EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Conference play takes center stage as the calendar turns to October, with several high school football games Friday that could help shape league title races.
One of the marquee matchups features longtime rivals New Bern and Jacksonville.
The Bears and Cardinals will meet for the 12th time in the past 14 years. Jacksonville has won the last three meetings.
Amari Pearson rushed for six touchdowns against New Bern last season, helping the Cardinals continue their recent success in the rivalry.
Jacksonville has played just four games this season and continues to gain experience heading into conference play.
New Bern enters the matchup following a record-setting performance from running back Karvin Magwood, who rushed for eight touchdowns against Hertford County.
New Bern and Jacksonville kick off at 7 p.m. Friday.
Another major game in Jacksonville features a battle of undefeated teams as Croatan takes on Northside.
Ayden-Grifton alum scores first Wofford touchdown
Former Ayden-Grifton standout Jack Ewell scored his first touchdown for Wofford University with a career-long play.
The second-year tight end turned a short pass into a 76-yard touchdown against No. 10 Tennessee Tech.
Wofford lost the game, but Ewell now has eight catches for 135 yards through five games this season.
The Terriers travel to Furman on Saturday for the 100th meeting between the rivals.
North Carolina prepares for No. 3 Notre Dame
North Carolina returns to the field Saturday for the first time in two weeks when the Tar Heels host No. 3 Notre Dame.
The Tar Heels are coming off their first loss of the season after giving up a late lead against Clemson.
Notre Dame leads the all-time series 24-1. North Carolina’s only on-field victory in the series came in 1960.
ECU and Duke are both off this weekend.
Other Saturday games include Stanford at Wake Forest and LaGrange at N.C. Wesleyan.
Panthers return home for Sunday night game
The Carolina Panthers return to Charlotte on Sunday after a loss to Cleveland.
Carolina will host the Detroit Lions in a Sunday night prime-time matchup while dealing with injuries to several key players.
Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson have been placed on injured reserve.
Elsewhere in the NFL, Pittsburgh and Cleveland meet Thursday night, while Washington and Indianapolis play Sunday morning in London.
Hurricanes raise Stanley Cup banner
The Carolina Hurricanes raised their 2026 Stanley Cup championship banner before hosting the Florida Panthers.
Carolina lost the game in overtime.
The Hurricanes remain in Raleigh for their next game, hosting the Washington Capitals at 7 p.m. Friday.