The NCHSAA high school football playoffs kick off this week, with 16 programs from Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties beginning their respective pursuit of state gold.

Of those, several are capable of contending for an NCHSAA title, or at worst making a deep run through the postseason. Here are eight area teams with potential to play well into November and beyond, with possible reasons for and against them doing so. Watch football games on NFHS Network

Ashbrook (10-0)

Bracket: 6A West

Why it can make a deep run: Only Marvin Ridge surpassed the 20-point mark against Ashbrook this season, the unit allowing 10.2 points per game. Ashbrook has held six opponents to eight points or less. Stout at all three levels, the Green Wave have 16 sacks and forced 19 turnovers this fall.

Why it

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