Call this the “No-win Bowl.”

I say that because regardless of who I pick to win Friday’s football showdown between Northside and Jacksonville, I am bound to upset people.

If I go with recent trend and side with the Cardinals, I’m pretty sure I’ll face the wrath of the Northside faithful. If I choose the Monarchs to snap their six-game skid in this series, it’s almost certain a large flock of Cardinals will give me the business.

After all, Jacksonville players politely confronted me in the preseason after I made my win-loss predictions for every local team, which included the Monarchs winning this year’s clash between the Cardinals.

So now that I’ve spoiled my preseason predictions … I’m sticking with Northside to emerge victorious and earn its first win over Jacksonville since a 40-14 victory in 2019.

But regardless of the winner, Friday’s game is a big one for city superiority.

The Cardinals have been Onslow County’s alpha dog for several years, not only because of their streak over the Monarchs, but also because of their conference and state playoff success, including last year’s 6-A East Regional final trip.

On the flip side, the Monarchs are trying to knock the Cardinals off their perch and plant themselves as Onslow County’s best.

Northside struggled before last season, winning just five games combined between the 2021 spring season and 2024. The Monarchs showed last year they were not the same team after they went 11-3 and advanced to the 5-A East Regional final.

Northside players and coaches have state title aspirations, and while Friday’s result won’t affect that goal, a win over Jacksonville would certainly show that the Monarchs are legit title contenders in addition to being the Coastal 5-A/6-A Conference favorites by the coaches.

Jacksonville, however, won’t give up the Onslow County throne without a fight. I saw that desire from the Cardinals in last year’s 48-27 triumph at Northside, and I fully expect Jacksonville to be charged for this one.

Jacksonville was also named the preseason favorite to win the Big Carolina 6-A/7-A Conference by the coaches, and a victory Friday would solidify that prediction.

What are the keys to the game?

Both teams will start with plenty of emotions. The key will be which team can channel those emotions into positive energy and not careless penalties.

Northside needs to establish early momentum. The longer the Monarchs have the lead, the more confident they become, and the more pressure is placed on Jacksonville.

Jacksonville needs to weather any Northside momentum surge. The Cardinals can do that via big plays. Jacksonville will also do itself a favor by forcing at least one turnover in what I expect to be a back-and-forth clash.

My final score: Northside 34, Jacksonville 28

Chris Miller can be contacted via email at cmiller@jdnews.com. Follow him on X @jdnsports.