HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: North Brunswick Advances; South Brunswick Falls in Playoff Openers

BRUNSWICK COUNTY — High school football postseason intensity arrived Friday night for Brunswick County programs, producing a mixed opening round as the NCHSAA state playoffs got underway.

North Brunswick delivered a decisive home victory to advance into the second round, while South Brunswick saw its season come to a heartbreaking conclusion on the road. Meanwhile, West Brunswick was unable to extend its campaign into the 2026 postseason field.

First Round Playoff Recap (Friday, Nov. 6)

North Brunswick 28, Heritage 15

LELAND — The North Brunswick Scorpions earned a hard-fought opening-round victory in the 7A East bracket, holding off Wake Forest Heritage 28–15 in Leland.

North Brunswick established control at the line of scrimmage, opening up a lead behind a physical ground game and timely defensive stops. The Scorpions’ defense clamped down on Heritage’s scoring threats down the stretch, securing the program’s spot in Round 2.

With the home win, North Brunswick moves on to face high-powered Overhills (who advanced past Holly Springs) on Friday, Nov. 13.

South Granville 31, South Brunswick 29

CREEDMOOR — The South Brunswick Cougars battled to the final whistle on the road but fell short in a 31–29 thriller against South Granville in 5A East action.

In a high-scoring contest that featured multiple lead changes, the Cougars’ offense moved the ball consistently against the home squad. However, South Granville hit a late fourth-quarter score to edge past South Brunswick, bringing an end to the Cougars’ 2026 postseason run.

West Brunswick Misses Postseason Field

SHALLOTTE — The West Brunswick Trojans did not qualify for the 2026 NCHSAA playoff field and wrapped up their season during the regular-season finale on Oct. 30.

Second Round Preview (Friday, Nov. 13)

North Brunswick Scorpions at Overhills Jaguars

• Date & Time: Friday, November 13, 2026 | 7:00 PM EST

• Location: Overhills High School, Spring Lake, NC

Matchup Breakdown

• North Brunswick: Fresh off a impressive 28–15 victory over Heritage, the Scorpions bring a stout defensive front and a ball-control offense into the second round. North Brunswick must establish its running game early to control the clock on the road.

• Overhills: The Jaguars enter Round 2 after defeating Holly Springs in their opening-round matchup. Overhills features an explosive perimeter offense that will test the Scorpions’ secondary.

Keys to the Game

1. Win the Trenches: North Brunswick must set a physical tone along the offensive line to keep Overhills’ pass rush at bay.

2. Contain Big Plays: The Scorpions’ secondary must keep Overhills’ receivers in front to avoid chunk plays over the top.

3. Turnover Margin: Capitalizing on takeaways will be crucial for North Brunswick to claim a road win and keep its playoff run alive.

With North Brunswick carrying the banner for Brunswick County into the second round, Friday night’s road test in Spring Lake promises high-stakes gridiron action as the Scorpions push for a spot in the regional quarterfinals.

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