BUNN. The Wildcats and other teams that survived the second round of the playoffs have a challenge: celebrate Thanksgiving while also working in practice.

CARY. The Imps delivered a statement with their 49-12 first-round win over New Bern.

DEFENSE. Manteo has recorded nine shutouts and is allowing only 2.64 points per game.

EDWARDS, JOSH. The Pittsboro Northwood defender has recorded 31 sacks this season.

FORFEITS. These were abundant for teams using ineligible players. Leesville Road, Northern Durham and Millbrook all had to forfeit wins. Elkin and Starmount had to forfeit to each other.

GREEN, DAVID. The Leesville Road coach is a strong contender for state coach of the year.

HILLSIDE. The Durham school made a strong run to the playoffs behind Michael Johnson, who led the area in passing efficiency with 2,887 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

INDEPENDENCE. The Charlotte powerhouse's undefeated streak has reached 106 games.

JOSH PRICE. The Broughton QB passed for 2,744 yards in helping the Caps earn a share of the Cap Seven regular-season title.

KERRY NEAL. The Bunn defensive end has helped the Wildcats register six shutouts.

LEESVILLE ROAD. The Pride's march to the third round of the playoffs is one of the state's biggest stories.

MORRIS, ELEROD. The East Wake senior played only one season of high school football because of a series of hip surgeries, but he never missed a practice -- even coming in a wheelchair.

NICK DEMURO. Athens Drive QB passed for 2,961 yards in leading the Jaguars to the playoffs.

OFFENSE. Greenville Rose leads the state in scoring offense with 50.29 points per game.

PALMER, TOBAIS. The Pittsboro Northwood senior has led the Chargers into the third round of the state playoffs for the first time in school history.

QUARTERBACK. Harnett Central's Rodney Cox accounted for 5,281 rushing yards and 4,138 passing yards during the past three seasons. He rushed and passed for more than a 1,000 yards each year.

ROSE'S RALLY. Greenville Rose came back from a 21-6 deficit to defeat East Wake 47-21 in the second round.

SOUTH JOHNSTON. The Trojans provided one of the best feel-good stories by making the playoffs for the first time since 1991.

THOMAS BREEDLOVE. He rushed for 2,202 yards in leading St. David's to the NCISAA eight-man football title.

UNDEFEATED. After the second round of the playoffs, there are 13 undefeated teams. None is scheduled to play another this week.

VICTOR HUNT. The Southern Durham quarterback has sparkled in the playoffs.

WESLYE SAUNDERS. The Durham Riverside player is among the area's best tight ends and defensive linemen.

X-RATED. That describes the brawl between Miami and Florida International. Luckily, area high school football players didn't emulate the display.

YARDS. Durham Hillside averaged 466.8 yards in total offense during a 10-3 season.

ZACH POWELL. He has helped Fuquay-Varina build an 11-2 record and reach the third round by rushing for 1,096 yards.

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