The Eastern Plains 2A/3A Conference is gearing up for another unpredictable season, with six programs — Ayden‑Grifton, Beddingfield, Farmville Central, Greene Central, Kinston and defending champion Tarboro — each navigating significant roster turnover.
Tarboro, the reigning 2A state champion, enters the year with only three returning starters on each side of the ball, forcing coach Jeff Craddock to lean on senior Antonio Draughn and a handful of emerging underclassmen as they chase a tenth championship.
Across the league, Kinston must replace quarterback Tyler Jones, who departed after throwing for 4,424 yards and 58 touchdowns, opening the door for sophomore Michael Eaton to take the snap under center.
Farmville Central, seeded thirteenth in the East, advanced to the fourth round of the 3A playoffs last year and will rely on new starter Connor Kessler at quarterback while integrating transfer Jack Beamon into the offense.
Greene Central’s head coach Jay Wilson, now in his eighth season, sees his team benefit from the return of starting quarterback Joshua Cetnar, a factor that has analysts penciling the Rams as the most likely breakout squad.
Beddingfield, under first‑year head coach Joshua Sims, attempts to rebound from a 1‑10 campaign the previous year, having lost key playmakers Brian Jones and Cornelius Smith from the previous roster.
Ayden‑Grifton, guided by veteran coach Garrett Wingate, rode a third‑round playoff run in 2025 and finished the prior season at 8‑5, positioning the Patriots as a dark‑horse contender.
Predictions and Players to Watch
Analysts expect Tarboro to secure a home playoff berth, while Kinston, Ayden‑Grifton, Greene Central and Farmville Central are all projected to finish in the postseason picture. The conversation around Player of the Year centers on Antonio Draughn of Tarboro, whereas Michael Eaton is touted as a sophomore breakout candidate at Kinston.
The schedule variance adds another layer of intrigue, with Tarboro facing the most demanding slate and Greene Central enjoying the most favorable path, a contrast that could shape early‑season momentum.