Is it here? Is it finally here?

Yes. High school football is back as the regular season kicks off Friday night. And what a schedule we have in week one. The slate is highlighted by Northside-White Oak, Southwest-Richlands and Wallace-Rose Hill-East Duplin, but there are also a handful of other games involving local teams that are interesting.

Who wins Friday’s season openers? Here are the predictions: 

Northside at White Oak

Last year, Northside snapped a three-game skid against White Oak with a 35-16 victory to extend its all-time series lead to 16-5. The win set the tone for the Monarchs’ breakthrough season.

There’s been plenty of hype surrounding Northside following last year’s East Regional final appearance. Considering that, expect the Monarchs to come out strong early and take care of business.

The Viking won’t back down. Look for White Oak to compete and play well in spurts. However, Northside will simply be too strong on both sides and will flex its muscles early via big plays, especially with wide receiver Gavyn Davis.

Prediction: Northside 40, White Oak 13 

Southwest at Richlands

The Richlands-Southwest rivalry had been one-sided as the Stallions lead the all-time series 39-11 and sported a 32-game, 34-year winning streak over the Wildcats.

But lately, Richlands has dominated the series as the Wildcats have won four consecutive games, including 18-6 at The Corral last year.

The defenses have had the advantages in recent games and look for the same in this affair. The outcome could come down to special teams like last year when the Wildcats made four field goals to pull away.

This may motivated Richlands – just like the predictions in previous seasons – but gut feeling says Southwest will snap its skid against the Wildcats.

Prediction: Southwest 14, Richlands 7

Wallace-Rose Hill at East Duplin

Talk about an exciting atmosphere to open the season as East Duplin hosts longtime rival Wallace-Rose Hill.

The Panthers earned bragging rights last year with a 21-0 victory, marking the first time since 2008 that the Bulldogs were shutout – a span of 227 games.

Wallace-Rose Hill folks won’t forget last year’s contest, but East Duplin also had something to prove. Look for this game to be yet another slobberknocker, but with the Panthers pulling away at the end.

Prediction: East Duplin 21, Wallce-Rose Hill 13 

East Carteret at Croatan

Croatan has won seven consecutive games against East Carteret, outscoring the Mariners 291-42 with four shutouts in that span.

Look for much of the same as the Cougars will be too talented for the Mariners. Expect Croatan to strike early and often and have the game decided by the middle of the second quarter.

Prediction; Croatan 49, East Carteret 0 

Jacksonville at West Carteret

In last year’s meeting with West Carteret, Jacksonville jumped to a 22-0 lead before the Patriots pulled within 10. Then the Cardinals turned on the switch again to emerge with a 43-24 triumph.

Look for a similar type of contest this year in Morehead City. Expect Jacksonville to establish early momentum via the big offensive play and then cruise in the second half before West Carteret makes things a little interesting late.

Prediction; Jacksonville 33, West Carteret 20 

Dixon at Topsail

Dixon opened last season with a bang defeating Topsail 42-40 in overtime.

The Bulldogs are not last year’s squad. Instead, they want to establish their own identity and a win over the Pirates would help in the quest.

Topsail went 0-10 last year and is on a 14-game overall skid. Dixon graduated several key players, but still has plenty of solid players. Look for the offense to find success in this one.

Prediction: Dixon 36, Topsail 20 

Swansboro at South Columbus

Swansboro led 7-0 and 14-7 against South Columbus last year before falling 27-21.

Look for the Pirates to avenge that defeat and start the season on the right foot. A victory would certainly give Swansboro a big boost entering a stretch that sees the Pirates have favorable games.

Prediction: Swansboro 28, South Columbus 20 

American Leadership Academy at Lejeune

Lejeune opens at home against American Leadership Academy, which topped the Devilpups 42-0 last year.

A win would be a big confidence boost for the Devilpups and new coach George Ketchum.

Prediction: American Leadership Academy 30, Lejeune 8

Chris Miller can be contacted via email at cmiller@jdnews.com. Follow him on X @jdnsports.