10 Bold Playoff Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The playoffs are imminent, so let's not mess around. Here are 10 bold (emphasis on bold) playoff predictions for the 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">10 Bold Playoff Predictions</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Note: I'm including both NCHSAA and NCISAA takes in this one. Don't take it too seriously</em>;<em> this is meant to be fun.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1) Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A Conference Teams Win at Least 15 Combined Playoff Games</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RPI can sometimes lead to unfair rankings for teams in top conferences. For example, a good Cherryville team can win every game except when playing four elite teams in its conference—all title contenders in bigger classes—and fall to the 12 seed in 2A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I picked both <strong>Shelby</strong> (3A) and <strong>Burns</strong> (4A) to win state titles. Along the way, I think each of them will eliminate conference foes (<strong>Lincolnton</strong> in 3A and <strong>Stuart Cramer</strong> in 4A). That would get the conference to 15, and I think <strong>Cherryville</strong> and <strong>West Lincoln</strong> could win their opening games, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That should be the biggest number of any conference in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2) [player_tooltip player_id='1607779' first='Jaxon' last='Dollar'] Breaks the Single-Season Receiving Record</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State records are interesting because they require not only individual success, but also team success. Lincoln County legend Sage Sarratt holds the official North Carolina single-season receiving yardage record with 2,104 yards in 2016 when the Wolves went to the state semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Lincoln's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607779' first='Jaxon' last='Dollar']</strong> is rapidly approaching that record, as he's 596 yards back. At his current pace, he needs four games to get there, or a minimum of three wins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That'd require two road wins, including one over the team I have winning the state championship. There's another way, though. Dollar has eclipsed 200 yards in three of his last five games. If he can string a few stellar performances together, Sarratt's record will fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3) A Mountainous Changing of the Guard</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one's a bit more subjective. Last year, Watauga won in 6A, while Brevard fell just short in 4A. This year, I think we'll see several teams from the state's westernmost region make runs, but I think they'll be new powers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Asheville School</strong> is the obvious choice. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1728224' first='Shiloh' last='Mukendi']</strong> has been absolutely sensational, while edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2478002' first='Lucas' last='Abraham']</strong> and a talented defense have improved over the last few weeks. Having the only bye in a seven-team bracket is huge, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look out for <strong>Asheville High School</strong>. The Cougars have some young talent who should be back next season, including receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2112651' first='Jam' last='Skyes']</strong>, running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1852696' first='Clement' last='Davidson']</strong>, and outstanding freshman linebacker <strong>Jeremiyha Smith</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I also have <strong>Roberson</strong> going far, and while <strong>Tuscola</strong> has a difficult draw, the Mountaineers have been excellent this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">4) One of the "Big Four" Goes Down</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four fairly strong favorites again this year: <strong>Providence Day</strong> (NCISAA-I), <strong>Hough</strong> (8A), <strong>Grimsley</strong> (7A), and <strong>Tarboro</strong> (2A). Together, they're 38-2, with one loss coming from Providence Day's defeat to Hough. They all won last season, and most won the year before.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But three of them lost quarterbacks last year. They all have fantastic defenses, and most teams can't hope to slow the offenses. But against top teams, they can struggle to put up a ton of points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Statistically, one of them is going down. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have Grimsley losing on the road to Weddington. The key matchup there will be the Whirlie defensive backs (<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2110745' first='EJ' last='Davis']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2111006' first='Ramir' last='Harris-Dupree']</strong>, <strong>Maki Yon</strong>). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All four are the most talented in their classes and should roll through most of the bracket with ease. That said, I just think (at least) one won't make it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">5) Four Regional Finals Will Contain Neither a 1- Nor a 2-Seed... All in the East</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's not at all uncommon to see top seeds fall before reaching the state championship, but this year, I think we could see a lot of chaos, especially on the East side of the bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Based on my predictions, I have four regional championship games without a one or two seed. All of those happen to be in the East. In 3A, I have No. 3 Midway and No. 4 James Kenan advancing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 4A, I have No. 4 West Craven vs. No. 6 SouthWest Edgecombe. 6A is interesting. <strong>J.H. Rose</strong> is the class favorite, but has to go through a stout <strong>Middle Creek</strong> (No. 8) team. I think this time around, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2005255' first='Jayden' last='Barnes']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2144211' first='Zavarius' last='Johnson']</strong>, and the rest of the Mustang secondary can take away the big pass and make the Rampants drive. I have Middle Creek against a hot <strong>Northern Nash</strong> (No. 3) in the East.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finally, in 8A, I have a major upset, with <strong>Leesville Road</strong> taking out No. 2 Cardinal Gibbons to face a No. 4 <strong>Rolesville</strong> squad that takes out top-seeded Millbrook.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">6) Hunt QB [player_tooltip player_id='1953755' first='Mez' last='Harris'] Leads the State in Playoff Rushing</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I did a fun exercise earlier where I looked at the state's leading rushers to pick the guy I think has the biggest playoff performance. While most of the top guys play on solid teams, I realized I have the state's top 20 or so rushers either losing early or in a situation where they just won't play enough games to rack up counting stats (Like Asheville School's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1728224' first='Shiloh' last='Mukendi']</strong>, who only needs to win two games for a championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hunt's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1953755' first='Mez' last='Harris']</strong> is different. I have the Warriors reaching the state championship again. That's five games to rack up rushing stats for a guy who's electric with his legs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If Princeton can win Friday, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616304' first='Teo' last='McPhatter']</strong> has a great chance to lead the state in rushing in the playoffs, even if he only plays two games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A few other candidates: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2144167' first='Sincere' last='Thompson']</strong> (Southern Alamance), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2399328' first='Sam' last='Trantham']</strong> (Tuscola), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2155887' first='Damari' last='McNeill']</strong> (Northeastern), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2092909' first='Antonio' last='Draughn']</strong> (Tarboro)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">7) Tarboro Cruises More Easily Than Providence Day, Hough</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've already mentioned that I think the three teams that will win most easily are Tarboro (2A), Providence Day (NCISAA-I), and Hough (8A). But, I actually think things won't be totally easy for either the Chargers or Huskies. We don't really cover Rabun Gap here at PRZNC, since they're in Georgia, but I think they'll give Providence Day a major run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I ultimately just don't think they have the offensive skill players to bypass an elite secondary featuring guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1610603' first='Tre' last='Geathers']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1259782' first='Nate' last='Dollard']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608315' first='Moses' last='Poku-Kankam']</strong>. But the Chargers won't waltz to a championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hough</strong> is by far the best team in the state, but I have a feeling <em>somebody</em> is going to give them trouble. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='950967' first='JaMarion' last='Morrison']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1678655' first='Jahmere' last='Anderson']</strong>, and the rest of the skill players are just too good, and the defense is loaded at all levels. Ever since defensive tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2223071' first='Ja'Dyn' last='Brown']</strong> elevated his game, offensive run games have been erased. Still, somebody is going to push them, even if there's little doubt the Huskies will win it all.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But <strong>Tarboro</strong>? The Vikings have hit their stride. A defense led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2454852' first='Antonio' last='Draughn III']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1696871' first='Emmanuel' last='DeBerry']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2092906' first='Carmello' last='Bullock']</strong> is just too good, and we could see some crooked shutouts. The Vikings push around 5 and 6A teams. They'll continue to dominate 2A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">8) 5A Has the Most Shootouts</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Full transparency, I won't go back and count points to see which class scored the most in the playoffs. That said, I do think you'll see a bunch of big offensive numbers in the 5A class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest concentration of top passers is there, meaning:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lots of big plays and quick scores</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Not much running clock</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Teams like Southeast Alamance (<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2112034' first='Tyler' last='Jackson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2145139' first='Joseph' last='Gibbs']</strong>), East Lincoln (<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2470920' first='Davis' last='Beam']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607779' first='Jaxon' last='Dollar']</strong>), Fike (<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2142468' first='Sam' last='Finch']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1953798' first='Darryl' last='Loatman']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616207' first='Braylen' last='Loftin']</strong>), and Seaforth (<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2134913' first='Duncan' last='Parker']</strong>, <strong>Noah Fuller</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2138383' first='Max' last='Hinchman']</strong>) can put up 300 or 400 passing yards and score a bunch of points. Of course, it isn't always through the passing game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Point (<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2065235' first='Kaveaun' last='Pless']</strong>), Croatan (<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1705645' first='Andrew' last='Boucher']</strong>), and Hunt (<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1953755' first='Mez' last='Harris']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2467671' first='X'Zavier' last='Dublin']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1970795' first='Doryan' last='Jones']</strong>), among others, can run up the score on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's not that 5A defenses are bad; it's just that the offenses are fantastic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">9) Prepare for an Aerial Onslaught in the 8-Man Championship</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We might see 600 passing yards and 100 points in the 8-Man Championship if the bracket breaks the way I think it might.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cary Christian</strong> has been the team to beat all season. Last time they faced No. 2 <strong>Faith Christian</strong>, the teams combined for 90, despite their best receivers having so-so games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1925976' first='Cennoth' last='Kalisiak']</strong> (Cary Christian) and <strong>Vincent Wilson</strong> (Faith Christian) are both college-bound receivers. If they each win next week, the title game could come down to which team gets the first stop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">10) We'll See a "Major Upset" Next Week in 7A</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I won't try to guess which lower seed will beat a Top 2 or 3 team, but it's coming soon. The 7A class is too deep not to have a shocking upset in the Second Round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Could an individual talent like South Garner's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607095' first='Randolph' last='Ross']</strong> go off against Wake Forest? Or maybe <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604676' first='Weston' last='Michalak']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1953797' first='Zy' last='Pharr']</strong>, and the Mooresville offense get hot and stun Marvin Ridge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I just think <em>somebody</em> is going down. Perhaps even a two- or three-seed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Zane Rowland, and me on the playoffs over the next month. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to get in front of our Prep Redzone scouts? 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