The first day of official NCHSAA high school football practice is July 29 while the regular season kicks off Aug. 21. As the season draws near, here’s a look at 15 games involving local teams that would be worth seeing: 

Northside at White Oak, Aug. 21

It’s no secret that Northside enters with hype as the Monarchs return their key core from last year’s team that went 11-3 and advanced to the 5-A East Regional final.

Northside looks to start living up to the talk at White Oak in the season opener. The Vikings, who will likely be under the radar, would like nothing more than to play spoiler by avenging last year’s 35-16 defeat to the Monarchs. 

Southwest at Richlands, Aug. 21

The Richlands-Southwest rivalry continues to be special to both communities, especially the Wildcats, who have won four consecutive games in this series.

Both teams want to show they are better than last year, and a win would certainly give the victor momentum in that quest. But if anything else, it’s Richlands-Southwest, so anything can happen, and most likely will in this season opener. 

Wallace-Rose Hill at East Duplin, Aug. 21

Continuing with the rivalry theme to open the season, East Duplin hosts longtime foe Wallace-Rose Hill.

And what a way to open than with Duplin County powers clashing in what typically draws a huge crowd. A second straight win over the Bulldogs not only would give the Panthers bragging rights again, but would show that East Duplin could potentially have another strong season. 

Northside at Jacksonville, Aug. 28

Talk about an early season clash when Northside takes the short trip to Jacksonville in a week two clash.

As previously stated, the Monarchs anticipate a special season, and a win over the Cardinals would go a long way in that quest. Jacksonville, however, doesn’t want to relinquish the city throne as the Cardinals have won six consecutive games in the series, including 48-27 last year.

This game will feature a lot of talk, especially if both teams handle business in their season openers. 

James Kenan at East Duplin, Sept. 11

East Duplin gets another home clash with a Duplin County rival when the Panthers host foe James Kenan in week four.

The Panthers will want to get a two-game skid against the Tigers. East Duplin could potentially be 3-0 entering this contest. 

East Duplin at Jacksonville, Sept. 18

One week after hosting James Kenan, East Duplin visits Jacksonville in a game that features two well-respected coaches in Battle Holley of the Panthers and Beau Williams of the Cardinals.

Games between East Duplin and Jacksonville tend to draw big crowds and feature plenty of good hitting. 

Croatan at Havelock, Sept. 25

Croatan upset Havelock 14-7 in the regular season and nipped the Rams 22-21 in the third round of the 5-A playoffs last year.

The Cougars and Rams look to win the outright Coastal Conference title after they shared it with Northside last year. And while the outcome of this game wouldn’t decide everything, it would help paint a bigger picture of the league’s alpha dog.

While this game is in Havelock, there is only one game in Onslow County on this night as several area teams have open dates, so expect this clash to be well-attended. 

Croatan at Northside, Oct. 2

One week after visiting Havelock, Croatan travels to Northside in another key Coastal Conference clash.

The Cougars would certainly be in position for the league title with wins over Havelock and the Monarchs, but Northside will likely be favored in this one, given last year’s 30-28 win at Croatan. 

New Bern at Jacksonville, Oct. 2

A few minutes down the road from Northside, Jacksonville welcomes New Bern in a showdown to kick off Big Carolina Conference play.

The Cardinals have won three straight over the Bears. A fourth consecutive win would give Jacksonville momentum heading into a game at J.H. Rose the following week. 

Jacksonville at J.H. Rose, Oct. 9

Speaking of J.H. Rose, Jacksonville visits the Rampants in a contest that likely features the Big Carolina Conference’s top two contenders.

A victory by the Cardinals would go a long way in Jacksonville capturing a third consecutive conference title and second straight outright crown. 

Havelock at Dixon, Oct. 9

Dixon gave Havelock all it could handle last year as the Rams escaped with a 29-28 win.

While Havelock is poised to be much better than last year, the Bulldogs also believe they will have another strong season. A win over Havelock would certainly show that Dixon is capable.

The Bulldogs will likely be favored in at least five of their first six games, if not all six. Can you imagine Dixon being 5-1 or 6-0 when it faces Havelock? 

Clinton at East Duplin, Oct. 16

On paper, East Duplin’s meeting with Clinton should decide the East Central Conference title. It certainly did last year as the Panthers defeated the Dark Horses 20-13.

East Duplin has a long storied history with Clinton. What a site it would be in Beulaville if this contest once again decides the league crown. 

Havelock at Northside, Oct. 30

Northside players and coaches felt they let one slip away last year when they fell 19-7 at Havelock to close the regular season – a result that forced a three-way tie for the Coastal Conference title.

For the record, the Monarchs are 0-14 against the Rams. A first win in the series would be special for a multiple of reasons.  

Jacksonville at White Oak, Oct. 30

While Jacksonville has won 15 straight over White Oak, the rivalry between the Cardinals and Vikings continues to be special for both schools.

Regardless of sport, any clash between Jacksonville and White Oak offers plenty of emotion and intensity. Expect the same when these longtime rivals meet in the regular season finale. 

Dixon at Croatan, Oct. 30

Dixon came close to upsetting Croatan last year before the Cougars scored a touchdown in the final minute to top the Bulldogs 46-42 in a thriller to close the regular season.

This year’s game could again be a high-scoring affair. It also could potentially play a role in the Coastal Conference title race.