Today's area key football games

WAKE FOREST-ROLESVILLE AT FAYETTEVILLE JACK BRITT

TRENTINI STADIUM, 4-AA EAST

The matchup between Wake Forest-Rolesville (12-2) and Jack Britt (13-1) could be one of the top games of the season. The teams are incredibly similar, with identical 24.9 scoring margins. Wake Forest is led by rushers Trea Jones (1,647 yards) and Brexton Young. (1,213 yards). Britt's 280-pound tackle, Xavier Nixon, is the top-ranked offensive lineman in the country and was voted the N.C. Gatorade player of the year. He has started on defense for the past eight games and is dominating. Britt's Everett Proctor plays quarterback, wide receiver and running back and also kicks. He is an N.C. State recruit. Britt's only loss was to 21-15 to Western 4-AA finalist Richmond County.

FAYETTEVILLE BYRD AT DURHAM HILLSIDE

BLUNT STADIUM, 4-A EAST

Fayetteville Byrd (11-3) is led by quarterback Malcolm Rowe, who has run for 1,032 yards and passed for 1,023. Junior Williams has run for another 703 yards. Hillside's Desmond Scott is one of the state's most elusive runners. The Duke recruit has 2,049 rushing yards despite being used a receiver early in the season. Quarterback Corey Gattis has thrown for 2,471 yards and is a threat to run. Hillside coach Ray Harrison said a key will be how well the Hornets' defensive front plays against a Byrd offense that averages 6 yards per rush.

WEST CRAVEN AT ROCKY MOUNT

ROCKY MOUNT ATHLETIC COMPLEX, 3-A EAST

West Craven QB Brett Mooring has passed for more than 3,000 yards in leading the 14-0 Eagles. The defense allows 12.4 points per game. Rocky Mount (13-1) forfeited a season-opening 43-14 win over East Forsyth but has been overwhelming on the field. The Gryphons have scored 40 or more points in nine games and 30 or more in 11. Rocky Mount's offense is led by Marquavis Alston (40 rushing touchdowns) and Keith Strickland (1,104 receiving yards).

JACKSONVILLE NORTHSIDE AT TARBORO

VIKINGS STADIUM, 2-A EAST

Jacksonville Northside (14-0) is led by all-star defensive end Donte Moss, who might be the best high school player in the state. Northside leads the state in scoring defense, giving up just 5.5 points per game. Tarboro (13-1) averages 41 points per game and gives up 8.3.

AYDEN-GRIFTON AT EAST BLADEN

EAGLES STADIUM, 1-AA EAST

Ayden-Grifton (11-3) has won nine straight. Fred Best led last week's 32-17 victory over Midway with 127 rushing yards. East Bladen (13-1) survived a playoff scare against Hampstead Topsail, escaping with a 14-12 win. Scoring hasn't usually been a problem, though. East Bladen has scored 40 or more points nine times.