3 3A Matchups We Love

We've been peeking at the schedule over the last couple of weeks, specifically looking at nonconference matchups in each classification. In the lower classifications, teams typically load their schedules with schools from other classes, but there are still a few exciting intraclass matchups. Here, we're looking at three 3A matchups that look quite intriguing.   *30% off your first billing cycle with promo code Helms30*   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three 3A Non-Conference Matchups To Watch</h2>   Editor's Note: I limited myself to true 3A vs. 3A matchups in the non-conference slate. Check out our other non-conference matchup previews: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/3-5a-non-conference-matchups-that-excite-us/">5A</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/3-6a-non-conference-matchups-to-watch/">6A</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/3-7a-non-conference-matchups-that-have-us-buzzing/">7A</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/3-8a-non-conference-matchups-were-tracking/">8A</a>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Princeton @ Ayden-Grifton (8/21)</h3>   Two of last year's top 3A offenses go at it right out of the gate. Interestingly, I think both defenses should be vastly improved.   Princeton's running game is as dangerous as any team's in the state, led by rising junior superstar [player_tooltip player_id='1616304' first='Teo' last='McPhatter'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2140182' first='Gerell' last='Bogle'], who would be the top option on most other teams.   Defensively, Ayden-Grifton returns its top three tacklers, including rising seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1704843' first='Loyalty' last='Fuller'] and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/scouting-east-carolinas-2027-in-state-commits/">East Carolina commit</a> [player_tooltip player_id='2169831' first='Andre' last='Grier']. They're a bit lighter up front compared to last year, at least on paper, and I think we'll learn a lot about that unit in this one.   Offensively, Fuller was productive as both a rusher and receiver, while we expect high-upside wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='2176273' first='Khimani' last='Nelson'] to take a big step forward in what could be a massive, breakout year.   Princeton's defense struggled at times last year, but it's a veteran group that should improve in 2026. 2028 linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='2140191' first='Jarrett' last='Lee'] has looked awesome this offseason, and if that unit takes even a slight step forward, Princeton instantly becomes a top 3A contender in the east.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Walkertown @ East Surry (9/11)</h3>   We get a really intriguing 3A matchup later in the nonconference slate this season between East Surry and Walkertown.   The first two things that catch my eye here are that last year, these teams played an absolute classic, and they each have a dynamic ball-carrier.   East Surry's [player_tooltip player_id='2050293' first='Nate' last='Kiger'] is just a rising junior, but he had nearly 1,500 total yards as a sophomore, thriving between the tackles, even as a smaller back. Walkertown's [player_tooltip player_id='2167311' first='Nasir' last='Conrad'] averaged just under 10 yards per carry as a junior, and almost 30 yards per catch on 11 receptions.   Defensively, Walkertown loses a ton, including one of our state player of the year candidates. Rising senior edge rusher/linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='2244748' first='Ar'mahd' last='Barber'] has a lot of pressure to take over as a dominant force on an inexperienced team. East Surry is in a similar boat, with only [player_tooltip player_id='2244749' first='Samuel' last='Freeman'] back among its eight leading tacklers.   By the time these teams meet, there will likely be some new stars on either side. Both teams have the talent to reload, but it won't be easy.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Providence Grove @ Eastern Randolph (9/11)</h3>   I'm intrigued by a matchup of two solid teams with which I'm not as familiar as I should be, especially as they combined for 18 wins last year.   Providence Grove has a pair of 2028 linebackers as productive as any in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='2244753' first='Chase' last='Collins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2244754' first='Conner' last='Haithcock'], who combined for over 175 tackles, eight sacks, and four interceptions. They're multisport athletes, too, as baseball standouts. While the quarterback situation is unsettled, [player_tooltip player_id='1741981' first='Braydon' last='Thomas'] started on JV last year and could bump up to the varsity squad this year.   Eastern Randolph returns a ton of offensive production, which should help as the defense reloads. Running backs [player_tooltip player_id='2140160' first='James' last='Combs'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2140154' first='Kobe' last='Walker'] each averaged over 8.5 yards per carry and combined for 23 touchdowns last season. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2140152' first='Cade' last='McCallum'] returns, too, and rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2003826' first='Cainin' last='Glover'] was one of the most productive freshmen in the state last year.   The question is whether the defense can repeat last year's dominance. I'm interested in learning more about both of these teams when they meet in September.   Our preseason coverage is just getting started. Coaches, if you want your team featured in a team preview, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB9YBH_he_sOP-lhvI26XRh0P9vobS8PsVJy_5QCJ4jQLTvQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=118251332469799088451">fill out our survey</a>.

We've been peeking at the schedule over the last couple of weeks, specifically looking at nonconference matchups in each classification. In the lower classifications, teams typically load their schedules with schools from other classes, but there are still a few exciting intraclass matchups. Here, we're looking at three 3A matchups that look quite intriguing.