Arendell Parrott’s Wilkes Thomas hopes to keep the Patriots on the right track as the regular season wraps up for the team Friday. Photo by William ‘Bud’ Hardy / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

We’re officially in the home stretch of the local football season.

As always, each game holds weight when it comes to this point, but it’s even more important for Bethel Christian. The Trojans are in the NCISAA 1A semifinals and a loss ends the season, so there’s no room for error.

A great Friday of games await and each one is slated to start at 7 p.m. Kinston has the bye week.

North Lenoir (7-1, 2-1) at Ayden-Grifton (5-2, 1-2)

Last week: Hawks defeated West Craven 20-10 Oct. 18, Chargers defeated South Lenoir 53-8 Oct. 18

Last matchup: Ayden-Grifton won 35-10 Oct. 19, 2018

At this point in time, throwing out the record book is the smartest idea when describing North Lenoir. Ayden-Grifton has dominated the matchups in the EC2A against the Hawks with a 5-1 record, but West Craven had a string of dominance against North Lenoir as well. The Hawks defeated the Chargers 22-19 two years ago and although Ayden-Grifton is getting healthier, the task to protect Little Hollywood will be tough.

Washington (6-2, 3-0) at South Lenoir (2-6, 0-4)

Last week: Blue Devils fell to Ayden-Grifton 53-8 Oct. 18, Pam Pack fell to Greenville Conley 46-39 Oct. 18

Last matchup: Washington won 50-8 Oct. 10, 2018

If South Lenoir wants a chance to reach the playoffs this season, this is a must-win, along with the Nov. 8 contest against North Lenoir. Washington won’t make it easy, especially as the Pam Pack look to remain undefeated in the EC2A while also getting back on the winning track after the nonconference loss to 3A Conley.

West Craven (5-3, 3-1) at Greene Central (4-4, 1-2)

Last week: Rams fell to Kinston 21-0 Oct. 18, Eagles fell to North Lenoir 20-10 Oct. 18

Last matchup: West Craven won 29-6 Oct. 12, 2018

As told by Bryan Hanks on the Neuse News Sports Show, Greene Central is 0-14 historically against West Craven, a streak the Rams would love to shatter in 2019. Both teams failed to crack 100 yards offensively in losses last week and have plenty to prove — for Greene Central, a shot at the playoffs is truly on the line and a win at home against West Craven will go a long way.

Northeast-Hobgood Academy (6-1-1) at Bethel Christian (4-3)

Last week: Trojans defeated Pungo Christian 60-8 Oct. 18, Eagles defeated Wayne Christian-Goldsboro HomeSchool 78-60 Oct. 18

Last matchup: Bethel Christian won 60-22 Sept. 13, 2019

The Trojans had the first matchup this season circled, but this one means so much more. Bethel Christian had the defending NCISAA 1A champs last year in the semifinals, taking a 20-0 lead before falling 30-26 and not one player has forgotten considering BCA lost just one senior. The Eagles are just as formidable and are coming off a shootout win over Wayne Christian-Goldsboro HomeSchool.

Arendell Parrott (6-2) at Rocky Mount Academy (0-8)

Last week: Patriots defeated Fayetteville Christian 28-0 Oct. 18, Eagles fell to John Paul II 44-24 Oct. 18

Last matchup: Arendell Parrott won 46-28 Oct. 5, 2018

Just two years ago, this was the NCISAA 2A championship game, won by Rocky Mount Academy. The Eagles have fallen on hard time this season, but the Patriots won’t take them likely on the way to a possible NCISAA 2A championship. APA hasn’t lost an 8-man game all season and recorded its first shutout last week since a 58-0 win over Cary Christian Sept. 7, 2018.