Lower-Classification Upset Picks: Round 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week, I shared <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/11/which-lower-classification-teams-can-pull-off-round-2-upsets/">three double-digit seeds from the lower classifications</a> that had the chance to pull off upsets. Two of those teams won, while the third fell just short on the final drive of the game. Earlier this week, I did this exercise with the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/11/upper-classification-upset-picks-round-3/">upper classifications</a>. Now, I'm back to give three potential lower-classification upsets in Round 3.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Potential Lower-Classification Upsets</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week, I limited myself to double-digit seeds rather than picking nine seeds over eight, or something similar. This week, I'm taking that distinction away, as we're down to the final eight on each side of the brackets. I'll still pick a longshot or two, but an "upset" here will be a lower seed/road team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Maiden (4A West No. 6)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some picks are based on matchups and the team across the field. Others are based purely on the team's talent and resume. This is one of those latter matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maiden finished the regular season with a 6-4 record that included losses to two of the top 5A teams, a one-point loss in September to 6A A.C. Reynolds, and a double-overtime loss to the Newton-Conover team the Blue Devils will play on Friday. The first time these teams met, it was a defensive slugfest, finishing regulation tied 13-13 and 19-13 after two overtimes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This time, Maiden will want to get <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1122961' first='Shannon' last='Wingate Jr'].</strong> going on the ground. The senior averaged over 125 yards a game, but was held to a season-low 10 yards the last time these teams played. Don't expect that to happen again. Quarterback <strong>Grant Lawing</strong> and receiver <strong>Hampton Reed</strong> also failed to hook up in that game, as Reed was held to a season-low 25 receiving yards. Again, I don't expect that to happen twice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The stars last time were <strong>Kayahjae Smyre</strong>, who was huge in all three phases, and <strong>Javien Seagle</strong>, who had 120 receiving yards. If one of those guys can have another big game, while the other Blue Devil stars get going, they'll have a chance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense held Newton-Conover quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1715222' first='Camden' last='Ezzard']</strong> in check, as his 52 passing yards and 31 rushing yards were <em>both</em> season lows. The Newton-Conover receiving trio of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1644394' first='Tim' last='Mehalic']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='590094' first='Amari' last='Coulter']</strong>, and <strong>Naiym Robinson</strong> is among the best in the class. On the other side, Reed against Mehalic and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1645029' first='Gavin' last='Cook']</strong> is one of the matchups of the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If Maiden wins, they'll have earned it, as I like both of these teams quite a bit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">West Davidson (3A West No. 12)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Davidson is quietly putting together an impressive season in a wide-open 3A. The Dragons have won six straight games, including a 31-21 win last week in a rematch of a game they lost in the regular season against No. 5 Providence Grove.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense is on a fantastic stretch right now, behind leading tackler <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1429539' first='Cooper' last='Moore']</strong> and a strong pass-rush led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570183' first='Isaiah' last='Leonard']</strong>. Quarterback <strong>Carson Correll</strong> has played the best ball of his career during the winning streak, accounting for 19 total touchdowns and just three turnovers in his last six games. A true dual-threat, he's gone over 100 rushing yards in four of his last five games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They'll face a No. 4 North Stanly team that has lived on the edge this season, going 4-0 in one-score games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1969750' first='Demetrius' last='Brooks']</strong> has been one of the top 2029 backs in the state this season, running for nearly 800 yards. <strong>Maddox Cody</strong>, <strong>Maddox Lowder</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600483' first='Juice' last='Lilly']</strong> have formed quite the defensive trio, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670826' first='Jaden' last='Little']</strong> leads the pass-rush.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Expect this one to be low-scoring and close in the fourth quarter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wilson Prep (1A East No. 4)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a game that could ultimately determine the winner of the 1A State Championship, Wilson Prep (6-5) goes on the road to take on undefeated KIPP Pride (11-0).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There was no scenario in which Wilson Prep was ever going to be a top seed in the playoffs, given the Tigers' schedule. They scheduled up as often as possible, playing five higher-classification teams that are still in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unsurprisingly, both of these teams will try to pound the rock. Wilson Prep QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2060060' first='Travon' last='Usher']</strong> leads all rushers in this game with over 1,500 yards on the season. <strong>Ethan Nelson</strong> is the second-leading rusher, the leading receiver, and the leading tackler for the Tigers, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580029' first='Nazir' last='Vines']</strong> plays everywhere on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zach Cannady</strong> emerged as an immediate freshman star with 12 sacks, while two-way lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1659584' first='Reginald' last='Holmes']</strong> adds size to both lines of scrimmage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>KIPP Pride is one of the few 1A teams with the firepower to match Wilson Prep, as quarterback Ge'eary Johnson has one of the best arms in the state, and running back duo <strong>Josiah Esperance</strong> and <strong>Tamaues Person</strong> each went over 1,000 yards on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This could be a shootout, and the winner has to feel good about its chances to win two more to take home the state title.</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><br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->