Weather permitting, there are seven week-three high school football games Friday night involving area teams. Of course, we must put an emphasis on the weather permitting part, given Mother Nature has wreaked havoc on the first two weeks.

Three contests are between local squads, including the game of the week between White Oak and Swansboro. Jacksonville, meanwhile, is the only area team with an open date.

Who wins Friday night? Here are my thoughts and predictions for the week three games. 

White Oak (1-0) at Swansboro (2-0)

Swansboro looks for its first 3-0 start since it was 4-0 in 2019, while White Oak plays for its first 2-0 start since 2018.

The Pirates matched last year’s win total with a 42-0 victory at Pamlico while the Vikings opened with a 16-6 win at Richlands after their season opener against Northside was cancelled.

White Oak leads the series 33-9-1, including 34-3 last season for its eighth consecutive win over Swansboro. The Pirates’ last victory over the Vikings was a 40-36 win in the 2021 spring season. The teams played twice in 2022, 2023 and 2024 while their first meeting was a 14-6 Swansboro win in 1971.

White Oak last week compiled 344 yards rushing, but managed just two touchdowns. The Vikings will need to take care of the ball and finish drives if they are to outscore the Pirates, who won’t mind getting into a shootout.

Swansboro last week recorded its  first shutout since a 33-0 win over South Lenoir in 2022. The Pirates’ key is to prevent White Oak from averaging 6.1 yards per carry like the Vikings did last week.

Prediction: White Oak 28, Swansboro 20 

Richlands (1-1) at East Duplin (2-0)

East Duplin has gutted out wins over Wallace-Rose Hill and Princeton while Richlands followed an emotional opening win over Southwest with a 16-6 loss to White Oak.

The Wildcats face their toughest task against the Panthers, who compiled 356 yards rushing and averaged 8.7 yards per carry in last week’s 40-34 win at Princeton.

East Duplin is a clear favorite, but if Richlands can make early stops, the Wildcats have a chance to stay in this one. 

East Duplin leads the series 39-20-1 with the Panthers winning the first official meeting 12-0 in 1962. The old Beulaville High defeated Richlands in 1960 and 1961. The Wildcats’ last win was a 19-0 victory in 2024.

Prediction: East Duplin 27, Richlands 10 

Croatan (2-0) at Southwest (0-2)

Croatan looks for its third straight win over Southwest as the Cougars won 42-0 last year and won 24-21 in the 2021 spring season.

The Stallions lead the series 16-3 and won the first meeting 48-12 in 1999. Southwest’s last win over Croatan was a 28-6 win in 2019.

Croatan also plays for its fourth straight 3-0 start. Southwest tries to avoid starting 0-3 for the sixth consecutive season.

While the Southwest defense has kept the Stallions competitive, their offense has struggled. Southwest needs to move the chains to keep Croatan’s offense off the field.

Once the Cougars have possession, they have the ability to make big gains via the pass and run.

Prediction: Croatan 31, Southwest 10 

Topsail (1-1) at Northside (1-0)

Northside made a statement Thursday in a 14-6 win at Jacksonville. The Monarchs return to work against improved Topsail, which went 0-10 last season.

While it’s natural for the Monarchs to take their foot off the gas, look for Northside to instead take care of business. This may not be the 42-6 win like last year, but if the Monarchs play well, they should pull away in the second half.

Northside leads the series 5-0 with the first meeting being a 41-14 win in 2009.

Prediction: Northside 34, Topsail 14 

Dixon (1-1) at Hobbton (0-2)

Dixon compiled 488 yards rushing, averaging 18.8 yards per carry, in last week’s 53-18 victory over Beddingfield.

The Bulldogs can produce similar production at Hobbton, which dropped its season opener 47-24 at Midway on Aug. 21. Dixon topped Hobbton 47-35 last year. The Wildcats won the other meetings in 1987, 1988 and 1993.

Prediction: Dixon 40, Hobbton 24 

South Lenoir (2-0) at Lejeune (0-1)

Lejeune played tough in last week’s 23-0 loss at Lakewood. If the Devilpups can play with similar effort against South Lenoir, perhaps they can find success.

South Lenoir beat Jones Senior last week 42-6, so it’s difficult to gauge the Blue Devils. South Lenoir defeated Lejeune 28-14 last year.

The result last year was the first meeting since Lejeune’s 31-18 win over South Lenoir in 1966.

Prediction: South Lenoir 20, Lejeune 8 

Liberty Christian (2-0) at Sandhills Classical Christian (1-0)

Liberty Christian Academy flexed its muscles last week in a 44-0 victory over Community Christian.

Things get tougher, however, as the Heat visit Sandhills Classical Christian, which topped Liberty twice last year. The second meeting was a 22-6 decision in the conference title game.

Liberty opened with a 26-14 win at Father Capodanno on Aug. 14 while Sandhills beat Father Capodanno 44-30 on Aug. 20.

Prediction: Sandhills 30, Liberty 28