Carolina Recruits Games of the Week: XFactors

Conference play is officially here, and with it comes the intensity that defines the fall grind. Non-conference matchups gave us a preview of who could rise to the top, but now it's all on the line with playoff positioning and bragging rights at stake. This week's slate is loaded with heavy hitters across the region, where every possession, every adjustment, and every “X-Factor” could decide the outcome.   PineCrest at Jack Britt    Najm has been the unquestioned leader of the Pinecrest offense this season. A consistent workhorse in the backfield, he's already totaled 12 rushing touchdowns while averaging 135 yards per game. His ability to control the pace of the game and find the end zone has made him the engine of the Patriots' attack, and he'll be the key X-factor as conference play heats up.     Payne is in the midst of a breakout senior season, establishing himself as one of the most reliable backs in the region. He's already piled up 8 touchdowns while averaging 130 rushing yards per game, providing explosive plays and steady production every week. Payne's balance of power and speed makes him the centerpiece of the Buccaneers' offense, and his ability to break games open will be the X-factor down the stretch of conference play.    South View at Westover    Brown has proven to be the difference-maker for South View this season. The Tigers' wins have come when he finds the end zone twice — and, interestingly, it's been with his legs more than his arm. A true dual-threat, Brown's ability to make plays on the ground keeps defenses off balance and gives South View its best chance to control the game. His rushing presence is the spark that turns opportunities into victories.     Kline has quietly become one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the area. Through the early part of the season, he's thrown for nearly 900 yards with 8 touchdowns and zero interceptions, showcasing poise and decision-making beyond his years. His ability to protect the football while keeping the chains moving has made him the anchor of Westover's offense, and his efficiency will be a major X-factor as conference play ramps up.    Hoggard at New Hanover    Rowell is quickly building a reputation as a big-play machine for the Wildcats' defense. In his last outing, he filled the stat sheet with 2 sacks and an interception, showing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. At 6'2, Rowell brings size, length, and athleticism that make him a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses. His disruptive presence off the edge and in coverage makes him one of the top young defenders to watch in the region.     Boring has been the steady hand guiding the #1-ranked 8A team in the East this season. Known for his calm pocket presence and ability to read defenses, he's already accounted for 16 total touchdowns on the year. His poise under pressure allows him to spread the ball around and keep the offense balanced, making him one of the most reliable young quarterbacks in the state. With his production and leadership, Boring is the clear X-factor in his team's pursuit of a championship run.    EE Smith at St Paul's    Cruickshank is a rising star and already regarded as one of the nation's top young pass rushers, currently ranked #16 at edge. A true game-changer, he has the size and skill to dominate up front, but it's his freakish speed and explosiveness that set him apart. Offenses are forced to account for him on every snap, yet even with extra attention he finds ways to disrupt. Cruickshank is the type of defender who can tilt the field and swing momentum with a single play.     Roberts has all the makings of a sure-fire college prospect. His game is built on relentlessness — every snap he's coming full speed, wearing down tackles and forcing quarterbacks to adjust. Still early in his high school career, Roberts already flashes the motor, strength, and raw athleticism that recruiters love. He's the type of edge rusher who can dictate the tempo of a game with his pressure and energy.    Fike at Southern Nash    Finch has put together an impressive season at the helm of the Fike offense, totaling 17 touchdowns so far. While he's hit a rough patch against some of the top competition in the region, he now has a prime opportunity to reset the course of the Golden Demons' season. With some of the best offensive weapons in the East at his disposal, Finch has the arm talent and leadership to get Fike back on track and keep them in the hunt as conference play heats up.     Faulkner is the definition of a tackling machine for Southern Nash. His instincts and physicality allow him to clean up everything between the tackles, making him the heart of the Firebirds' defense. Tonight, he'll face a test against a pass-heavy attack, but when the ball hits the ground, Faulkner will be there to shut it down. His ability to keep the run game in check will be a major X-factor in determining how effective Southern Nash can be defensively.    Jacksonville at New Bern    Pearson has emerged as a steady force in the Cardinals' backfield, already racking up nearly 500 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns this season. A downhill runner with the burst to create chunk plays, he gives Jacksonville the balance they need to keep defenses honest. Pearson's production and ability to finish drives in the end zone make him one of the key X-factors for Jacksonville's success as they push deeper into conference play.     Magwood has been a key contributor to New Bern's ground attack, posting just over 400 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on the season. A strong, decisive runner, he excels at finishing runs with power while keeping the chains moving. His consistency gives the Bears' offense a reliable weapon, and his ability to wear down defenses will be a major factor as New Bern continues its push through conference play.    Midway at James Kenan    Tew is one of the premier prospects in the Class of 2028, regardless of position. A dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands, he's averaging over 140 rushing yards per game, showing both consistency and explosiveness week after week. His blend of vision, speed, and power makes him nearly impossible to contain for four quarters, and he's quickly establishing himself as one of the state's brightest young stars.     Hall has been the driving force behind James Kenan's impressive 5–1 start this season. Averaging 125 rushing yards per game with 7 total touchdowns, he sets the tone for the Tigers' offense each week. His ability to control the ground game and keep the chains moving gives James Kenan a reliable advantage, and his leadership as a senior has been a big reason for their early success. Hall's consistency makes him the clear X-factor as the Tigers push deeper into conference play.

Conference play is officially here, and with it comes the intensity that defines the fall grind. Non-conference matchups gave us a preview of who could rise to the top, but now it's all on the line with playoff positioning and bragging rights at stake. This week's slate is loaded with heavy hitters across the region, where every possession, every adjustment, and every “X-Factor” could decide the outcome.