3 5A Non-Conference Matchups That Excite Us

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5A class was surprisingly exciting last season, and it returns a ton of talent. Teams have taken different approaches to scheduling in the new eight-class era, and the 5A class has plenty of great non-conference matchups in 2026. Here, we're breaking down our three favorites.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three 5A Non-Conference Matchups To Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: I limited myself to true 5A vs. 5A matchups in the non-conference slate. Check out our other non-conference matchup previews:</em><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/3-6a-non-conference-matchups-to-watch/">6A</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/3-7a-non-conference-matchups-that-have-us-buzzing/">7A</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/3-8a-non-conference-matchups-were-tracking/">8A</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Southeast Alamance vs. Seaforth (8/28)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southeast Alamance is a potential dark horse in the 5A class, especially with the amount of returning talent at the skill positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Stallions return their top three pass-catchers: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213741' first='Logan' last='Luang-Sy']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='668611' first='Drew' last='Easter']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2147844' first='Jatay' last='McMillan']</strong>, while getting <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2145139' first='Joseph' last='Gibbs']</strong> back from injury. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2112034' first='Tyler' last='Jackson']</strong> is just a junior, too. Defensively, the secondary is excellent, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1952814' first='Alex' last='Parrish']</strong> and transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2100553' first='Brandon' last='Lindsey']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seaforth has plenty of returning talent, and the passing game to challenge any team in the class. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2134913' first='Duncan' last='Parker']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2138383' first='Max' last='Hinchman']</strong> are one of the most productive returning QB-WR tandems in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hawks have plenty of young defensive talent too. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2124203' first='Kieran' last='Pooley']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2099533' first='Nolan' last='Greiner']</strong> flashed as freshmen and now return as seasoned vets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both of these teams have high hopes in 2026. I think we'll learn more about each team than we typically learn from an early-season matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hickory vs. South Point (8/21)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of the better 5A teams in the west meet in Week 1 for the second straight season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year's was a classic, and I expect a similar game this season. It's one of the great running back matchups of the nonconference slate, pitting South Point's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2065235' first='Kaveaun' last='Pless']</strong> and Hickory's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2074450' first='Jaheem' last='Jenkins']</strong>. Both run with excellent pad-level and power.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hickory loses a lot defensively, but linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2084495' first='Tony' last='King']</strong> returns after finishing third on the team in tackles. Leading receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2206337' first='Ronan' last='Nieland']</strong> returns after catching 35 passes last year. As a whole, the offense has plenty of experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Point's offensive line is excellent, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1815332' first='Landon' last='Suttle']</strong> at left tackle, and I'm interested to see whether an inexperienced Hickory line can keep up in Week 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Eastern Alamance vs. Northeast Guilford (8/28)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another intriguing matchup in the Triad, both Eastern Alamance and Northeast Guilford were solid last year and should be better in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm interested in whether an Eastern Alamance team can take the next step. Defensive linemen <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2152337' first='Trint' last='Totten']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2175503' first='Justice' last='Daye']</strong> form one of the best duos in the area. The Eagles have some skill position pieces, too, with running backs <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1334297' first='Jamez' last='Cochran']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2144172' first='Sammy' last='Raphael']</strong> combining for nearly 1,600 yards. Receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2147847' first='Devontia' last='Clark']</strong> returns after nearing 500 yards last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite losing some key pieces, I like their secondary. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2159573' first='Christian' last='Hester']</strong> had four interceptions last year, and I think <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='867300' first='Dereon' last='Garner']</strong> should have a bigger role this season, whether offensively or defensively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northeast Guilford went 9-3 last season and returns plenty of production. The Rams added some talent, too. Former Page running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1171138' first='Jabari' last='Johnson']</strong> transfers in to jumpstart a running game that struggled some last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2165785' first='Zorian' last='Campbell']</strong> played everywhere for Northeast Guilford last year. I'm interested to see if he plays more quarterback or if he roams around at several positions. The defensive line, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2172203' first='Antonio' last='Escobar']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2240944' first='Suleman' last='Solongo']</strong>, is a strength.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team that can hold the other's front seven at bay will have a distinct advantage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Our preseason coverage is just getting started. 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