3A Regional Finals Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The regional finals are set, and we're previewing all 12 games this week. The 3A class has been crazy, with three of the final four being eight-seeds or lower. Every remaining team has a shot, but which will advance?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Missed our other Regional Finals pieces? Check them out:</em><br><em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/2a-regional-finals-preview/">2A</a></em><br><em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/7a-regional-finals-preview/">7A</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3A Regional Finals Preview: East</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top Prospects</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1925414' first='Jeremiah' last='Hall']</strong>, RB, James Kenan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2072606' first='CJ' last='Hill']</strong>, RB/WR, James Kenan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2072610' first='David' last='Zeleya']</strong>, DB, James Kenan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2072612' first='Cal' last='Avent']</strong>, Edge, James Kenan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368098' first='Tyreek' last='Copper']</strong>, WR, Kinston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1539536' first='Brennan' last='Chambers']</strong>, WR, Kinston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1337049' first='Tyler' last='Jones']</strong>, QB, Kinston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2047969' first='Jemorris' last='Poole']</strong>, DB, Kinston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">No. 14 Kinston @ No. 1 James Kenan</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you've read anything I've written about the 3A class, it won't surprise you when I say that Kinston isn't your typical 14 seed. The Vikings lost a few close games out of conference, but since mid-October, their only loss was by seven points to Tarboro, arguably the best team in the lower classifications.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The passing attack is potent, with Copper leading the state in receiving by a wide margin and Chambers performing as a No. 2 option, putting up numbers that look more like a No. 1 receiver. Jones should eclipse 4,000 yards this week, as Copper should go over 2,000, and Chambers could hit 1,000.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James Kenan has torn through 3A competition, losing only to 5A Southern Nash by two points early in the year. The Tigers are fresh off two wins against two of Kinston's conference members, Farmville Central and Ayden-Grifton. It's worth noting that each of those teams reached 25 points against the Tigers for the first time since Southern Nash did it in early September.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a very different matchup, as Kenan faces a pass-first offense for the first time all season. That's the question. If James Kenan's strong run-defenders in the secondary can hold up in coverage, they should have enough offensively to win. But, if Kinston can turn this into a true shootout, I think I like the Vikings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3A Regional Finals Preview: West</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top Prospects</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1678635' first='Jalaythan' last='Mayfield']</strong>, LB, Lincolnton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1678610' first='Rashad' last='Lynch']</strong>, QB, Lincolnton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1421082' first='RJ' last='Lynch']</strong>, Ath., Lincolnton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nehemiah Thompson</strong>, RB/DB, Lincolnton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trashad Lineberger</strong>, Ath., Lincolnton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1099168' first='Lan' last='Farmer']</strong>, QB, Shelby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1624476' first='Jayden' last='Williams']</strong>, DB, Shelby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Noah Gartner</strong>, Edge, Shelby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1620648' first='Brett' last='Morgan']</strong>, LS, Shelby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='483642' first='Immanuel' last='Collins']</strong>, WR, Shelby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2044437' first='JJ' last='Williams']</strong>, WR, Shelby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Landon Hollifield</strong>, LB, Shelby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687745' first='Tee' last='Hollifield']</strong>, OL, Shelby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687752' first='Tyson' last='Williams']</strong>, Edge, Shelby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">No. 10 Shelby @ No. 8 Lincolnton</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The matchup I'm watching here is the matchup between Lincolnton's offensive line and Shelby's defensive line, specifically edge rushers <strong>Noah Gartner</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687752' first='Tyson' last='Williams']</strong>. The Golden Lions excel at getting after the quarterback in pass-heavy offenses, and this game features two of the top four passers in the class, as Farmer and Lynch have combined for over 6,000 yards this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shelby's passing attack is more downfield, while Lincolnton's thrives east and west with the playmakers thriving after the catch. During this playoff run, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1421082' first='RJ' last='Lynch']</strong> has been nearly unstoppable, with six touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other side, the combination of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2044437' first='JJ' last='Williams']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='483642' first='Immanuel' last='Collins']</strong> has been excellent for Shelby. This one may come down to whichever offense can continue to hit big plays in the passing game. Conversely, if one team can generate some pressure, it could limit some of the explosives. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whatever the outcome, I like this as one fo the most fun matchups of the weekend.</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><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->