ON-AIR READThe 2026 bracket is set October 31, with playoff rounds on November 6, 13, 20 and 27, regionals December 4 and championships December 10-12.
Rule detail
- First practice: July 29. The NCHSAA football webpage calls August 7 the first contest date; the handbook labels it the first scrimmage date.
- The handbook lists the regular-season first-play date as the week of August 21.
- Bracketing/seeding: October 31. Round 1: November 6. Round 2: November 13. Round 3: November 20. Round 4: November 27.
- Regional finals: December 4. State championships: December 10, 11 and 12.
ON-AIR READFootball playoff games are set for 7:00 p.m.; seven-person officiating crews begin with the third round.
Rule detail
- The first two rounds are assigned by the higher seed’s regional supervisor. From Round 3 through the championship, the NCHSAA Director of Officiating Services designates the assigning supervisor.
- A 6:00 p.m. start is allowed by mutual agreement and is required when the visiting team travels more than 100 miles one way, unless the NCHSAA approves another arrangement.
- Optional clock operators may be assigned beginning with Round 2; the host school is responsible for that operator.
- The Eastern team is designated home for the state championship.
ON-AIR READNCHSAA requires a five-person crew for varsity football and expands to seven officials beginning in the third playoff round.
Rule detail
- Five officials are recommended for junior varsity games.
- Only NCHSAA-registered and eligible officials may be used through an approved regional supervisor.
