Friday matchups

All game times are 7:30 p.m.

Laney at Middle Creek

Middle Creek (10-1) matched its best regular-season record in school history – set in 2009 – and now it’s up to the Mustangs to see if they can match their best postseason finish. But first things first. Laney (5-5) won just one game in its Mideastern Conference this year but lost three games by six points or less.

Winner will play: Leesville Road vs. Heritage winner

Green Hope at Fuquay-Varina

For the third straight postseason, Fuquay-Varina (6-4) will play a team from its own conference in the playoffs. But the good news for the Bengals this time is that, unlike the last two seasons, they’ve beaten this team before. Green Hope (6-5) lost 21-17 in the week-seven meeting at Fuquay-Varina.

Winner will play: Richmond County vs. Cary winner

Athens Drive at Garner

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before – Athens Drive (5-6) is playing at Garner (11-0). This is the fourth time in two seasons the two sides have met, and the third time in Trojan Stadium. Athens Drive lost 42-7 in this year’s week-two meeting.

Winner will play: Wakefield vs. Wake Forest-Rolesville winner

Cary at Richmond County

The good news is that Cary (5-5) kept its postseason streak alive with last week’s defeat of Athens Drive. The Imps have made the postseason in 10 straight seasons. The bad news, however, is that Cary is the 8-seed in the 4AA Mideast and must travel south to perhaps the most prestigious high school football program in the state. Richmond (9-1) has several Division I prospects and is considered a state title contender.

Winner will play: Fuquay-Varina vs. Green Hope winner

Cary Christian at Southampton Academy (Va.)

Cary Christian (7-3) is in the semifinals of the NCISAA 8-man playoffs but faces tough sledding against the No. 1 team. Southampton Academy, located in Courtland, Va., snapped a 35-game winning streak by two-time defending champion Raleigh Word of God.

Winner will play: Word of God vs Hobgood Academy winner

Player of the week

Marquise Sherrod-Ponds

Cary, RB, senior

With his team needing a victory to get into the playoffs, Sherrod-Ponds took 41 carries for 194 yards against Athens Drive for a 9-7 win.