Thanksgiving week delivered a feast of football drama as North Carolina’s high school playoff field was trimmed to the Elite Eight across most classifications. From razor-thin finishes to statement wins, the fourth round and regional championships brought the kind of tension that defines late-November football.
1A: Robbinsville, Wilson Prep Punch Tickets to Chapel Hill
The 1A state championship matchup is officially set.
In the East, Wilson Prep rolled past Northside-Pinetown 50-22 to claim the regional title. The Tigers have scored at least 50 points in back-to-back playoff games, and their offense continued to dictate the tempo throughout the night.
In the West, Robbinsville defeated South Davidson 41-7, extending a postseason run that has included strong defensive efforts and consistent offensive balance.
State Championship:
Wilson Prep vs. Robbinsville, Dec. 11
8A: Millbrook Edges Hoggard; Hough Shuts Out West Charlotte
The 8A playoffs produced one of the week’s biggest results as Millbrook went on the road and beat Hoggard 14-7 to win the East Regional. Millbrook held Hoggard to a single score, leaning on a disciplined defensive performance and timely offense.
In the West, Hough blanked West Charlotte 24-0, continuing a defensive surge that has defined its playoff run. The Huskies have allowed seventeen total points across their three playoff games.
State Championship:
Millbrook vs. Hough, Dec. 11
2A: Murphy Advances; Starmount Rolls; Tarboro and Warren County Set Up East Clash
In the West, Murphy survived a high-scoring matchup to reach the regional final, while Starmount defeated Mitchell 58-22 to advance.
In the East, Tarboro extended its dominant playoff run with a 54-7 win over East Bladen, and Warren County handled Holmes 40-14.
Regional Finals (Dec. 5):
East: Tarboro vs. Warren County
West: Murphy vs. Starmount
3A: Lincolnton Stays Hot; Shelby Survives; East Final Set
Lincolnton continued its postseason surge with a 55-20 win over West Davidson. The Wolves’ offense once again set the tone after knocking out top-seeded Mountain Heritage a week earlier.
They’ll face Shelby, which earned a 43-41 win over Eastern Randolph in one of the week’s closest games.
In the East, James Kenan defeated Farmville Central 51-32, and Kinston edged Northeastern 27-24, setting up a high-stakes regional final.
Regional Finals (Dec. 5):
East: James Kenan vs. Kinston
West: Lincolnton vs. Shelby
4A: One-Point Thriller in the West; Reidsville and West Craven Roll in the East
The West produced one of the weekend’s tightest finishes as Maiden escaped Hibriten 29-28 to advance. They’ll meet Brevard, which defeated Pisgah 49-28.
In the East, Reidsville continued its strong playoff push with a 53-20 win over Central Davidson, while West Craven moved past SouthWest Edgecombe 40-12.
Regional Finals (Dec. 5):
East: Reidsville vs. West Craven
West: Brevard vs. Maiden
5A: Hunt Holds Off Croatan; Crest Ousts Top Seed; Hickory Advances
Hunt won one of the week’s closest games, beating Croatan 32-29 to reach the East Regional Final. They’ll meet Northside-Jacksonville, which defeated Rocky Mount 21-6.
In the West, Crest earned a 28-14 win over top-seeded South Point, while Hickory advanced with a 36-29 victory against Jay M. Robinson.
Regional Finals (Dec. 5):
East: Hunt vs. Northside-Jacksonville
West: Crest vs. Hickory
6A: Close Calls in the West; Jacksonville and Middle Creek Move On in the East
The West semifinals brought drama as Watauga edged Sun Valley 31-28, while Northern Guilford defeated Ashbrook 39-14 to move into the regional final.
In the East, Jacksonville defeated Union Pines 34-7, and Middle Creek earned a 31-24 win over Northern Nash.
Regional Finals (Dec. 5):
East: Jacksonville vs. Middle Creek
West: Watauga vs. Northern Guilford
7A: Cardinal Gibbons Edges Garner; Clayton Advances; Grimsley and Weddington Control the West
Cardinal Gibbons earned a hard-fought 16-14 win over Garner to reach the East Regional Final. They’ll play Clayton, which defeated Southeast Raleigh 35-21.
In the West, Grimsley beat Reagan 24-7, and Weddington topped Independence 21-6 to set up a powerhouse regional matchup.
Regional Finals (Dec. 5):
East: Cardinal Gibbons vs. Clayton
West: Grimsley vs. Weddington
GAMES TO WATCH (Dec. 5 Regional Championships)
Marquee Matchups
Tarboro vs. Warren County (2A East) - Both coming off big wins
Grimsley vs. Weddington (7A West) - Two heavyweights with dominant defenses
Reidsville vs. West Craven (4A East) - Tradition-rich showdown
Teams on Cinderella Runs
Lincolnton (3A West) - Two straight playoff upsets sets up match #8 Wolves and #10 Golden Lions
Kinston (3A East) - Can the #14 Vikings take down #1 James Kenan?
Potential Toss-Ups
Maiden vs. Brevard (4A West) - After Maiden’s one-point escape, another tight finish is possible in this “Battle of the Blue Devils”
Hunt vs. Northside-Jacksonville (5A East) - Both coming off strong defensive performances
High-Intrigue Games
Murphy vs. Starmount (2A West) - A contrast in tempos
Cardinal Gibbons vs. Clayton (7A East) - Clayton looking to knock off another big-name program
By the Numbers
Closest Games: Cardinal Gibbons 16-14 over Garner; Maiden 29-28 over Hibriten
Largest Margin: Lincolnton 55-20 over West Davidson
Shutouts: Hough 24-0 over West Charlotte
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