Way-Too-Early 2A Top 10

<p>It's never too early to look ahead to the next season or to begin ranking the best teams in the state. It's already mid-March, and the season will be here before you know it. I've been ranking teams in each class, starting with <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/way-too-early-6a-top-10/">6A</a>, then looking at <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/way-too-early-8a-top-10/">8A</a>, then <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/way-too-early-4a-top-10/">4A</a>. Here's my way-too-early 2A Top 10.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Let's Predict the Top 10 2A Teams</h2>   <p>2A was the one class for which I felt comfortable predicting a title-winner last preseason. Unsurprisingly, Tarboro ran all over its competition, and spoiler alert, I have the Vikings ranked first again this year, despite the talent that departs.</p>   <p>Behind the Vikings, though, the 2A class was so fun. A combination of old 1A teams moving up and 2A teams that stayed when the state moved from four to eight classifications, 2A had plenty of close games and Cinderella stories. Ultimately, the top four seeds advanced to the regional finals, but that was never a given. Several teams lose a ton of talent, but other top teams retain the bulk of their production. Can anyone challenge Tarboro? Here's my way-too-early Top 10.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1) Tarboro Vikings</h3>   <p>Look, I know the Vikings lose a lot, especially on offense. But I cannot in good conscience take them out of first without proof. They lose one of the best quarterbacks in modern school history, over 4,000 yards on the ground, and all but two receiving yards. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2092906' first='Carmello' last='Bullock']</strong> anchors the defense, and I think <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2092909' first='Antonio' last='Draughn']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1696871' first='Emmanuel' last='Deberry']</strong> could have breakout seasons.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2) Starmount Rams</h3>   <p>An easy way for a team to show up high on this list is to finish the year 11-2, and then return the bulk of its production. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1908069' first='Ryley' last='Rodriguez']</strong> was the most explosive receiver in the state last year (and a good kicker), while the defensive duo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='451403' first='Cody' last='Hernandez']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2104490' first='Keyvon' last='Propst']</strong> is arguably the best in the class.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3) Corvian Community Cardinals</h3>   <p>In terms of future collegiate talent, the Cardinals are head and shoulders above the rest of the class. The question is always going to be the depth. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2003772' first='Tyson' last='Douglas-Brown']</strong> emerged as a potential star last season, and the Cardinals will dominate the trenches as long as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1353067' first='Jesiah' last='Fields']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607751' first='Nathanael' last='Kamba']</strong> stay healthy.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">4) Murphy Bulldogs</h3>   <p>The biggest question I have about the Bulldogs is whether they can get enough from unproven role players to supplement the efforts of star tailback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1290996' first='Cameron' last='Clem']</strong>. The Bulldogs return the entire rushing attack, including rising junior <strong>Blake Davis</strong>, who averaged over 10 yards per carry last year. Star defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1721126' first='Aayden' last='Williams']</strong> returns, too. They'll be good. Will they be state-title-contender good?</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">5) Warren County Eagles</h3>   <p>Warren County made a deep playoff run last season and returns a decent amount of talent in 2026. Defensive tackle <strong>Mehki Chavis</strong> is one of the best in his class, regardless of position. They'll need <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2148877' first='Amir' last='Gamble']</strong> to continue his offensive efficiency with the inevitable uptick in carries, and I'm interested to see how they manage his load since he's a two-way star.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">6) Community School of Davidson Spartans</h3>   <p>I'm interested to see how CSD navigates non-conference scheduling after an aggressive early-season slate caused the Spartans to fall in playoff seeding and play an early road game at Murphy. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1041542' first='Ty' last='Sigler']</strong> and running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1304566' first='Nixon' last='Willis']</strong> return on what should be a potent offense.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">7) Holmes Aces</h3>   <p>It took the Aces about a month to click, but once they did, the results were fantastic. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2067025' first='Kazzure' last='Downing']</strong> and the Holmes offense ran all over teams down the stretch. A stout defense loses some pass-rushers, but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2148890' first='Jayden' last='Lindsey']</strong> should become an everyday player after flashing as a freshman.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">8) Swain County Maroon Devils</h3>   <p>Swain County made arguably the biggest splash of the offseason by hiring Scott Riley away from 7A powerhouse Cleveland. That alone should improve the offense, but there's some real talent on this team. The skill positions are hurt by graduation, but two-way lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2148894' first='Ayden' last='Smiley']</strong> is key in the trenches.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">9) Hobbton Wildcats</h3>   <p>Like CSD, Hobbton loaded its non-conference schedule with bigger schools, lost just one game the rest of the way, and took a major hit in the playoff seeding, tumbling out with a loss to Tarboro while scoring more on the eventual champions than the Vikings' four other opponents combined. Running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2148880' first='Amir' last='Tate']</strong> will take on a bigger role in 2026, and the Wildcats' fate could largely hinge on what he can provide in more reps.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">10) East Bladen Eagles</h3>   <p>East Bladen loses a lot of talent, but returns leading rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1815500' first='Jaden' last='Lewis']</strong>, who was the best player on both sides of the ball last season. Rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1655441' first='Riley' last='Collins']</strong> should carve out a larger role, which could be great for both player and team.</p>   <p><em>This is the time of year when we have the most time to dive into film, re-evaluate prospects, and change our minds about players. Send your film on Twitter/X (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>), so I can evaluate you.</em><br></p>

It's never too early to look ahead to the next season or to begin ranking the best teams in the state. It's already mid-March, and the season will be here before you know it. I've been ranking teams in each class, starting with 6A, then looking at 8A, then 4A. Here's my way-too-early 2A Top 10.