Football Preview Capsules and Leaders: October 9, 2026

***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings***

Capsules

Carolina Coast Conference Games

No. 5 Ashley (3-3, 1-1) at No. 3 North Brunswick (5-2, 2-1)

Kickoff time: 7 p.m.

Series history: North Brunswick leads 8-3 

Last meeting: Ashley won 20-6 in 2026

Tim’s Take: I’m not expecting many points in this game between teams that have leaned heavily on their defenses. Ashley is coming off a bye week, but should still be on a high after a huge 20-17 overtime victory over Laney on Sept. 25. The Screaming Eagles have won the past two meetings in this series, but the coach of those teams, Dante Lombardi, is now the defensive coordinator at North Brunswick. His familiarity with the personnel on the opposite sideline makes me lean slightly toward North Brunswick. Quarterback Eli Talley accounted for all four touchdowns in last week’s 28-14 victory over West Brunswick. I think he will play well again, throwing for multiple TDs, to lead the Scorpions to a narrow win. 

No. 6 Topsail (2-5, 1-2) at No. 1 Hoggard (5-1, 2-0)

Kickoff time: 7 p.m.

Series history: Hoggard leads 12-1

Last meeting: Hoggard won 52-12 in 2026

Tim’s Take: History is likely to take place at Scott Braswell Stadium tonight, as Hoggard senior quarterback Matthew Boring needs only 156 yards to become the program’s all-time leader in passing yards. Boring has been excellent all season, completing 70 percent of his passes for 1,077 yards and 11 TDs. The first two conference games for the Vikings have featured running clocks for the entire second half. It wouldn’t be a surprise if this one also got to that point. Topsail has only scored 16 total points in back-to-back losses against North Brunswick and Laney. Those teams have very good defenses, but Hoggard presents an even tougher challenge. Vikings roll again by five TDs.

No. 8 West Brunswick (1-6, 0-3) at No. 2 New Hanover (2-4, 1-1)

Kickoff time: 7 p.m.

Series history: New Hanover leads 23-7

Last meeting: New Hanover won 28-14 in 2026

Tim’s Take: Both teams are looking to get back on track after suffering rivalry losses last Friday. New Hanover managed only 31 yards against Hoggard’s suffocating defense. This week, the offense should be able to get back on track against a West Brunswick team that allows an area-high 37.1 points per game. The Trojans were rolling offensively through the first three weeks of the season, averaging 39.1 points. In the four weeks since, that number has dropped to 15.8. A major reason is the loss of quarterback Josiah Borton, who was off to a fantastic start. West Brunswick will need to get a few explosive runs from breakout running back Matoshi Lance in order to pull off the upset. I don’t think he will break free enough. Give me the Wildcats by two scores.  

Other area games

SW Onslow (1-5, 0-1 East Central) at No. 7 Pender (2-4, 0-1)

Kickoff time: 7 p.m.

Twitter updates: Follow @CoastalPreps for updates throughout the game

Series history: SW Onslow leads 12-3

Last meeting: Pender won 50-14 in 2026

Tim’s Take: I’m not only attending this game because I think it will be over in less than two hours, but it’s certainly an added bonus. The teams have combined to throw for just over 500 yards this season. That means the battle of the trenches will decide the outcome. SW Onslow averages 205.5 rushing yards, and Pender averages 294.2. The teams do it differently, though. Senior Trenstin Bolden accounts for 59 percent of the Stallions’ yards. He has 117 carries for 851 yards and nine TDs. The Patriots have five players with more than 150 rushing yards. I think that balance will keep the SW Onslow defense off balance and allow Pender to snap a four-game losing streak. Patriots win 49-20.  

East Duplin (5-1, 1-0 East Central) at No. 10 Trask (2-4, 1-0)

Kickoff time: 7 p.m.

Series history: East Duplin leads 1-0

Last meeting: East Duplin won 38-6 in 2026

Tim’s Take: East Duplin entered the season as the heavy favorite to win the conference title, and that prediction looks good through six games. Five of those opponents have been held to 14 points or less. A strong rushing attack that averages 277.2 yards per game is led by seniors Noah LeBlanc and Keeshon Mckinnie. The duo has accounted for 971 yards and 17 TDs. Trask picked up a 32-26 win over South Lenoir last Friday behind a great performance from Kamajah Wilson, who had 14 carries for 124 yards and three touchdowns. The senior also came up with a team-high 11 tackles and forced a fumble. The Titans might be able to keep it close for a quarter, but East Duplin is the more talented team. Panthers by 35 on the road. 

Whiteville (5-0, 0-0 Southeastern) at No. 9 South Brunswick (3-3, 1-0)

Kickoff time: 7 p.m.

Series history: Whiteville leads 25-8

Last meeting: Whiteville won 53-7 in 2026

Tim’s Take: After starting the season 0-2, South Brunswick has won three of its past four games. That loss came by five points on the road against Purnell Swett. This will be the Cougars’ biggest challenge. Not only is Whiteville unbeaten, but it’s also coming off a bye week. The Wolfpack have a handful of talented running backs they can rotate throughout the game. South Brunswick doesn’t have that luxury, although Amerius Revels has shown over the past two years he is more than capable of carrying the load himself. Revels has already surpassed 1,000 yards. He had 103 yards and the lone TD in last year’s game, but standout wide receiver Edward Young made only three catches for 11 yards. Those numbers will have to be a lot higher in order to give the Cougars a chance at an upset. I don’t see it happening. Whiteville scores 45 points to remain undefeated.

Area Leaders

Stats were compiled from MaxPreps or provided by area coaches.

Teams reporting this week were: Ashley, Hoggard, Laney (offense and special teams only), New Hanover, North Brunswick, Pender, South Brunswick, Topsail, Trask, West Brunswick (offense and special teams only)

POINTS PER GAME

Hoggard: 35.3 (212 points in 6 games)

Pender: 28.3 (170 points in 6 games)

Laney: 26.6 (186 points in 7 games)

South Brunswick: 26.2 (157 points in 6 games)

West Brunswick: 25.9 (181 points in 7 games)

North Brunswick: 19.6 (137 points in 7 games)

Topsail: 18.1 (127 points in 7 games)

Ashley: 17.8 (107 points in 6 games)

New Hanover: 12.8 (77 points in 6 games)

Trask: 12.5 (75 points in 6 games)

POINTS PER GAME AGAINST

Hoggard: 10.2 (61 points against in 6 games)

North Brunswick: 14.6 (102 points against in 7 games)

South Brunswick: 22.8 (137 points against in 6 games)

Trask: 23.5 (141 points against in 6 games)

Pender: 24.2 (145 points against in 6 games)

Laney: 25.9 (181 points against in 7 games)

Ashley: 27.3 (164 points against in 6 games)

Topsail: 28.7 (201 points against in 7 games)

New Hanover: 31.0 (186 points against in 6 games)

West Brunswick: 37.1 (260 points against in 7 games)

PASSING

Sr. Matthew Boring, Hoggard: 85-for-122, 1,077 yards, 11 TDs

Jr. Joseph Stough, Laney: 76-for-123, 914 yards, 8 TDs

Jr. Tyler Vickers, Topsail: 70-for-128, 865 yards, 2 TDs

Jr. Eli Talley, North Brunswick: 50-for-94, 642 yards, 6 TDs

Sr. Raleigh Sutton, Ashley: 60-for-105, 625 yards, 2 TDs

Sr. Ronan Brady, New Hanover: 66-for-111, 574 yards, 4 TDs

Jr. Kaleb Markel, South Brunswick: 33-for-46, 395 yards, 5 TDs

Sr. Austin Deal, Pender: 12-for-31, 237 yards, 1 TD

Jr. Gabe Van Vliet, Trask: 17-for-30, 232 yards

Sr. Josiah Borton, West Brunswick: 19-for-46, 187 yards, 4 TDs

Jr. Kyle Floyd, West Brunswick: 14-for-46, 142 yards, 1 TD

Fr. Kaelum Grainger, South Brunswick: 14-for-38, 134 yards

Sr. Karter Krowl, Ashley: 11-for-17, 118 yards, 1 TD

RUSHING

Sr. Amerius Revels, South Brunswick: 137 carries, 1,001 yards, 13 TDs

Sr. Matoshi Lance, West Brunswick: 80 carries, 882 yards, 10 TDs

Sr. Jeremiah Brown, Laney: 108 carries, 630 yards, 5 TDs

Sr. Luca Van Der Lee, Topsail: 81 carries, 510 yards, 5 TDs

Jr. Messiah Brockington, New Hanover: 93 carries, 403 yards, 1 TD

Soph. Judah Gillespie, Hoggard: 89 carries, 398 yards, 7 TDs

Sr. Austin Deal, Pender: 57 carries, 386 yards, 2 TDs

Sr. Zeke Williams, Pender: 41 carries, 375 yards, 3 TDs

Sr. Josiah Borton, West Brunswick: 41 carries, 374 yards, 4 TDs

Sr. Kamajah Wilson, Trask: 38 carries, 333 yards, 5 TDs

Sr. Jamison Brown, Pender: 58 carries, 329 yards, 4 TDs

Sr. Xavier Lendon, North Brunswick: 60 carries, 319 yards, 3 TDs

Sr. Jahiem Lambe, Pender: 39 carries, 289 yards, 6 TDs

Jr. Marzell Stanley, West Brunswick: 51 carries, 275 yards, 4 TDs

Fr. Kyle Albert, Topsail: 43 carries, 256 yards, 6 TDs

Soph. Caiden Soto, Ashley: 53 carries, 254 yards

Sr. Jaiden Cokeley-Pridgenn, North Brunswick: 31 carries, 243 yards, 2 TDs

Sr. Jacob Warren, Trask: 30 carries, 176 yards, 1 TD

Soph. Malcolm Baldwin, Pender: 13 carries, 169 yards, 2 TDs

Jr. Jordin Cauble, Laney: 64 carries, 166 yards, 3 TDs

Sr. Ky’Andre Herring, West Brunswick: 26 carries, 154 yards, 2 TDs

Jr. Eli Talley, North Brunswick: 57 carries, 150 yards, 1 TD

Jr. Gavin Fragiacomo, South Brunswick: 25 carries, 149 yards, 2 TDs

Soph. Aaron Sandherr, Topsail: 14 carries, 149 yards

Sr. Jackson Sadler, Trask: 26 carries, 133 yards, 4 TDs

Sr. Michael Miller Jr. Ashley: 38 carries, 128 yards, 2 TDs

RECEIVING

Sr. Desyn Durand, Hoggard: 31 catches, 568 yards, 6 TDs

Jr. Carter Reitan, Topsail: 32 catches, 420 yards, 1 TD

Jr. Niko Warren, Laney: 38 catches, 417 yards, 4 TDs

Jr. Edward Young, South Brunswick: 26 catches, 323 yards, 2 TDs

Jr. Marley Hertz, North Brunswick: 21 catches, 285 yards, 3 TDs

Fr. Josiah Isom, Ashley: 26 catches, 269 yards

Jr. Micah Hunter, Hoggard: 28 catches, 241 yards, 2 TDs

Jr. Landon Fuchs, North Brunswick: 16 catches, 200 yards, 1 TD

Jr. Damonte Hill, New Hanover: 12 catches, 197 yards, 1 TD

Sr. Kilby Theiss-Dixon, Laney: 10 catches, 191 yards, 2 TDs

Jr. Jeremiah Isom, Ashley: 16 catches, 179 yards, 3 TDs

Sr. Zack Albert, Topsail: 12 catches, 175 yards

Sr. Eden Romero, West Brunswick: 16 catches, 171 yards, 3 TDs

Sr. Jayden Holloway, New Hanover: 19 catches, 170 yards, 1 TD

Sr. Jahiem Lambe, Pender: 5 catches, 151 yards, 1 TD

Sr. Nakula O’Connor, Hoggard: 11 catches, 147 yards, 1 TD

Jr. Brayden Bell, West Brunswick: 10 catches, 137 yards, 1 TD

Sr. MJ Smith, North Brunswick: 11 catches, 126 yards, 2 TDs

Soph. Tyler Salcido, Topsail: 4 catches, 104 yards, 1 TD

Jr. Skyler Barnett, New Hanover: 17 catches, 102 yards, 2 TDs

Jr. Brandon Swain, Topsail: 3 catches, 101 yards

Jr. Jahmeer Damon, Ashley: 9 catches, 100 yards

Jr. Jordin Cauble, Laney: 9 catches, 99 yards

TOTAL TACKLES

Sr. Ryan Strickland, Topsail: 81 tackles, 2 for loss

Sr. Kamajah Wilson, Trask: 75 tackles, 3 for loss

Sr. Nate Earley, South Brunswick: 61 tackles, 2 for loss

Sr. Zack Albert, Topsail: 58 tackles, 7 for loss

Sr. Jordyn Davis, Trask: 56 tackles, 5 for loss

Jr. Jose Reyna, South Brunswick: 53 tackles, 1 for loss

Sr. Wade Revelas, Topsail: 52 tackles, 1 for loss

Jr. My’kel Hall, Ashley: 51 tackles

Sr. Bruce Rogers, Pender: 50 tackles, 1 for loss

Sr. Marshall Chalk, Hoggard: 49 tackles, 7 for loss

Sr. Paxton Lee, Topsail: 46 tackles

Sr. Amir Robbins, North Brunswick: 44 tackles, 2 for loss

Sr. Pres Toups, Hoggard: 44 tackles, 7 for loss

Jr. Dylan Kowalski, Ashley: 43 tackles

Sr. Zymier Thomas, North Brunswick: 41 tackles

Sr. Harris McKoy, Ashley: 40 tackles, 1 for loss

Jr. Isaiah McIntosh, New Hanover: 39 tackles, 3.5 for loss

Sr. Preston Plunkett, Topsail: 38 tackles, 2 for loss

Soph. Jordan Sawyer, Pender: 38 tackles, 1 for loss

Sr. Logan Petty, Hoggard: 36 tackles, 4 for loss

Sr. Lijah Toledo, Topsail: 36 tackles

Jr. Wyatt Clewis, South Brunswick: 35 tackles, 11 for loss

Sr. Pittman McEwen, Topsail: 34 tackles, 2 for loss

Jr. Nate Dunning, South Brunswick: 33 tackles

Sr. Tristan Brewington, Trask: 32 tackles, 4 for loss

Jr. Jayden George, New Hanover: 32 tackles, 6 for loss

Sr. Jake Bryant, Pender: 30 tackles, 3 for loss

Jr. Jadyn Wade, New Hanover: 30 tackles, 4.5 for loss

Jr. Bryson Ellison, New Hanover: 29 tackles, 9 for loss

Jr. Damonte Hill, New Hanover: 29 tackles, 1 for loss

Jr. Graham McNeely, Hoggard: 29 tackles, 7 for loss

Soph. Ben Tanner, Hoggard: 29 tackles, 2 for loss

Soph. Malcolm Baldwin, Pender: 28 tackles, 7 for loss

Soph. Colton Hearn, New Hanover: 28 tackles, 1.5 for loss

Fr. Travis Brotherton, Trask: 27 tackles

Sr. Jesus Perez, Trask: 27 tackles, 2 for loss

Soph. Aaron Sandherr, Topsail: 27 tackles

Jr. Tyler Johnson, South Brunswick: 26 tackles

Jr. Skyler Barnett, New Hanover: 25 tackles, 2 for loss

Jr. Kamen Bland, Pender: 25 tackles

TACKLES PER GAME (Min. 15 tackles)

Sr. Ryan Strickland, Topsail: 13.5 (81 tackles in 6 games)

Sr. Kamajah Wilson, Trask: 12.5 (75 tackles in 6 games)

Sr. Nate Earley, South Brunswick: 12.2 (61 tackles in 5 games)

Sr. Bruce Rogers, Pender: 10.0 (50 tackles in 5 games)

Jr. Isaiah McIntosh, New Hanover: 9.8 (39 tackles in 4 games)

Sr. Zack Albert, Topsail: 9.7 (58 tackles in 6 games)

Sr. Jordyn Davis, Trask: 9.3 (56 tackles in 6 games)

Jr. Jose Reyna, South Brunswick: 8.8 (53 tackles in 6 games)

Sr. Wade Revelas, Topsail: 8.7 (52 tackles in 6 games)

Jr. Dylan Kowalski, Ashley: 8.6 (43 tackles in 5 games)

Jr. My’kel Hall, Ashley: 8.5 (51 tackles in 6 games)

Sr. Marshall Chalk, Hoggard: 8.2 (49 tackles in 6 games)

Sr. Harris McKoy, Ashley: 8.0 (40 tackles in 5 games)

Sr. Paxton Lee, Topsail: 7.7 (46 tackles in 6 games)

Soph. Jordan Sawyer, Pender: 7.6 (38 tackles in 5 games)

Sr. Amir Robbins, North Brunswick: 7.3 (44 tackles in 6 games)

Sr. Pres Toups, Hoggard: 7.3 (44 tackles in 6 games)

Jr. Wyatt Clewis, South Brunswick: 7.0 (35 tackles in 5 games)

Sr. Zymier Thomas, North Brunswick: 6.8 (41 tackles in 6 games)

Jr. Tyler Johnson, South Brunswick: 6.5 (26 tackles in 4 games)

Jr. Jayden George, New Hanover: 6.4 (32 tackles in 5 games)

Sr. Preston Plunkett, Topsail: 6.3 (38 tackles in 6 games)

Jr. Christian Sholar, Trask: 6.3 (19 tackles in 3 games)

Sr. Logan Petty, Hoggard: 6.0 (36 tackles in 6 games)

Sr. Lijah Toledo, Topsail: 6.0 (36 tackles in 6 games)

Jr. Jadyn Wade, New Hanover: 6.0 (30 tackles in 5 games)

Jr. Damonte Hill, New Hanover: 5.8 (29 tackles in 5 games)

Sr. Pittman McEwen, Topsail: 5.7 (34 tackles in 6 games)

Soph. Colton Hearn, New Hanover: 5.6 (28 tackles in 5 games)

Jr. Nate Dunning, South Brunswick: 5.5 (33 tackles in 6 games)

SACKS

Sr. Zack Albert, Topsail: 5

Jr. Bryson Ellison, New Hanover: 3

Jr. Graham McNeely, Hoggard: 3

Sr. Marshall Chalk, Hoggard: 2

Jr. Mohammed Ismail, Hoggard: 2

Jr. Brayden Jones, South Brunswick: 2

Jr. Irie LaPrade, South Brunswick: 2

Sr. Pittman McEwen, Topsail: 2

Sr. Ryan Strickland, Topsail: 2

Sr. Kamajah Wilson, Trask: 2

Jr. Jake Woodcock, Trask: 2

Jr. Jayden George, New Hanover: 1.5

Sr. Connor Clark, Hoggard: 1

Sr. Hunter Croom, Trask: 1

Sr. Jordyn Davis, Trask: 1 

Jr. Ezyaire Davis-McGhee, New Hanover: 1

Jr. Braxton Erickson, North Brunswick: 1

Jr. Gavin Fragiacomo, South Brunswick: 1

Sr. Shawn Massing, Trask: 1

Jr. Isaiah McIntosh, New Hanover: 1

Sr. JP Meyers, Hoggard: 1

Sr. Preston Plunkett, Topsail: 1

Soph. Dodge Ray, Hoggard: 1

Sr. Reese Royal, Trask: 1

Fr. Amari Wallace, Trask: 1

TURNOVERS

Sr. Nate Earley, South Brunswick: 5 (4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery)

Sr. MJ Smith, North Brunswick: 5 (4 interceptions, 1 forced fumble)

Sr. Skylar Barnett, New Hanover: 3 (3 interceptions)

Sr. Jake Bryant, Pender: 3 (2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery)

Sr. Bryston Earp, South Brunswick: 2 (2 forced fumbles)

Sr. Roman Long, Topsail: 3 (3 interceptions)

Soph. Malcolm Baldwin, Pender: 2 (1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery)

Sr. Hunter Croom, Trask: 2 (1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery)

Sr. Jordyn Davis, Trask: 2 (2 fumble recoveries)

Sr. Liam Geib, Hoggard: 2 (2 fumble recoveries)

Sr. Jayden Holloway, New Hanover: 2 (2 forced fumbles)

Jr. Irie LaPrade, South Brunswick: 2 (1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery)

Jr. Graham McNeely, Hoggard: 2 (1 forced fumble, 1 interception)

Jr. Kimon Moore, Pender: 2 (2 fumble recoveries)

Sr. Preston Plunkett, Topsail: 2 (1 forced fumble, 1 interception)

Soph. Aaron Sandherr, Topsail: 2 (1 forced fumble, 1 interception)

Jr. Cade Stephens, Hoggard: 2 (1 forced fumble, 1 interception)

Soph. RJ Tindall, Ashley: 2 (2 interceptions)

Sr. Kamajah Wilson, Trask: 2 (2 forced fumbles)

PUNTING 

Jr. Ty Duleba, Laney: 3 punts, 47.7 average

Jr. Kanoa McGee, Hoggard: 11 punts, 44.8 average, 5 inside the 20

Jr. Wyatt Clewis, South Brunswick: 8 punts, 43.4 yards, 2 inside the 20

Sr. Evan Jabaley, New Hanover: 10 punts, 41.1 average

Sr. Joe Deffinbaugh, Laney: 17 punts, 29.4 average, 3 inside the 20

Sr. Connor Pahe, North Brunswick: 19 punts, 29.4 average

KICKING

Jr. Kanoa McGee, Hoggard: 26-for-28 extra points, 6-for-9 field goals with a long of 54 yards

Jr. Ty Duleba, Laney: 21-for-23 extra points, 5-for-7 field goals with a long of 47 yards

Sr. Alan Pantaleon, West Brunswick: 14-for-16 extra points

Jr. Camden Van Horn, South Brunswick: 12-for-16 extra points, 0-for-3 field goals

Jr. Gavin Puffpaff, Topsail: 10-for-12 extra points, 2-for-4 field goals with a long of 30 yards

Sr. Connor Pahe, North Brunswick: 8-for-9 extra points, 2-for-3 field goals with a long of 28 yards

Jr. Ethan Kelly, West Brunswick: 7-for-7 extra points

Sr. Evan Jabaley, New Hanover: 7-for-7 extra points

 

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