With every given week, the path to an NCHSAA state football title gains clarity.

Round 3 of the NCHSAA football playoffs kicks off Friday night, with a host of intriguing matchups on deck.

USA Today Network North Carolina high school football writers — Michael Cuneo of The Wilmington StarNews , Joe L Hughes II of The Gaston Gazette and Shelby Star and James F. Moore Jr. of The Fayetteville Observer — got together to preview the upcoming week of action, diving into the matchups they are most anticipating and the players expected to make a difference.

Joe L Hughes II, The Gaston Gazette and Shelby Star/USA Today Network

What matchup is most intriguing this week for your area of the state?

East Lincoln at Crest. These two have been on everyone’s short list of potential 5A state champions

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