8A Matchups to Watch: Round 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Round 1 of the 8A playoff bracket was largely chalk, with just three lower seeds winning (Including two nine-over-eight seed victories). Now, the byes are done and the playoffs can get going. Here, we're breaking down three 8A matchups to watch on Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">8A Playoffs Matchups to Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">No. 11 Chambers @ No. 3 Myers Park</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Myers Park has to feel good about its chances to make a run in this year's playoffs, but the Mustangs will first have to get through a pesky <strong>Chambers</strong> team. Chambers' defense typically does well to limit big plays, but doesn't force many turnovers. That could be an issue against a <strong>Myers Park</strong> offense that limits turnovers. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1953767' first='Ramir' last='Watson']</strong> has just five picks this season, while running back <strong>Josh Falzarano</strong> rarely fumbles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The key may be the Myers Park front seven. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1002307' first='Rodney' last='Dunham']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598900' first='Deigo' last='Lewis']</strong> have combined for 12 sacks, while linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1751625' first='Hank' last='Thrasher']</strong> was our fastest-rising 2026 prospect in our last rankings update. Chambers receiver <strong>Dion Carter</strong> could be an X-factor, a guy who can hit on big plays and save the Cougars from having to methodicially move down the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">No. 6 Leesville Road @ No. 3 C.E. Jordan</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Leesville Road </strong>has quietly been one of the best teams in that tier just under the top teams in the class. The Pride have three losses: At No. 2 <strong>Millbrook</strong>, a close loss to traditional power <strong>Rolesville</strong>, and a 22-20 opening-week loss at <strong>C.E. Jordan</strong>. Well, now they'll have a chance for revenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm interested to see if the Leesville Road OL can block Jordan's elite front. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607844' first='Xavier' last='Perkins']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='321266' first='Noah' last='Clark']</strong> are among the best duos in the state. If Leesville Road QB <strong>Damacio Cueto</strong> has time, the receivers (led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1743711' first='Devin' last='Goldston']</strong>) should be able to find some room.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Jordan, it starts with the ground game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607878' first='Damien' last='Hayes']</strong> went nearly 1,200 yards in the regular season, while quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='735579' first='Landon' last='Melton']</strong> added over 600 yards on the ground, while also averaging over 140 through the air, with few turnovers. Leesville Road's defensive line has thrived in obvious passing situations, so this one could come down to whether or not Jordan stays on schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">No. 5 West Forsyth @ No. 4 Mallard Creek</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm intrigued by the No. 4 vs. No. 5 matchup in the west. <strong>West Forsyth</strong> is extremely tough to beat, when the Titans don't beat themselves, even hanging with <strong>Grimsley</strong> earlier in the season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='267064' first='Haines' last='Robitzer']</strong> is one of our favorite quarterbacks in the state, especially when he limits mistakes. Can he thread the needle between aggression and recklessness? Because <strong>Mallard Creek</strong> has an opportunistic defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The key will be if <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1636010' first='Tylan' last='Grimes']</strong> and <strong>Jailyn Moore</strong> can find space outside to take pressure off of <strong>Mozes Morris</strong> and the West Forsyth running game. West Forsyth has one of the better collective secondaries in the state, so Mallard Creek quarterbacks <strong>Sam Cheeseboro</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616115' first='Cailen' last='Napier']</strong> will need to be on point. I like the Mavericks' running back by committee approach, but I think one of their playmakers needs to take over Friday, whether that's running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866297' first='X'Zavier' last='Edmond']</strong> or one of the prolific receivers, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1845434' first='Mason' last='Kelley']</strong> or <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='338729' first='Khalil' last='Price']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Follow Prep Redzone for more high-quality coverage throughout the playoffs and offseason. Want to get in front of our scouts this offseason? Our next PRZ Carolinas Stock-Up Showcase is Dec. 7.&nbsp;<a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2124/register/stock-up-showcase-carolinas">Register here</a>. Promo Code HelmsWinterPRZ will get you $10 off registration. And don't forget to vote for our&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/11/who-is-the-2025-prznc-player-of-the-year/">PRZNC Player of the Year</a>.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->