3 Things We Learned in Week 3

After three weeks, the haves are separating themselves from the have-nots in North Carolina, and we're learning more about which upstart teams might be here to stay. It's still non-conference season, where there are plenty of flukey results, especially with so many new conferences in the new eight-classification system.   I've taken some time to look through results from across the state and watch some film, and here are three things I learned in Week 3.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Things We Learned</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. The Middle of the Pack in RDU Will Be Fun</h3>   Despite what happened in the first two weeks, Rolesville proved it should be a true contender. Millbrook and Cardinal Gibbons will be up there as well, while Cleveland looks like it's poised for another deep playoff run. Those four teams combined to beat four quality teams by a combined score of 273-58.   [player_tooltip player_id='1702810' first='Owen' last='Hulbert'] looks comfortable as the next in a line of high-quality Cleveland quarterbacks, [player_tooltip player_id='771299' first='Kaleb' last='Williams'] is settling in at Rolesville, [player_tooltip player_id='690769' first='Gannon' last='Jones'] remains one of the most accurate passers in the state, and [player_tooltip player_id='485965' first='Bryson' last='Gray']--when healthy--brings stability at the quarterback position to a consistent team.   Those, in my opinion, are the top four. But, there's very little separating the next 10-15 teams, and it's already led to some great, competitive games.   Just last Friday, there were a half dozen great games. Corinth Holders was locked in a tight game against South Garner before pulling away late with pick sixes from Gavin Corker and Jackson Poole; Southern Nash squeaked by James Kenan behind huge nights from running backs [player_tooltip player_id='1634632' first='Jaden' last='Hartsfield'] and Camron Lyons; Panther Creek eked out a win over Knightdale behind a four-sack night from [player_tooltip player_id='1678328' first='Jaysen' last='Oriol']; and Broughton won in a shootout over Sanderson behind a monster five-touchdown night from [player_tooltip player_id='1658606' first='Xavier' last='Howard'].   Before reclassification this season, it was the same 4-6 teams per class making deep postseason runs. None of the aforementioned teams were consistent among them. That could change in 2025.   Even some of the expected bottom-dwellers are having promising seasons, with multiple teams approaching or passing last year's win total, while playing solid competition. Larger RDU teams aren't stacking competition from the lower classifications. Instead, in an eight-class system, they're simply playing crosstown rivals that might play up or down a class and it's made for some wildly entertaining non-conference games.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. 5A Remains Wide Open</h3>   It shouldn't be a surprise that we don't have a ton of answers about the 5A class, but it's shaping up to be a wide open classification, especially in the west.   Right now, if I had to pick a favorite, it'd be Crest, who has beaten some quality teams in the non-conference, including county foes Shelby and Burns, both on the road. The offense is one of the best in the state, led by quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1144640' first='Ely' last='Hamrick'] and receiving duo [player_tooltip player_id='1154024' first='Namajay' last='Thompson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1671903' first='Michael' last='Edwards']. The Chargers have scored 30 in every game and 50 twice.   But, there are several other teams, especially in the foothills, who have a real shot at the title. East Lincoln is hammering teams, even squads from higher classifications. [player_tooltip player_id='1671861' first='Grant' last='Lawless'] has taken a step forward and high-upside athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1607779' first='Jaxon' last='Dollar'] is showing why he's so highly-recruited.   Hickory and South Point played in Week 1 (a tight, 27-25 South Point win) and have since made quick work of the rest of their competition. South Point once again has one of the state's top rushing attacks, led by quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1277021' first='Patrick' last='Blee'] and running back Kaveaun Pless. Hickory has won by keeping the ball on the ground with Jaheem Jenkins, getting efficient and explosive passing from quarterback Maddox McRee.   Jay M. Robinson also looks strong against teams in similar classes and [player_tooltip player_id='1332096' first='LJ' last='Watson'] is having his best year yet.   Don't forget about the Monroe Redhawks, who have played a brutal schedule, but should be better for it once they get to conference play. The same can be said about Oak Grove, who have allowed just six points all season.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Somebody in 2A Will Make a Surprise Run</h3>   You have to look past the records at this point in the year, especially in the lower classifications, as teams will sometimes play much stronger (or weaker) competition in the non-conference than they'd ever see in conference. That being said, there are some teams not typically considered contenders who are looking great early in the season. With the new playoff format, I won't predict a surprise champion but we could see a few surprise playoff runs.   In my <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/08/prep-redzone-2a-preseason-all-state-team/">Preseason All-State Team</a> and Season Preview, I stuck largely to the traditional, known powers in my top 10, though I considered a few others.   A couple of those fringe teams have surpassed expectations early. American Leadership Academy-Johnston is simultaneously young and experienced, having started varsity ball just a year ago. So far, they're healthy and looking strong. The only 2A team in a 2A/3A/4A conference, the non-conference schedule is important and the Patriots have passed so far.   [player_tooltip player_id='1194708' first='Kegian' last='Blanchard'] has become a legitimate deep threat for quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1650566' first='Ian' last='Wands'], who has improved his accuracy from last season. [player_tooltip player_id='1650579' first='Anthony' last='Jimenez'] has had a huge season, now that he's healthy, running for almost 200 yards a game, with nine total touchdowns.   Defensively, [player_tooltip player_id='1650614' first='Symir' last='Ray'] has been a menace off the edge, while [player_tooltip player_id='1649816' first='Joshua' last='Crenshaw'] has clogged things up inside, and flashed as a pass-rusher as well. The linebackers have played fast and free, and it's led to a bunch of tackles for [player_tooltip player_id='1647668' first='Elijah' last='Fulton']. The Patriots aren't the first 2A team people think of (They're not even ranked on MaxPreps) but have the talent to win a couple of playoff games.   Why not as off the radar, North Duplin is just destroying teams. [player_tooltip player_id='1531320' first='Carell' last='Phillips'] is the headliner of the run-heavy offense, but the Rebels have gotten significant contributions from Vance Carter and Jaylen Pope, among others on an offense that has had touchdown runs from seven different players. Defensively, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/trashawn-ruffin/">Trashawn Ruffin</a> makes running difficult and the Rebels, led by Garris Warren with two, have picked off six passes in three games.   Tarboro is the clear favorite here, but there are several intriguing teams who could make runs. I'll add Cherokee, Christ the King, and Perquimans as other lower-ranked teams that could make playoff runs.   We'll have more throughout the week. What did we miss? Who needs to be highlighted? Help us help players and let me know on Twitter, (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>).

After three weeks, the haves are separating themselves from the have-nots in North Carolina, and we're learning more about which upstart teams might be here to stay. It's still non-conference season, where there are plenty of flukey results, especially with so many new conferences in the new eight-classification system.