3 6A Non-Conference Matchups To Watch

The 6A NCHSAA Classification was one of the most exciting in North Carolina last year, culminating with a Watauga state championship that included three one-score wins in the early rounds of the playoffs. This year, the 6A class has plenty of returning talent. Teams have a better idea of what kind of schedule the playoff formula rewards. Accordingly, the non-conference slate should be excellent. Here are three non-conference matchups to monitor in the 6A class.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three 6A Non-Conference Matchups To Watch</h2>   Editor's Note: I limited myself to true 6A vs. 6A matchups in the non-conference slate. Check out our other non-conference matchup previews: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/3-7a-non-conference-matchups-that-have-us-buzzing/">7A</a>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Middle Creek @ J.H. Rose (9/18)</h3>   When I first decided to break down non-conference matchups, I did so before looking at schedules. Especially for a 6A class that is spread thin across the state, I was afraid there wouldn't be many top matchups. But Middle Creek is driving over an hour and a half to take on a strong J.H. Rose team.   J.H. Rose has added a few transfers and should be electric on the outside. Two-way player [player_tooltip player_id='1678644' first='Shammah' last='Cabell'] comes over from Conley as the second-leading returning receiver in the conference. New teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1852705' first='Jaleek' last='Parson'] was first, and he's actually getting FBS looks as a defensive back. Rose will have a distinct advantage over most teams on the outside.   Middle Creek might be the exception on the schedule. [player_tooltip player_id='2005255' first='Jayden' last='Barnes'] is a true shutdown corner, while [player_tooltip player_id='2144211' first='Zavarius' last='Johnson'] only played in the playoffs last year, becoming a key piece in the defensive backfield. Offensively, [player_tooltip player_id='2146844' first='Nicolas' last='Bocciardi'] wasn't flashy, but he's one of the more reliable receivers in the class.   Middle Creek probably has a bit more defensive prowess, especially with a strong front seven, but Rose's offense is outright dangerous. Running backs [player_tooltip player_id='2238621' first='Ny' last='Davis'] and Ja'vion Jordan combined for over 1,900 yards last season, while quarterback Chase Davis also returns.   This is one of the top 6A games of the season, a preview of what could be two of the top teams in the class.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Charlotte Catholic @ Kings Mountain (9/11)</h3>   Kings Mountain typically stays in Cleveland County for its non-conference slate, but schedule a home-and-home with Charlotte Catholic starting last year. That game was awesome, with the Cougars salting the game away with a six-minute drive in the final minutes.   I'm fascinated by the battle in the trenches here. Kings Mountain offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='772855' first='Samarion' last='Dawkins'] is one of the more underrated interior guys in the state. He'll moonlight as a nose tackle, too. rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='1815331' first='Graylon' last='Koontz'] looks like a top recruit. The Charlotte Catholic lines are talented, as well. Tackle [player_tooltip player_id='2126175' first='Will' last='Johnson'] may ultimately end up inside, but he's a powerful run blocker for Catholic.   2029 edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='2124734' first='Jackson' last='Williamson'] could be one of the top college prospects in school history for the Cougars, and he's a handful to contain.   But Kings Mountain has its own elite defensive end. [player_tooltip player_id='1687769' first='Christian' last='Jarrett'] has plenty of length and get-off, but he occasionally disappeared against physical run games last year. As he's added more weight this offseason, an early-season test against one of the best rushing attacks in the state should be a great measuring stick.   Kings Mountain's 2028 QB-WR duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1687753' first='KJ' last='Bell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1616138' first='Xavier' last='Hutchens'] is tough for anyone to stop, and I'm interested to see how Charlotte Catholic's defensive backs fare.   Finally, [player_tooltip player_id='2145591' first='Max' last='Whalen'] will see an increase in touches after the Cougars lost their top rusher last year. He's a patient between-the-tackles guy who could break out as a junior.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Terry Sanford @ Seventy-First (8/21)</h3>   There was a 0% chance this one would miss the list after last year's classic. Terry Sanford overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter lead to win 46-44 on a last-second field goal. Versatile offensive weapon [player_tooltip player_id='1749317' first='Sebastian' last='O'Keefe'] had over 120 yards on just four touches in that game, finishing the season with over 1,000 total yards.   The Bulldogs lose a ton of talent, meaning defenders like [player_tooltip player_id='1815464' first='Kayden' last='Brown-Wells'] and Bert-Gerwyn Axolu will need to step up to fill the void.   On the other hand, the Falcons return plenty of production, led by quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1334992' first='R'Maunni' last='Watson'] and running back Shon Pone. The Falcons also have elite defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1408808' first='John' last='Archer'], a hulking interior defender with massive power and pass-rushing upside.   On paper, Seventy-First is in better shape, especially for the season opener, but Terry Sanford has reloaded before, and it should be a fantastic game in the Fayetteville area.   Our preseason coverage is just getting started. 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The 6A NCHSAA Classification was one of the most exciting in North Carolina last year, culminating with a Watauga state championship that included three one-score wins in the early rounds of the playoffs. This year, the 6A class has plenty of returning talent. Teams have a better idea of what kind of schedule the playoff formula rewards. Accordingly, the non-conference slate should be excellent. Here are three non-conference matchups to monitor in the 6A class.