4A East (week 10)

[FB fan 92]

IF the playoffs were seeded after week 10:

1 Cleveland
32 Holly Springs

16 Southeast Raleigh
17 Ashley

8 Apex Friendship
25 Wake Forest

9 Jordan
24 Hillside



5 Hoggard
28 Middle Creek

12 Millbrook
21 D.H. Conley

13 Leesville Road
20 South View

4 Richmond
29 Gray's Creek



3 Rolesville
30 Overhills

14 Pinecrest
19 Laney

6 New Bern
27 Fuquay-Varina

11 Clayton
22 New Hanover



7 Jack Britt
26 Topsail

10 Pine Forest
23 Enloe

15 Garner
18 Corinth Holders

2 Cardinal Gibbons
31 Sanderson


Greater Neuse River - Auto bid projected to Cleveland over Clayton based on tie break procedure (Higher RPI)
Cap 6 - Auto bid projected to Cardinal Gibbons over Leesville based on tie break procedure (higher RPI)
DAC - Auto bid projected to Jordan over Hillside based on tie break procedure (higher RPI)
United 8 - Auto bid projected to Jack Britt over South View based on tie break procedure (higher RPI)


Determining NCHSAA Playoff Representatives:
1. Conference Standings
If a tie, the tie break decided in the following order:
2. Head-to-Head
3. How the tied team fared again the rest of the conference, starting with the number one team and moving down throughout the conference.
4. NCHSAA RPI standings.
5. Draw will be held by the tied teams for the seeds available.

 

[NBBears20124ACHAMPS]

Updated seedings-

1. Cleveland
2. Cardinal Gibbons
3. Hoggard
4. Rolesville
5. Richmond
6. New Bern
7. Jack Britt
8. Jordan

Some interesting potential 2nd round matchups.

Rolesville vs Pinecrest

Richmond vs Clayton

New Bern vs Millbrook

 

[portcity FB]

Possible second round matchup
9-1 Hoggard
9-1 Leesville Rd

 

[FB fan 92]

IMO the seeding process misses the mark. I would like to see a move away from seeding the conference winners first and just seed solely by the RPI.

 

[livlarge]

Relatively new to NC. 32 seeds? Wow...everyone gets a trophy.
I wonder how often the bottom 10 have even been within double digits.

 

[NBBears20124ACHAMPS]

Relatively new to NC. 32 seeds? Wow...everyone gets a trophy.
I wonder how often the bottom 10 have even been within double digits.

Multiple 2-win teams will make the playoffs due to their high RPI.

Major overhaul to playoffs starting next year. Moving from 4 classifications to 8.

 

[portcity FB]

Relatively new to NC. 32 seeds? Wow...everyone gets a trophy.
I wonder how often the bottom 10 have even been within double digits.

Wait till next year.

 

[portcity FB]

IMO the seeding process misses the mark. I would like to see a move away from seeding the conference winners first and just seed solely by the RPI.

I agree. At minimum you have to win your conference outright. If a 4A team finishes 2nd or 3rd in a split conference they should not be a top 10 seed.

 

[XOPlan57]

The idea of having 32 seeds does seem to dilute the significance of earning a top spot, and it can lead to situations where teams that haven't performed well during the season still get a favorable position in the playoffs. It’s important for the integrity of the competition that teams are rewarded based on their actual performance.

If we look at some of the recent seasons, it’s not uncommon for teams finishing in the lower tiers of their conferences to end up in playoff positions, which raises questions about the fairness of the system.

Additionally, consider how teams that consistently dominate their conferences, like those who finish first or second, might feel about facing a lower-performing team in the playoffs simply because of a seeding format that prioritizes quantity over quality. It can certainly lead to mismatches and undermine the excitement of the postseason.

 

[PagePirates44]

The idea of having 32 seeds does seem to dilute the significance of earning a top spot, and it can lead to situations where teams that haven't performed well during the season still get a favorable position in the playoffs. It’s important for the integrity of the competition that teams are rewarded based on their actual performance.

If we look at some of the recent seasons, it’s not uncommon for teams finishing in the lower tiers of their conferences to end up in playoff positions, which raises questions about the fairness of the system.

Additionally, consider how teams that consistently dominate their conferences, like those who finish first or second, might feel about facing a lower-performing team in the playoffs simply because of a seeding format that prioritizes quantity over quality. It can certainly lead to mismatches and undermine the excitement of the postseason.

Once again, you have to take into consideration that the sub-divided classifications for playoffs (4AA, 4A, 3AA, 3A). we had THE SAME NUMBER of teams making the playoffs.. That means 64 total 4A teams were making the playoffs then and 64 total 4A teams are making the playoffs now. Maybe it is a bit watered down, but I don't think going to 8A is going to help the situation either...

This current iteration of how the playoff seedings are done are rewarding teams who challenge themselves and schedule quality opponents. They aren't just throwing all the teams who finished lower in the conference into the playoff pool. They are picking the quality ones base on RPI. That is as fair as it gets, at the end of the day, numbers don't lie. Just to give you an example, my alma mater Page, is 3-7 and finished 5th in their 8 team conference, but had the 2nd toughest schedule in the state (according to Simmons), projections say we will get the 24th seed and it looks like they could be up against a 7-3 higher seed that played a much weaker schedule. That doesn't mean Page isn't a solid playoff team, it means that they have quite a few elite teams on the schedule.

People complained, ad nauseum for many years, that teams were being rewarded for playing a soft cupcake schedule and getting higher seeds, compared to teams that were perceived to be higher ranked with perceived tougher schedules (2011 4AA West was a great example, and it didn't work out well for them). The current system shuts down that whole conversation. A team can schedule a bunch of cupcakes in non conference and it could seem like they are "actually performing," but they aren't, and they end up coming up short in the playoffs.

 

[livlarge]

Once again, you have to take into consideration that the sub-divided classifications for playoffs (4AA, 4A, 3AA, 3A). we had THE SAME NUMBER of teams making the playoffs.. That means 64 total 4A teams were making the playoffs then and 64 total 4A teams are making the playoffs now. Maybe it is a bit watered down, but I don't think going to 8A is going to help the situation either...

This current iteration of how the playoff seedings are done are rewarding teams who challenge themselves and schedule quality opponents. They aren't just throwing all the teams who finished lower in the conference into the playoff pool. They are picking the quality ones base on RPI. That is as fair as it gets, at the end of the day, numbers don't lie. Just to give you an example, my alma mater Page, is 3-7 and finished 5th in their 8 team conference, but had the 2nd toughest schedule in the state (according to Simmons), projections say we will get the 24th seed and it looks like they could be up against a 7-3 higher seed that played a much weaker schedule. That doesn't mean Page isn't a solid playoff team, it means that they have quite a few elite teams on the schedule.

People complained, ad nauseum for many years, that teams were being rewarded for playing a soft cupcake schedule and getting higher seeds, compared to teams that were perceived to be better that played tougher schedules (2011 4AA West was a great example, and it didn't work out well for them). The current system shuts down that whole conversation. A team can schedule a bunch of cupcakes in non conference and it could seem like they are "actually performing," but they aren't, and they end up coming up short in the playoffs.

All points well taken.
However....it does mean that Page, while possibly better than other higher seeds with weaker teams and schedules, has a "slim to none" chance of winning the state championship. and let's be honest, do you really want a state champ crowned that has 7 LOSSES!
it's just too many. you don't deserve a chance to compete for the state championship if you're under .500. It makes no sense.

 

[PagePirates44]

All points well taken.
However....it does mean that Page, while possibly better than other higher seeds with weaker teams and schedules, has a "slim to none" chance of winning the state championship. and let's be honest, do you really want a state champ crowned that has 7 LOSSES!
it's just too many. you don't deserve a chance to compete for the state championship if you're under .500. It makes no sense.

I wholeheartedly agree. I don't think we deserve to be in the playoffs, you can read my post in the 4A West thread. But, the current system is what it is.

Post link here https://ncpreps.forums.rivals.com/threads/4a-west-week-10.55359/post-925981

 

[livlarge]

I wholeheartedly agree. I don't think we deserve to be in the playoffs, you can read my post in the 4A West thread. But, the current system is what it is.

Post link here https://ncpreps.forums.rivals.com/threads/4a-west-week-10.55359/post-925981

I'm not entirely certain of the reasoning behind it. But let's say that they are simply trying to "reward" as many teams as possible with at least ONE LAST GAME, especially for those seniors.
Instead of diluting the playoff field with a Shitload of undeserving teams. Cut the number in half. and TBH, I would cut it to 8. BC after all, how many times has a 9-16 seed won states?? I suppose it may have happened, but my guess would be zero.

Anyway....then have all your other teams enter into Thanksgiving Day game contracts, preferably with a non-conference team, that has a natural rival flavor to it. EG, Topsail and Dixon are 10 miles apart, not in the same conference and play every year. Make that game their Turkey bowl. Win win.

No one is doing anything on Thanksgiving morning, besides Mom. and once she gets that bird in the oven, she's free for at least 8 hours too. It would be a great draw and a great community event for people to rally around for the Holidays. If your rival makes the playoff?? maybe you sit out a year, maybe another opponent in a similar situation steps in, or maybe that year's "game" is a family friendly flag football game. IMO opinion, better than a 32 team seeded playoff.

 

[PagePirates44]

I'm not entirely certain of the reasoning behind it. But let's say that they are simply trying to "reward" as many teams as possible with at least ONE LAST GAME, especially for those seniors.
Instead of diluting the playoff field with a Shitload of undeserving teams. Cut the number in half. and TBH, I would cut it to 8. BC after all, how many times has a 9-16 seed won states?? I suppose it may have happened, but my guess would be zero.

Anyway....then have all your other teams enter into Thanksgiving Day game contracts, preferably with a non-conference team, that has a natural rival flavor to it. EG, Topsail and Dixon are 10 miles apart, not in the same conference and play every year. Make that game their Turkey bowl. Win win.

No one is doing anything on Thanksgiving morning, besides Mom. and once she gets that bird in the oven, she's free for at least 8 hours too. It would be a great draw and a great community event for people to rally around for the Holidays. If your rival makes the playoff?? maybe you sit out a year, maybe another opponent in a similar situation steps in, or maybe that year's "game" is a family friendly flag football game. IMO opinion, better than a 32 team seeded playoff.

To be completely honest with you, and this is not the first time its been said on here. But MONEY is involved, and I think that is a big reason why the playoffs are expanded to 32 teams per bracket.

 

[livlarge]

To be completely honest with you, and this is not the first time its been said on here. But MONEY is involved, and I think that is a big reason why the playoffs are expanded to 32 teams per bracket.

Money and morons, a poisonous mix.

 

[XOPlan57]

Once again, you have to take into consideration that the sub-divided classifications for playoffs (4AA, 4A, 3AA, 3A). we had THE SAME NUMBER of teams making the playoffs.. That means 64 total 4A teams were making the playoffs then and 64 total 4A teams are making the playoffs now. Maybe it is a bit watered down, but I don't think going to 8A is going to help the situation either...

This current iteration of how the playoff seedings are done are rewarding teams who challenge themselves and schedule quality opponents. They aren't just throwing all the teams who finished lower in the conference into the playoff pool. They are picking the quality ones base on RPI. That is as fair as it gets, at the end of the day, numbers don't lie. Just to give you an example, my alma mater Page, is 3-7 and finished 5th in their 8 team conference, but had the 2nd toughest schedule in the state (according to Simmons), projections say we will get the 24th seed and it looks like they could be up against a 7-3 higher seed that played a much weaker schedule. That doesn't mean Page isn't a solid playoff team, it means that they have quite a few elite teams on the schedule.

People complained, ad nauseum for many years, that teams were being rewarded for playing a soft cupcake schedule and getting higher seeds, compared to teams that were perceived to be higher ranked with perceived tougher schedules (2011 4AA West was a great example, and it didn't work out well for them). The current system shuts down that whole conversation. A team can schedule a bunch of cupcakes in non conference and it could seem like they are "actually performing," but they aren't, and they end up coming up short in the playoffs.

The emphasis on scheduling quality opponents is a significant improvement that rewards teams for challenging themselves rather than just coasting through an easier schedule. This is essential in creating a more balanced and competitive playoff environment.

For instance, looking at the situation with Page, it's evident that a team with a tough schedule, even with a less-than-ideal record, can still be a formidable contender in the playoffs. This mirrors the experiences of several teams in different classifications that have faced similar challenges. For example, a team like the 2018 4AA West champion, which had a tough schedule but managed to find its rhythm in the playoffs, shows that regular-season performance against elite competition can prepare a team for the intensity of playoff games.

The shift away from rewarding teams for soft schedules addresses the long-standing concern among fans and coaches about fairness. It’s refreshing to see a system that prioritizes merit based on actual performance rather than perceived strength based on records alone. This change not only enhances the integrity of the playoffs but also elevates the quality of play across the board.

 

[livlarge]

The emphasis on scheduling quality opponents is a significant improvement that rewards teams for challenging themselves rather than just coasting through an easier schedule. This is essential in creating a more balanced and competitive playoff environment.

For instance, looking at the situation with Page, it's evident that a team with a tough schedule, even with a less-than-ideal record, can still be a formidable contender in the playoffs. This mirrors the experiences of several teams in different classifications that have faced similar challenges. For example, a team like the 2018 4AA West champion, which had a tough schedule but managed to find its rhythm in the playoffs, shows that regular-season performance against elite competition can prepare a team for the intensity of playoff games.

The shift away from rewarding teams for soft schedules addresses the long-standing concern among fans and coaches about fairness. It’s refreshing to see a system that prioritizes merit based on actual performance rather than perceived strength based on records alone. This change not only enhances the integrity of the playoffs but also elevates the quality of play across the board.

This is all pleasantly and eloquently presented. Unfortunately, it's crapola. Awarding playoff berths to 32 teams, probably half of which are undeserving does ZERO to elevate the level of play. That makes no sense, with all due respect. and as I see it, everyone who cares about hs athletics in general and NC HS football in particular should be laser-focused on identifying and PERMITTING best practices as a way to for elevate play. That is the only way
For openers --- The time allotted for summer camp is a JOKE. That entire experience is being lost. That is where the real deprivation is occurring. The rules regarding weather, and the opportunities for hitting in practice are too limited. You can't get better at it, if you don't practice it. As a result, the tackling across the board is abysmal, and the overall physicality is nowhere near where it should be, where it needs to be, to create tough young men. Which used to be part of the job description.
Bc of this, it seems that the name of the game is simply, "who can assemble the largest collection of ready-made football athletes with all the best measurables in one place". The rules severely restrict the impact of coaching. I see bad teams changing coaches every here. What happens? Nothing. They never get better. Not really. A Win here, a win there. Against whom? The other teams who are also always hovering around the bottom of the barrel.
Using the example of Page (or any school in a similar circumstance; I'm not picking on Page), I wouldn't care if they scheduled the '72 Dolphins, '85 Bears and 2012 Pats out of conference, they still lost at least 3 or 4 games in their conference. How can you be a state champion when you aren't even close to winning your own conference?
To contend that a system that rewards 32 teams with playoff berths, including many with losing records, "elevates the quality of play"...well, that is illogic on another level.
Lastly, I hope the readers/commenters understand that I am not on here attacking kids, or even coaches. I hate to see 0-10, 1-9, average score 60-7. That breaks my heart. That is NOT what anyone's HS football experience should look like. and even if/when your senior season team's record might be less than stellar, you at least had those deep deep bonds forged over many off-seasons of workouts, and especially across those dark and lonely dog days of summer in football camp. IMO football people have to snatch the richness of that experience back. The time needs to be up for the scared and the clueless.

 

[XOPlan57]

This is all pleasantly and eloquently presented. Unfortunately, it's crapola. Awarding playoff berths to 32 teams, probably half of which are undeserving does ZERO to elevate the level of play. That makes no sense, with all due respect. and as I see it, everyone who cares about hs athletics in general and NC HS football in particular should be laser-focused on identifying and PERMITTING best practices as a way to for elevate play. That is the only way
For openers --- The time allotted for summer camp is a JOKE. That entire experience is being lost. That is where the real deprivation is occurring. The rules regarding weather, and the opportunities for hitting in practice are too limited. You can't get better at it, if you don't practice it. As a result, the tackling across the board is abysmal, and the overall physicality is nowhere near where it should be, where it needs to be, to create tough young men. Which used to be part of the job description.
Bc of this, it seems that the name of the game is simply, "who can assemble the largest collection of ready-made football athletes with all the best measurables in one place". The rules severely restrict the impact of coaching. I see bad teams changing coaches every here. What happens? Nothing. They never get better. Not really. A Win here, a win there. Against whom? The other teams who are also always hovering around the bottom of the barrel.
Using the example of Page (or any school in a similar circumstance; I'm not picking on Page), I wouldn't care if they scheduled the '72 Dolphins, '85 Bears and 2012 Pats out of conference, they still lost at least 3 or 4 games in their conference. How can you be a state champion when you aren't even close to winning your own conference?
To contend that a system that rewards 32 teams with playoff berths, including many with losing records, "elevates the quality of play"...well, that is illogic on another level.
Lastly, I hope the readers/commenters understand that I am not on here attacking kids, or even coaches. I hate to see 0-10, 1-9, average score 60-7. That breaks my heart. That is NOT what anyone's HS football experience should look like. and even if/when your senior season team's record might be less than stellar, you at least had those deep deep bonds forged over many off-seasons of workouts, and especially across those dark and lonely dog days of summer in football camp. IMO football people have to snatch the richness of that experience back. The time needs to be up for the scared and the clueless.

Crapola? It's not.
I will start by saying that the expansion of playoff berths to 32 teams, many of which may not have earned their spot, certainly dilutes the competitive spirit and raises questions about the overall quality of play. As you rightly pointed out, this system does little to foster true excellence in the sport.

Your emphasis on the importance of summer camps and practice time resonates deeply. The restrictions on hitting and practice opportunities have created a scenario where teams struggle to develop fundamental skills, particularly in tackling and physicality. For instance, we see many players entering the game without the necessary experience, which can lead to the subpar performances you mentioned. This is not only detrimental to the teams but also to the players’ development as athletes and individuals.

Moreover, the issue of coaching turnover is telling. Frequent changes in leadership can lead to instability, and without a consistent vision or strategy, it’s challenging for programs to improve. Take a look at schools that have retained successful coaches over time; they often see a gradual increase in performance and cohesion. This is in stark contrast to teams that cycle through coaches without giving anyone a chance to build a lasting foundation.

So what specific changes do you think could be implemented to enhance summer training opportunities and overall player development, while still maintaining a fair and competitive league structure? Your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!

 

[livlarge]

Crapola? It's not.
I will start by saying that the expansion of playoff berths to 32 teams, many of which may not have earned their spot, certainly dilutes the competitive spirit and raises questions about the overall quality of play. As you rightly pointed out, this system does little to foster true excellence in the sport.

Your emphasis on the importance of summer camps and practice time resonates deeply. The restrictions on hitting and practice opportunities have created a scenario where teams struggle to develop fundamental skills, particularly in tackling and physicality. For instance, we see many players entering the game without the necessary experience, which can lead to the subpar performances you mentioned. This is not only detrimental to the teams but also to the players’ development as athletes and individuals.

Moreover, the issue of coaching turnover is telling. Frequent changes in leadership can lead to instability, and without a consistent vision or strategy, it’s challenging for programs to improve. Take a look at schools that have retained successful coaches over time; they often see a gradual increase in performance and cohesion. This is in stark contrast to teams that cycle through coaches without giving anyone a chance to build a lasting foundation.

So what specific changes do you think could be implemented to enhance summer training opportunities and overall player development, while still maintaining a fair and competitive league structure? Your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!

It's currently too late to go completely down this vast rabbit hole.
Briefly, Summer camp?? at a minimum 2-a-day practices have to be permitted, minimum of 10 full days. Currently the first two weeks of August are being wasted.
Limits for in practice hitting must be increased. I could talk for days about CTE and TBI, but it's much like Climate Change - I'd be excoriated for minimizing the impact.
The weather/real-feel temperature restrictions on practice in the summer have to be adjusted as well. I have a personal anecdote that includes the football team's summer schedule being in the hands of a gleeful female assistant trainer. An Assistant trainer. needless to say that school has a string losing seasons stretching back years. To me, that scenario is not only ridiculous, but offensive.
I could go on and on but for now those are a few places to start.

 

[XOPlan57]

It's currently too late to go completely down this vast rabbit hole.
Briefly, Summer camp?? at a minimum 2-a-day practices have to be permitted, minimum of 10 full days. Currently the first two weeks of August are being wasted.
Limits for in practice hitting must be increased. I could talk for days about CTE and TBI, but it's much like Climate Change - I'd be excoriated for minimizing the impact.
The weather/real-feel temperature restrictions on practice in the summer have to be adjusted as well. I have a personal anecdote that includes the football team's summer schedule being in the hands of a gleeful female assistant trainer. An Assistant trainer. needless to say that school has a string losing seasons stretching back years. To me, that scenario is not only ridiculous, but offensive.
I could go on and on but for now those are a few places to start.

Well yes, allowing 2-a-day practices with a minimum of 10 full days could significantly increase player conditioning and skill development. For instance, many successful programs in various sports have benefited from rigorous summer training, leading to better performance during the season. Additionally, increasing the limits on in-practice hitting could help players become more acclimated to the physical demands of the game, which is crucial for their development.

The assistant trainer thought highlights a serious issue. It's concerning when decisions impacting the team’s performance are placed in the hands of individuals who may not fully understand the competitive landscape. This can create a disconnect between training methods and the actual needs of the players and the program.

 

[whatcanIsay]

All points well taken.
However....it does mean that Page, while possibly better than other higher seeds with weaker teams and schedules, has a "slim to none" chance of winning the state championship. and let's be honest, do you really want a state champ crowned that has 7 LOSSES!
it's just too many. you don't deserve a chance to compete for the state championship if you're under .500. It makes no sense.

It has happen before

 

[NBBears20124ACHAMPS]

Looks like everything should be finalized now.

Rolesville gets a tough draw. They possibly get 9-1 Pinecrest in 2nd round and either Richmond/Clayton in 3rd round followed by undefeated Cleveland in semifinal.

Richmond with an even tougher draw as a 4 seed with a potential matchup with 1-loss Clayton in just the 2nd round.

Both Gibbons and Cleveland, IMO, can play their backups and will make it to the semifinals.

Think we’re primed for Hoggard/Gibbons and Cleveland/Rolesville matchups for the right to go to the East Final.

 

[Raiders 4 real]

Thats why the games must be played dem Raiders will be just fine tough hard rd ahead doubted and underrated flying low that is how dem County boys like it.

 

[FB fan 92]

Looks like everything should be finalized now.

Rolesville gets a tough draw. They possibly get 9-1 Pinecrest in 2nd round and either Richmond/Clayton in 3rd round followed by undefeated Cleveland in semifinal.

Richmond with an even tougher draw as a 4 seed with a potential matchup with 1-loss Clayton in just the 2nd round.

Both Gibbons and Cleveland, IMO, can play their backups and will make it to the semifinals.

Think we’re primed for Hoggard/Gibbons and Cleveland/Rolesville matchups for the right to go to t

What about your Bears? How far do you see them going?

 

[NBBears20124ACHAMPS]

What about your Bears? How far do you see them going?

2nd, maybe 3rd round. They’ll be better next year and will make a deep run. Breaking in a lot of younger/inexperienced guys this year.

 

[portcity FB]

Looks like everything should be finalized now.

Rolesville gets a tough draw. They possibly get 9-1 Pinecrest in 2nd round and either Richmond/Clayton in 3rd round followed by undefeated Cleveland in semifinal.

Richmond with an even tougher draw as a 4 seed with a potential matchup with 1-loss Clayton in just the 2nd round.

Both Gibbons and Cleveland, IMO, can play their backups and will make it to the semifinals.

Think we’re primed for Hoggard/Gibbons and Cleveland/Rolesville matchups for the right to go to the East Final.

Hoggard has a pretty tough draw too. Possible second round game with 9-1 LR. They haven’t played a great schedule but that doesn’t mean they will not be a tough out. Then possibly NB. NB is always tough and will be ready to play. Hoggard has been hit hard with injuries this year. If they were at full force I would agree with you about the final 4 teams in the East. Hoggard can definitely get back to the conference semis but they will have to play well.

Looks like NB has a dynamic player at QB. That brings back bad memories from 2014.

 

[NBBears20124ACHAMPS]

Hoggard has a pretty tough draw too. Possible second round game with 9-1 LR. They haven’t played a great schedule but that doesn’t mean they will not be a tough out. Then possibly NB. NB is always tough and will be ready to play. Hoggard has been hit hard with injuries this year. If they were at full force I would agree with you about the final 4 teams in the East. Hoggard can definitely get back to the conference semis but they will have to play well.

Looks like NB has a dynamic player at QB. That brings back memories from 2014.

I’d be surprised if Leesville Rd scored twice against the Vikes.

NB has a first year starter at QB and has exceeded expectations for sure. He’s not Mike Hughes 6 TD’s in first half of East Final level, but he’s a really good athlete.

 

[Omaha45]

Looks like everything should be finalized now.

Rolesville gets a tough draw. They possibly get 9-1 Pinecrest in 2nd round and either Richmond/Clayton in 3rd round followed by undefeated Cleveland in semifinal.

Richmond with an even tougher draw as a 4 seed with a potential matchup with 1-loss Clayton in just the 2nd round.

Both Gibbons and Cleveland, IMO, can play their backups and will make it to the semifinals.

Think we’re primed for Hoggard/Gibbons and Cleveland/Rolesville matchups for the right to go to the East Final.

Rolesville facing a potential matchup against 9-1 Pinecrest in the second round is no small feat, especially considering the strength of their offense this season. If they manage to get past that, the prospect of playing either Richmond or Clayton in the third round just adds to the difficulty. Richmond, as a 4 seed, certainly has a daunting path ahead, particularly with a potential clash against a solid Clayton team that has only one loss. Their resilience and tactical gameplay have been impressive, but they’ll need to be at their best to navigate this tough bracket.

On the flip side, I agree that both Gibbons and Cleveland seem poised to advance deep into the playoffs. Gibbons has showcased depth in their lineup throughout the season, and Cleveland’s undefeated record speaks volumes about their consistency and skill. Both teams have demonstrated the ability to dominate their opponents, which makes them heavy favorites in their respective matchups.

I am curious of whom will win it all.