6A Regional Finals Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The regional finals are set, and we're previewing all 12 games this week. With 6A, one of the only classifications not to move one of its games to Thursday, I saved this preview for last.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Missed our other Regional Finals pieces?&nbsp;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/2025/12/3a-regional-finals-preview/">3A</a></em><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/4a-regional-finals-preview/"><em>4A</em></a><br><em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/5a-regional-finals-preview/">5A</a></em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/4a-regional-finals-preview/"><br></a><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">6A 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='1844312' first='Jackson' last='Henry']</strong>, LB, Jacksonville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1895409' first='Amari' last='Pearson']</strong>, RB, Jacksonville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1844273' first='SaRonn' last='Thompson']</strong>, WR, Jacksonville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='887866' first='Domonic' last='Williams Jr'].</strong>, DB, Jacksonville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nehemiah Thompson</strong>, LB, Jacksonville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2063433' first='Anthony' last='Washington'] </strong>, Ath. Jacksonville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1328747' first='Lex' last='Sevilla']</strong>, QB, Middle Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1663952' first='Davis' last='Prichard']</strong>, Edge, Middle Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1880228' first='Honor' last='Paxton']</strong>, DB/LB, Middle Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809409' first='Cullen' last='Hunt']</strong>, DL, Middle Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1663791' first='Tracy' last='Harrington Jr.']</strong>, WR, Middle Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1658593' first='Jayden' last='Spencer']</strong>, RB, Middle Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ezra Jobe</strong>, Ath., Middle Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604115' first='James' last='Han']</strong>, OL, Middle Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607063' first='Cody' last='Wicker']</strong>, LB, Middle Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1880897' first='Stanley' last='Petrovich']</strong>, OL, Middle Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1880225' first='Connor' last='Smith']</strong>, LB, Middle Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">No. 3 Middle Creek @ No. 1 Jacksonville</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle Creek has the most future college talent in this one, but it's the Jacksonville Cardinals who are widely considered the favorites. The undefeated Cardinals haven't cruised in the playoffs, though, narrowly escaping Scotland County two weeks ago. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I actually predicted Middle Creek to get to this point when <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/11/contender-profile-middle-creek-mustangs/">I previewed them as true state title contenders</a> before the playoffs. But, I've also been up front that Jacksonville has been the favorite all season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What I did not predict is that Middle Creek quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1328747' first='Lex' last='Sevilla']</strong> would play <em>this</em> well in the playoffs. After setting a career-high in rushing in Middle Creek's first playoff game, Sevilla threw for a career-high 342 yards in a narrow win against Southern Alamance. He followed it up by breaking that mark with 343 yards last week against Northern Nash.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In three career playoff starts, Sevilla has totaled over 1,000 yards and eight total touchdowns. If that continues, I'm inclined to think the Mustangs will have a chance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the flip side, Jacksonville wants to ride Pearson and Washington, but it's not a "three yards and a cloud of dust" offense. The Cardinals hunt explosives in the running game. These Middle Creek linebackers need to keep gap integrity or risk giving up huge plays on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ultimately, I think Jacksonville can wear down a strong Middle Creek defense and win late. However, if Sevilla continues his elite play, Middle Creek can pull off an upset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6A 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='1868481' first='Evan' last='Burroughs']</strong>, WR, Watauga</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1895140' first='Cade' last='Keller']</strong>, QB, Watauga</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nyle Peays</strong>, WR, Watauga</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2074876' first='John' last='Wilson Mills']</strong>, LB, Watauga</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='657710' first='Jaxson' last='Kemp']</strong>, QB, Northern Guilford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671837' first='Bobby' last='Bah']</strong>, DB, Northern Guilford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1127879' first='Charlie' last='Griffin']</strong>, DL, Northern Guilford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1301239' first='Amare' last='Akers']</strong>, RB, Northern Guilford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2074882' first='Chance' last='Crews']</strong>, LB/DB, Northern Guilford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2074879' first='Lucas' last='Hilliard']</strong>, DB, Northern Guilford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">No. 2 Northern Guilford @ No. 1 Watauga</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I initially predicted Watauga would waltz through the western side of the 6A bracket, but they had to survive back-to-back close calls against Charlotte Catholic and Sun Valley. It's a balanced offense comprised of short throws and a diverse rushing attack. There are a ton of moving parts, led by receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1868481' first='Evan' last='Burroughs']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Does Northern Guilford have the front seven to disrupt the running game? I like the matchup in the secondary and think the Nighthawks can make some plays against the pass. The question is how often Watauga has to push the ball down the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, Northern Guilford is more run-heavy with an explosive element to the passing game. Both of the primary receivers can stretch the defense, opening lanes underneath for Akers to run through.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I like Watauga in another close one, as I think Keller could have a nice game as a runner, something that could be the difference in the cold.</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.&nbsp;<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&nbsp;<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 -->