Greene Central’s Lamar Pridgen had two interceptions against Farmville Central last week, taking one back for a touchdown. Photo by William ‘Bud’ Hardy / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

The conference season has arrived.

Friday kicks off the Eastern Carolina 2A and Coastal Plains Conference slates for the public schools, while Bethel Christian has a tough game against a possible playoff opponent. Meanwhile, Arendell Parrott Academy and Ayden-Grifton can enjoy a week off.

For now, here’s the slate of games across the region. All games are set to start at 7 p.m.

Greene Central (2-2) at North Lenoir (5-0)

Last game: Rams defeated Farmville Central 29-0 Sept. 20, Hawks defeated Eastern Wayne 21-20 Sept. 20

Last matchup: Greene Central won 42-26 Oct. 5, 2018

This will be the first matchup between the teams in The Swamp since 2016 — Hurricane Florence damaged North Lenoir’s field last year and the game was moved to Kinston High. The Hawks blew the Rams out 60-21 Oct. 25, 2016 and the Rams will look to not only get revenge, but give North Lenoir their first loss of the season. Both teams defeated Farmville Central handily and Eastern Wayne in close games.

Washington (3-1) at Kinston (3-2)

Last game: Vikings defeated Southern Wayne 44-9 Sept. 20, Pam Pack defeated First Flight 46-15

Last matchup: Kinston won Washington 27-24 Oct. 25, 2018

Recent history suggests a close game between these two. In the previous four matchups — all won by Kinston — the margin was no higher than 12 points, including a 21-12 victory by the Vikings in their last home matchup. The Vikings snapped a two-game skid last week with a pounding of Southern Wayne and look to make another statement in the conference opener.  

South Lenoir (2-2) at West Craven (2-2)

Last game: Blue Devils defeated Spring Creek 49-14 Sept. 20, Eagles fell to Havelock 26-0

Last matchup: West Craven won 34-0 Oct. 5, 2018

The entire EC2A is .500 or better heading into conference play and one team is guaranteed to go below the threshold in this one. Of the eight games played between the two teams, only one had a margin within 22 when the Eagles fell to South Central 27-26 on Aug. 30. South Lenoir has made strides and while West Craven will not be an easy opponent by any means, a win could go a long way in legitimizing the Blue Devils.

Halifax Academy (4-1) at Bethel Christian (3-1)

Last game: Trojans forfeited against Wayne Christian Sept. 20, Vikings defeated Pungo Christian 56-6 Sept. 20

Last matchup: Halifax Academy won 30-20 Aug. 24, 2018

This is another revenge game for the Trojans, who lost their season opener against the NCISAA 1A finalists. Halifax may have lost to a Northeast-Hobgood Academy team Bethel Christian clobbered, but won its other four games by a combined 200-32 and the Trojans’ suspensions could be a big factor in this one.

Pinetown Northside (3-2) at Jones Senior (0-5)

Last game: Trojans fell to North Duplin 48-6 Sep. 24, Panthers fell to Manteo 40-28 Sep. 20

Last matchup: Panthers won 22-20 Nov. 1, 2018

During the Trojans’ 27-game skid, only two games were decided by double digits. This was one of them last year and although Jones Senior has made progression, it could be tough as a much-improved Northside comes into Trenton to face a team playing its third game in eight days.