3 Things We Learned in Week 6

I'm back after a long weekend to break down the best of the action from around the state. Conference play started for some teams, while others completed their non-conference slates. There was plenty of action, but here are three things I learned in Week 6.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Things We Learned</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. After A Slow Start, We're Seeing Some Elite Receiving Games</h3>   Typically, we'll see some crazy receiving stat lines from the jump of the season, but some of the numbers were more subdued this season. In fact, when selecting game balls early in the season, I was shocked to find that we weren't seeing some of the receiving performances we've grown accustomed to over the last few years. That's starting to change as the season progresses.   Kinston's [player_tooltip player_id='1368098' first='Tyreek' last='Copper'] extended his lead in receiving yards two weeks ago, going for 179 yards and four touchdowns on just six catches. West Carteret tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1581460' first='Jay' last='Murray'] went for a career-high 225 yards on Friday in a wild 26-25 win over Swansboro. Against one of the top teams in the state in Cleveland, South Garner's [player_tooltip player_id='1607095' first='Randolph' last='Ross'] had 202 yards and three touchdowns.   But South Iredell's [player_tooltip player_id='1654186' first='Brody' last='Hunt'], a guy who really impressed in our PRZ Camp, had the performance of the week, a 13-catch, 312-yard outburst in a shootout win over Alexander Central. Hunt caught four touchdowns and set multiple program records in the process.   It took a bit of time, but we're starting to see the incredible receiving outbursts we've greedily expected in the Tar Heel State.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Are Some Conferences Already Decided?</h3>   With no disrespect to some very good teams still lurking, there were a few consequential early-conference games that could become conference championship deciders.   In the Quad City Seven 8A conference, Apex Friendship and C.E. Jordan were the two likeliest winners, and they met early in the year, in the second conference game of the year on Friday. In a matchup of elite defenses, it was the Falcons who were in control.   The Falcon defense was unblockable, as [player_tooltip player_id='1607844' first='Xavier' last='Perkins'] lived in the backfield. [player_tooltip player_id='321266' first='Noah' last='Clark'], [player_tooltip player_id='1701343' first='Talvin' last='Johnson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1600413' first='Brayden' last='Kern'] also applied pressure and shut down the Apex Friendship running game. The defensive backfield was excellent as well, with [player_tooltip player_id='1607766' first='Lareun' last='Wilson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1667014' first='Jaleel' last='Griffin'] having strong games as the Patriots struggled to move the ball.   The offense shone as well, as quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='735579' first='Landon' last='Melton'] had over 400 total yards and three touchdowns. If Apex Friendship can't keep up with the Falcons, it's hard to imagine even the best teams in the conference competing with Jordan.   In Charlotte's top conference, the Meck Power Six, West Charlotte made a statement, blowing out a Mallard Creek team that has already beaten some of the best teams in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='1321007' first='Jamouri' last='Nichols'] had nearly 300 yards and four total touchdowns on excellent efficiency, and [player_tooltip player_id='1321100' first='Rakim' last='Finch'] had three touchdowns and 138 yards.   The defense was magnificent, led by linebackers [player_tooltip player_id='1170182' first='Elijah' last='Littlejohn'] and [player_tooltip player_id='949642' first='Michael' last='Griffin Jr']. The front seven got pressure and the secondary allowed little down the field. The transitive property is a dangerous presumption in high school football, but if Mallard Creek is 23 points worse than West Charlotte, it's hard to imagine the Lions losing again anytime soon.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Key 2A Matchups Bring Clarity to Chaotic Class</h3>   I don't have a great read on 2A, other than to know that Tarboro is the clear favorite. Beyond that, it's murky at best. The Vikings were off in Week 6, putting the spotlight on the rest of the class. First, Community School of Davidson and Christ the King played an important conference matchup on Friday.   The defenses were stout in that one, but CSD's running game won out in a 28-21 game. [player_tooltip player_id='1304566' first='Nixon' last='Willis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1467712' first='Tyler' last='Johnson'] combined for over 200 yards and three touchdowns, while Johnson also threw a touchdown pass. For Christ the King, [player_tooltip player_id='1626325' first='Brennen' last='Wallace'] had a nice game on the ground, while [player_tooltip player_id='1678636' first='Caden' last='Fritz']'s biggest impact was on defense. It was a huge win for the Spartans, who played up in the non-conference (losing three one-possession games) and needed the momentum to start the conference slate.   On Saturday, Starmount beat a previously unbeaten Alleghany. 23-22, to take control of the Mountain Valley 2A/3A Conference. Another defensive game, Alleghany actually outgained the Rams, but Starmount squeaked out a key win to continue an excellent season.   We'll have more throughout the week. What did we miss? Who needs to be highlighted? Help us help players and let me know on Twitter, (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>).

I'm back after a long weekend to break down the best of the action from around the state. Conference play started for some teams, while others completed their non-conference slates. There was plenty of action, but here are three things I learned in Week 6.