Week 3 Instant Analysis

Week 3 was yet another entertaining Friday of games across the state, with several close games and a few major upsets. We're always player-focused, so we'll have plenty of “top performer” or “things you may have missed” content later in the week. This isn't that. Instead, I'm focused on reacting to some of the night's biggest storylines while talking about a few key performers.   Unlike weeks one and two, I was out covering a game in person tonight, so what you're getting is my raw reaction to some of the biggest results across the state. Here's my Week 3 instant analysis.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Week 3 Instant Analysis</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">New Bern Pulls Away Late</h3>   One of the first scores I checked when I got home was the New Bern-West Craven game. While the Bears were the favorites, I was intrigued to see if West Craven could make it a game. The score suggests it wasn't close, but as I dug into it, I saw the reality: the Eagles led as late as midway through the third quarter.   New Bern's [player_tooltip player_id='1092153' first='Terrance' last='McCormick'] had a long touchdown run and threw a couple more, while the Bears leaned on [player_tooltip player_id='1084981' first='Karvin' last='Magwood'] late. The Bears move to 3-0 before enormous games against Cleveland and Hough in the next two weeks.   For the most part, we know what we're getting with New Bern, but I remain impressed with a West Craven team that has taken a big step forward this season. The main reason is the defense, and from what I've heard, the scoreline is a bit unfair to how the Eagles played defensively Friday night.   The offense, behind [player_tooltip player_id='948088' first='DJ' last='Davis'] at quarterback, is really playing well, but it's the defense's improvement that is making the Eagles a contender. Even with the 48 points allowed on Friday, the Eagles are giving up less than 21 a game. [player_tooltip player_id='1699333' first='Emmanuel' last='Miller'] continues to play well, and as West Craven transitions to conference play, he'll be a key piece inside. Don't be surprised if they make a run in a wide-open 4A.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Garner Makes A Statement</h3>   There will be plenty more from this game, as it's the one I attended. With my busy schedule, any time I'm able to make it out to a game, it's for a reason. I came in impressed with both Garner and Middle Creek, and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/09/top-3-rdu-games-to-watch-in-week-3/">actually predicted a Mustang win</a>.   I came away extremely impressed with the Trojans, specifically along the lines of scrimmage. I correctly guessed that the game would be won at the line of scrimmage; I was just wrong about which team would win that battle.   Really though, the star was [player_tooltip player_id='1656365' first='Tayden' last='McPhatter']. On a team full of athletes, it was his night for Garner. He overcame some fumbles (one just before the end zone) to score multiple touchdowns, have a long punt return, and pick up an interception. I don't want to spoil my top players recaps from the game (I'll have one for the offense and the defense), but I came away impressed with the Trojans, and I don't think Middle Creek played poorly. Both of these teams are candidates to take the step from good to great this year.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">West Carteret Wins A Thriller</h3>   Est Carteret and North Brunswick have a budding rivalry, and the Patriots got the best of the Scorpions Friday in a game that went down to the wire. [player_tooltip player_id='1702456' first='Joshua' last='Bauman'] scored twice in the first half, yet the Patriots trailed 20-13 at the half.   The reason was that North Brunswick running back [player_tooltip player_id='1871493' first='Kane' last='Jenrette'] was the best player on the field. He had three long touchdowns in the first half to put the Scorpions on top, and added a fourth in the second half, showing off elite breakaway ability.   West Carteret quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='870217' first='Tanner' last='Payne'] is getting more comfortable with his entire receiving corps, and he hit junior Maxum Thayer on a couple of long passes. Thayer only had two catches this season entering Friday's game, but was heavily involved in the game plan. In crunch time, Payne targeted [player_tooltip player_id='1581460' first='Jay' last='Murray'] and Bauman, who he hit for a 10-yard touchdown to put the Patriots within one. Payne ran in the ensuing two-point conversion to take the lead with less than a minute left in a 36-35 win.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other News & Notes</h3>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Union Pines had an impressive 34-7 win over a strong Eastern Randolph team.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>St. Pauls beat Red Springs 28-0 in a game that was called early after a Red Springs injury. [player_tooltip player_id='1709591' first='Yoshua' last='McBryde'] had another big game, while [player_tooltip player_id='1610596' first='Jordan' last='Norton'] had a long touchdown catch.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Langtree Charter won its first-ever varsity game, 27-24, over Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy. Thomas Hay had a big game as both a rusher and receiver.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Corinth Holders beat South Garner, 31-14, in a game in which it trailed early in the fourth quarter. South Garner's [player_tooltip player_id='1607095' first='Randolph' last='Ross'] caught a touchdown from [player_tooltip player_id='651090' first='Devin' last='Shoulars'] to take a 14-10 lead early in the fourth. Immediately after, Demarion Hicks housed the kickoff. The Pirates added touchdowns on a Blake Beckwith run and Gavin Corker pick-six to make the score look more lopsided than it was. That said, [player_tooltip player_id='1655127' first='David' last='Jarman'] and the Pirate offense look great and sit 2-1 to start the year.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>The Independence offense rebounded in a 35-34 win over Charlotte Christian on Friday. I haven't heard a ton about this one yet, other than the fact that Charlotte Christian was sacked on a game-deciding two-point conversion and that [player_tooltip player_id='1106930' first='Jamal' last='Rule'] had multiple touchdowns. Let me know what happened with this one, as it sounded great.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>West Forsyth was explosive in a big win over Porter Ridge. Three different rushers, including [player_tooltip player_id='1671870' first='Mozes' last='Morris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1671114' first='Braylen' last='Marrow'] scored, and Morris had multiple long touchdowns. [player_tooltip player_id='267064' first='Haines' last='Robitzer'] had a long touchdown pass and continued his efficient season. Porter Ridge athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1600209' first='Raishawn' last='Elmore'] continued his electric season, scoring on special teams. The West Forsyth defense was immaculate, as Porter Ridge's two touchdowns came on defense and special teams.</li> </ul>   Obviously, I can't hit everything in this one piece, but what did I miss? Who do I need to write about this week? Let me know on Twitter, (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>)

Week 3 was yet another entertaining Friday of games across the state, with several close games and a few major upsets. We're always player-focused, so we'll have plenty of “top performer” or “things you may have missed” content later in the week. This isn't that. Instead, I'm focused on reacting to some of the night's biggest storylines while talking about a few key performers.