3 8A Non-Conference Matchups We’re Tracking

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although smaller than the other classes, the 8A class had a strong start in its first year. There are fewer non-conference matchups exclusively between 8A sides, simply because of geography and smaller numbers. Still, there are some strong non-conference matchups early in the year, and we're breaking down three of the best here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three 8A Non-Conference Matchups To Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: I limited myself to true 8A vs. 8A 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></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jordan @ Leesville Road (8/21)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's some real buzz around both Jordan and Leesville Road this year, not just internally, but externally, as well. Both will start new quarterbacks, and we're intrigued by Jordan passer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616112' first='Jonah' last='El-Amin']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leesville Road's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2190831' first='Bryce' last='Thomas']</strong> seems like the obvious choice to start for Leesville after looking excellent in limited reps as a backup last season. He has some wideouts to work with, including the talented <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1093057' first='Jayden' last='Lee Perry']</strong> and a couple of other potential options.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jordan has the established running back starter, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607878' first='Damien' last='Hayes']</strong>, as well as some talent on the defensive side of the ball. Leesville's talent is more on the potential side, rather than based on past production, and from what I've heard, I need to pay close attention to this one, as I should come out of that week with some new players to rank.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1549526' first='Evan' last='Brown']</strong> is an established playmaker, and a veteran secondary should help ease a young defensive line in. Don't be surprised if edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2184175' first='Wyatt' last='Gardner']</strong> has a big season. If my sources are correct, Leesville Road will be excellent this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mallard Creek @ Rolesville (8/21)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mallard Creek announced its return to the state's elite with a win at home in this matchup last year. Could Rolesville announce itself after an offseason coaching change?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We recently previewed Rolesville and plan to do the same for Mallard Creek later this month, so I'll keep this brief.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think this matchup will showcase each team's dominant trench play and show which of these teams has the talent at the skill positions to compete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mallard Creek offensive linemen <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616108' first='Achraf' last='Ouardi']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1690981' first='Cleveland' last='Smith']</strong>, <strong>Elijah Newton</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616116' first='Michael' last='Heard']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600577' first='Austin' last='Ballou']</strong> all started at one point or another last season, and the defensive line runs just as deep. Expect big years for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2003853' first='Kaiden' last='Okam']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616534' first='Geremiah' last='Mobley']</strong>, and don't forget about <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1283411' first='Elias' last='Price']</strong> on the interior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaylen Broadie</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='892101' first='Genesis' last='Allen']</strong> lead a deep Rolesville defensive line, and the offensive line, while inexperienced, has a lot of top talent. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2221061' first='Derek' last='White']</strong> doesn't get the accolades some of the other offensive linemen get, but he rarely makes mistakes, and his veteran leadership will be important, especially early in the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Myers Park @ Providence (9/4)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Charlotte-area matchup intrigues me a lot, especially when we don't know a lot about either team this year. Myers Park returns quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1953767' first='Ramir' last='Watson']</strong>, but loses a lot on the outside. Both schools lost their head coaches in June, extremely late in the offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think you have to start in the trenches. Providence defensive linemen <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607430' first='Cory' last='Cunningham']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1521383' first='Liam' last='Drayton']</strong> combined for 21 sacks last year, and face off against a strong Myers Park offensive line unit. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607800' first='Connor' last='Mullally']</strong> and <strong>Connor Meyer</strong> anchor the interior of the offensive line, but they'll have their hands full with a strong Providence front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers return several top playmakers, including running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1320897' first='Kaleb' last='Vines']</strong>, Elon commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125763' first='Alex' last='Haywood']</strong>, and star receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1106577' first='Otavio' last='Oliveira']</strong>, who is coming off an injury.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's a lot of talent on the Myers Park roster, but a lot of it is unproven. Can a guy like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598900' first='Deigo' last='Lewis']</strong> step up off the edge? <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607867' first='Kameron' last='Guy']</strong> is the leading returning tackler, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648371' first='Jalen' last='Raley']</strong> caught 11 passes last year, but some unproven Mustangs will need to step up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>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&amp;ouid=118251332469799088451">fill out our survey</a>. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Help them get 30% off their first billing cycle with promo code Helms30</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->