3rd Round Top Offensive Performances

Round 3 of the North Carolina playoffs brought out the very best from the 910–252 region, as offenses across the east exploded under the Friday-night lights. From breakout freshmen making statement games to seasoned seniors carrying their programs one step closer to December glory, this week delivered star-making performances and momentum-shifting highlights. With pressure rising and seasons on the line, these playmakers answered the call in dominant fashion—showcasing the speed, power, and big-game poise that define playoff football in the Carolinas.    [player_tooltip player_id='2060060' first='Travon' last='Usher'] delivered exactly the type of poised, high-level performance you expect from a senior leader in a win-or-go-home playoff environment. The Wilson Prep standout threw for over 200 yards and added 2 touchdowns, consistently pushing the ball downfield and keeping the offense in rhythm. Usher's command of the game, decision-making, and ability to generate explosive plays were key in helping the Tigers stay competitive deep into the postseason.     [player_tooltip player_id='1752108' first='Sincere' last='Columbus'] continued to be a reliable playmaker for Northside Pinetown, turning in an efficient and impactful night on the offensive side of the ball. The senior totaled 8 touches for 94 yards and a touchdown, using his burst and vision to flip field position and keep the Panthers' offense moving. Whether stretching the perimeter or fighting for tough yards after contact, Columbus once again proved he's a difference-maker who shows up when the lights are brightest.     Kam McDowell-Moore put on an absolute clinic in Round 3, showcasing why he's one of the most explosive playmakers in eastern North Carolina. The Elon commit needed just 6 carries to rack up a staggering 173 yards and 3 touchdowns, ripping off chunk plays every time he touched the ball. His acceleration through the hole, elite long-speed, and ability to finish runs made him nearly impossible to contain. In a high-stakes playoff setting, McDowell-Moore proved once again that he's a true game-breaker and a cornerstone of Tarboro's postseason push.     Kahlil Townsend delivered a breakout Round 3 performance that firmly stamped him as one of the top young backs in the 252. The sophomore was the engine of the Warren County offense, rushing 15 times for 133 yards and punching in 3 touchdowns. Townsend ran with great balance, vision, and toughness between the tackles, consistently moving the chains and providing the big-play spark his team needed. In a pressure-filled playoff environment, he played beyond his years and proved he's a rising star to watch heading into the future.     Taulil Pearsall delivered one of the most explosive offensive outings of Round 3, powering James Kenan with 12 carries for 202 yards and 3 touchdowns. His blend of speed, vision, and open-field elusiveness allowed him to gash the defense repeatedly, turning routine carries into backbreaking gains. Pearsall set the tone early and never let up, providing the type of dominant performance that fuels deep playoff runs. When James Kenan needed a playmaker, he answered every time.     BJ Gardner once again showed why he's one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the east, guiding Farmville Central with poise and playmaking ability. The senior accounted for 4 total touchdowns and topped 100 yards of offense, keeping the Jaguars in control from start to finish. Whether extending plays with his legs or delivering timely strikes through the air, Gardner's versatility and leadership were on full display. In a high-stakes playoff matchup, he did exactly what a veteran quarterback is supposed to do—take over the game.     [player_tooltip player_id='1337049' first='Tyler' last='Jones'] turned in a sharp and efficient Round 3 performance, showcasing the command and accuracy that have defined his senior season. The Kinston standout went 14-of-20 for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns, consistently delivering timely throws and keeping the Vikings' offense in rhythm. Jones spread the ball well, controlled the tempo, and made big-play throws when it mattered most. In a playoff environment where every possession counts, he played with confidence and precision—exactly what you expect from a seasoned leader under center     Zak Ishaman delivered one of the top quarterback performances anywhere in the state during Round 3, putting Northeastern on his back with a masterclass outing. The junior went an ultra-efficient 20-of-26 for 344 yards and 4 touchdowns, carving up the defense with precision, touch, and big-play confidence. Ishaman pushed the ball vertically, attacked soft spots in coverage, and controlled the momentum from start to finish. In a high-pressure playoff setting, he looked every bit like a seasoned veteran—showing why he's emerging as one of the premier junior quarterbacks in North Carolina.     Devion Mayo was nearly perfect in Round 3, turning in one of the most efficient performances of the entire playoff slate. The junior completed 10 of his 11 passes for 226 yards and added 3 total touchdowns, operating the SouthWest Edgecombe offense with complete command. Mayo punished the defense with timely deep shots, sharp intermediate throws, and poised decision-making, all while showing the athletic ability that makes him a true dual-threat. In a must-win environment, he played his best football—proving once again why he's one of the rising stars in the 252.     [player_tooltip player_id='948088' first='DJ' last='Davis'] put together one of the most complete dual-threat performances of Round 3, powering West Craven with his arm, legs, and veteran leadership. The senior went 9-of-15 for 145 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air, then added 17 carries for 73 yards and 2 more scores on the ground—finishing with 4 total touchdowns. Davis consistently extended plays, controlled the tempo, and kept the defense on its heels with his versatility. In a high-stakes playoff setting, he showed exactly why he's the heartbeat of the West Craven offense.     [player_tooltip player_id='1970795' first='Doryan' last='Jones'] delivered a true workhorse performance in Round 3, carrying the Hunt offense on his back from start to finish. The junior piled up 27 carries for 195 yards and 3 touchdowns, showing toughness, patience, and elite endurance in a physical playoff battle. Jones consistently fought through contact, extended drives, and wore down the defense with his relentless running style. In a game where every yard mattered, he proved to be the difference-maker— embodying exactly what playoff football is all about.     Kannon McBride continued his strong postseason run with a polished and efficient Round 3 outing, completing 17 of 21 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown. The junior quarterback showed excellent command of the offense, spreading the ball with confidence and repeatedly attacking the defense with sharp, on-time throws. McBride's poise in the pocket and accuracy in critical moments kept Croatan's offense moving and gave his team every opportunity to stay competitive. Another high-level performance from one of the most reliable junior quarterbacks in the region.     Jamir Mitchell made every touch count in Round 3, turning in a big-play performance that showcased his size and natural receiving ability. The 6'4 junior hauled in 3 catches for 80 yards and 2 touchdowns, winning downfield and creating mismatches all night. Mitchell's catch radius, body control, and ability to finish explosive plays gave Croatan a true perimeter threat, and he consistently delivered when his number was called. A strong postseason statement from a rising receiver with real upside.     [player_tooltip player_id='473950' first='Tavoris' last='Parker'] came up big when Rocky Mount needed him most, turning in a physical and productive Round 3 performance. The senior carried the ball 21 times for 100 yards and found the end zone 3 times, serving as the steady force that kept the offense moving. Parker ran with toughness between the tackles, finished runs with authority, and consistently delivered in scoring situations. His reliability and playoff poise were on full display—exactly what you expect from a senior leader chasing a deep postseason run.     [player_tooltip player_id='1895409' first='Amari' last='Pearson'] once again proved why he's one of the most electric playmakers in the east, putting together a dynamic Round 3 performance. The standout ATH totaled 14 carries for 122 yards and 3 touchdowns, flashing his trademark burst and open-field explosiveness. Pearson consistently flipped field position, created chunk plays, and gave the defense problems every time he touched the ball. In a playoff atmosphere where big plays decide games, he delivered all night long—cementing himself as a true offensive X-factor for West Craven.       Preston McDaniel put together a gritty, high-volume performance in Round 3, showing his value as a do-it-all playmaker. The junior totaled 29 carries for 127 yards and a touchdown, serving as the steady engine that kept his offense alive throughout a physical playoff matchup. McDaniel ran with toughness, durability, and consistent effort, fighting for extra yards and controlling the tempo with his workload. In a high-pressure game, he proved he could handle the spotlight and deliver when his team needed him most.

Round 3 of the North Carolina playoffs brought out the very best from the 910–252 region, as offenses across the east exploded under the Friday-night lights. From breakout freshmen making statement games to seasoned seniors carrying their programs one step closer to December glory, this week delivered star-making performances and momentum-shifting highlights. With pressure rising and seasons on the line, these playmakers answered the call in dominant fashion—showcasing the speed, power, and big-game poise that define playoff football in the Carolinas.