New Bern is one of the top teams in the state this year and really only has two or 3 teams that can compete with it for the eastern 4A title - CG, Hillside, and WF. Havelock and Rose are still 2 strong Eastern 3A title contenders.
Outside of the Alamance county teams (usually very good) we really have no idea how good these other 3A teams are with lofty records. Due to 3A conference reorg and dilution most of them haven't really played anyone good. They are welcome to the show, but the playoffs will prove whether they merit praise or are just bracket fillers.
S.Durham just took their 3A conf. championship. When they want to, they can compete with any 3A team. 3 of their 4 losses were to top 30 4A schools - WF, Hillside, and Leesville Rd.