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The Week 12 Football Breakdown

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Week 12 will provide numerous emotions for the teams playing football.

For three of our local teams, Friday will be a way to jockey for playoff position next week. In the cases of two teams, they will look to relish in the ability of doing something few have the luxury of in 2019 — ending the season with a victory. Then, there’s Arendell Parrott Academy, playing Saturday for a chance at its third state championship since 2015.

All games are set to kick off at 7 p.m.

South Lenoir (2-7, 0-5) at North Lenoir (7-3, 2-3)

Last game: Hawks fell to Kinston 19-6 Nov. 1, Blue Devils fell to Washington 42-8 Nov. 1

Last matchup: South Lenoir won 46-14 Oct. 29, 2018

When it comes to rivalry games records can be thrown out the window, but North Lenoir is 4-0 at home this season while South Lenoir is winless in its four attempts on the road. The Hawks suffered a historic loss to the Blue Devils last year — it was South Lenoir’s largest point total and margin of victory in the 56-year history of the rivalry — and will try to get revenge while also jockeying for a home playoff game. South Lenoir would love to ruin the possibility.

Kinston (6-4, 3-2) at Ayden-Grifton (7-2, 3-2)

Last game: Vikings defeated North Lenoir 19-6 Nov. 1, Chargers defeated Greene Central 21-0 Nov. 1

Last matchup: Kinston won 13-7 (OT) Nov. 16, 2018

A defensive battle can be expected between these teams, as they’re two of the four in the Eastern Carolina Conference allowing fewer than 16 points per game. Ayden-Grifton will be motivated on Senior Night, outscoring its last three opponents by a combined 109-8 with two shutouts and trying to avenge two losses to Kinston last year. Meanwhile, the Vikings have also been playing their best football late while gearing up for another playoff run. This battle for third in the EC2A should be a great one.

Greene Central (4-6, 1-4) at Washington (7-3, 4-1)

Last game: Rams fell to Ayden-Grifton 21-0 Nov. 1, Pam Pack fell to West Craven 20-14 Nov. 1

Last matchup: Greene Central won 28-0 Sept. 21, 2018

Since making their way to the EC2A, the Pam Pack have beaten every team in the conference with the exception of the Rams. Greene Central’s six-year playoff run may be over, but the team could very well play spoiler for a Washington team needing this win to clinch a share of the EC2A. The offense has to get on track for Greene Central, as the Rams have been shut out in three consecutive games heading into Washington.

Grace Christian (7-3) at Arendell Parrott (8-2) (NCISAA 2A championship)

Last game: Patriots defeated Faith Christian 73-60 Nov. 1, Eagles defeated St. David’s 38-34 Nov. 1

Last matchup: APA won 51-36 Oct. 4, 2019

History says APA will win its third state championship in five years. The Patriots have never lost to the Eagles in school history, winning all five matchups by 15 points or more. Trey McLawhorn won’t be able to suit up this time around due to an injury, and his 243 yards in last month’s meeting will be missed, but Wilkes Thomas went 11 of 15 for 216 yards and has grown each game. The Eagles threw for 316 yards in the first meeting and will look to use their speed to garner an advantage.

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APA prepares for state title football game against Grace Christian Saturday

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Arendell Parrott coach Matt Beaman talks to quarterback Wilkes Thomas during a practice Wednesday in preparation for Saturday’s state championship game. The Patriots take on Grace Christian for a chance to win their third title in the past five years.

It’s a cliché coaches use on a regular basis, but Arendell Parrott Academy has taken it to heart this season.

Next man up.

The Patriots lost starting quarterback Reynolds Barringer early in the season, then lost running back Trey McLawhorn during a 73-60 win over Faith Christian in the NCISAA 2A semifinals Nov. 1. Still, APA prepares to host Grace Christian Saturday with a chance to win its third state title in the past five years.

“We’ve been a very resilient group,” Patriots coach Matt Beaman said. “The guys prepare for this moment — all of them work hard in the weight room.”

APA has plenty of advantages in this game, despite the injuries. The Patriots have never lost to Grace Christian in five meetings, including a 51-36 victory on Oct. 4, and are hosting Saturday’s contest as the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. The Patriots’ lone two losses this year came to 11-man teams and APA is 8-0 in 8-man football this season, also holding the distinction as No. 1 in the state according to Maxpreps.

Beaman said the team has to keep the same mentality, which has helped in putting together the eight-game winning streak.

“We’re going to have to come out and be the most mentally tough team (and) the most physical team. We’ve got to win the line of scrimmage and play turnover-free football. If we can be the most disciplined team, I think we’ll come out with a victory.”

McLawhorn had 307 yards of offense and three rushing touchdowns in the first meeting with Grace Christian, but a knee injury ended his season last week. The senior, who rushed for 1,690 yards and 22 touchdowns while also catching 27 passes for 437 yards and four scores, said the offense should be able to continue moving the ball well without him.

“We’re going to have to stay strong,” McLawhorn said. “Our O-line did a great job last time moving defenders, and I think that we’ll be just fine with Morgan (McPhaul) running the ball. As long as that happens, we’ll be fine.”

The sophomore McPhaul has carried the ball 18 times for 202 yards and three touchdowns this season. McPhaul said he’s been working hard throughout the season and is ready for the chance to help the team.

“Coach said ‘next man up,’ and I feel like I’m ready to take over for Trey,” McPhaul said. “We talked a lot, and I think I can really step in and do what he’s been able to this season for us.”

Barringer said he’s had no problems assisting new quarterback Wilkes Thomas, as he has continued to cheer the Patriots on.

“It’s been fun helping Wilkes become a better quarterback,” Barringer said. “Even though I’m not out there, seeing my friends make it here has made my senior year almost perfect — the team just has to win Saturday. We’ve dealt with injuries all season, but there’s always been someone there to step up.”

Thomas has filled in admirably, throwing for 1,720 yards and completing 66.4 percent of his passes. The freshman has thrown for 21 touchdowns compared to only four interceptions to give APA another dimension.

“I’m just staying with the position, working hard and trying to get better every game,” Thomas said.

Defensively, the Patriots are looking to curb the Grace Christian passing attack. In the first meeting, the Eagles threw for 316 yards, averaging 21.1 yards per completion.

“We’ve been preparing all week on making sure we don’t give up any big plays,” Patriots defensive back Hunter Blythe said. “We have to stay on top of our game and if we do that, we should keep them under control.”

Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.