Third-round Playoff Predictions

You've read about the match-ups. You know the teams. You know the situations and what's at stake. (and if you don't know those things, read this) But you're still wondering one thing: who will the SWakeSports blog pick as this week? Well here they are at last, but don't blame me if these come true (I am 9-for-9 these playoffs after all).

4-AA playoffs

Fuquay-Varina at Wake Forest-Rolesville

In this battle of the hyphenated schools, not enough people are giving Fuquay a chance. The Bengals (3-seed, 11-2) may lack depth. They may lack a passing game. But they do no lack heart, and they don't lack competitiveness. Two losses by six points combined should show that. And since the team is coming off arguably the most impressive win of the year, you'd have to be pretty dense to think Wake Forest will 'Rol' to victory. That being said, I think WFR has one of the best defenses this county has ever seen. And the Cougars (1-seed, 13-0) might be the best chance Wake County has had of having a team win the state title game since Garner's championship in the late 80's. I think this one is real low-scoring, with WFR eking out a win by the narrowest of margins. 

Final verdict: Wake Forest-Rolesville by 5 

4-A playoffs 

Middle Creek at Harnett Central 

Everyone expects this one to be close and for good reason. Brian Taylor and Garrett Leatham are bar-none the best two quarterbacks in the area. Both are amazing athletes who lead their teams. Both offenses are fun to watch, so this final score should be the exact opposite from the one above. In the end, Harnett Central's playmakers 1-2-3 are just a little better than Middle Creek's but Middle Creek (3-seed, 12-1) has the better 4-5-6 options. The defenses are just about equal. Central's strength is pass defense, and that'll be tested by the Mustangs. Middle Creek's special teams certainly has the edge (Matt Frongello > kicking the ball out of bounds on every kickoff). In the end, I'm going to pick Harnett Central (1-seed, 13-0) due to the fact they've held their own against passing teams all year long, but I'd be shocked if this game was decided by more than one possession.

Final verdict: Harnett Central by 6