Kinston and Ayden-Grifton escaped playoffs elimination last week.
The Vikings came out with a 31-27 win over Franklinton, while Ayden-Grifton beat Fairmont 41-28.
Each team will try again to advance further in the NCHSAA 2A state playoffs this week.
No. 7 KINSTON (7-5, 4-1) at No. 2 CURRITUCK COUNTRY (10-2, 5-1)
The Vikings trek up to Currituck County tonight to take on a co-champion of the Northeastern Coastal 2A conference.
While the Knight’s last three games have been won in the final minutes, they can pose a threat against Kinston using their spread offense. Currituck will look to receiver Daquan Foreman, as he recently broke a NCHSAA record for most receiving yards in a single game. On 11 catches — including 98 and 99-yard TD plays, he had 360 yards against Hertford in a 27-23 victory.
Franklinton had a very good receiver in Mike Waverly last week as Kinston skated by, but the Vikings’ Round 2 opponent has the better-looking defense. The Currituck Knights have given up 201 points this year as Kinston allowed 358. Franklinton is on a five-game winning streak and are 6-1 at home this year; Kinston is 3-3 on the road.
Without senior Tiquan Canady, the Vikings will rely on Anthony Pitts at the quarterback position. Thomas Vermillion and Tavon Herns can be used on a few plays if needed. Pitts did a good job of advancing the Vikings up the field with his feet last week. When he needed to get off a pass, he had Anthony Berry or Qwarri Ham.
Both teams have losses against strong programs this season, but Currituck has been able to shut out three opponents this year. The Knights look to have the upper hand, and Kinston must strike early for a chance to remain in the playoffs.
The winner of tonight’s game will play Washington or Bunn out of the 2AA division.
Jessika’s pick: Currituck 36, Kinston 26
No. 5 EDENTON HOLMES (9-3, 5-1) at No. 4 AYDEN-GRIFTON (6-6, 5-0)
The Chargers practiced some of their passing game in the Round 1 win last week. Quarterback Hunter Cannon completed three passes for 60 yards and a pair of TDs to receiver Jake Wright.
Ayden-Grifton has relied heavily on its running game for the duration of its six-game winning streak. As the competition gets tougher, it’s going to be extremely useful to be able to execute an alternative if R.J. Nelson or Drew Turnage don’t get open spots to run.
While AG won the conference championship, Holmes shares part of its conference title with two other schools — including Kinston’s matchup this week. Holmes, Currituck and Northeastern had a three-way tie in the NC2A, while Holmes forced the most points this season with 458.
The Aces are undefeated on the road, and the last time they played away was at the beginning of the month when they beat Bertie 42-6.
Ayden-Grifton, though, is in good shape. The Chargers passed the ultimate test in losing all their non-conference games, sweeping the conference for the championship and getting an easy win over Fairmont in the first round of state playoffs.
Whoever wins tonight plays either Northeastern or Wilson Beddingfield in the 2A semi-finals.
Jessika’s pick: Ayden-Grifton 44, Holmes 38
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 and Jessika.Morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.