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. Watch football games on NFHS Network

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

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