3rd Round Top Defensive Performances

Round 3 of the playoffs delivered some of the most physical, high-energy defensive football we've seen all season across the 910 and 252. With seasons on the line and every snap carrying extra weight, standout defenders rose to the moment—flying around, dominating trenches, and making game-changing plays that kept their teams alive. From veteran senior leaders to breakout underclassmen, this week's defensive performances were nothing short of special, showcasing the toughness, discipline, and grit that defines playoff football in Eastern North Carolina.    Junior defensive back Tyquan Whitaker delivered a clutch, momentum-swinging performance for Wilson Prep last Friday night. The instinctive ball-hawk showcased his elite range and timing in coverage, coming down with two interceptions and shutting down his entire half of the field. Whitaker consistently read the quarterback's eyes, anticipated routes, and attacked the football with confidence—playing like a veteran presence in the back end. His playmaking ability was a major difference in the game, and performances like this solidify him as one of the rising defensive standouts in the region.     Tarboro's 6'2, 280-pound interior force Donovan Willis dominated the trenches Friday night, leading the Vikings with 12 total tackles—an incredible number for a defensive lineman. Willis was unblockable at the point of attack, using his strength and leverage to control gaps, set the tone physically, and shut down anything Tarboro's opponent tried to establish between the tackles. His ability to stack, shed, and finish plays in traffic showed true next-level potential, and his presence inside completely changed the flow of the game. Another dominant outing from one of Tarboro's most important defensive anchors.     Junior edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='901324' first='Mekhi' last='Chavis'] delivered one of the most disruptive defensive performances in the state last Friday. The 6'2, 240-pound powerhouse was a nightmare to block, finishing with 2 sacks and an eye-popping 9 quarterback hurries. Chavis consistently won off the edge with his combination of strength, burst, and violent hands, collapsing pockets and forcing hurried throws all night long. His motor never dipped, and every snap he played tilted the line of scrimmage in Warren County's favor. With size, production, and a relentless play style, Chavis is quickly building the résumé of a true premier defensive prospect in the region.     Junior linebacker NorRice Bell was the heartbeat of Kinston's defense Friday night, leading the unit with 12 total tackles in a standout performance. Bell played fast, physical, and disciplined—diagnosing plays quickly and arriving with force. Whether it was scraping sideline-to-sideline to shut down outside runs or filling interior gaps with confidence, he consistently made the key stops that kept Kinston competitive. His instincts and effort jumped off the field, and performances like this show why Bell is emerging as one of the top defensive leaders in the area.     Senior linebacker Jonathan Nguyen once again showed why he's one of Northeastern's most reliable defensive leaders, finishing the night with 12 total tackles to pace the team. Nguyen was everywhere—reading plays quickly, filling lanes with authority, and cleaning up anything that leaked into the second level. His discipline and physicality stood out, especially in key moments where he shut down drives with timely stops. A true senior anchor, Nguyen's performance set the tone for Northeastern's defense and highlighted his veteran presence in the middle of the field.     Senior linebacker Keanaji Hopkins turned in a commanding performance for Southwest Edgecombe, leading the Cougars with 13 total tackles Friday night. Hopkins was the engine of the defense—flying downhill, scraping sideline-to-sideline, and consistently arriving first to the football. His ability to diagnose plays and shut down both the run and short passing game made him a true difference-maker. With his physicality, leadership, and high motor on full display, Hopkins showed exactly why he's one of the most important defensive pieces on this SW Edgecombe roster.     West Craven senior Kadyn Seamster delivered a monster outing Friday night, showcasing why his 6'5 frame and athleticism make him one of the most intriguing edge defenders in the region. Seamster racked up 14 total tackles and added 2 sacks, completely taking over stretches of the game with his length, burst, and ability to flatten to the quarterback. He disrupted run lanes, chased plays down from the backside, and consistently forced the offense to adjust their protection. This was a statement performance from a senior who looks every bit like a next-level defensive prospect.     Freshman linebacker Treverus Cooper delivered a breakout playoff performance for Hunt, finishing with an impressive 15 total tackles. Cooper played far beyond his age—diagnosing plays quickly, attacking downhill with confidence, and showing elite effort in pursuit. His physicality and motor stood out all night as he repeatedly cleaned up plays in space and shut down drives with timely stops. For a freshman to lead the defense on a stage this big speaks volumes about his talent and ceiling. Cooper is absolutely a name to circle for the future.     Senior defensive lineman Christian Taylor (6'3, 240) put together a dominant Round 3 performance, finishing with 10 tackles and 2 sacks for Hunt. Taylor was a disruptive force in the trenches all night long—using his size, strength, and quick hands to shed blocks and collapse the pocket. His ability to control the line of scrimmage and create constant pressure made life difficult for the opposing offense and set the tone for Hunt's defensive front. A big-time senior showing when his team needed it most.     Junior linebacker Anoop Monroe continues to be the heartbeat of Northside Jacksonville's defense, leading the way once again with 14 total tackles Friday night. Monroe played with his signature physicality and high motor—diagnosing plays quickly, shooting gaps with confidence, and cleaning up everything that came his way. His sideline-to-sideline range was on full display, and he consistently delivered drive-stopping tackles in critical moments. A true defensive anchor, Monroe is proving each week why he's one of the top junior linebackers in Eastern North Carolina.     Senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1844312' first='Jackson' last='Henry'] delivered a commanding performance for undefeated Jacksonville, leading the Cardinals with 16 total tackles on Friday night. Henry was everywhere flowing to the football with precision, filling gaps with authority, and erasing plays before they had a chance to develop. His instincts, discipline, and physicality anchored the entire defense, especially in key moments where Jacksonville needed stops to maintain momentum. A true senior leader and tone-setter, Henry's 16-tackle outing further cements his status as one of the most reliable and productive linebackers in the area.

Round 3 of the playoffs delivered some of the most physical, high-energy defensive football we've seen all season across the 910 and 252. With seasons on the line and every snap carrying extra weight, standout defenders rose to the moment—flying around, dominating trenches, and making game-changing plays that kept their teams alive. From veteran senior leaders to breakout underclassmen, this week's defensive performances were nothing short of special, showcasing the toughness, discipline, and grit that defines playoff football in Eastern North Carolina.