Three Rivers 4A 2026 Conference Preview

We're officially in full-on preseason mode here at Prep Redzone, and amidst our team previews, we're mixing in some conference previews. The Three Rivers Conference wasn't supposed to be one of the best in 4A last year, yet it produced four of the East's final eight teams. It also has a surprising amount of college talent. Which players, teams, and storylines should we pay attention to in 2026?   *Use promo code Helms30 at checkout to get 30% off your first billing cycle*   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Rivers 4A Conference Preview</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top Prospects</h3>   While the Three Rivers Conference isn't loaded from a recruiting perspective, there are still some talented players. Here are the five highest-ranked players in the conference   [player_tooltip player_id='1664518' first='CJ' last='Person'] | Ath. | West Craven [player_tooltip player_id='1194708' first='Kegian' last='Blanchard'] | WR | North Lenoir [player_tooltip player_id='1631111' first='Amari' last='Sumner'] | WR/DB | West Craven [player_tooltip player_id='2175701' first='Tylen' last='Gorham'] | Edge/DL | SouthWest Edgecomb [player_tooltip player_id='2123427' first='Bryce' last='Cox'] | QB | North Pitt   The biggest theme is the departure of multiple high-level quarterbacks, including three of the top four passers in the conference last year. While there are several established starters, there's more uncertainty at that position across the conference this year compared to last.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Potential Sleepers</h3>    Wilson had a breakout year in 2025 as a linebacker, while contributing some in the running game on offense, as well. The bigger defender is highly athletic, especially for his size, and puts himself in a position to make plays. He had 23 tackles for loss and three interceptions last year, and operated as a goal-line back, too.     Gorham is an excellent college prospect, but he hasn't yet put together a complete season on the field. That should change in 2026. He can play multiple roles on the defensive line and is a strong run defender. There's plenty of untapped pass-rushing potential. Expect a big year from the athletic senior.     Eastern Wayne loses a lot defensively. Kenney was one of the better defenders for the Warriors last year, but didn't make many headlines. This year, he can be the defensive catalyst they'll need to make another deep playoff run. He's coming off a seven-sack season for a strong pass rush, and he'll need to be all over the field again.     A high-upside sophomore athlete, Sumner has had a strong season on the seven-on-seven circuit, and we think he could take his game to another level in 2026. He has the athleticism to contribute on both sides of the ball, and we're looking forward to seeing how he's deployed this season.     North Lenoir looks like it could be an entirely different team this year after a disappointing 2025. Blanchard is a transfer from ALA-Johnston, where he had nearly 700 yards last season. He's an excellent route runner with the speed to get deep. That skill set should transform a previously anemic North Lenoir offense.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Rivers 4A Conference Player of the Year Candidates</h2>    West Craven lost some talent on both sides of the ball, but Cuthbertson returns after 1,300 yards of total offense and six interceptions defensively. He's a long, speedy receiver who can break contain against a variety of coverages, and he opens things up for his teammates. Defensively, he relies on a lot of athleticism to make plays most other guys can't.     Downey averaged nearly 11 yards per touch last season, including an impressive 9.9 yards-per-carry clip on the ground. This year, SouthWest Edgecomb will have to replace two key playmakers who led the team in carries and receptions, respectively. That should open up more opportunities for Downey, who reached 1,100 yards on only eight carries per game last year.     Cox had an up-and-down year as one of only a handful of freshman quarterback starters across the state. But he was excellent in conference play, and he should elevate his play in 2026.   Cox threw six touchdowns and three interceptions in his last six games while North Pitt went 5-1. He also flashed explosive rushing ability. Expect a big jump from freshman to sophomore year.     Mayo is the conference's top returning passer after throwing for 1,500 yards last season. He's also a standout runner, with 10 rushing touchdowns last year. This year, we think he could take over the mantle of two departing 2,000-yard passers in the conference.     One of only a handful of players across the state with at least 400 rushing and receiving yards, Thomas was all over the field for Washington last year. He also had two interceptions and was one of the Pam Pack's top overall defenders. If they take a step forward this season, expect Thomas to be a big part of the turnaround.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Rivers 4A Predicted Order of Finish</h2>   1) West Craven   2) SouthWest Edgecomb   3) North Pitt   4) Eastern Wayne   5) North Lenoir   6) Washington   7) North Johnston   <ol class="wp-block-list"> <li></li> </ol>   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 preseason survey</a>.

We're officially in full-on preseason mode here at Prep Redzone, and amidst our team previews, we're mixing in some conference previews. The Three Rivers Conference wasn't supposed to be one of the best in 4A last year, yet it produced four of the East's final eight teams. It also has a surprising amount of college talent. Which players, teams, and storylines should we pay attention to in 2026?