Carolina Recruits Region Top Games Week 2 (Offensive Players)

🏈 Carolina Recruits Region — Week 2: Offensive Players to Watch   Week 2 is here, and it's no longer “just the beginning.” In Southeastern North Carolina, some programs already find themselves facing must-win territory. With the new conference realignment and strength-of-schedule metrics playing a major role in playoff seeding, starting 0-2 in 2025 could put even the most talented rosters on the ropes before September.   State championship aspirations? They're still alive—but barely—for a few powerhouse teams that dropped tough openers. This week's slate features high-stakes matchups that will not only shape local rankings but could heavily influence who's playing deep into November.   Here are the Offensive Players to Watch heading into a critical Week 2 across the Carolina Recruits Region:    🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   Matt Boring | QB | Hoggard High School | Class of 2027   Sophomore quarterback Matt Boring is stepping into the spotlight—and he's doing it with confidence beyond his years. Coming off a three-touchdown performance (2 passing, 1 rushing) in a big win over Richmond County, Boring is proving why he's one of the top young offensive talents in Southeastern North Carolina.   What stands out most? Total command of the offense. He's poised in the pocket, decisive with his reads, and far more comfortable leading the team in Year 2 as a starter. Last season was about gaining experience; this season, it's about execution—and Boring is already showing he's up for the challenge.   As Hoggard prepares for a crucial Week 2 matchup against Jack Britt, all eyes will be on Boring to keep the Vikings' offense rolling. With the revamped playoff structure and the pressure of early-season must-wins, his leadership could make all the difference.     🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   [player_tooltip player_id='1855413' first='Eric' last='Payne'] III | RB | Jack Britt High School | Class of 2026   Junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1855413' first='Eric' last='Payne'] III wasted no time making his presence felt this season, erupting for over 200 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in Jack Britt's statement win over South View.   While Britt is loaded with playmakers across the field, make no mistake—Payne is the engine that powers this offense. His blend of vision, balance, and explosive acceleration makes him a constant threat to break off game-changing runs every time he touches the ball.   As Jack Britt prepares for a high-stakes showdown with Hoggard in Week 2, Payne will be the focal point once again. If he gets going early, Britt has a real shot to control the tempo and dictate the game on their terms.     🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   Tai Philips | ATH/WR | Cape Fear High School | Class of 2027   Still just a sophomore, Tai Philips has quickly become one of the most coveted prospects in the country—not just North Carolina. With offers from Ohio State, Alabama, and a growing list of national powerhouses, Philips is firmly in the recruiting spotlight.   He's got the 4.3 speed to take the top off any defense, and his route running, footwork, and field awareness are already elite. Whether he's lining up out wide, in the slot, or in the return game, Philips is a threat to score anytime he touches the football.   Cape Fear will lean on his big-play ability this Friday in a game that could shape their playoff path early. With his national profile rising fast, expect every eye in the stadium—and beyond—to be locked in on No. 1.     🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   [player_tooltip player_id='1346327' first='Jayson' last='Franklin'] | RB | Seventy-First High School | Class of 2026 | South Florida Commit   If there was any doubt about [player_tooltip player_id='1346327' first='Jayson' last='Franklin']'s explosiveness, he erased it last week with a monster performance: 5 touchdowns, over 200 rushing yards, and a jaw-dropping stat line of one touchdown every three touches.   The South Florida commit was simply unstoppable in Week 1, showcasing elite balance, top-end speed, and vision that separates him from the pack. Franklin is the kind of back who doesn't just rack up yards—he takes over games.   But despite his heroics, Seventy-First dropped a tough opener. Now at 0-1, the pressure is on—and another big outing from Franklin could be the difference between a bounce-back win and a dangerous 0-2 start in a competitive conference race.     🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   Matt McLean | RB | Scotland County High School | Class of 2029   It may be early in his high school career, but Matt McLean is already making noise across the region—and beyond. The Class of 2029 speedster flashed electric playmaking ability in Scotland County's thrilling comeback win over Dillon (SC), making the most of his limited touches and proving he doesn't need many opportunities to change a game.   McLean's explosiveness hasn't gone unnoticed. He's already picked up a scholarship offer from North Carolina, a sign that major programs see the same upside locals have been buzzing about.   As Scotland prepares for a heated rivalry matchup vs. Richmond County, McLean's speed and big-play potential could be the X-factor. If he gets into open space, watch out—he might just flip this rivalry game on a single snap.     🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   Evan Hodges | QB | Richmond County High School | Class of 2026   Evan Hodges showed his potential in a tough loss last week, throwing for 225 yards and 1 touchdown, but this Friday's game is where the pressure truly mounts. With Richmond County facing a must-win scenario to avoid an 0-2 start, all eyes will be on the sophomore quarterback to step up.   Hodges' poise and arm talent are unquestionable, but this week, he needs to find consistency and lead his offense in key moments—especially against a rival team that won't back down. If he can build on last week's performance and keep the offense clicking, the Raiders could be primed for a much-needed win.     🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   [player_tooltip player_id='1665917' first='Jayden' last='Howard'] | RB | Havelock High School | Class of 2026   [player_tooltip player_id='1665917' first='Jayden' last='Howard'] is emerging as a dynamic force in Havelock's backfield, and this Friday, he'll have the chance to showcase his skills on one of the biggest stages—the crosstown rivalry against New Bern.   Howard is a powerful, downhill runner who's tough to stop once he gains momentum. In the season opener, he had a 40-yard touchdown run called back, but his ability to break tackles and hit the hole at full speed makes him a constant threat to find the end zone. Havelock will need every bit of that explosiveness if they plan to come out on top in this heated rivalry game.   As New Bern brings its physical defense to the field, Howard will be the key for Havelock to establish the run game and control the clock.     🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   [player_tooltip player_id='1084981' first='Karvin' last='Magwood'] | RB | New Bern High School | Class of 2027   After a standout freshman year, [player_tooltip player_id='1084981' first='Karvin' last='Magwood'] had a quieter sophomore campaign, but it looks like he's bouncing back with a vengeance in his junior season. With 2 touchdowns in New Bern's season opener, Magwood is already showing signs that he's back to his explosive self.   Magwood has all the tools—speed, vision, and power—to be a game-changer, and with his ability to make plays in tight spaces, he can break through even the toughest defenses. After a quiet five-touchdown total last season, the junior back is hungry to prove his true potential, especially with the rivalry matchup against Havelock on the horizon this Friday.   This is a must-watch performance for anyone looking to see if Magwood is back to elite form. If he can keep up the momentum, he could be the driving force to push New Bern to a huge win over their crosstown rivals.     🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   Mez Harris | RB | Hunt High School   Mez Harris is coming off a strong performance in Week 1, scoring 2 touchdowns in Hunt High's win over Lee County. His vision and quickness make him a dynamic threat in the backfield, and he'll need every bit of that ability to keep the offense rolling this week.   With a high-stakes matchup against division heavyweight Tarboro, Harris will be crucial to Hunt's chances. Tarboro is known for its tough, disciplined defense, so Harris will need to elevate his game even further—more yards, more touchdowns, and more impact on the ground. If he can keep the chains moving and break free for big plays, Hunt might have a shot at pulling off the upset.     🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   Kam McDowell Moore | RB | Tarboro High School | Class of 2026 | Elon Commit   Kam McDowell Moore is without question one of the most electrifying playmakers in the region. With Elon already locking him in with a commitment, Moore's combination of vision, acceleration, and agility makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. When he touches the ball, something special is bound to happen.   Last week's game against Rocky Mount was filled with penalties, but Moore still managed to show why he's such a high-caliber talent. As Tarboro looks to stay on track this Friday, they'll need an A+ performance from their star back to come out on top. If Moore can stay in rhythm and make plays, the Vikings' offense will have the spark it needs to fire on all cylinders.     🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   Blake Roberson | WR | Ashley High School | Class of 2026   While Ashley High boasts a powerful run game, Blake Roberson will be key to providing balance in their offense. The Class of 2026 wide receiver has quickly made a name for himself with his precise route running and sure hands, consistently making plays when called upon.   After a tough loss in Week 1, Ashley can't afford to go 0-2—and if they want to be more balanced and keep defenses honest, Roberson will need to step up. His ability to create separation, paired with his reliable hands, gives the team a legitimate deep threat and a reliable target on third down.   This week, Roberson will play a pivotal role in Ashley's quest to stay competitive and keep their playoff hopes alive. Look for him to be a key factor in opening up the field and keeping the defense on its toes.     🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   [player_tooltip player_id='1310333' first='Samari' last='Cabell'] | QB | D.H. Conley High School | Class of 2026   [player_tooltip player_id='1310333' first='Samari' last='Cabell'] had a solid performance in D.H. Conley's 14-7 win over Laney, but the team will need more from the sophomore QB this week. Cabell accounted for 1 touchdown in the win, but against a high-powered Northeastern team, he'll need to step up his game and add more playmaking to keep pace.   With his arm strength and ability to extend plays, Cabell has the tools to lead the offense effectively. But against a tough opponent like Northeastern, he'll need to find more consistency and push the ball downfield. This Friday night, Cabell's ability to create scoring opportunities—and execute in clutch situations—will be crucial if D.H. Conley wants to stay competitive.     🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   [player_tooltip player_id='1854319' first='Zak' last='Ishman'] | QB | Northeastern High School | Class of 2026   After a record-shattering performance last weekend, [player_tooltip player_id='1854319' first='Zak' last='Ishman'] is undoubtedly the offensive player to watch in the region. The sophomore QB put on an absolute clinic, going 17-of-22 for 383 yards and throwing 6 touchdowns in an unforgettable game that turned heads across the state.   With that kind of firepower, Ishman is clearly a next-level talent. His arm strength, accuracy, and poise under pressure are all on display, and he's quickly becoming one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in North Carolina.   As Northeastern heads into a pivotal matchup this Friday, Ishman will be the centerpiece of their offense. If he can replicate last week's performance, he'll keep Northeastern firmly in the hunt for a big win and continue to solidify his reputation as one of the region's top prospects.     🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   Camron Lyons | RB | Southern Nash High School | Class of 2027   Camron Lyons may have had only 9 touches last week, but he made them count, rushing for over 130 yards and scoring once in a dominant showing. The Class of 2027 running back has proven he can break big runs, showcasing his vision and explosiveness each time he touches the ball.   This Friday, Lyons faces a big test as Southern Nash travels to Clayton. With his speed and ability to change the game in an instant, Lyons will be key to the team's success. If he can continue to build on his strong start and handle the pressure of a tough opponent, expect him to have another standout performance.     🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   [player_tooltip player_id='1243204' first='Aiden' last='Smalls'] | QB | Clayton High School | Class of 2026 | NC State Commit   [player_tooltip player_id='1243204' first='Aiden' last='Smalls'] wasted no time showing why he's a coveted NC State commit, putting up a jaw-dropping 5 touchdowns in the opening game of the season. The Class of 2026 quarterback has the tools—arm strength, poise, and leadership—to be a dominant force on the field, and his ability to make plays in critical moments is already setting him apart.   As Clayton heads into a crucial matchup against Southern Nash this Friday, Smalls will need to be at his best. Southern Nash is coming off a win and looking to improve to 2-0, so this will be a true test for the NC State-bound QB. If Smalls can continue his strong play and keep the offense clicking, he'll give Clayton a great chance to stay undefeated.     🏈 Offensive Player to Watch — Week 2   Jalen Mitchell | WR | EE Smith High School | Class of 2026   Jalen Mitchell is arguably the most athletic prospect on this list, and when it comes to raw ability, he's in a class of his own. Whether it's his elite speed, leaping ability, or blazing quickness, Mitchell is a threat to score every time the ball is in his hands.   When he's one-on-one, it's almost like he's not even covered at all—his route-running and separation are that good. Mitchell has the potential to be the best player on the field, and EE Smith will need him to step up in a big way this Friday night if they want to secure a much-needed victory.   With his playmaking ability, Mitchell can turn any pass into a game-changing moment. If he rises to the occasion, look for him to make a massive impact in both the air and on the ground.

🏈 Carolina Recruits Region — Week 2: Offensive Players to Watch