Nov. 1 — Written by Christian Bateman
The regular season is behind us, and as we roll into postseason football, records and conference standings no longer matter. It’s win-or-go-home. Everyone is 0-0, and this time of year becomes all about coaching, execution, and heart.
Heading into Sunday’s seeding reveal, Pasquotank enters with momentum after a statement win Friday night. The Panthers look energized and ready to take another step forward and secure a playoff victory. Meanwhile, Northeastern must sit with a tough loss — and that makes them dangerous. A ticked-off Eagle squad in Eagleville is never an easy matchup for anyone.
Below is what GMG Athletics believes and anticipates for our local teams as we head into Selection Sunday:
Currituck
Currituck enters seeding Sunday riding a two-game win streak and is expected to host in the second round. The Knights lost only once at home all season — but consistency on the road has been a concern. A potential matchup against a strong Croatan team (who beat Havelock this year) could present real challenges. Currituck is talented, but the level of competition ramps up quickly in November.
Projection: Eliminated on the road in the third round.
Manteo
This is new territory for this group — playoff football at this level is different. East Bladen at home is no easy draw; they’re physical and playoff-tested. For Manteo to compete, the offense must finish drives in the red zone, and the defense must stay off the field as much as possible. Experience matters in the postseason, and East Bladen has it.
Projection: Manteo falls to East Bladen and does not advance beyond the third round.
Northeastern
Northeastern is frustrated — and historically, a motivated Eagles team is dangerous in November. They are always tough at home. However, their struggle stopping the run has been a season-long storyline. If that trend continues, postseason success will be hard to come by. The challenge is clear: stop the run, or the playoffs will be short-lived.
Projection: Northeastern falls to Pender in the third round — on the road.
Pasquotank
Pasquotank has shown all season that they don’t back down from competition, battling every team they’ve faced. With the intensity they displayed Friday night against Northeastern, they should win their second-round matchup. This program doesn't have deep playoff history, but Coach Marcus White has these boys ready for big moments. The Panthers are building something real — but the road gets tougher deep in the bracket.
Projection: Pasquotank goes down on the road in the third round, but not without a fight.
Postseason football is here. Experience, discipline, and grit will separate the contenders from the pretenders. We’ll see who rises when the lights are brightest Friday night.