Carolina Recruits Top Games of Week 8: Xfactors

Week 8 marks the start of a crucial stretch across the Carolinas — the first or second conference game for most programs in the region. This is where the season starts to take shape. Teams are no longer just chasing wins — they're battling for playoff seeding, home-field advantage, and respect within their conference.   The slate is loaded with elite matchups featuring some of the top prospects in the state — athletes who have been lighting up the stat sheets all season and now face the toughest competition yet. With everything on the line, expect intensity, emotion, and breakout performances under the Friday night lights.   From powerhouse showdowns to under-the-radar rivalries, Week 8 is packed with “best-of-the-best” talent ready to make their statement as the postseason picture starts to form.   EE Smith at South View    Quentin Nelson is one of the most dynamic underclassmen in the region. After beginning his varsity career at quarterback last season, Nelson showcased his versatility by moving to wide receiver and safety earlier this year. Now, he's back under center — and looks ready to flourish.   At over 6'2” with a strong frame, Nelson is a big, physical athlete who can impact the game in multiple ways. He's a natural runner with vision and power, and his touch on the football makes him a true dual threat. Beyond his physical tools, Nelson stands out as a natural leader — confident, composed, and fearless in big moments.   As EE Smith continues through conference play, expect Nelson to emerge as a key playmaker and one of the rising stars in the Class of 2028.     Cris Simmons continues to prove he's one of the most reliable backs in the region. The junior running back brings a blend of power and deceptive speed that keeps defenses off balance. He runs behind his pads with purpose, finishing every carry with authority and showing the ability to break tackles at the line of scrimmage.   Simmons has a natural nose for the end zone, always finding a way to move the chains or punch it in near the goal line. Coming off another strong outing with over 100 yards rushing, he's hitting his stride at the perfect time as South View enters the heart of conference play.    Jack Britt at Richmond    Despite back-to-back losses, Gavin Stokes has continued to perform at a high level for Jack Britt. The senior signal-caller has shown poise and consistency, keeping the Buccaneers' offense dangerous every week.   Stokes possesses a big-time arm that allows him to stretch the field and challenge any secondary, while also being a strong, physical runner who can extend plays or pick up tough yards when needed. His dual-threat ability makes him difficult to defend, forcing defenses to stay honest on every snap.   For Jack Britt to pull off an upset this week, they'll need another exceptional performance from their leader under center — and Stokes has proven time and again that he's capable of delivering when the lights are brightest.     Evan Hodges is putting together one of the best statistical seasons of any quarterback in North Carolina this year. The junior signal-caller has been in complete command of the Raiders' offense, showing tremendous growth and confidence each week.   Since Richmond County's last loss to Rolesville, Hodges has been nearly flawless — throwing for 10 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions. His ability to read defenses, deliver accurate throws, and stay poised in pressure situations has made him one of the most efficient passers in the state.   Hodges' combination of arm talent, football IQ, and leadership continues to elevate Richmond County as they push toward a strong playoff run. Expect him to remain a key name in the Class of 2026 quarterback conversation.    Terry Sanford at Scotland County    When Terry Sanford faces off against Scotland County, [player_tooltip player_id='1749317' first='Sebastian' last='O'Keefe'] could be the difference-maker that shifts momentum. The sophomore has quietly become one of the most explosive X-factors in the region, capable of impacting the game on offense and special teams alike.   O'Keefe's speed and versatility give the Bulldogs an edge — he can line up out wide, take handoffs, or flip the field in the return game. Scotland County's defense will have to account for him every snap, as his big-play ability can change the game in an instant.   If O'Keefe gets into open space, he has the potential to tilt the game in Terry Sanford's favor. Expect him to play a crucial role in determining whether the Bulldogs can pull off a key conference win.     For Scotland County, [player_tooltip player_id='1741609' first='Tyjurian' last='White'] is the ultimate X-factor heading into their matchup with Terry Sanford. The explosive running back is a true game-breaker, capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. His combination of elite speed and surprising strength makes him one of the toughest players in the region to contain.   White's versatility extends beyond the backfield — he's willing and able to play on defense when needed, showcasing his toughness and team-first mentality. Expect to see him impacting all three phases of the game Friday night.   When White gets the ball in his hands, something electric usually follows. If Scotland County wants to grab control early and keep momentum, #30 will have to shine.    JH Rose at Jacksonville    For J.H. Rose to pull off the upset against undefeated Jacksonville, they'll need a composed and efficient night from Chase Davis. The 6'4” junior quarterback has all the physical tools — a strong arm, great field vision, and the ability to make every throw on the field.   Davis doesn't need to force anything; his success comes when he trusts his playmakers and distributes the ball to Rose's deep group of offensive weapons. If he can stay poised under pressure and avoid turnovers, Davis has the potential to lead the Rampants to one of the biggest wins of their season.   Expect Davis to be the steady hand guiding J.H. Rose's offense as they look to hand Jacksonville their first loss of the year.     For Jacksonville, [player_tooltip player_id='1895409' first='Amari' last='Pearson'] continues to be the heartbeat of their high-powered offense. The junior running back is coming off multiple dominant performances and has proven himself as one of the most explosive runners in Eastern North Carolina.   Pearson's blend of vision, balance, and top-end speed makes him a nightmare for defenses. Once he finds a crease, he can take it the distance — as shown in his recent 331-yard, 5-touchdown performance. His consistency and ability to finish runs with power give the Cardinals a reliable spark every time he touches the ball.   If Jacksonville wants to stay unbeaten and hold off a talented J.H. Rose squad, Pearson will once again need to lead the way — setting the tone early and controlling the game's tempo.    Southern Nash at Fike    When Southern Nash takes on Fike, all eyes will be on junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1634632' first='Jaden' last='Hartsfield'] — the driving force behind the Firebirds' offense. Hartsfield has been on a tear this season, consistently delivering big games and proving himself as one of the most dependable backs in the state.   A tough, downhill runner with excellent vision and burst, Hartsfield has the ability to take over games when he gets in rhythm. His physical running style wears down defenses, while his patience and balance help him find daylight even in tight spaces. Coming off another strong outing, he's poised to make a major impact in this key conference matchup.   If Southern Nash wants to keep their playoff momentum rolling, Hartsfield will need to set the tone early and control the tempo — something he's done all season long.     For Fike to take down Southern Nash, everything starts with Sam Finch Jr. The junior quarterback has been one of the most productive passers in Eastern North Carolina, capable of lighting up the scoreboard in a hurry.   Finch combines great accuracy, decision-making, and confidence in the pocket, making him a true leader for the Golden Demons. When he's in rhythm, the offense flows — and his ability to push the ball downfield or create outside the pocket keeps defenses guessing. Coming off an incredible stretch that included a 365-yard, 6-touchdown performance, Finch has shown he can take over a game.   If Fike is going to pull the upset, it'll come from Finch's arm and composure. Expect him to be the X-factor that keeps this one competitive deep into the fourth quarter.    Farmville Central at Taboro    If Farmville Central wants to hand undefeated Tarboro their first loss of the season, they'll need a big night from their leader — BJ Gardner. The junior quarterback has quietly put together a strong campaign, showing poise, athleticism, and the ability to make plays when it matters most.   Gardner is a true dual-threat quarterback — confident delivering the ball through the air but just as dangerous when he tucks it and runs. His ability to extend plays and keep drives alive will be critical against Tarboro's fast, physical defense.   For Farmville Central to pull off the upset, Gardner will need to control the tempo, limit turnovers, and create explosive plays downfield. If he can do that, the Jaguars have the talent to challenge one of the state's most dominant programs.     When Tarboro takes the field, Kamerin McDowell is the tone-setter on both sides of the ball. The Elon commit has been one of the most impactful two-way players in Eastern North Carolina this season — a true difference-maker who embodies the toughness and tradition of Tarboro football.   McDowell's athleticism allows him to dominate wherever he lines up. On offense, he's a powerful runner with great vision and burst, capable of turning short gains into explosive plays. On defense, he brings instincts, physicality, and leadership, anchoring a Tarboro team that prides itself on discipline and execution.   As the Vikings look to stay undefeated against a dangerous Farmville Central squad, McDowell's ability to control the game's physical edge will be key. Expect him to make his presence felt early — and often — in all three phases.    Kinston at Greene Central    When you talk about the heart and soul of Greene Central's defense, the conversation starts with Nick Avent. The junior linebacker has been a consistent force all season long — flying to the football, making plays in space, and setting the tone for a defense that thrives on energy and toughness.   Avent is a super athletic linebacker who can cover sideline to sideline and bring pressure off the edge when needed. Through the first stretch of the season, he's already racked up over 70 tackles and 3.5 sacks, showcasing his versatility and relentless motor.   His leadership and ability to diagnose plays make him the true anchor of the Rams' defense. For Greene Central to continue their strong run, Avent's presence and production will once again be critical in controlling the line of scrimmage and limiting big plays.     For Kinston to get past a tough Greene Central defense, they'll need a strong performance from [player_tooltip player_id='1337049' first='Tyler' last='Jones']. The junior quarterback is the spark that drives the Vikings' offense — a poised leader who can hurt defenses with both his arm and legs.   Jones has shown impressive field awareness and composure under pressure, delivering accurate throws and extending plays when the pocket breaks down. His dual-threat ability makes him a challenge to contain, and when he gets in rhythm, Kinston's offense becomes difficult to stop.   Facing a defense led by standout linebacker Nick Avent, Jones' ability to make smart reads, protect the football, and capitalize on opportunities will be the key. If he can control the tempo and get his playmakers involved early, the Vikings have a real shot to make noise in this conference matchup.

Week 8 marks the start of a crucial stretch across the Carolinas — the first or second conference game for most programs in the region. This is where the season starts to take shape. Teams are no longer just chasing wins — they're battling for playoff seeding, home-field advantage, and respect within their conference.