2A Regional Finals Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're nearing the end of the 2025 season, and it's time to preview the regional finals. Four teams in 2A remain, and two will advance to next week's state championship. Here, we're previewing a loaded weekend in the 2A classification.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><em>Missed our other Regional Finals pieces? Check them out:</em></em><br><em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/3a-regional-finals-preview/">3A</a><br><em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/4a-regional-finals-preview/">4A</a></em><br><em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/5a-regional-finals-preview/">5A</a></em><br><em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/6a-regional-finals-preview/">6A</a></em></em><br><em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/7a-regional-finals-preview/">7A</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A Regional Finals Preview</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top Prospects</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473838' first='Kamerin' last='McDowell-Moore']</strong>, RB, Tarboro</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1408773' first='Tyler' last='Powell']</strong>, Edge/QB, Tarboro</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1290996' first='Cameron' last='Clem']</strong>, RB, Murphy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='901324' first='Mekhi' last='Chavis']</strong>, Edge/DL, Warren County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='534743' first='Ryan' last='Payne']</strong>, WR, Murphy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1908069' first='Ryley' last='Rodriguez']</strong>, WR, Starmount</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Graham Hosch</strong>, RB/WR/DB, Warren County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671958' first='Janthony' last='Gooden']</strong>, OL/DL, Murphy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667980' first='Demarcus' last='Bodrick']</strong>, OL/DL, Tarboro</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zynir Douglas</strong>, LB, Warren County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Amir Gamble</strong>, LB, Warren County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1908004' first='Corey' last='Armstrong']</strong>, Edge, Starmount</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704821' first='Keivious' last='Bridgers']</strong>, LB, Tarboro</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1698484' first='Josiah' last='Dickens']</strong>, Edge, Tarboro</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='451403' first='Cody' last='Hernandez']</strong>, LB/RB, Starmount</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Warren County @ Tarboro</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warren County heads to Tarboro with an 11-2 record, with two close losses to 1A KIPP Pride and 6A Vance County. Outside of that, the Eagles have rolled 2A competition, allowing less than 10 points per game to the class. The front seven is strong, led by Chavis, Gamble, and Douglas. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That's the strength of this team and where they could pose an interesting threat to Tarboro, whose run game is among the best in the state. Do-it-all athlete <strong>Graham Hosch</strong> is one of the guys to watch for the Warren County offense (and defense), a lean, balanced runner who can break tackles and get to the second level as a running back. Douglas can do a bit as a passer as well, and I wonder if Warren County can hit a few screens or crossers against a fierce Tarboro front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As it has been all season, it's Tarboro's championship to lose. We're witnessing not only a fantastic lower-classification season for the Vikings, but perhaps one of the best in state history. Dating back to last season, the Vikings have won 23 straight, including 10 shutouts. They've scored over 42 points a game and have allowed an average of 9.5 against a schedule that included five teams that made the state quarterfinals (or better) in a higher classification.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always, it's the running game, backed by a powerful offensive line and one of the best defensive fronts in the state. Bodrick is one of the top offensive linemen in the classification. At the same time, [player_tooltip player_id='1408773' first='Tyler' last='Powell'] is severely underrecruited as an edge rusher (not to mention he's one of the most productive quarterbacks in school history, as well).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As good as the Warren County front is, I expect Tarboro's incredible season to continue.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Starmount @ Murphy</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most intriguing matchups across the state on Friday, the top two seeds in the West square off in what—on paper—looks like a shootout. Both are averaging over 35 points a game, but I'm interested to see if either tries to bleed clock and control the tempo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What's interesting is that while both of these teams are predictably run-heavy, they're two of the more consistent passing attacks in the classification, as Starmount's <strong>Deuce Best</strong> and Murphy's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1148748' first='Brady' last='Grant']</strong> have combined for over 2,600 passing yards and 31 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm wary of either team's ability to move up and down the field at will on the opposing defense, so it may come down to a few chunk plays. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1290996' first='Cameron' last='Clem']</strong> is one of the most explosive runners in the state, a guy who can get to the edge and run around defenders, or put up extra yards after contact between the tackles. Murphy also has a couple of big-play receivers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='534743' first='Ryan' last='Payne']</strong> and <strong>Grayson Hall</strong>, who could turn a quick screen into a huge gain.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Starmount isn't quite as explosive, averaging just over 5.5 yards per carry as a team, but the receiver room is loaded with dudes who can take it the distance. Their three leading receivers all average over 17 yards a catch, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1908069' first='Ryley' last='Rodriguez']'s</strong> state-best 40.3 yards per reception. He only has 13 catches this season, but seven have gone for touchdowns. I think getting him the ball in space with a chance to make a play will be key for the Rams, who may be slight underdogs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense has allowed over 20 points in regulation just three times this season, so I think the plan for Starmount will be to slow the Murphy running game, pick up a few first downs on offense, and hit a big play or two to flip the field. That's a tough way to win, but I think that's a real possibility on Friday.</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.&nbsp;<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&nbsp;<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 -->