The second round of the playoffs are beginning Friday. We have five local squads preparing to do battle for a coveted state championship. Here is a breakdown of the contests that will affect local teams:
1A
No. 5 East Columbus (4-6) at No. 4 Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy (6-4)
Winston-Salem Prep comes in with five wins in a row. Quarterback Tim Smith has 10 TD passes on the year with 1, 105 yard through the air. Sophomore Jamari Wilson is rushing for 102.1 yards a game. The favorite target in the passing game is Jeremiah Hall.
East Columbus is led by Quarterback Demetrius Dexter, who scored throwing, rushing, and receiving against North Duplin in the upset victory. Dawson Crosby has been a strong leader on both sides of the ball. Jacob Stukes has averaged seven tackle a game and has seven sacks on the year for the Gators.
Common opponent—WS Prep lost to Chatham Central 30-24 on Sept. 17. East Columbus fell to Chatham Central 14-0 on Sept. 4.
2A
No. 11 Bertie County (4-7) at No. 6 East Bladen (7-3)
Bertie County had a tough schedule this year with tough losses to 3A Northeastern (No. 1 seed in 3A East), Martin County, and Hertford County. Their first-round playoff win was a forfeit.
East Bladen comes in with a dynamic duo in the backfield with Jayden Lewis (26 TDs, 1529 yds rushing) and Riley Collins (14 TDs, 1083 yds rushing) … the offense has been hot (35.4 points per game) but the defense has been leaky (28.6 PPG).
No. 10 West Columbus (5-5) at No. 7 Southside (7-3)
Southside has running back Chance Haywood, who has 791 yards rushing with seven touchdowns. Quarterback Jaheim Moore was 613 yards in the air this season.
The Vikings are led by Quarterback DJ Graham. Graham is a threat every time and everywhere on offense and will find you on defense as a linebacker. Two of his favorite targets are Santonio Vereen and Charlie McLeod,
Common opponent—West Columbus lost to North Duplin 36-16 Oct. 9 in Cerro Gordo. The Seahawks fell to North Duplin 28-14 on Aug. 24 in Calypso.
3A
No. 10 South Columbus (7-4) at No. 7 Martin County (7-3)
Martin County is relying on running back Jordan Matthewson, who has put up 18 touchdowns and 929 yards on the season. They lost to No. 1 seed Northeast 54-19 earlier in the year.
The Stallions are coming into the second round after a 58-6 pounding of McMichael. The offense has many ways to put points on the scoreboard with Phillip Smith, Cam Bellamy, Gentry Thompson, and Skeeter Phillips. Preston Dagger heads the South Columbus defense.
No. 15 Northwood (6-5) at No. 2 Whiteville (9-0)
Raje Torres has 719 yards receiving and eight touchdowns to lead the Chargers. Aiden Girard has 793 yards on the year for Northwood. Senior QB Finn Sullivan as 22 touchdown passes on the season with 1749 yards through the air.
Ty’Lae Rose leads the Wolfpack in rushing with 23 touchdowns and 1,335 yards, Luke McLean has thrown for over 1000 yards on the year. The Wolfpack come into the second round of the playoffs undefeated and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern 3A Bracket.
