PREP FOOTBALL STORYLINES: Nov. 6

ROCKY MOUNT HIGH (5-4, 3-1 BIG EAST) AT NORTHERN NASH (2-8, 2-2 BIG EAST)

PREGAME CHATTER: Both squads did not play without drama last week. Rocky Mount High edged Southern Nash with a touchdown in the game’s final two minutes. Northern Nash erased a 21-point deficit and held on for a victory when Wilson Fike missed a last-second field goal. Northern Nash could force a three-way tie for second place in the Big East Conference, but it will have to beat Rocky Mount for the first time since 2002.

WHAT IT MEANS: Rocky Mount can lock up the No. 2 seed in the Big East Conference with a victory. Northern Nash could put itself in position for a playoffs berth by edging its most fierce rival.

KEY MATCHUP: Rocky Mount High running back Marquavis Alston vs. Northern Nash linebacker Joe Young. The two seniors are among the better players in the Twin Counties at their respective positions.

NASH CENTRAL (3-7, 1-3 BIG EAST) AT SOUTHERN NASH (7-3, 2-2 BIG EAST)

PREGAME CHATTER: The Bulldogs gave the Firebirds their first loss of the season five weeks ago. Since then, the Firebirds have lost half of their games. Nash Central only has won one more victory in that span.

WHAT IT MEANS: Southern Nash has not forgotten its first loss of the season, and the Firebirds will look to earn a trip to the NCHSAA 3-A state playoffs with a victory tonight.

KEY MATCHUP: Southern Nash’s defense vs. Nash Central quarterback Dominique Holloway. Holloway had his best game of the season against the Firebirds. Southern Nash will improve its chances if its defense contains Holloway tonight.

WILSON BEDDINGFIELD (6-4, 2-3 EASTERN PLAINS) AT TARBORO (9-1, 4-1 EASTERN PLAINS)

PREGAME CHATTER: Tarboro bounced back from its first loss with a 50-7 victory against Farmville Central last week. The Vikings now face a spread-option offense led by Bruins quarterback Lance Price.

WHAT IT MEANS: Tarboro almost certainly will clinch a No. 1 seed in the NCHSAA 2-A state playoffs with a win tonight.

KEY MATCHUP: Tarboro’s secondary vs. Wilson Beddingfield quarterback Lance Price. Tarboro hasn’t allowed too many points this season. The Vikings’ secondary will have to step up to control Price’s ability to spread the field.

— Trevor Seibert and Jessie H. Nunery