Where did the high school football season go?

It seems as if we ask that question every year at this time as it feels like it wasn’t long ago when we were talking about the season openers.

By now, all area teams have entered conference play, and with that comes added weight to every Friday night.

This week’s schedule features eight games involving local teams with Swansboro (6-1) and Liberty Christian (5-0) with open dates.

Who wins Friday’s week 8 games? Here are my thoughts and predictions: 

Jacksonville (4-1, 1-0) at JH Rose (6-0, 1-0)

While Jacksonville travels to Greenville, the Cardinals’ Big Carolina 6-A/7-A Conference clash at J.H. Rose is no doubt the area game of the week.

The Cardinals and Rampants have shown why they were ranked first and second in the league in the preseason coaches poll. Jacksonville has outscored East Duplin and New Bern 89-13 combined while J.H. Rose has shutout wins over Havelock and South Central along with a 36-35 victory over Middle Creek.

The Rampants’ Chase Davis has completed 86 of 130 passes for 1,278 and 14 touchdowns with three interceptions. He has four receivers with at least 17 catches. The Cardinals’ defense has been tough, but J.H. Rose certainly presents a tough challenge.

The Rampants also have 46½ tackles for loss and 13 sacks, meaning Jacksonville’s offensive line will be tested.

Like Jacksonville has recently done, grabbing early momentum with a score and turnovers will be key.

The Cardinals have won the last three meetings, including 35-21 last year, but J.H. Rose leads the series 28-20-1, dating back to 1960. The Rampants won the 1960 game 21-7. J.H. Rose’ last win was a 35-28 victory in the 2021 regional final.

Prediction: J.H. Rose 28, Jacksonville 21 

Richlands (1-5, 0-2) at Croatan (6-1, 2-1)

Croatan wants to take out its frustrations from last week’s loss at Northside when the Cougars welcome Coastal 5-A/6-A Conference foe Richlands.

The Wildcats were open last week and have dropped five straight games. Look for the Cougars to handle business early.

Richlands leads the series 17-11. Croatan’s 38-7 win last year snapped a three-game skid to the Wildcats.

Prediction: Croatan 42, Richlands 14 

West Carteret (2-4, 1-2) at Northside (6-0, 2-0)

Northside keeps rolling, and the momentum doesn’t appear to be slowing down when the Monarchs host West Carteret in a Coastal Conference game.

The Patriots have been outscored 96-0 in their last two games. Oddly enough, West Carteret leads the series 6-3 (a loss in 2015 was ruled a win for Patriots). Northside won 42-28 last year with its other victories coming in 2016 and 2019.

Prediction: Northside 49, West Carteret 0 

Havelock (3-4, 2-1) at Dixon (2-4, 0-2)

Dixon has dropped three consecutive games entering its Coastal Conference game with Havelock, which downed West Carteret 41-0 last week.

The Bulldogs have been held to 22 and 19 points in their last two games. The Rams won the previous two meetings with Dixon, 29-28 last year and 62-0 in the first round in 2023.

Prediction: Havelock 40, Dixon 14 

East Duplin (5-1, 1-0) at Trask (2-4, 1-0)

Before East Duplin focuses on next week’s home East Central 3-A/4-A Conference clash with Clinton, the Panthers first must take care of business at Trask.

The Panthers topped the Titans 38-6 last year in the inaugural meeting. Look for a similar workmanlike effort from East Duplin this year.

Prediction: East Duplin 41, Trask 6 

White Oak (2-3, 0-1) at New Bern (4-2, 0-1)

White Oak held its own in last week’s 35-14 loss to D.H. Conley, but things get tougher as the Vikings visit Big Carolina Conference opponent New Bern, which lost 47-6 at Jacksonville last week.

New Bern won 46-20 last year in the first meeting between the two since a 46-7 win in 2006. The Bears lead the series 5-2 with the Vikings winning in 1975 and 1976.

Prediction: New Bern 35, White Oak 16 

Southwest (1-5, 0-1) at Pender (2-4, 0-1)

Southwest faces East Central Conference foe Pender, which averages 7.3 yards per rush with a balanced ground game.

Austin Deal leads the Patriots with 386 yards on 57 carries. Pender also has a player with 375 yards, one with 329 yards, one with 289 and another with 169. The Stallions rely on Ton Bolden, who was limited to just 44 yards last week against East Duplin.

Pender won 50-14 last year, but Southwest leads the series 12-3.

Prediction: Pender 27, Southwest 20 

Lejeune (1-4, 0-1) at East Carteret (1-5, 0-1)

Lejeune enters a favorable stretch as its Coastal Plains 1-A/2-A Conference contest at East Carteret is the first of three games against squads who are 3-15 combined.

The Devilpups visit Jones Senior (0-6) next week and host Pamlico (2-4) the following week.

East Carteret leads the series 28-17-1, including last year’s 49-13 win. The Mariners have won 11 straight over Lejeune, which has not defeated East Carteret since a 28-27 win in 2013.

Prediction: East Carteret 20, Lejeune 12