#27 North Lenoir vs #6 Ayden-Grifton Playoff Preview

North Lenoir Looks to Upset Ayden-Grifton in First Round of 2A Playoffs

The North Lenoir Hawks (4-6) head into the NCHSAA 2A Playoffs as the #27 seed, set to face the #6 seed Ayden-Grifton Chargers (6-4) on Friday night. While Ayden-Grifton comes in as the Eastern Plains Conference champions on a five-game winning streak, North Lenoir is determined to play spoiler in their first playoff matchup since 2019.

Contrasting Seasons

Ayden-Grifton closed the regular season strong, finishing 5-1 in conference play and facing 10 playoff-bound teams overall. Their balanced attack and opportunistic defense helped them secure a 6-4 record. The Chargers are equally effective at home and on the road, posting a 3-2 record in both scenarios.

North Lenoir faced its share of adversity in the rugged East Central Conference, finishing 5th. Despite their struggles, the Hawks showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in games where their offense found rhythm. Seven of their 10 opponents made the playoffs, giving North Lenoir a battle-tested edge heading into this matchup.

By the Numbers: Offense

Ayden-Grifton’s offense averages 28.8 points per game, bolstered by a balanced approach. They average 155 passing yards and 151 rushing yards per game, with 35 total touchdowns—15 through the air and 20 on the ground. The Chargers’ passing efficiency is evident, completing 62.5% of their attempts while averaging 12.5 completions per game and 1.5 passing touchdowns. On the ground, they average 5.7 yards per carry and two rushing touchdowns per game.

North Lenoir, on the other hand, averages 13.2 points per game. The Hawks’ offense relies heavily on their rushing attack, totaling 1,343 yards for the season and averaging 134 per game with 16 rushing touchdowns. In their four wins, North Lenoir rushed for at least 150 yards, including three games where they surpassed 250 yards. The passing game has been less consistent, with only 478 total yards, 2 touchdowns, and a 40% completion rate. However, the Hawks have protected the ball well in their wins, throwing only one interception across those four games.

Defense and Special Teams

Defensively, Ayden-Grifton has been opportunistic, forcing 13 sacks, 12 interceptions, 33 pass deflections, 11 fumble recoveries, and scoring multiple times with two pick-sixes, a fumble return touchdown, and a safety. North Lenoir’s defense has also been a playmaking unit, with 26 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 4 interceptions, and an impressive 20 fumble recoveries. They’ve scored defensively as well, returning a fumble for a touchdown.

Special teams could play a critical role in this matchup. Ayden-Grifton has been consistent, converting 25 of 30 extra-point attempts and making 3 of 6 field goals, including a long of 31 yards. They’ve also recorded touchdowns on both a punt return and a kickoff return. The Chargers’ punting game has been efficient, averaging 40.7 yards per punt on 27 attempts, with 10 punts landing inside the 20.

North Lenoir’s special teams have also made plays, converting 6 of 8 extra points and scoring on a kickoff return. Their punting game has been solid, averaging 33.9 yards per punt on 29 attempts, with 11 punts inside the 20.

Key Matchups

• Ayden-Grifton’s Balanced Offense vs. North Lenoir’s Turnover-Hungry Defense
  The Chargers’ ability to attack through the air and on the ground will test a Hawks defense that has thrived on creating turnovers. North Lenoir’s 20 fumble recoveries could be crucial in disrupting Ayden-Grifton’s rhythm.

• North Lenoir’s Ground Game vs. Ayden-Grifton’s Defensive Front
  The Hawks’ rushing attack has been their most reliable offensive weapon. If they can control the clock and limit mistakes, they’ll have a chance to keep Ayden-Grifton’s offense off the field.

• Special Teams Battle
  Both teams have dynamic special teams units capable of flipping the field and scoring points. Ayden-Grifton’s return game and strong punting average could give them a field position edge, while North Lenoir’s ability to pin opponents inside the 20 could keep the Chargers’ offense in check.

Head-to-Head History

Since 2004, Ayden-Grifton has dominated the series, holding a 7-2 record against North Lenoir, including wins in their last three meetings. The Hawks will look to reverse that trend in this pivotal playoff game.

Trey’s Predictions:

North Lenoir has one of the toughest schedules in the ENC. Only thing about it, Ayden-Grifton does too! The Hawks have the talent to be in this game but I think AG is too discipline to let this one slip away. Chargers by 18