Round 2 of the Playoffs: Offensive Players to Watch

Round 2 is here, and the brightest stars in the state are stepping into the spotlight once again. These offenses have been powered all season long by elite playmakers—quarterbacks with ice in their veins, running backs who can take over a game, and receivers who flip the scoreboard every time they touch the ball. When the lights get brighter, the great ones answer, and these athletes have been the engines behind their team's playoff push from Week 1 to tonight. Expect momentum-shifting plays, explosive drives, and the kind of performances that define November football.    [player_tooltip player_id='1925414' first='Jeremiah' last='Hall'] has been the heartbeat of James Kenan's offense all season long, and Round 2 puts him right back in the center of another fierce rivalry showdown. Just two weeks ago, Hall delivered one of his best outings in a 28–21 win over Wallace-Rose Hill—a performance that showcased exactly why he's considered one of the most dynamic senior quarterbacks in the region. Whether it's extending plays with his legs, attacking space as a true dual-threat, or making smart reads in the RPO game, Hall has consistently shown maturity and total command of the offense.   Tonight, he'll need to elevate his game even further. Wallace-Rose Hill adjusts fast, hits hard, and rarely loses to the same team twice without a fight. That puts even more weight on Hall's shoulders—but that's exactly where James Kenan wants it. The ball runs through him on nearly every snap, and his decision-making has been elite all year. If the Tigers are going to advance, it will likely be because Hall once again sets the tone, controls the pace, and delivers another signature playoff performance.     When the playoffs roll around, stars either fade or they rise—and Jamarae “Bubba” Lamb has been rising all year. The senior D1-caliber running back has been a nightmare for defenses, averaging over 200 rushing yards per game and punishing anyone brave enough to tackle him in the open field. Wallace-Rose Hill fell late in the regular season to James Kenan, and Lamb has been circling this rematch from the moment the clock hit zero. Now he gets his chance to avenge that loss on the biggest stage of their season so far.   If Wallace-Rose Hill wants to flip the script, it starts and ends with Bubba. He's the tone-setter, the momentum-shifter, the player who can turn a 3-yard dive into a 60-yard sprint with one cut. And in a win-or-go-home game where every drive matters, he knows his team needs more than just a good night—they need one of his signature 300+ yard, take-the-game-over performances. The ball will be in his hands early and often, and if he gets rolling downhill, Wallace-Rose Hill can absolutely rewrite the story from two weeks ago.     One of the brightest young stars in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='1687440' first='Wesley' last='Tew'] has been nothing short of sensational in his sophomore campaign. Averaging over 150 rushing yards per game, Tew has become the backbone of Midway's offense and a major reason the Raiders are still standing in November. His combination of patience, burst, and underrated strength allows him to wear down defenses, and he consistently delivers big-play production well beyond his age.   Tonight, he and Midway face one of their toughest tests yet—a Kinston squad with a high-powered offense that can put up points in a hurry. To keep pace, Midway will almost certainly need 40+ touches from their young workhorse, and Tew has repeatedly shown he can handle that type of load. He's got the skill, stamina, and competitive edge to control the tempo and keep the ball out of Kinston's explosive hands. If Midway pulls off the upset, it'll likely be because [player_tooltip player_id='1687440' first='Wesley' last='Tew'] delivered another breakout, statement-making performance on the playoff stage.     Duncan Parker has already cemented his name in Seaforth history, guiding the program to its first-ever playoff win last week. Now the journey continues—this time on an even longer road trip down to Croatan, where the stakes get higher and the margin for error gets thinner. But if there's one constant for Seaforth this season, it's Parker.   With 34 total touchdowns, he's been the spark, the stabilizer, and the unquestioned leader of this offense. Parker has shown he can beat you multiple ways—pushing the ball downfield with confidence, extending plays when protection breaks down, and finishing drives with the kind of composure you expect from a seasoned playoff veteran. His ability to stay poised and deliver big-time plays has transformed Seaforth from a promising roster into a legitimate postseason threat.   If Seaforth is going to keep this historic run alive, it will be because Parker once again rises to the moment. His playmaking, leadership, and relentless competitiveness give Seaforth a real chance to walk out of Croatan with another chapter added to the storybook season.     If there's one word to describe [player_tooltip player_id='1705645' first='Andrew' last='Boucher']'s season, it's explosive. The Croatan workhorse has been on an absolute tear, averaging 124 rushing yards per game and punching in an eye-popping 27 touchdowns. He's the definition of a downhill, punishing back—one who gets stronger as the game goes on and forces defenses to make business decisions for four straight quarters.   As Seaforth rolls into town fresh off its first-ever playoff win, Boucher becomes the ultimate tone-setter for Croatan. When he's rolling, the entire offense opens up, the clock becomes Croatan's best friend, and opposing teams quickly realize they're in for a long night. His vision and balance allow him to slip through tight spaces, and once he gets into the second level, he finishes runs with authority.   If Croatan is going to hold serve at home and slow down the momentum Duncan Parker and Seaforth bring into the matchup, it will almost certainly be because [player_tooltip player_id='1705645' first='Andrew' last='Boucher'] does what he's done all season—control the tempo, score in bunches, and put the offense on his back. Croatan's path to Round 3 runs straight through No. 27.     There hasn't been a more dominant wideout in North Carolina this season than [player_tooltip player_id='1368098' first='Tyreek' last='Copper'], and the numbers back it up. Averaging a jaw-dropping 150 receiving yards per game with 24 touchdowns, Copper has been the ultimate matchup nightmare—too fast for safeties, too polished for corners, and too explosive for anyone to cover 1-on-1. Week after week, he's proven why NC State locked him up early, and why he's widely viewed as the best wide receiver in the state this season.   Kinston hits the road to Midway in what's shaping up to be a shootout between two high-powered offenses. That's exactly the type of environment where Copper thrives. When the scoreboard starts moving, he becomes even more dangerous—turning routine catches into house calls and flipping momentum with a single play. Kinston's offense already flows through him, but tonight they may lean on him even more as Midway's ground game tries to control the pace.   If this turns into the track meet everyone expects, [player_tooltip player_id='1368098' first='Tyreek' last='Copper'] has the game-breaking ability to take over and tilt the entire matchup Kinston's way. When he's locked in, nobody in the state has shown they can slow him down.     Few players in the state can flip a game as fast as [player_tooltip player_id='1709591' first='Yoshua' last='McBryde']. The Elon-committed all-purpose back has been a nightmare for defenses all season long, racking up over 150 yards per game and finding the end zone 21 times. His versatility is what makes him elite—he can gash you between the tackles, bounce outside with burst, or catch a swing pass and take it 60 yards before a defender even lays a hand on him.   McBryde is the definition of anywhere-on-the-field scoring threat. Every touch is a potential touchdown, and defensive coordinators spend entire weeks trying to figure out how to keep him from blowing the game open in one play. Very few succeed.   As St. Pauls enters Round 2, McBryde becomes the ultimate X-factor. When he gets downhill, the offense becomes nearly unstoppable. When he gets in space, it's usually six points. And when the lights get brighter—like tonight—he has a history of finding another gear.   If St. Pauls is going to keep their playoff push alive, expect Elon's future weapon to be at the center of everything. McBryde has the ability and the firepower to take this one over.     There might not be a more battle-tested signal caller in this round than [player_tooltip player_id='870217' first='Tanner' last='Payne'], and he's earned every bit of that reputation. The Elon-bound quarterback has been putting on a clinic all season, shredding defenses with his arm talent, pocket poise, and ability to make tight-window throws look routine. When the game speeds up, Payne slows it down—reading coverages, manipulating safeties, and delivering strikes to every level of the field.   This week, he faces one of the toughest challenges of the bracket: a heavy-favored St. Pauls squad with athletes all over the defensive side. That's exactly the type of stage Payne has thrived on all year. If his team is going to pull off the upset, it'll require another elite, high-level performance from their leader under center.   Payne has the composure, the arm strength, and the competitive fire to keep his team in any game, no matter the opponent. And if he gets rolling early—hitting explosives, moving chains, and keeping McBryde off the field—this matchup could get very interesting. For his team to advance, [player_tooltip player_id='870217' first='Tanner' last='Payne'] must once again be the best version of himself… and he's shown all year he's capable of exactly that.     Ever since he burst onto the scene as a freshman, [player_tooltip player_id='1084981' first='Karvin' last='Magwood'] has been the big-play engine for New Bern's offense. Now in his junior season, he's elevated his game even further—racking up 17 touchdowns and once again proving he's one of the most dangerous runners in Eastern North Carolina. Magwood brings that perfect mix of power, patience, and home-run ability, and when New Bern needs a spark, he's always the first call.   This week, the Bears hit the road for a tough matchup against Southeast Raleigh, one of the most physical defenses they'll see all year. It's a major test—but Magwood has never been one to shy away from the spotlight. If New Bern wants to control the game, quiet the home crowd, and punch their ticket to Round 3, they'll need Magwood to be the difference-maker he's been since day one.   Expect a heavy dose of No. 3. If he finds rhythm early, New Bern's entire offense opens up—and suddenly that road environment won't feel so tough after all.     In a region loaded with talent, [player_tooltip player_id='378921' first='Christian' last='Freeman'] has still managed to separate himself as one of the top backs in the entire 919 this season. A former NC State commit with Power-4 athleticism written all over him, Freeman is the kind of player who stands out the moment the ball touches his hands. His combination of route-running polish, top-end speed, and brute power makes him one of the most complete offensive weapons in the state—capable of lining up anywhere and creating instant problems for a defense.   Freeman isn't just explosive—he's unpredictable. He can take a swing pass 60 yards, lower his shoulder for the tough yards inside, or run a crisp route and win like a wide receiver. That versatility has made him the centerpiece of Southeast Raleigh's offensive identity all season long.   As the Bulldogs prepare for a massive Round 2 clash with New Bern, Freeman becomes the unquestioned X-factor. If Southeast Raleigh plans to defend their home turf and advance, Freeman will need to have one of those signature “big-time player” performances—the kind he's delivered over and over this year. When he's rolling, he changes the entire feel of a game, and Southeast Raleigh will look to unleash him early and often.     When Richmond Senior needed a late-season spark, Evan Hodges delivered—and he hasn't slowed down since. With 26 total touchdowns and some of his best football coming down the stretch, Hodges has transformed into one of the most reliable and steady playmakers in the east. He commands the Raiders' offense with confidence, distributes the ball with precision, and has become the calming presence that keeps this group rolling.   Tonight, Richmond Senior welcomes an unfamiliar opponent from the West in Porter Ridge, a program known for physical defense and disciplined football. That's exactly why Hodges' consistency and poise matter so much. He doesn't force the ball, he doesn't panic under pressure, and he has shown time and time again that he can take what the defense gives and still find explosive plays.   If the Raiders are going to protect home turf and punch their ticket to Round 3, expect Hodges to be at the center of it. His decision-making, leadership, and late-season momentum make him the type of quarterback who can guide Richmond through a tough matchup and deliver yet another playoff win.     One of the most gifted pass-catchers in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='1600209' first='Raishawn' last='Elmore'] has played himself firmly into the conversation as a Top 10 WR—and honestly, he might still be underrated. With over 20 touchdowns this season, Elmore has been nothing short of dominant, torching secondaries with elite burst, clean route running, and the kind of body control you only see from true playmakers.   He's the receiver every defensive coordinator circles first… and still struggles to contain. Elmore can win vertically, attack space after the catch, or bully defenders on contested balls. No matter how he's used, he finds a way to make game-changing plays.   As Richmond prepares for their second-round test against Porter Ridge, Elmore becomes one of the biggest problems on the field. If he starts cooking early, the Raiders' offense becomes nearly impossible to slow down. Expect him to draw attention, command bracket coverage, and still find ways to impact the game—because that's what elite receivers do.   Stopping him? Easier said than done.     When you talk about the identity of Jack Britt football, [player_tooltip player_id='1855413' first='Eric' last='Payne'] III is right at the center of it. He has been the steady, reliable force in the Buccaneers' powerful ground attack all season, providing the consistency and toughness that keeps their offense on schedule. Payne runs with purpose—downhill, decisive, and always falling forward—and his ability to churn out hard yards has been a major part of Britt's playoff push.   Tonight, the Buccaneers host a critical home playoff game, and Payne's impact will be more important than ever. In playoff football, the margins shrink, possessions matter, and running the ball becomes the difference between moving on or going home. That's where Payne thrives. If he gets into rhythm early—controlling the tempo, keeping drives alive, and wearing down the defense—the Buccaneers can dictate the entire flow of the game.   For Jack Britt to protect home turf and advance, [player_tooltip player_id='1855413' first='Eric' last='Payne'] III will need to be the tone-setter he's been all year. And if history is any indicator, he's built for this moment.     Don't let the numbers fool you—[player_tooltip player_id='1616211' first='Draeton' last='Nance'] is far more explosive than his stat line ever shows. The young Class of '28 quarterback has a gear, a confidence, and a playmaking streak that shows up when Davie County needs it most. Last Friday, he proved exactly that by leading his squad to a big playoff win, stepping up under pressure and showing a maturity beyond his age.   Nance brings dual-threat qualities that can frustrate defenses all night long. He can escape the pocket, extend plays, and turn broken situations into chunk gains. And when he settles in as a passer, his timing and touch give Davie an added dimension that defenses can't ignore.   Tonight, facing a tough and physical Jack Britt team, Nance becomes a legitimate problem. If he starts finding rhythm—especially with his ability to improvise—Davie County can absolutely push the Bucs and make this matchup far more interesting than people expect.   He's young, he's dynamic, and he's dangerous. [player_tooltip player_id='1616211' first='Draeton' last='Nance'] could be the toughest out Jack Britt sees all night.     Carolina Recruits POTY & Mr. 6A Soloman Award Winner**   When you talk about elite quarterbacks in North Carolina, the conversation starts with [player_tooltip player_id='1851677' first='Jacob' last='Moore']. The Carolina Recruits Player of the Year and Mr. 6A Soloman Award winner has been Superman for Terry Sanford all season long—putting the team on his back, delivering clutch performances, and elevating everyone around him week after week. There hasn't been a moment too big or a stage too bright for Moore, and tonight will be no different.   Terry Sanford heads into a massive Round 2 showdown with Scotland County, the same place where they suffered their last loss of the season. That game came down to late turnovers, missed opportunities, and moments where things slipped away. But with Moore at the controls, that script can flip quickly. He has the poise, the arm talent, and the leadership to steady the offense, protect the football, and turn those mistakes into momentum instead.   For Terry Sanford to advance, they'll once again need Moore to be the best player on the field—the playmaker who makes smart reads, extends plays, and punishes defenses for every mistake. When he's locked in, he changes the outcome of games by himself. If he takes care of the ball and dictates the tempo, tonight's result in Scotland County could look very different from the last trip.   Expect [player_tooltip player_id='1851677' first='Jacob' last='Moore'] to be the engine, the heartbeat, and the difference-maker Terry Sanford leans on once again.     Every once in a while, a player arrives who doesn't just contribute—he changes the trajectory of a program. For Scotland County, that player is [player_tooltip player_id='1858055' first='Mike' last='McLean'], the freshman phenom already holding a UNC offer and already playing beyond his years. Tonight, he steps onto a playoff stage with a chance to run his way straight into Fighting Scots folklore.   With Scotland losing their starting running back late in the season, the responsibility of carrying the offense now falls directly on the shoulders of the super-freshman. And if there's anyone built for that moment, it's Mike Mike. His footwork, burst, balance, and natural instinct make him one of the most electrifying young backs in the state—someone who can flip a game with a single crease or turn a routine handoff into a momentum-swinging sprint.   This is the type of night where legends are born. This is the type of moment where new eras begin.   If McLean delivers—as he's shown he's fully capable of—Scotland County's playoff run could take on an entirely new energy. Tonight is not just another game for him. It's the perfect platform to showcase what the next three seasons are going to look like in the 910: a rising superstar, a new offensive identity, and the origin story of the next great Fighting Scots playmaker.   The new era starts now.     For all the explosive weapons Seventy-First puts on the field, everything starts with [player_tooltip player_id='1346327' first='Jayson' last='Franklin']. The USF commit has been the Falcons' most consistent offensive force, a true tone-setter who brings the perfect blend of speed, strength, efficiency, and reliability. When Franklin gets rolling, the entire offense opens up—defenses wear down, the box softens, and suddenly all those other 71st playmakers start getting one-on-one chances.   Franklin is the guy who beats a defense up first. Then everyone else eats.   In tough matchups, the Falcons don't hesitate—they lean on No. 2. He's the steady heartbeat of the offense, the player who turns 2nd-and-8 into 3rd-and-2, the runner who finishes through contact, and the leader who brings a calm, veteran presence every time the ball is snapped.   And tonight carries even more weight. This could be the final home game of his storied career.   Expect Franklin to run with purpose, with emotion, and with that extra edge great players show when the moment calls for it. He has been the standard for the Falcons' offense for years, and if Seventy-First is going to keep their playoff run alive, Franklin will make sure this night becomes a memorable chapter in his legacy.     If South Johnston wants to shock the state tonight, the path runs straight through [player_tooltip player_id='1660478' first='Holt' last='Langston']. With 22 touchdowns on the season, Langston has been the Trojans' ultimate workhorse—tough, reliable, and relentless from Week 1 to now. He's the kind of back who gets stronger the more touches he gets, and when the offense needs someone to settle the moment or spark momentum, he's the first name called.   But tonight is different. Tonight, South Johnston walks into a matchup with Seventy-First, one of the most complete teams in the state—and to pull off the upset, Langston will need the game of his life. He'll have to punish the defense early, break tackles, extend drives, and create those explosive runs that quiet the crowd and flip the pressure.   He's capable. He's produced all year. And he has the competitive edge to rise when everything is on the line.   If South Johnston stays in this one late, it'll be because [player_tooltip player_id='1660478' first='Holt' last='Langston'] delivered a career night and put the Trojans on his back when it mattered most.     When Hobbton needs a playmaker, they turn to Reginald Thompson. The junior ATH has been the engine of the Wildcats' offense all year long, piling up 12 touchdowns and impacting the game from multiple spots on the field. He's versatile, he's tough, and he brings that big-play spark that can flip momentum in an instant.   Tonight, Hobbton faces a gritty Lakewood squad that thrives on physical defense and disciplined football. That means Thompson's role grows even bigger. They'll need his ability to break contain, stretch the field, and make defenders miss in space. Whether he's taking snaps, lining up out wide, or attacking from the backfield, Thompson's explosiveness is what gives Hobbton their best chance to advance.   For the Wildcats to pull off the win, Reginald Thompson will have to be the difference-maker once again—the athlete who steps up under pressure and delivers another big-game performance when his team needs it most.     If there's one player Lakewood can count on to set the tone, it's [player_tooltip player_id='1106564' first='Calvin' last='Lacewell']. The junior running back has been a monster all season, racking up 10 touchdowns and establishing himself as the Lions' most dependable offensive weapon. He runs with purpose—downhill, physical, and with the kind of balance that makes him a nightmare to bring down in space.   Tonight's matchup adds even more intensity: a crosstown rivalry showdown with Hobbton in the playoffs.   Games like this demand stars to shine, and Lacewell has been that dude all year. For Lakewood to control the pace, win the trenches, and keep Hobbton's playmakers off the field, Lacewell will need to deliver one of his signature performances—those tough, bruising drives that wear a defense down and open the entire offense.   If Lakewood walks out with a rivalry win and a ticket to the next round, you can bet [player_tooltip player_id='1106564' first='Calvin' last='Lacewell'] played a huge role in making it happen.

Round 2 is here, and the brightest stars in the state are stepping into the spotlight once again. These offenses have been powered all season long by elite playmakers—quarterbacks with ice in their veins, running backs who can take over a game, and receivers who flip the scoreboard every time they touch the ball. When the lights get brighter, the great ones answer, and these athletes have been the engines behind their team's playoff push from Week 1 to tonight. Expect momentum-shifting plays, explosive drives, and the kind of performances that define November football.