Yes, there are only four area high school football teams remaining in the NCHSAA playoffs entering Friday’s third-round games.

While advancing deeper in the postseason is a big enough reward for every win, victorious teams Friday night will find extra stuffing in their turkey as they get to practice on Thanksgiving Day.

But first they need to win.

And who wins Friday’s local third-round games? Here are my thoughts and predictions: 

6-A

No. 8 Scotland County (8-3) at No. 1 Jacksonville (10-0)

Jacksonville had a rough start to the playoffs last week as the Cardinals allowed Harnett Central to return the opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown before erupting for a 52-12 second-round win.

The Cardinals cannot afford to allow many plays like that against Scotland County. Jacksonville, however, is still favored against the Fighting Scots, who have the ability to score. 

Scotland is more of a running team, which I think benefits Jacksonville’s defense. That said, the Cardinals can’t sleep on the Fighting Scot’s passing game. While I see Scotland moving the ball as times and perhaps even scoring multiple touchdowns, Jacksonville’s bend-don’t break defense should come up with enough plays like it has all season.

I expect the Cardinals offense, led by running back Amari Pearson and quarterback Anthony Washington, to continue their success. I will add that wide receiver SaRonn Thompson is a wildcard as a pass catcher, and him making plays means Jacksonville is that much more dangerous.

Jacksonville coach Beau Williams has history with Scotland County as he was an assistant coach for the Fighting Scots under his father, Chip Williams. Chip Williams coached Scotland to a state title in 2012 while Beau was already at Jacksonville.

Prediction: Jacksonville 35, Scotland County 21 

5-A

No. 6 St. Pauls (10-1) at No. 3 Northside (9-2)

Northside was clearly the better team in last week’s 41-20 win over Person, but Monarchs were sweating things out in the third quarter as they only led 21-20 before pulling away.

Northside’s offense was out of sync at times, perhaps due to having a first-round bye. However, the Monarchs can’t afford to be out of rhythm too much against St. Pauls, which has won four consecutive games following a 34-14 loss to Seventy First.

St. Pauls’ offense could present challenges as the Bulldogs are led by Yoshua McBryde’s 1,785 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns and Antonio Arnold’s 1,308 yards passing.

Northside forced five turnovers last week. If the Monarchs can again take the ball away multiple times, they have a chance to establish control.

And like I have said all season, Northside’s offense is even more dangerous if the Monarchs can establish a solid running game. Freshman Zion Jones emerged as a reliable ball carrier, and when Rahlai Anderson returns from an injury, they could form a solid 1-2 combination.

Look for the Monarchs to be crisper on offense and make enough defensive stops to emerge victorious.

Prediction: Northside 34, St. Pauls 20 

No. 12 Havelock (7-5) at No. 4 Croatan (10-1)

Two of the three teams that shared the Coastal Conference title clash as Croatan hosts Havelock in the third round.

The Cougars downed the Rams 14-7 at home on Sept. 26. Havelock has won six straight games since that defeat.

The Rams are a different team than when it started 0-4 and 1-5 as Havelock made personal changes at quarterback and also went back to a quicker offensive tempo. The Rams have also become stronger defensively.

But the Cougars aren’t scared. Croatan is tough, mentally and physically, and running back Andrew Boucher continues to flex his muscles as an offensive playmaker.

But while the Cougars pulled away in last week’s 49-13 victory over Seaforth, Croatan allowed 355 yards passing. The Cougars must limit the big passing plays and pressure Havelock freshman quarterback Kaleb Montanye if they are to slow down the Rams.

The rematch won’t be as defensive as the first meeting, but I do see it being a slugfest. The Cougars are in the third round for the first time and are motivated to keep program history going.

Prediction: Croatan 24, Havelock 21 

4-A

No. 11 SouthWest Edgecombe (7-5) at No. 3 East Duplin (9-2)

East Duplin hosts a SouthWest Edgecombe team that is better its record.

The Cougars have a forfeit defeat and two losses by four points or less – they do have three one-score wins – along with a 14-0 loss to undefeated Tarboro.

SouthWest Edgecombe is led by the Devion Mayo to Justin Bridgers combination while Andre Downy is a 1,000-yard rusher.

Even with all that, I am sure East Duplin won’t be too surprised with what the Cougars will offer on offense. I also don’t think the Panthers will find it difficult moving the ball.

Shawn Davis and Aaron Hall combined for 335 yards rushing and five touchdowns in lats week’s 48-20 second-round win over North Johnston.

Look for the Panthers duo of Davis and Hall to again play a big factor in this contest. East Duplin has scored 48 points in each of its last two games, and I look for a similar offensive production against SouthWest Edgecombe.

This is the first meeting between these teams since SouthWest Edgecombe downed East Duplin 30-26 in the first round in 2012.

Prediction: East Duplin 46, SouthWest Edgecombe 20