Sure, there's a bit of a slump in terms of the East Wake Warriors producing on the field in the last couple of seasons, but the team is improved already from last year — much like counterpart Knightdale.
Last year there were no playoff hopes for the two schools, not even a daydream. Both schools finished 2-9 on the season and dead at the bottom of the Greater Neuse, right there with Holly Springs.
But this year the Knights are 3-2 with two games remaining and the Warriors are 2-3. Aside from all what-if, preventative guidelines the state athletic association uses to award playoff berths, there is one simple rule that governs them all. The top three schools in each conference, or a four-win team, should qualify for the playoffs.
As it stands, West Johnston is on top with an 8-1, 4-1 record, followed by Southeast at 7-2, 4-1, Garner at 3-2, 5-4, and then Knightdale at 3-2, 4-5. Smithfield-Selma and East Wake are both 2-3 and Clayton and Holly Springs are both 1-4 as of Friday.
So it would appear the Wildcats and Bulldogs aren't going anywhere, but what if they lose out and East Wake were to win out? Of course, that would mean defeating Knightdale in Knightdale, a team that has shocked big-name teams over the season and played every loss close. But if it were to happen, the Warriors would be tied for the top of the conference with the 'Cats and 'Dogs, and even Knightdale, assuming a road win over Clayton this Friday.
With East Wake and Holly Springs left on the schedule, Garner could be the sneaky sleeper. If things went the Trojans' way, they could end up near the top of the conference with five wins — a direction West Johnston and Southeast would like to head, but a season closing matchup between the two teams could prevent one of them from making it that far. Southeast might have the easier route, facing Holly Springs this week, unlike the Wildcats who face Smithfield-Selma.
Regardless, the league is wide open. There's plenty to watch over the next two weeks, and Warrior and Knight hopefuls can enjoy egging on a season-ending sweep and possible playoff berth.
