Key Player for Every 2A Team: Round 4

We're down to the final eight in the 2A NCHSAA Playoff bracket, so we wanted to hit reset and remind fans about the key guys on every team. This piece is straightforward: I'm giving one player for every remaining 2A team that holds the key to his team making or winning a state championship.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Player for Every 2A Team</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tarboro Vikings</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1408773' first='Tyler' last='Powell'], QB/Edge   The Vikings are in the midst of a historic season that opened with wins over multiple 5A and 6A teams still in the playoffs and has continued with the complete dominance over teams at the 2A level. Powell doesn't have the offensive accolades that other players have, but the entire offense runs through his hands, and he makes consistently correct reads in the running game. He's also the team's best pass-rusher, and should Tarboro cap its terrific season with a state title, Powell will be remembered as one of the top players in school history.   Others Considered: [player_tooltip player_id='473838' first='Kamerin' last='McDowell-Moore'], RB; [player_tooltip player_id='1704821' first='Keivious' last='Bridgers'], LB   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Murphy Bulldogs</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1290996' first='Cameron' last='Clem'], RB   Clem has been on our radar for years, and while he hasn't had the same volume as last year, he's been nearly unstoppable. He's averaging nearly 10 yards a carry with 26 touchdowns on the year. He's more rested than in the past few years at this time, and uh... It's working. Last week, in a 62-20 win over Community School of Davidson, Clem had 25 carries—beating his season-high by six touches—for 456 yards and eight touchdowns. All I'll say is expect the Bulldogs to put their state title hopes on the back of their star running back.   Others Considered: [player_tooltip player_id='1721126' first='Aayden' last='Williams'], DB   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Warren County Eagles</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='901324' first='Mekhi' last='Chavis'], DL   Beware of the Warren County defensive front, one of the only front sevens that might have the talent to stand up to the Tarboro offensive line. Chavis is a major reason for that, as the versatile defensive lineman has been completely unblockable this season. He's a menace against the run, and when teams do try to throw, he lives in the backfield as a pass-rusher. The Eagles have thrived on takeaways this season, and Chavis has been responsible for several of them.   Others Considered: Amir Gamble, LB   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Starmount Rams</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1908069' first='Ryley' last='Rodriguez'], WR/K/P   Unlike some of the other guys on this list, Rodriguez isn't a player who touches the ball 25 times a game, but when he gets the chance to change a game, he makes an enormous impact. He's averaged over 40 yards a catch as a receiver this season and has two touchdowns as a punt returner. He's also a kicker, punter, and kickoff specialist, and in field position games, he's a rare weapon both as the returner and the kicker.   Others Considered: Deuce Best, QB   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">East Bladen Eagles</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1669967' first='Dashon' last='Campbell'], RB/Edge   Campbell is one of the best two-way players in the 2A class, averaging almost 100 yards a game as a running back and leading the team in sacks. He's a bigger back who can wear teams down, especially late in the year. He also has the power/speed combination to cause issues for a tough Tarboro front as the Eagles play at the Vikings on Friday.   Others Considered: Julius Battle, LB   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Corvian Community Cardinals</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='2003772' first='Tyson' last='Douglas-Brown'], QB   There was some legitimate outside concern that last year's state runners-up would have too much to replace offensively, but Douglas-Brown quickly quieted those doubts. He's among the class leaders in passing, while averaging over eight yards a carry as Corvian Community's third-leading rusher. The defense still runs through an elite defensive line, and the Cardinals have a chance to make a deep run.   Others Considered: [player_tooltip player_id='1607751' first='Nathanael' last='Kamba'], DL; Trey Dukes III, DL   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Holmes Aces</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='2067025' first='Kazzure' last='Downing'], RB   A smaller, jitterbug of a runner, Downing has exploded onto the scene in 2025 after racking up just under 150 yards as a sophomore last season. Now, he's the leading rusher on a strong rushing offense, thriving also as a punt returner who can flip the field with explosive plays. He's playing better than he's played all season, and he's well-rested too, with over 500 yards and nine touchdowns on just 26 carries over the last month.   Others Considered: Amari Bond, LB   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mitchell Mountaineers</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='2066980' first='Owen' last='Riddle'], QB   While [player_tooltip player_id='2066984' first='Kaj' last='Pitman'] is the star, with over 1,300 rushing yards and 40 tackles, I think Riddle is the most important player on Mitchell's team. The Mountaineers have one of the better passing attacks in the 2A class, though inconsistent. Across his last five weeks, Riddle has been a lower-volume passer, but his completion percentage is way up, and he's taking care of the ball, with seven touchdowns and just one pick. In the playoffs, he's run for 210 yards and three touchdowns, too. If he continues to play at a high level, the 11-seed will be a tough out.   Others Considered: [player_tooltip player_id='2066984' first='Kaj' last='Pitman'], RB   Follow Prep Redzone for more high-quality coverage throughout the playoffs and offseason. 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We're down to the final eight in the 2A NCHSAA Playoff bracket, so we wanted to hit reset and remind fans about the key guys on every team. This piece is straightforward: I'm giving one player for every remaining 2A team that holds the key to his team making or winning a state championship.