NCPreps: Our State Championship Picks!
1A Robbinsville vs Wilson Prep
Deana’s Pick: Robbinsville
It’s hard for me to pick against a program that has such a rich tradition and passionate fanbase. The Black Knights play a tough style of football and have been in big games.
Trey’s Pick: Wilson Prep
I do not think any team has been tested like Wilson Prep has been. Every non-conference game they played was against opponents at least two classifications higher. They even played 7A Clayton, 4A West Craven, and plenty of other strong programs. I think they are ready. Travon Usher will carry WP to a ring.
2A Tarboro vs Murphy
Deana’s Pick: Tarboro
The Vikings are a machine and have been in the championship game so many times it’s almost automatic. This bunch is as good as they’ve ever had at Tarboro, and that’s saying a lot.
Trey’s Pick: Tarboro
The Vikings are the real deal. They will win, and they will win big. No disrespect to Murphy — they earned this shot, and it’s any given football day for any team — but I really believe in the Tarboro athletes led by Kam McDowell-Moore and Tyler Powell. They’ve been here multiple times.
3A Shelby vs Kinston
Deana’s Pick: Shelby
The Golden Lions have peaked at the right time of the season. They play a very tough non-conference schedule to help them make deep playoff runs.
Trey’s Pick: Kinston
No doubt Big Shelby is the front-runner here. Kinston is without question the underdog and has been all playoffs, winning every postseason game on the road except for the first round. Kinston has a once-in-a-decade type team with Tyler Jones, Brennan Chamber, and Tyreek Copper. Much credit goes to Lan Farmer as well — I know he will lead the charge for Shelby. It’s going to be a battle. I’ve got Kinston.
4A Reidsville vs Brevard
Deana’s Pick: Reidsville
Another traditional powerhouse looking to add another title to their trophy case. The Rams have a lot of talent on the field and want to prove they are one of the best teams in the state.
Trey’s Pick: Brevard
Reidsville is everyone’s favorite with the spectacular duo of Neal and Harrison. In both of their last two playoff games, they’ve started slow and rallied late to advance. Brevard is going to be ready. Reidsville can’t afford a slow start. I think Thompson-Wynn is ready to make his name.
5A Crest vs Hunt
Deana’s Pick: Crest
The Chargers played one of the toughest schedules in the state, and it’s prepared them for this moment. They are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball.
Trey’s Pick: Hunt
Hunt has checked the box every week from the beginning of the season. This team is ready to secure a title. Crest will undoubtedly be a challenge, but I think Hunt is up for the task.
6A Watauga vs Middle Creek
Deana’s Pick: Watauga
The Pioneers have been impressive all year and are hoping to cap off their perfect season with a state title.
Trey’s Pick: Watauga
I don’t know if there’s a better leader than Cade Keller — he just might be the best quarterback in North Carolina right now. I think Watauga wins by double digits.
7A Grimsley vs Clayton
Deana’s Pick: Grimsley
Grimsley has been on another level the past few years and is trying to win back-to-back state titles with another loaded team.
Trey’s Pick: Clayton
Grimsley has big-time athletes, but so does Clayton. I think Aiden Small is the X-factor here, and I have Small leading Clayton to a ring in overtime.
8A Hough vs Millbrook
Deana’s Pick: Hough
The Huskies have been so close so many times, and this year they finally made it to the title game. It’s a talented, battle-tested group.
Trey’s Pick: Hough
I really like Millbrook and everything they have accomplished this year, but I think Hough is going to be too much for them to handle.