Eric Payne Eric Payne 5'7" | 175 lbs | RB Jack Britt | 2026 State NC III proved exactly why he was picked as the offensive X-Factor coming into the matchup. The junior back put the Jack Britt offense on his shoulders, pounding the ball 24 times for 131 yards and a touchdown. Payne ran with intent all night—physical between the tackles, patient on zone looks, and explosive when daylight appeared. In a game filled with turnovers and momentum swings, he was the steady force that kept the Bucs’ offense on schedule. When Britt needed tough yards, Payne delivered every time, validating the pregame expectations with a true playoff-level performance.

When you talk about the identity of Jack Britt football, Eric Payne Eric Payne 5'7" | 175 lbs | RB Jack Britt | 2026 State NC III is right at the center of it. He has been the steady, reliable force in the Buccaneers’ powerful ground attack all season, providing the consistency and toughness that keeps their offense on schedule. Payne runs with purpose—downhill, decisive, and always falling forward—and his ability to churn out hard yards has been a major part of Britt’s playoff push.

Tonight, the Buccaneers host a critical home playoff game, and Payne’s impact will be more important than ever. In playoff football, the margins shrink, possessions matter, and running the ball becomes the difference between moving on or going home. That’s where Payne thrives. If he gets into rhythm early—controlling the tempo, keeping drives alive, and wearing down the defense—the Buccaneers can dictate the entire flow of the game.

For Jack Britt to protect home turf and advance, Eric Payne Eric Payne 5'7" | 175 lbs | RB Jack Britt | 2026 State NC III will need to be the tone-setter he’s been all year. And if history is any indicator, he’s built for this moment.

Payne is in the midst of a breakout senior season, establishing himself as one of the most reliable backs in the region. He’s already piled up 8 touchdowns while averaging 130 rushing yards per game, providing explosive plays and steady production every week. Payne’s balance of power and speed makes him the centerpiece of the Buccaneers’ offense, and his ability to break games open will be the X-factor down the stretch of conference play.

Payne was unstoppable, carrying the ball 28 times for 206 yards and 2 touchdowns. He showcased both durability and explosiveness, proving he can be a workhorse back who takes over a game. Payne excelled in both short-yardage and open-field situations, showing that he can be trusted to move the chains when needed or deliver the big play. His performance reflects his steady improvement week after week, and he’s positioning himself as one of the region’s most consistent and versatile backs.

Eric Payne Eric Payne 5'7" | 175 lbs | RB Jack Britt | 2026 State NC III – RB (Class of 2026), Jack Britt
Payne has been the heartbeat of the Buccaneers’ offense all season, and Friday night was no different. The Bucs are now 4-0 when he eclipses the 100-yard mark, and against Terry Sanford he more than doubled that benchmark. Payne rumbled for over 200 yards and found the end zone twice, with both scores coming in the second half. His explosive 50+ yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter not only sealed the victory but also underscored why he’s the engine that keeps Jack Britt rolling.

Eric Payne Eric Payne 5'7" | 175 lbs | RB Jack Britt | 2026 State NC III has been the bell cow for Jack Britt’s high-powered offense, which is averaging 40 points per game. A true workhorse with the speed to score from anywhere on the field, Payne is the engine that makes the Bucs so dangerous.