Round 3 Top Offensive Players to Watch: 910-252

Round 3 of the North Carolina playoffs is here, and with the temperatures dropping, the margin for error becomes razor thin. This is the stage where discipline, efficiency, and execution separate contenders from teams just happy to still be playing. Across the Carolina Recruits region, a handful of offensive stars have already proven they can rise with the stakes — carrying their programs, producing under pressure, and delivering when the lights are brightest. As we enter the deepest part of the postseason, these are the top offensive players to keep an eye on as they look to lead their teams one step closer to December football.    Our #7 ranked running back in Prep Redzone, McDowell-Moore has been able to stay fresh this postseason thanks to Tarboro dominant playoff performances. With the Vikings winning big in back-to-back rounds, his touches have been intentionally limited — but the efficiency and explosiveness haven't gone anywhere. Last game, he touched the ball just four times, yet still ripped off a 68-yard touchdown, reminding everyone exactly why Elon locked him in early. Even in a reduced workload, McDowell-Moore shows elite acceleration, vision, and home-run ability. As the games tighten up in Round 3, expect his usage — and impact — to rise.     One of the most dynamic playmakers in the Carolina Recruits region, Tate once again showed why he's the engine of Hobbton's offense. In their tight matchup with Lakewood, the Wildcats leaned heavily on his elite athleticism and versatility. Tate delivered with 96 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, breaking tackles, creating explosive plays in space, and making the tough yards when his team needed them most. Whether he's lined up in the backfield, at receiver, or creating on the edge, Tate is a true mismatch every time he touches the field — and a key X-factor heading into Round 3.     Schultz continues to emerge as one of the most reliable and productive junior backs in the region. In Manteo's last playoff matchup, he made every touch count, carrying the ball 12 times for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns. His vision, balance, and downhill style make him a true factor back — the type of player who can control the tempo and keep the offense on schedule. As the playoff stage gets tougher and possessions become more valuable, Schultz's consistency and ability to generate chunk plays will be crucial for Manteo's Round 3 push.     Campbell is one of the true heartbeat players of East Bladen's program — a senior leader whose toughness, versatility, and competitive edge set the tone every Friday night. With the Eagles pushing toward a potential regional showdown with powerhouse Tarboro, Campbell's impact has never been more important. Last week, he delivered another strong outing with 81 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, showing his ability to spark the offense and finish drives in pressure moments. Whether he's running with power, creating in space, or providing veteran leadership, Campbell is the type of player who elevates everyone around him. East Bladen will lean heavily on him again in this week's pivotal matchup.     Murphy has Pender playing with real championship confidence right now. The senior has been a steady force all season, but his Round 2 performance showed he's locked in for a deep playoff push. Murphy erupted for nearly 200 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, carrying the offensive load and setting the tone from the opening whistle. His blend of strength, burst, and toughness makes him almost impossible to contain for four quarters. If Pender is going to keep marching toward a title run, Murphy will be the engine driving them every step of the way.     One of the most underrated quarterbacks in the entire state, Ishman continues to silence doubters and elevate Northeastern when the lights are brightest. Last game, the junior put on a clinic with 322 passing yards and 4 touchdowns, showing total command of the offense and the ability to attack every area of the field. His poise, accuracy, and decision-making have been the backbone of Northeastern's success, and he once again has the Eagles positioned for another deep playoff run. As long as Ishman is under center, Northeastern is a legitimate threat to anyone they face.     Jones is the supercharger to the engine of the Hunt offense — the player who turns routine touches into game-breaking moments. The sophomore is already one of the most electric young playmakers in the region, showing the rare ability to score from anywhere on the field. Whether he's slipping tackles, hitting the edge with speed, or fighting through contact for extra yards, Jones brings a toughness and explosiveness that defenses struggle to contain. As Hunt looks to keep advancing, expect Jones to continue being the spark that ignites their entire offense.     Lyons continues to emerge as one of the most dangerous junior playmakers in the region, and his Round 2 performance proved why he's such a matchup nightmare. The Southern Nash standout totaled 150 yards and 3 touchdowns, showcasing his complete versatility. He's a threat to score out of the backfield with his physical, downhill style, but he's just as dangerous in the passing game, where his speed and hands create real problems for defenses. As the Firebirds push deeper into the playoffs, Lyons' ability to impact the game in multiple ways will be a major key to their success.     Howard is peaking at exactly the right time, and it's showing in the way he's carrying Havelock's young offense through the postseason. The senior back powered the Rams with 180+ rushing yards and a touchdown, consistently moving the chains and setting the tone with his physical, disciplined running style. His vision and burst allowed him to control the pace of the game, while his veteran presence provided the steadying force this young unit needs in high-pressure moments. If Havelock is going to make another deep playoff run, Howard is clearly the engine capable of driving them there.     Boucher put together an all-world performance in Round 2, completely taking over Croatan's matchup against Seaforth. The junior back dominated from start to finish, exploding for nearly 200 rushing yards and a remarkable 5 touchdowns. His blend of balance, toughness, and downhill burst made him impossible to slow down, and he consistently delivered momentum-swinging plays whenever Croatan needed a spark. With performances like this on the playoff stage, Boucher is proving he's one of the most dangerous junior backs in the region — and a key reason Croatan is positioned to make real noise in Round 3.     The super freshman continues to rise to the moment, delivering another standout performance to push Northside Jacksonville into Round 3. Jones carried the workload like a seasoned veteran, rushing for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns, showcasing elite toughness, vision, and maturity beyond his age. He handled pressure with poise, kept the offense on schedule, and came through with big-time runs when the Monarchs needed them most. With performances like this on the playoff stage, Jones is proving he's not just the future of the program — he's already one of its most important players right now.     McBryde delivered one of the most jaw-dropping playoff performances in the entire state, powering St. Pauls to an impressive Round 2 victory. The senior was unstoppable, erupting for 382 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, shredding the defense with his trademark blend of speed, strength, and elite efficiency. Every touch felt like a threat to go the distance, and he repeatedly flipped the momentum with explosive runs. McBryde's dominance has St. Pauls looking like a legitimate contender, and his Round 2 masterpiece stands as one of the signature performances of the postseason.     Washington continues to lead undefeated Jacksonville with the poise and command of a true championship-caliber quarterback. In Round 2, he delivered another efficient, winning performance, throwing for 115 yards, adding 45 yards on the ground, and finishing with 4 total touchdowns. His dual-threat ability keeps defenses off balance, but it's his decision-making and leadership that truly elevate the Cardinals. Washington controlled the tempo, protected the football, and capitalized in the red zone — exactly what you expect from a senior leading a deep playoff run. With him at the helm, Jacksonville marches confidently into the 3rd round.     The super freshman delivered a legendary performance in Round 2, erupting for 7 touchdowns — more than he had the entire regular season — and officially announcing himself as one of the brightest young stars in the state. With Scotland County's starting back out for the year, McLean stepped into a full workhorse role and absolutely went off, running with confidence, explosiveness, and the poise of an upperclassman. Every time he touched the ball, he shifted the momentum, finishing runs with power and showing elite playmaking instincts. McLean didn't just fill big shoes… he created his own legacy. Scotland County is still dancing in the playoffs, and “Mike Mike” is a massive reason why.     Franklin continues to show why he's one of the most complete and explosive seniors in the state. The USF commit dominated on offense with 18 carries for 191 yards and 1 touchdown, flashing his signature home-run ability every time he touched the ball. His burst through the hole and acceleration in the open field make him a constant big-play threat, and defenses have to account for him on every snap. And that's just half the story — Franklin also impacts the game on defense at linebacker, bringing physicality and instincts that round out his status as a true two-way force. Seventy-First's playoff run is powered by stars, and Franklin is one of the biggest reasons the Falcons continue to fly.     Eatmon is one of the most dependable and complete junior backs in the region — a true three-down workhorse who can grind out tough yards, move the chains, and finish drives with authority. He runs with power, balance, and a steady motor that wears defenses down over four quarters. Last game, he delivered another classic Eatmon performance, posting 115 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, setting the tone early and controlling the pace throughout. He's the type of back who quietly racks up 120+ yards before you even realize it, and as Northern Nash pushes deeper into the playoffs, his consistency will be one of their biggest strengths.

Round 3 of the North Carolina playoffs is here, and with the temperatures dropping, the margin for error becomes razor thin. This is the stage where discipline, efficiency, and execution separate contenders from teams just happy to still be playing. Across the Carolina Recruits region, a handful of offensive stars have already proven they can rise with the stakes — carrying their programs, producing under pressure, and delivering when the lights are brightest. As we enter the deepest part of the postseason, these are the top offensive players to keep an eye on as they look to lead their teams one step closer to December football.