Round 2 of the Playoffs Top Performers: Carolina Recruits 910-252

Round 2 of the North Carolina High School Football Playoffs delivered everything you'd expect from November football — physical matchups, breakout performances, and stars rising when it mattered most. Across the 910 and 252, some of the state's most electric playmakers took center stage, stacking up massive stat lines and carrying their programs one step closer to postseason glory. From dominant ground games to defensive walls and primetime quarterback play, these were the top performers who defined Round 2 and kept their championship hopes alive.    Eli Avant, Senior QB, James Kenan – Avant reminded everyone why he's the heartbeat of the Tigers' offense with a commanding Round 2 performance. Even as the starting quarterback, he played like a true dual-threat weapon, torching the defense for 138 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, and adding a 45-yard strike through the air for another score. His ability to control the game with both his legs and his arm kept the chains moving, the pressure on the defense constant, and James Kenan firmly in command. A tough, poised, big-moment leader — Avant delivered when it mattered most.     Hall was the definition of a two-way warrior in Round 2, impacting the game every time he stepped on the field. Offensively, he powered the Tigers' run attack with 105 yards and a touchdown, setting the tone with his physical, downhill style. But his defensive performance was just as impressive — Hall racked up 12 tackles and 2 tackles for loss, flying around the field and shutting down key plays in space. His toughness, motor, and versatility were on full display, and James Kenan absolutely leaned on his all-around dominance to punch their ticket to the next round.       BJ Gardner, Senior QB, Farmville Central – Gardner once again proved why he's one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the 252. The senior put together a complete performance, piling up 244 total yards while accounting for four touchdowns. Whether extending plays, attacking downhill as a runner, or delivering timely throws, Gardner kept the defense guessing all night long. His command of the offense and ability to finish drives were major keys in Farmville Central's playoff push, and his Round 2 showing reaffirmed his status as a true leader and playmaker for the Jaguars.     ZyQuan Murphy, Senior RB, Pender – Murphy delivered one of the most explosive performances of Round 2, putting the Patriots on his back with a monster outing. The senior gashed the defense for 197 rushing yards and found the end zone four times, showcasing his blend of vision, burst, and pure toughness. Every time Pender needed a spark, Murphy answered with a big run or a momentum-shifting score. He ran with purpose, controlled the pace of the game, and set the tone for the entire offense. A true playoff performer, Murphy was unstoppable from start to finish.       Ishman continues to prove he's one of the most polished and productive quarterbacks in the state, turning in another elite postseason performance. The junior carved up the defense with 322 passing yards, showing complete command of the offense and pinpoint accuracy from start to finish. He added four touchdowns, spreading the ball around and hitting big plays in stride while keeping Northeastern's attack explosive and efficient. Calm, confident, and in total rhythm, Ishman's Round 2 outing further solidified his status as a premier signal-caller in the 252.       Harris was nothing short of unstoppable in Round 2, dominating the game in all three phases and proving why he's one of the toughest seniors in the 252. Offensively, he exploded for 183 yards and four touchdowns, running with power, balance, and a relentless motor that Northside leaned on all night long. But his impact didn't stop there — Harris was a force on defense as well, piling up 14 tackles and flying to the football on every drive. His versatility, toughness, and ability to take over a game were on full display, making him one of the most complete and impactful players of the entire round. A true monster on both sides of the ball.     Harris was nothing short of unstoppable in Round 2, dominating the game in all three phases and proving why he's one of the toughest seniors in the 252. Offensively, he exploded for 183 yards and four touchdowns, running with power, balance, and a relentless motor that Northside leaned on all night long. But his impact didn't stop there — Harris was a force on defense as well, piling up 14 tackles and flying to the football on every drive. His versatility, toughness, and ability to take over a game were on full display, making him one of the most complete and impactful players of the entire round. A true monster on both sides of the ball.     Lyons continued his strong postseason surge with another highly productive outing in Round 2. The junior powered the Firebirds' ground attack with 150 rushing yards and three touchdowns, running with patience, balance, and that trademark Southern Nash physicality. Every time the offense needed a momentum play, Lyons delivered — breaking tackles, extending drives, and wearing down the defense snap after snap. He's emerging as one of the key engines of this playoff run, and his Round 2 performance was a statement of just how valuable he is to this team.     The super freshman lived up to every bit of his growing reputation in Round 2, putting together a breakout performance that felt like the arrival of a future star. Jones erupted for 226 rushing yards on 34 carries and punched in 2 touchdowns, showing incredible maturity, toughness, and vision for a ninth grader. He handled a true workhorse load, ran through contact, and kept the chains moving all night long. With performances like this on the playoff stage, Jones is proving he's not just a young talent — he's already one of the most impactful players in the 910.     McBryde delivered one of the most dominant playoff performances anywhere in the state, putting St. Pauls on his back in Round 2 with a truly jaw-dropping outing. The senior exploded for 382 rushing yards on 19 carries and five touchdowns, running with a blend of power, breakaway speed, and precision that the defense simply had no answer for. Every touch felt like a home-run threat, and every big moment seemed to flow through him. McBryde's combination of efficiency and explosiveness was unreal, and his performance firmly stamped him as one of the premier backs in the 910 — and one of the biggest playoff game-breakers of the week.     The super freshman delivered a legendary postseason performance, one that will be talked about in Scotland County for years to come. McLean erupted for 276 rushing yards and an unbelievable seven touchdowns, showcasing rare burst, elite balance, and the kind of fearlessness you just don't see in most first-year players. Every time he touched the ball, he changed the game — slipping tackles, exploding through lanes, and finishing runs with authority. With the season on the line, McLean didn't just rise to the moment…he owned it. A true breakout star in the 910 and one of the most electrifying young talents in the entire state.

Round 2 of the North Carolina High School Football Playoffs delivered everything you'd expect from November football — physical matchups, breakout performances, and stars rising when it mattered most. Across the 910 and 252, some of the state's most electric playmakers took center stage, stacking up massive stat lines and carrying their programs one step closer to postseason glory. From dominant ground games to defensive walls and primetime quarterback play, these were the top performers who defined Round 2 and kept their championship hopes alive.