Here are previews for third-round playoff games featuring teams in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties , with reporter Joe Hughes making a prediction for each one.

Games kick off at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

‘Pick 3’: Area’s top games

6A West | (11) Dudley (8-4) at (3) Ashbrook (11-0), 7 p.m.

The word: Dudley has been on a roll, with wins in eight of its last nine games. A physical Panther defense is led by Robert McCollum (117 tackles, nine sacks) and Devin Cotton (81 tackles, 17 sacks). Ashbrook’s defense has also been up to the task, led by linebacker Caleb Gordon (123 tackles, three sacks), Benjamin Gregory (82 tackles, sack), Quamell Scott (51 tackles, five sacks) and Javerian Jefferies (62 tackles, five sacks). Ashbrook hasn’t earned more than 200 yards in its last tw

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