HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Stallions Roll in Opening Round as Wolfpack Prepare to Host Second Round

COLUMBUS COUNTY — High school football postseason intensity arrived in full force Friday night, setting up a high-stakes second round for Columbus County’s remaining playoff contenders. With South Columbus making a powerful opening statement at home and Whiteville resting up on a first-round bye, both local powerhouses enter Friday, Nov. 13 with clear paths toward a regional title push.

First Round Recap: Stallions Blow Out McMichael; Wolfpack Rest Up

South Columbus 58, McMichael 6

TABOR CITY — The 12th-seeded South Columbus Stallions (7-4) opened the NCHSAA 3A playoffs with an offensive explosion on home turf, dominating the 21st-seeded McMichael Phoenix 58–6.

South Columbus set the physical tone from the opening kickoff, controlling both lines of scrimmage to build a multi-touchdown cushion by halftime. The Stallions’ ground game proved relentless, sustaining long scoring drives and keeping McMichael off balance all evening to seal the second-round ticket.

Whiteville Wolfpack Earn First-Round Rest

WHITEVILLE — The 2nd-seeded Whiteville Wolfpack (9-0) spent Friday night watching the scoreboard after securing a first-round bye courtesy of an unblemished regular season. The break allowed Whiteville to heal up and gear up for hosting duties at Legion Stadium in Round 2.

Second Round Matchup Previews (Friday, Nov. 13)

#15 Northwood Chargers (6-5) at #2 Whiteville Wolfpack (9-0)

• Kickoff & Site: 7:00 PM at Legion Stadium, Whiteville, NC

• Matchup Breakdown: Undefeated Whiteville brings an explosive ground attack (41.7 points per game) and a multi-shutout defense into Legion Stadium. Northwood travels from Pittsboro after scraping past Kinston 34–30 in Round 1. The Chargers rely on running back Aiden Girard (63.9 rushing yards/game) and receiver Raje Torres (61.7 receiving yards/game).

• Keys to the Game:

  1. Rest vs. Rust: Whiteville must shake off any bye-week rust early and establish its physical run game.

  2. Defensive Line Control: The Wolfpack front seven must stack running lanes to force Northwood into long passing situations.

  3. Turnover Protection: Limiting giveaways ensures Whiteville controls the clock and game script at home.

#12 South Columbus Stallions (7-4) at #5 Martin County Gators (7-3)

• Kickoff & Site: 7:00 PM at Martin County High School, Williamston, NC

• Matchup Breakdown: South Columbus carries heavy momentum on the road following its 58–6 blowout win. Quarterback Jaylen Moore (97.4 passing yards/game) and playmaker Jordan Matthewson (138.2 all-purpose yards/game) lead a 266.4-yard per game attack. Rested Martin County relies on a ground-heavy scheme producing 244.1 rushing yards per game behind Jaxon Greene and Josh Watts.

• Keys to the Game:

  1. Contain the Gator Run: Defense leader Jordan Matthewson (7.4 tackles/game) and lineman Austin Spruill must penetrate early to stall Martin County’s 244-yard ground attack.

  2. Road Discipline: South Columbus must avoid pre-snap flags and use Moore’s passing edge to stretch the field.

  3. Time of Possession: Long drives by South Columbus can keep Martin County’s fresh offense off the field.

Complete NCHSAA 3A East Second Round Bracket

• Top Half:

  • #1 Northeastern vs. #16 Wake Prep / #17 Greene Central winner

  • #8 Pasquotank County vs. #9 Wallace-Rose Hill

  • #5 Martin County vs. #12 South Columbus

  • #4 James Kenan vs. #13 Louisburg

• Bottom Half:

  • #3 Midway vs. #14 Princeton / #19 Pender winner

  • #6 Eastern Randolph vs. #11 Providence Grove / #22 South Lenoir winner

  • #7 Hertford County vs. #10 Farmville Central

  • #2 Whiteville vs. #15 Northwood

With Whiteville defending home turf at Legion Stadium and South Columbus taking its momentum on the road to Williamston, Friday night promises high-stakes gridiron action for county football fans. Victories by both programs would move Columbus County one step closer to a potential regional championship showdown.

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