Which Lower-Classification Teams Can Pull Off Round 2 Upsets?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a bunch of teams earning first-round byes, it felt like Round 1 was a "soft launch" of sorts before the "real" start of the playoffs. Among the more interesting general storylines to watch at this time of year are the potential upsets. Here, we're picking a few teams from the 1A-4A classifications with the talent, and opportunity to pull off an upset. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Potential Lower-Classification Upsets</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For our purposes here, I'm avoiding closely-seeded upsets (Like five-over-four seeds or nine-over-eight seeds). Instead, I'm including only double-digit seeds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">West Iredell (4A West 13 Seed)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors struggled some in a brutal conference, but they have the talent to make a run. It starts with quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616122' first='Ja'Braylan' last='Patterson']</strong> is raw, but has one of the best young arms in the state. When he's on, and the offense stays balanced, the Warriors can beat almost anyone in the 4A class. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1321028' first='Amario' last='Spence']</strong> is a bigger running back with tackle-breaking ability. He's only averaged about 12 carries per game this season, but if the Warriors ride him late, he can wear down a defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense has allowed six total points in three non-conference games, and while they'll face a tough <strong>Pisgah</strong> offense, the Warriors have a legitimate chance to win in Round 2. At its best, the defense is among the best in the state, with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1332232' first='Ex-Avier' last='Peet']</strong> leading the way with nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss and young guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1666512' first='Nolan' last='Martinez']</strong> contributing in the running game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Kinston (3A East 14 Seed)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kinston is one of those teams that were perhaps punished by aggressive scheduling. The Vikings are 7-4 with losses to schools and 2A <strong>Tarboro</strong> (which should never count against a team, in my opinion) by an average of less than seven points. Yet, they're the 14-seeded team in the east, and probably more talented than the majority of teams seeded above them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It starts with the passing game, led by quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1337049' first='Tyler' last='Jones']</strong> and receivers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368098' first='Tyreek' last='Copper']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1539536' first='Brennan' last='Chambers']</strong>, who have combined for 36 touchdown receptions this season. Defensively, they've gotten better as the season has progressed, as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378926' first='Davion' last='Jones']</strong> has gotten consistent pressure and the defensive backs, led by <strong>Jemorris Poole</strong>, have forced a ton of turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings have a difficult test, especially against the run, against No. 3 <strong>Midway</strong>, but don't be surprised if they make a deep playoff run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mountain Island Charter (2A West 14 Seed)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mountain Island loaded its non-conference schedule with bigger schools, but hit its stride in conference play until two close to end the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1394018' first='An'Dre' last='Ramseur Jr'].</strong> is the headliner on offense. He was a receiver last season, but playing quarterback this year and has been a true passing threat, in addition to the obvious athletic threat the sophomore poses. Running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1334109' first='Aamir' last='Gilcreast']</strong> and receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616203' first='Kayden' last='Clark']</strong> have given the Raptors multiple other big-play threats on offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1717339' first='Jason' last='Eaton']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1622591' first='Ethan' last='Cuadra']</strong> have been impressive, combining for 50 tackles for loss and 30 sacks. The Raptors aren't the biggest team, but they have a ton of team speed that can cause issues for the opposition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They'll have a tough matchup against the No. 5 team in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/team-database/?team_name=&amp;class%5B%5D=2A">2A Power Scores</a>, <strong>Alleghany</strong>. The Trojans have a balanced rushing attack and one of the best defenses in 3A, but Mountain Island's team speed makes it a candidate to pull off an upset. </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. <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 <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/11/who-is-the-2025-prznc-player-of-the-year/">PRZNC Player of the Year</a>.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->