Where did the high school football season go?

That’s a question coaches, players and fans are asking entering regular season finales Thursday and Friday. It seems not that long ago when we were talking about the season openers, but as the weather continues to cool, we look ahead to week 11 games.

And quick reminder, the White Oak-Jacksonville and Southside-Lejeune contests are Thursday while the game of the week is Northside’s clash at Havelock.

Who wins the week 11 games? Here are my thoughts and predictions: 

Northside (8-1, 5-0) at Havelock (4-5, 4-1)

Northside gets what it wanted all season: a clash at Havelock to decide the outright Coastal 5-A/6-A Conference title.

The Monarchs have already clinched at least a share of the crown, but a victory gives them the outright title. A win by the Rams could potentially force a three-way tie.

Havelock has won three consecutive games and four of five while Northside has won seven straight, although none of the Monarchs’ five conference wins have been complete lopsided affairs. Northside only led 14-7 at halftime last week before pulling away for a 40-13 victory over Swansboro.

I believe the Monarchs will enter as focused as ever before this season.

Look for Northside quarterback Reginald Gray III having another solid effort, along with running back Rahlai Anderson and receive Gavyn Davis, but the key is if receivers Jamir Mitchell and Tyler Hassell can continue to contribute.

I know the three-headed monster of Anderson, Davis and Gray are important, but if the other players can continue to step up, the Monarchs are an even stronger team.

Prediction: Northside 35, Havelock 21 

White Oak (4-5, 0-4) at Jacksonville (8-0, 4-0)

Jacksonville clinched at least a share of the Big Carolina 6-A/7-A Conference title with last week’s 41-24 victory over D.H. Conley, but a win over White Oak gives the Cardinals the outright title.

I see the Cardinals taking care of business, but don’t expect the Vikings to roll over. White Oak fights hard, and I do not expect anything less as it tries to play spoiler.

Keep in mind that White Oak has led early in the previous two games with Jacksonville.

But in the end, Jacksonville’s offense, led by Amari Pearson and quarterback Anthony Washington, will be too strong as the Cardinals will generate big plays. White Oak quarterback Josh Smith may break some positive gains, but Jacksonville will pull away by the third quarter. 

Prediction: Jacksonville 41, White Oak 14 

South Lenoir (3-6, 0-4) at East Duplin (7-2, 4-0)

Last week’s 38-18 victory at Pender gave East Duplin at least a share of the East Central 3-A/4-A Conference title, but I am making the not-so-bold prediction that the Panthers will not have trouble winning it outright.

I expect the Panthers to get ahead early and never look back against South Lenoir. East Duplin’s running game of Shawn Davis and Aaron Hall will simply be too strong.

Prediction: East Duplin 42, South Lenoir 0 

Croatan (8-1, 4-1) at Dixon (5-4, 1-4)

With a win at Dixon, Croatan at least will finish second in the Coastal Conference, but if Havelock defeats Northside, the Cougars could share the league title with the Rams and Monarchs.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have dropped three straight.

Croatan will not overlook Dixon, especially because of the Bulldogs’ difficult single-wing offense. But I give the Cougars the nod.

Their physicality will counter Dixon’s offense while quarterback Kannon McBride and Andrew Boucher should have plenty of chances to make big plays.

Prediction: Croatan 42, Dixon 21 

Swansboro (2-7, 0-5) at Richlands (2-7, 1-4)

While both Swansboro and Richlands each have two victories entering their Coastal Conference game, this could be the area’s most competitive game.

The Wildcats earned an impressive 41-26 upset over Dixon last week while the Pirates held their own in the first half before falling 40-13 to Northside.

Swansboro found success via the air against Northside with the duo of quarterback Kevin Till and Carmello Beasley, but the key will be holding onto the football as the Pirates had three turnovers.

Richlands quarterback CJ DiBenedetto had a big game against Dixon and will have a chance to shine again.

This will be a back-and-forth battle, but I see the Wildcats prevailing.

Prediction: Richlands 24, Swansboro 21 

Clinton (4-5, 2-2) at Southwest (2-6, 2-2)

Southwest puts its two-game winning streak on the line at home against East Central Conference foe Clinton.

A victory by the Stallions would give their confidence level a bigger boost, but I still give the Dark Horses the edge.

Clinton is 2-4 in games decided by seven points or less, including a 20-13 loss to East Duplin earlier this month. Southwest may have found something in last week’s 14-8 overtime win at South Lenoir as quarterback Ton Bolden rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, the Stallions need to make things uncomfortable for Clinton’s Miles McCallop, who completed all 10 of his passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 52-21 win over Trask.

Prediction: Clinton 27, Southwest 7 

Southside (3-6, 2-2) at Lejeune (1-8, 1-3)

Quarterback Grady Mahaffey and Cameron McKinnis continue to be a solid 1-2 combination for Lejeune, which scored its most points in last week’s 41-19 defeat to Pamlico.

I can see this duo again playing well, but they need to consistently make big plays if the Devilpups are to win. In the end, I see Southside being too strong in this Coastal Plains 1-A/2-A Conference tilt.

Prediction: Southside 28, Lejeune 14