Garner | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

North Brunswick extended its season with a 28-15 win at Heritage. The Scorpions now face a Garner team that has won five straight and can threaten a defense with both its running back and its quarterback.

Xavier Lendon gave North Brunswick a productive foundation in the first round, rushing for 129 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Sustaining that kind of production will be important against a defense that features Derek Taylor’s 11 reported sacks, Ahmed Sowe’s eight and Allen Davis II’s seven interceptions.

Garner running back Amir Wallace averages 155.3 reported rushing yards per game and has 18 rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Christian Ormandy averages 52.6 rushing yards and has 10 rushing scores of his own. The Trojans average 253.5 rushing yards and 37.2 points per game.

Laney is a common opponent. North Brunswick lost 14-13 in its regular-season finale; Garner beat the Buccaneers 30-12 in August. Those results came more than two months apart, and the Scorpions have since shown they can win a playoff game on the road. Garner, which received a first-round bye, closed its regular season with a 51-28 win over Fuquay-Varina. North Brunswick averages 18.1 points per game.

What North Brunswick must do to win: The Scorpions need disciplined pursuit against both Wallace and Ormandy. Overcommitting to the running back could open space for the quarterback, while missed tackles would make Garner’s ground game difficult to contain. Lendon must help North Brunswick keep possession and stay out of long passing downs. When Eli Talley throws, quick decisions and sound protection are essential against the Trojans’ pass rush. North Brunswick needs to make Garner earn its points and finish the scoring chances it creates.

What Garner must do to win: Garner needs to interrupt North Brunswick’s rushing rhythm early, forcing the Scorpions to work through less favorable down-and-distance situations. Wallace and Ormandy can then make the defense defend multiple running threats across sustained possessions. The Trojans must also avoid giving North Brunswick the short fields that could offset the difference in scoring averages. A strong first quarter would help, but disciplined tackling and ball security must continue after the initial surge against an opponent coming off a successful road playoff trip.

No. 12 Ashley (7-4) AT No. 5 New Bern (7-3)

7A East second round | New Bern | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Ashley’s opening-round win was decisive. The next assignment is containing New Bern’s running game in a stadium where the Bears are 6-0 this season.

The Screaming Eagles defeated Pine Forest 38-7 in the first round. Raleigh Sutton completed 72.7% of his passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns and added 34 rushing yards. Ashley has options around him, with Caiden Soto averaging 60 reported rushing yards per game and Josiah Isom averaging 44.3 receiving yards.

New Bern’s offensive numbers start with Karvin Magwood, who averages 186.7 reported rushing yards per game. He ran for 164 yards and five touchdowns in the Bears’ 44-22 regular-season finale against South Central. New Bern averages 306.9 rushing yards and 35.3 points per game, compared with Ashley’s 22.9 points.

Both teams defeated New Hanover: New Bern won 48-9 in August, and Ashley won 27-0 in October. Ashley’s ability to keep an opponent off the scoreboard will be tested by a Bears offense built to make a defense tackle repeatedly. New Bern also has a disruptive defender in Carel Spencer, who recorded three sacks against South Central. Dylan Kowalski leads Ashley with 9.6 reported tackles per game.

What Ashley must do to win: Kowalski and the Eagles must get help to the point of attack and prevent Magwood from breaking through the first wave into open space. Ashley cannot count on matching New Bern score for score without getting stops. Offensively, Sutton needs quick, accurate decisions, Soto must supply manageable gains and the protection has to account for Spencer. Long possessions that end in touchdowns would reduce the number of opportunities New Bern gets to use its ground game.

What New Bern must do to win: The Bears need to establish Magwood while keeping enough passing threat available to punish a defense that crowds the line. Their offensive line must help make those rushing yards repeatable rather than dependent on occasional breakaways. Defensively, New Bern should pressure Sutton without losing Isom in coverage or allowing Soto to escape through open running lanes. Protecting the football and avoiding drive-extending penalties would make Ashley work for the possessions and scoring opportunities it needs on the road.

No. 9 D.H. Conley (7-4) AT No. 8 Cape Fear (8-2)

7A East second round | Fayetteville | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

D.H. Conley found enough offense to advance, scoring 63 points in its first-round win over East Wake. Its next step will require more from the other side of the ball against a Cape Fear offense with productive options on the ground and through the air.

The Vikings won 63-38 after ending the regular season with losses to New Bern, Jacksonville and J.H. Rose. They have allowed at least 38 points in four consecutive games, an especially relevant trend against a Cape Fear team averaging 36.1 points.

Conley can create its own problems for a defense. Michael “Deuce” King II averages 82.8 reported rushing yards per game, Anderson Thomas averages 75.1 receiving yards and Jack Hager has thrown for 1,506 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. The Vikings average 32.8 points.

Cape Fear’s Darius Walker has rushed for 895 yards and 12 touchdowns. Tres Daughtry averages 149.8 passing yards, and Landon Underwood averages 58.8 receiving yards. The Colts lost their regular-season finale 21-13 to Scotland despite Daughtry throwing for 284 yards. He had one touchdown pass and two interceptions. Cape Fear had scored at least 31 points in each of its previous four games before receiving a first-round bye.

What D.H. Conley must do to win: The Vikings need stops that change possession, not simply enough offense to answer every Cape Fear score. Limiting Walker on early downs would give the defense a better chance to pressure Daughtry without exposing the secondary. On offense, King must keep Conley balanced and help create opportunities for Hager and Thomas. Ball security matters particularly when the defense needs relief; a turnover or quick three-and-out would send that unit back onto the field with little margin.

What Cape Fear must do to win: The Colts should make Conley defend Walker’s running and Daughtry’s passing throughout each possession. They must also avoid the interceptions that interrupted their final regular-season outing. Defensively, Cape Fear needs to keep Thomas from turning routine completions into large gains and make Hager work through longer drives. Conley’s first-round scoring total shows the danger of giving the Vikings repeated possessions with favorable field position. Tackling King and controlling explosive pass plays are the first steps toward limiting those opportunities.

8A East

No. 9 Laney (6-5) AT No. 1 Millbrook (9-0-1)

8A East second round | Raleigh | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Laney’s offense delivered 47 points in its first-round win over Panther Creek. Producing another strong offensive night will require solving a Millbrook defense that allowed only 23 points during the regular season.

The Wildcats enter unbeaten, with nine victories and a tie, after receiving a first-round bye. Their defensive leaders include Rashad Streets with 13 reported sacks, Quinton Cypher with 12.7 tackles per game and Darius Smith with four interceptions. That combination creates danger at the line of scrimmage and behind it.

Laney has players capable of making an explosive play. Jeremiah Brown averages 84.3 reported rushing yards per game and has 10 total touchdowns. Niko Warren averages 59.8 receiving yards, while quarterback Joseph Stough averages 143.8 passing yards. The Buccaneers advanced with a 47-27 victory over Panther Creek after closing the regular season by beating North Brunswick 14-13.

Garner supplies a common opponent: Millbrook won 42-0 in August, while Laney lost 30-12 the following week. The Wildcats’ offense features quarterback Bryson Gray, who averages 204.4 reported passing yards, and Knight Pate, who averages 56.9 rushing yards. Laney’s Joe Deffinbaugh has four reported interceptions, giving the Buccaneers a defender capable of changing a possession.

What Laney must do to win: The Buccaneers need to protect Stough without abandoning Brown’s running game. Short, accurate throws and productive early-down carries can help keep Streets and Cypher from dictating obvious passing situations. Warren must make the most of opportunities downfield, but Laney cannot repeatedly force throws into coverage. Defensively, the Buccaneers need sound tackling and strong field position so Gray has to sustain drives. A takeaway could be valuable only if Laney protects the additional possession and turns it into points.

What Millbrook must do to win: The Wildcats must prevent Brown from establishing a steady ground game and keep Warren from producing quick scoring plays. Their pass rush can take over more favorable situations if the early-down defense does its job first. Gray also needs to remain patient against a secondary with an accomplished interceptor. Using Pate and the passing game together, protecting the ball and forcing Laney to travel the full field would allow Millbrook’s defensive production to shape the game.

No. 6 Jordan (8-3) AT No. 3 Hoggard (9-1)

8A East second round | Wilmington | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

Two teams with extended winning streaks meet in Wilmington. Jordan has won four straight after scoring 62 points in its first-round victory over Wakefield. Hoggard has won seven straight and begins its postseason after a bye.

The Falcons beat Wakefield 62-21, getting contributions from both their passing and rushing games. Braxton Bass threw for 97 yards and two touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown. Devon Taylor ran for 102 yards and a score on 13 carries, giving Jordan a productive complement in the backfield.

Hoggard finished its regular season with a 30-13 victory over Ashley. Matthew Boring completed 75% of his passes for 212 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also caught a touchdown pass, while Judah Gillespie rushed for 71 yards.

The Vikings have consistent threats around Boring. Desyn Durand averages 77.3 reported receiving yards per game, and Gillespie averages 59.1 rushing yards with 11 total touchdowns. Hoggard also created points with its defense in the Ashley win: Mohamed Ismail returned an interception for a touchdown, and Preston Toups added another interception. Those plays underline the cost Jordan could face if it gets careless with the ball while trying to reproduce its first-round scoring output.

What Jordan must do to win: Taylor must keep the Falcons balanced and help prevent Hoggard from concentrating entirely on Bass. Jordan needs sustained drives, secure possessions and enough efficient running to create favorable passing opportunities. Bass cannot force throws against defensive backs who turned interceptions into a major part of Hoggard’s last win. Defensively, the Falcons must tackle Gillespie and keep Durand from stretching the field. Making the Vikings assemble longer drives would give Jordan more opportunities to get a stop.

What Hoggard must do to win: The Vikings must contain Taylor while keeping Bass from extending plays or finding easy completions. Jordan’s 62-point opening round means Hoggard cannot depend on a comfortable margin developing by itself. Boring needs to distribute the ball efficiently, with Gillespie’s running helping create space for Durand and the other receivers. Hoggard also must avoid turnovers that give Jordan a shortened field. Defensive pressure is useful only if the coverage remains sound and the Falcons’ runners do not escape through missed tackles.

NCISAA eight-man

No. 3 John Paul II Catholic (9-2) AT No. 2 Faith Christian, Rocky Mount (8-1)

NCISAA eight-man semifinal | Rocky Mount | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.

John Paul II and Faith Christian meet with a state championship berth available. Their schedules list an earlier result against one another, but that game cannot supply a useful on-field comparison: John Paul II’s Oct. 8 loss was a forfeit, recorded as 2-0.

The Saints reached this semifinal with a 52-0 victory over Wake Christian. Their defense recorded seven sacks, including 2.5 each from Nate Wright and James Carmack. Carmack also returned a fumble for a touchdown. He averages 12.2 reported tackles per game, while Michah Hardy leads a ground attack with 102.3 rushing yards per game.

Faith Christian has multiple ways to move the ball. Jordan Rue averages 111.7 reported rushing yards, quarterback Cayce Hinton averages 165.1 passing yards and Vincent Wilson averages 89.4 receiving yards. In the Patriots’ most recent game, a 42-24 victory over South Wake Christian Athletics on Oct. 23, Rue rushed for 195 yards and two touchdowns and added a receiving score. Hinton threw for 217 yards and three touchdowns.

Both teams lost to Cary Christian in October: Faith fell 60-30, and John Paul II lost 34-7. The Patriots average 44.2 points per game and the Saints average 41.9, though those season averages include the forfeited result. Faith is 5-0 at home and had a first-round bye.

What John Paul II must do to win: The Saints must contain Rue without leaving Wilson open behind the defense. Their pass rush can disrupt Hinton, but defenders still have to respect his receivers when bringing pressure. Hardy and the running game need to sustain possessions and finish scoring chances, limiting how often Faith gets the ball in open space. John Paul II must also carry its defensive discipline from the Wake Christian win into a matchup with more varied offensive threats.

What Faith Christian (Rocky Mount) must do to win: The Patriots need secure protection against a defense coming off seven sacks. Rue’s running can slow that rush, while Hinton and Wilson can punish a defense that commits too heavily near the line. Defensively, Faith must tackle Hardy consistently and prevent the Saints from controlling possession through repeated successful runs. Avoiding turnovers and special-teams mistakes is essential in a semifinal where either offense has enough production to capitalize quickly on a short field.

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