Thanks to the effects of Hurricane Helene in the western part of the state, we had to wait eight extra days for 2024 football playoff brackets.

That wait is over, as the North Carolina High School Athletic Association released its football playoff brackets this afternoon.

Cleveland earned the No. 1 overall seed in the 4A ranks, and will host Heritage on Friday night in round one. Clayton is the 13 seed, and will host No. 20 Corinth Holders in an all-Johnston County first-round game.

In 3A, West Johnston made the field as a 22 seed and will make the trek to No. 11 Currituck County. South Johnston was the “first team out,” according to bracket projections by HighSchoolOT.com.

Princeton and North Johnston round out the Johnston County contingent in the 2A field. The Bulldogs, a 23 seed, will visit No. 10 East Carteret while North, the 28 seed, will travel to No. 5 Martin County.

For a complete look at the brackets, click here.