Catholic Rides Running Game to 3A Crown

DURHAM – Charlotte Catholic rushed for 272 yards on their way to the 3A state championship on Saturday. The win was the Cougars' fifth in school history. Milan Howard's 160 rushing yards were enough to garner the game's most valuable player award.

Both teams exchanged long scoring drives in the first quarter as Chris Walton found Paul Neel to open up an early lead for Charlotte Catholic and Havelock responded with a Khalil Barrett run to tie the game at 7 after the end of one quarter.

Walton added a rushing touchdown in the second quarter and Havelock immediately responded with a Zack Sabdo touchdown pass to take a 14-13 lead. The score stayed like this until sophomore Lamagea McDowell hit pay dirt twice to finish out the scoring.

Championship Game Awards

East (Havelock) Most Outstanding Defensive Player – Welton Spottsville
East Most Outstanding Offensive Player – Zach Sabdo

West (Charlotte Catholic) Most Outstanding Defensive Player – Chase Foley
West Most Outstanding Offensive Player – Lamagea McDowell

Championship MVP – Milan Howard