Winter sports are still days away from beginning, but soccer and football continue their playoffs this week.

The third round of the state soccer playoffs takes place today across North Carolina, then the second round of the football playoffs is Friday. For the soccer teams that survive, the fourth-round games are Saturday evening.

East Surry is the only local school still alive in the soccer brackets. The Cardinals (12-8-1) host Lake Norman Charter (16-3-1) at 6:30 p.m. The victor takes on the winner of Central Academy and East Montgomery

On the other side of the West regional brackets, Elkin (13-6) hosts Thomas Jefferson (14-4-2). The winner takes on the winner of Hendersonville (12-7-4) and Highlands (16-9). Hendersonville is a wild card that has pulled off two upsets already.

In 2A, West Stokes is the only area team still alive. The Wildcats (18-4-2) host Cuthbertson (19-3-1). If they win, the Cats would take on the winner between Trinity (16-4-2) and Salisbury (18-2-1).

In football, three area teams are playing Friday in the 1AA brackets.

Mount Airy (11-1) hosts West Montgomery (7-4). East Surry (6-5) travels to Monroe (9-2). If the Bears and Cards both win, the two teams would face each other next week in Mount Airy.

On the other side of the West regional bracket, West Wilkes (5-6) travels to undefeated Swain (11-0). Then, Hendersonville (11-0) hosts Lake Norman Charter (10-1).

In the 2AA playoffs, West Stokes still has a chance to repeat as state champion after back-to-back wins over North Surry. However, the Wildcats (7-4) leave home to face Andrews (10-1).