May as well throw my .02 in.
NE/GC- I think this might be closer than some think. Both teams throw it all over the yard. GC comes from what has proven so far to be one of if not the best football conference in the east this season. I still think NE has too much fire power especially on the offensive side of the ball. NE by 16
ED/WC-contrast of styles based on the regular season. If ED can play keep away and keep WC offense off the field, their chances improve dramatically. WC QB had a once in a lifetime game last week. Not sure if that was due to Nash defense, or lack thereof or just a great game plan. If I was ED, the Kinston game would concern me as WC likes to throw it. I understand ED has key people back that didnt play much in first meeting. Still, that was 3 months ago. I dont see a blowout and it all comes down to EDs defense as I think the ED offense will move the ball and put TDs on the board. Game to me is a toss up and homefield is usually worth 3 points or so.
JK/Martin- My first thought was JK easy based on the Northside Jax result. Not sure if Martin might have rested a lot of starters and gave some younger guys some game action being it was an extra game and did not count. Still, Martin did lose to Bertie and outside of Tarboro, hasnt played that challenging of a schedule. Still, they played Tarboro so I dont think they will be in awe of JK. If JK gets the power running game going it will be a long night for Martin. I think that happens. JK by 20
WRH/SWE- to me, most interesting game. Everyone talks about how great the homefield advantage and environment is for WRH and while it is a unique place to play, I do not think it is what it once was based on the attendance the last couple of times I have been there. SWE from the EPC and the question is which team shows up. SWE beat playoff teams Nash, Eastern Wayne, West Craven, and came within one score of Farmville, North Pitt and AG and played Tarboro close. WRH plays one of the toughest schedules around so they are tested also. If WRH turns it over 5 times, SWE wins. Do they do it two weeks in a row? I think not so give me the Bulldogs by a TD. This will be a close game.
SEA/Kinston- long ride for Kinston. If this was a basketball playoff game, their fans would travel too. Football? Eh, not so much. SEA should be able to match Kinston at the skill positions. I think the key is both teams interior. This will be won at the line of scrimmage by the team that runs the ball the best. Kinston played both WRH and JK close and routed ED. Kinston comes from a much better football conference. SEA schedule only has one team still playing (N Moore). Give me Kinston by 10
Holmes/AG- AG is one of the better stories this season. They are champions of the most competitive 2A league in the east this year but I dont know that they were the "best" team. Holmes is sneaky good and well coached, winners of four in a row. I think AG is more battle tested based on schedule and is on a roll. AG by 18
EW/Princeton- met back on 10/4 with EW coming away with a 30-18 win. I think EW will exploit a Princeton defense that based on scores isnt very good (30 to Goldsboro, 24 to Spring Creek, 28 to North Johnston). Princeton is capable of long sustained drives running the single wing, but EW sees is each year so they are probably better prepared to contain it as opposed to someone that never sees it. Princeton is here by virtue of drawing East Carteret first round. If they had played any of the other 9 teams above EC, I dont think they are playing this week. This might be the blowout of the 2nd round. Give me EW by 25.
FC/Whiteville- I think Whiteville is a very fortunate #2 seed. A few teams just below them would probably be favored if they were to match up. I dont think this is a good matchup for Whiteville. FC plays in the EPC and Whiteville hasnt played anyone outside of JK. FC can score points and I am just not sure the Wolfpack can keep pace. I think the #2 seed goes down by 5.
Unbiased opinion above.
