CHOCOWINITY — Watching North Edgecombe on tape has to be a lot like looking in a mirror. Southside will host an eerily similar opponent Friday in the third round of the 1-A state playoffs. Both teams have found success this season thanks largely to two strong options in the backfield.

One key difference is the amount of success. The Warriors (7-5) skidded into the playoffs on a four-game losing streak in the Two Rivers Conference. Their four non-conference wins came against teams that combined for a 13-43 record, but it was enough to merit a postseason berth.

Rightfully so, it would seem. The Warriors exploded with 26 points in the third quarter to cruise to a first-round win over Pamlico County. They were able to outlast a comeback attempt by Weldon a week later to win their second-round game last week.

Between those two games, North Edgecombe held its opponents to less than 100 rushing yards combined. It started up front with a big defensive line. Qua’tavius Harrell, Jaquel Knight and Kavon Pittman all weigh in at 300-plus pounds, according to the team roster. There’s size throughout the linebacker corps, too.

Many of those same defensive linemen have helped comprise a strong offensive front. They have played a significant part in the success of the backfield rotation. Antoine Pittman leads the charge. Ashmad Lyons, Mike Sherrod and Bullock Jacoby have also proven valuable when moving the ball on the ground.

That’s nothing that Southside doesn’t see in practice every day. Seniors Lawrence Brown and Matt Baxter have combined for over 3,000 rushing yards in 12 games this year. Using their different talents will be necessary in overcoming the supersized Warriors coming for them.

The 5-foot-11, 164-pound Baxter will need to be not just quick, but also evasive to beat out the strength of North Edgecombe’s front seven. Brown, who has more power to his rushing game, will also struggle to break tackles. However, his size will certainly come in handy should he break into the secondary.

As similar as the two sides are, the difference maker on offense may be the mobility of senior quarterback Johnny Sullivan. He’s only averaging 3.5 yards per carry, but his six touchdowns are third best on the team and prove he’s a threat in the red zone.

Meanwhile, Warrior signal caller Joshua Deans is averaging a loss of a yard each time he carries the ball. He doesn’t fare too well in the air either. He’s 12-of-27 on the season with four touchdowns and three interceptions.

Southside’s second-round win over Northampton County came down to a late fumble by the visitors. Turnovers could play a significant part in this matchup, too. Deans has struggled with ball security this season. He’s fumbled the ball away seven times in 12 games. As a team, North Edgecombe has lost the ball 18 times thanks to fumbles.

PREDICTION: SOUTHSIDE 42, NORTH EDGECOMBE 35