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Here are 5 bold predictions for Week 1 of Wilmington-area high school football

michael cuneo, wilmington starnews
·4 min read

It's finally here. After months of agonizingly waiting, the high school football season is about to kick off, marking the full-blown initiation of fall sports.

StarNewsVarsity has taken a deep dive into everything from the first week of football practice to last weekend's Bash at the Beach Jamboree. However, this Friday marks the start of full-on, live-action, nonstop football.

Week 1 presents some challenging nonconference games for top Mideastern Conference teams and will give us an immediate barometer for the 2023 season.

Only Hoggard, North Brunswick and West Brunswick will play on their home fields Friday, as all other Wilmington-area teams will take to the road in Week 1.

Here are five bold predictions for Week 1 of the High School football season in the Wilmington area.

MIDEASTERN CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS Questions, predictions for Mideastern Conference high school football in 2023

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DEFENSE 32 Wilmington-area high school defensive players to watch in 2023

Hoggard sets the tone for 2023 with win over Cleveland

Hoggard quarterback Hudson Wilharm throws a pass during the 2023 Bash at the Beach on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.
Hoggard quarterback Hudson Wilharm throws a pass during the 2023 Bash at the Beach on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.

The Vikings have their work cut out for them in Week 1 as they'll host Cleveland, a team that didn't lose a single regular season matchup in 2022.

The Rams offense is built on an impressive passing game that saw quarterback Jackson Byrd throw for 2,831 yards and 36 touchdowns last fall.

Hoggard should be able to prevent Cleveland from throwing as much as they usually would, thanks to its strength on the defensive line and at linebacker.

We'll also see the return of senior quarterback Hudson Wilharm after his season-ending collar bone injury in 2022.

This one should be a battle, but Hoggard can set an early tone for the entire season by stepping up and securing the win in Week 1.

New Hanover takes care of business on the road

New Hanover took on Havelock in the Bash at the Beach Friday Aug. 11, 2023 at West Brunswick High School in Shallotte, N.C. The event continues with 4 more games Saturday Aug. 12, 2023 at 5pm. KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS
New Hanover took on Havelock in the Bash at the Beach Friday Aug. 11, 2023 at West Brunswick High School in Shallotte, N.C. The event continues with 4 more games Saturday Aug. 12, 2023 at 5pm. KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS

New Hanover started the 2022 season with a tough road matchup that they lost 40-3. The team that beat the Wildcats, New Bern, went on to win an NCHSAA 4A state championship.

While New Hanover might not be in for quite as tough a matchup when they travel to Greenville to take on J.H. Rose Friday night, it certainly won't be a cakewalk either.

The Rampants are just two seasons removed from a 3A state championship appearance and, despite taking a slight step back in 2022, are always a formidable opponent.

A Week 1 loss won't significantly impact New Hanover's season, but a win could go a long way in boosting the Wildcats confidence in 2023.

Topsail upsets Terry Sanford

Topsail quarterback #7 Elijah Hebron avoids a defender during the 2023 Bash at the Beach on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.
Topsail quarterback #7 Elijah Hebron avoids a defender during the 2023 Bash at the Beach on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.

Topsail's on the road in a challenging matchup with 3A side Terry Sandford in Week 1.

While the Pirates offense impressed us at the Bash at the Beach, it's the defense that will get a true test Friday.

Playing against a Bulldogs team that went four rounds deep in the 3A state playoffs last fall, Topsail needs to get the rush started early to prevent getting burned in the passing game.

Topspail is the underdog entering Week 1, but if the team's defense can provide enough stops, the Pirates stand a chance at upsetting one of the strongest offenses they'll see all season.

Ashley shows growth with Week 1 win

Ashley quarterback Tyler Carter fires a pass at the 2023 Bash at the Beach on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2023.
Ashley quarterback Tyler Carter fires a pass at the 2023 Bash at the Beach on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2023.

We know Ashley can win football games in 2023, but how many remains the question. With a favorable matchup against Athens Drive, a team that won just two games in 2022, the Screaming Eagles have their best chance of the season to pick up a win.

Expect solid running from junior Jaelan Brewington in the backfield and a healthy rotation between Tyler Carter and Braden Quinn at quarterback.

Ashley has a great chance to show that 2023 is different, and a Week 1 win will do just that.

Laney rolls past D.H. Conley

Laney senior running back #11 Tyjhere Crudup stiff arms a defender during the 2023 Bash at the Beach on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.
Laney senior running back #11 Tyjhere Crudup stiff arms a defender during the 2023 Bash at the Beach on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.

It might seem slightly peculiar to have a team with a new quarterback and young identity blowing past the competition in its first game of the year, but Laney has a lot going for itself in 2023.

Laney missed too many chances when these two teams met Week 1 last season, losing 17-10. Coach Luke Little called the game a wake-up call, and the Buccaneers won four of their next five.

With a reworked defense and just as vibrant offense as last fall, Laney should have no problem leaving Greenville with a win.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: 5 bold predictions for Week 1 of Wilmington-area high school football