Upper Classification Upset Picks: Round 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week, I wrote about <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/11/which-lower-classification-teams-can-pull-off-round-2-upsets/">three double-digit seeds in the lower classifications</a> that could pull off road upsets, going 2-1 on those. I had two primary reasons for not including or giving 5A-8A its own upset piece: 1. Upsets are rarer in the early rounds of the upper classifications, and 2. I ran out of time last week. It's Round 3, so it's time to pick some upsets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Potential Upper-Classification Upsets</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week, I limited myself to double-digit seeds rather than picking nine seeds over eight, or something similar. This week, I'm taking that distinction away, as we're down to the final eight on each side of the brackets. I'll still pick a longshot or two, but an "upset" here will be a lower seed/road team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rolesville (8A East No. 5)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before the season, picking Rolesville as an upset candidate in any game wouldn't have been possible, as the Rams were a preseason favorite to win a state title. But the offense took some time to mesh, and the early-season schedule was unforgiving. In hindsight, all three losses are completely forgivable, but the Rams were taken to the brink in Round 2, surviving in a 14-7 defensive struggle on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378957' first='Amir' last='Brown']'s</strong> overtime touchdown run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The key is the defensive line. They don't rack up a ton of sacks, but they do get plenty of pressure. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1663808' first='Malachi' last='Harris']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='662372' first='Zavion' last='Griffin-Haynes']</strong> can each line up in a variety of positions and affect the quarterback, while excelling against the run as well. <strong>Jaylen Broadie</strong> and even freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='892101' first='Genesis' last='Allen']</strong> also make their mark defensively. It's tough to run on these guys, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='946850' first='Marquis' last='Bryant']'s</strong> speed and length on the back end make hitting chunk plays in the passing game difficult.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If the Rams can get a couple of chunk plays from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771299' first='Kaleb' last='Williams']</strong>, they'll have a chance to knock off <strong>Hoggard</strong>, as I don't expect the defense to give up a ton of points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dudley (6A West No. 11)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dudley plays the type of game that can thrive come playoff time, and the 11-seed-that-probably-shouldn't-have-been has another chance to pull off an upset this week and book a spot in the regional semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All four of the teams that beat the Panthers are alive in the 7A playoffs. That group is comprised of: both undefeated one-seeds, an eight-seed that has given up just 30 total points since beating the Panthers in the first week of <em>September</em>, and a seven-seed with losses only to top-three seeds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Basically, if you're not a 7A powerhouse, Dudley hasn't had issues beating you, and the schedule made it so the Panthers became the most dangerous 11-seed in the state, rather than a top-four seed like they probably deserved. The defense is fantastic, allowing under 17 points a game in a conference that includes Grimsley.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ashbrook</strong> is going to pound the rock with running backs <strong>Savion Lindsey</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600183' first='Martino' last='Smith']</strong>, and quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='738731' first='AJ' last='McClain']</strong>. The Dudley front is impressive, with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1953561' first='Devin' last='Cotton']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1393063' first='Robert' last='McCollum']</strong>, <strong>Azir Waddell</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667377' first='Zayden' last='Carter']</strong> all averaging more than a tackle for loss per game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dudley is one of the top ball-control offenses in the state, running nearly 55 plays a game, but they can hit some throws over the top. If <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607877' first='Vermont' last='Carmack']</strong> gets open deep, and the Panthers get a hint of balance on offense, I think they'll march into the fourth round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Havelock (5A East No. 12)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Y'all, I <em>think</em> Havelock figured out its offense problem. We were all shocked to see the Rams start 0-4 this season (and then 1-5) but they've seemed to figure things out and are rolling right now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In those first six games, the Rams reached 15 points just once, averaging seven points a game in the five losses. Since a 14-7 road loss to a <strong>Croatan</strong> team they'll play on Friday, the Rams are 6-0, scoring 38.5 points per game, with multiple wins over teams still in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rams have found something in freshman quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2055654' first='Kaleb' last='Montanye']</strong>, who has 371 passing yards and four touchdowns in the playoffs. Running back duo <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1665917' first='Jayden' last='Howard']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1705638' first='Zyking' last='Patillo']</strong> have been excellent down the stretch as well, and freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1909457' first='Lloyd' last='Jones']</strong> has exploded as a receiving threat out of the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, it's the same Havelock: disruption on the line of scrimmage and speed on the back end. Hardly anyone has had a better season than <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='612252' first='Christopher' last='Bispham']</strong> on the defensive line (15.5 sacks, 101 tackles), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2055660' first='Michael' last='Gatling']</strong> is having a breakout year as a corner and return man. Last time these teams met, Croatan got the better of the Rams. While both have improved, I think Havelock might be the better—and more battle-tested—team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Follow Prep Redzone for more high-quality coverage throughout the playoffs and offseason. Want to get in front of our scouts this offseason? Our next PRZ Carolinas Stock-Up Showcase is Dec. 7. <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2124/register/stock-up-showcase-carolinas">Register here</a>. Promo Code HelmsWinterPRZ will get you $10 off registration. And don't forget to vote for our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/11/who-is-the-2025-prznc-player-of-the-year/">PRZNC Player of the Year</a>.</em><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->