North Carolina high school football picks, predictions and previews for Week 11 of 2024

It’s the final week of the football regular season, and playoff selections hang in the balance with several Friday night games.

Seventy-First looks to win its 40th straight regular season game, ending a four-year undefeated streak in the United 8 Conference by hosting Douglas Bird before beginning its postseason defense of the 3A East title. The Falcons are in first place in the standings. MaxPreps 3A Rankings.

Terry Sanford won his first conference championship since 2017 and looks to end his unbeaten run at the All-American Tournament with a final at winless Western Harnett. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 25 in the state in 3A and No. 14 in the 3A East, according to MaxPreps.

Cape Fear, ranked No. 5 in the 3A East, hosts Grays Creek this week, while the Bears are ranked No. 29 in the 4A East RPI and are looking to make the East playoffs with 32 teams.

Jack Britt, the top-ranked 4A team in Fayetteville, is ranked No. 15 in the 4A East RPI and the Bucs host No. 20 South View this week.

Westover sits right at No. 32 in the 3A East with a home game against E.E. Smith on Friday.

All of these teams will be looking to add another win to their resume this week. Here’s a look at those matchups with tips and predictions from The Fayetteville Observer.

Watch football games on the NFHS Network

E.E. Smith (2-7, 1-5 AAC) at Westover (6-3, 3-3), 7 p.m.

Radio: VIDU 1600 AM/99.7 FM

The Wolverines are fighting for their playoff lives and the Golden Bulls have struggled to score points this season. While Bulls freshman quarterback Nicholas Smith continues to improve, Westover has too many playmakers to miss out on this player.

Choice: Westover

Pinewood (5-4, 4-2 AAC) at Overhills (4-5, 3-3), 7 p.m.

This game will determine who gets the No. 1 seed in 4A in the All-American Conference. While Overhills has a strong passing game, the Trojans are bewildering them, averaging 382 yards per game compared to 258. They are the first Pine Forest team not to win a conference championship in the last four years. I expect them to compete for the top spot in 4A.

Choice: pine forest

Terry Sanford (7-2, 6-0 AAC) vs. Western Harnett (0-9, 0-6), 7 p.m.

Radio: WFNK 6:40 am

It’s time for the Bulldogs to ice their perfect seasonal cake in AAC play. Junior quarterback Jacob Moore is on track to pass for 2,000 total yards, and he’s also looking to score 100 points on the season now that Terry Sanford is back among the conference champions.

Choice: Terry Sanford

South View (6-3, 4-2 U8) vs. Jack Britt (6-3, 4-2), 7:30 p.m.

Radio: Mid-South Sports Network 94.3 FM

This game will determine the 4A No. 1 seed in the United 8. The same thing happened last season when Britt blocked the Tigers’ extra point attempt after scoring a touchdown with less than a minute left. Hustle plays on special teams made all the difference in this game. Who wants it more this season?

Choice: Southern view

Grays Creek (5-4, 3-3 U8) at Cape Fear (8-1, 5-1), 7:30 p.m.

The Bears suffered a setback, losing their final two games against South View and Jack Britt. The road to the postseason isn’t getting any smoother this week at Cape Fear, setting Grays Creek up for an all-too-familiar end to the season despite fielding a talented team.

Douglas Bird (1-8, 1-5 U8) at Seventy-First (9-0, 6-0), 19:30

The Falcons are looking to put the finishing touches on a four-year streak of undefeated regular-season and conference championships. With the No. 1 ranking in the state, they should secure the top spot in the 3A East playoffs and be in the hunt for a state championship for seniors DeAndre Nance, Donavan Frederick and others.

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