After playing around with the likely playoff scenarios and guessing how the final NCHSAA Adjusted Max Preps rankings will end, I believe these 12 teams will be the most likely candidates to be seeded in the 1A West:
Robbinsville
Elkin
Murphy
Thomas Jefferson
Hayesville
Winston-Salem Prep
Andrews
Alleghany
Albemarle
Lakewood
East Columbus
Cherokee
Among these 12 teams, Murphy and Robbinsville are the clear favorites. Thomas Jefferson and Elkin are the only other teams that I would consider as "dark horse" candidates to emerge from the 1A West.
Most likely 1A East teams:
North Edgecombe
Bear Grass
Rosewood
Pamlico County
Northampton County
Northside-Pinetown
Washington County
Southside
South Creek
Perquimans
KIPP Pride
North Duplin
The 1A East is really up for grabs. I think Rosewood and North Edgecombe have the best chances of winning the 1A East, but I also believe that several other teams, such as Pamlico County, Northside, Washington County, and Northampton County could emerge. I don't think any of these teams can beat the champion from the 1A West, but there's significant parity in the 1A East.
The most likely teams to make the 1AA West:
East Surry
Mitchell
Bessemer City
North Rowan
Mount Airy
Mountain Island Charter
Swain
Polk County
Avery County
Starmount
Union Academy
East Wilkes
The 1AA West is simply loaded! I consider East Surry to be the favorite to win the 1AA West, but I would not discount teams such as Mitchell, Mount Airy, Mountain Island Charter, Swain, and Polk County.
The 12 most likely candidates to make the 1AA East:
Tarboro
Holmes
Princeton
Granville Central
East Carteret
Manteo
North Stanly
South Stokes
Hobbton
Gates County
South Stanly
Louisburg
Tarboro has allowed 21 points....through 10 games this year! Holmes has won all but one of their games by at least 42 points. Princeton has defeated their opponents by an average of 49 to 11. I believe Tarboro is the favorite to emerge from the 1AA East, but I wouldn't dismiss Holmes or Princeton, either.
