1A State Championship

Mount Airy 21, Tarboro 3
MVP: Tyler Mason

Mount Airy Offensive MOP – Mario Revels 
Mount Airy Defensive MOP – Ian Gallimore
Tarboro Offensive MOP – Kamerin McDowell-Moore 
Tarboro Defensive MOP – Isaiah Jones

Mount Airy Secures 9th NCHSAA Football State Championship

2A State Championship

Reidsville 28, Clinton 18
MVP: Al Lee

Reidsville Offensive MOP – Kendre Harrison
Reidsville Defensive MOP – Paul Widerman
Clinton Offensive MOP – Josiah Robinson
Clinton Defensive MOP – Jayden Williams

Reidsville Secures Record Setting NCHSAA 20th State Championship

3A State Championship

Hickory 33, Seventy-First 26
MVP: Brady Stober

Hickory Offensive MOP – Isaiah Lackey
Hickory Defensive MOP – Henry Pitts
Seventy-First Offensive MOP – Deandre Nance 
Seventy-First Defensive MOP – Zayvion Hill

Hickory Wins 3A Title in Nail-Biting Finish

4A State Championship

Weddington 56, Hoggard 21
MVP: Keenan Jackson

Weddington Offensive MOP – Tyler Budge
Weddington Defensive MOP – Aiden Harris
Hoggard Offensive MOP – Hudson Wilharm
Hoggard Defensive MOP – Kamar Fulton

Weddington Dominates in Fourth Title Win in Eight Years

Let's take a look back at the 2023 college football season in North Carolina, where we find a bunch of exciting moments and games that caught the interest of fans across the state. In these top ten matchups, there were surprising wins that no one saw coming and thrilling comebacks that will be remembered for a long time. Each game showed how unpredictable and exciting football can be, with teams trying to make it to the postseason and be the best in their conferences. Join us as we go back and revisit these awesome games that made the North Carolina college football season memorable, remembering the wins, challenges, and fun times from the year.

#10 - Fayetteville State Grabs Comeback Victory Over Livingstone

The Fayetteville State Broncos secured a 19-14 victory over the Livingstone Blue Bears in a thrilling game at Jeralds Stadium, with a standout offensive performance, a crucial comeback from a 14-0 deficit, and a strong defensive effort led by Dylan Morris, ultimately maintaining their 5-0 record in CIAA play.

#9 - Elon Holds Off Campbell Comeback And Goes to 2-0 in CAA Action With 28-24 Win

#8 - Gardner-Webb Stages Thrilling Comeback Victory Over Eastern Kentucky

#7 - Duke's Comeback Bid Foiled by Notre Dame in 21-14 Nail-Biter

#6 - Mars Hill Secures Thrilling 16-14 Victory over Barton in SAC Clash

#5 - Mars Hill Stuns Wingate in Dramatic Second-Half Comeback

#4 - Tar Heels Triumph in Thrilling 2OT Battle Against Blue Devils

#3 - Wingate Pulls Off Last-Minute Stunner, Upsets No. 7 Lenoir-Rhyne

#2 - Electrifying Overtime Showdown Sees NCCU Edge Out Campbell 49-48

ORLANDO FL – In the sweetest corner of Orlando, Florida, at Camping World Stadium, a scrumptious college football clash unfolded between the NC State Wolfpack and the Kansas State Wildcats in the Pop Tarts Bowl. The aroma of anticipation (and toasted pastries) filled the air as fans gathered, ready to savor a game filled with pop-tastic plays, touchdown delights, and tasty maneuvers. Let's unravel the flavorsome highlights of this delectable showdown.

First Quarter: Frosted Cherry

The Wildcats kicked off the flavor fest, leaving the Wolfpack trailing early with a thirty-seven-yard touchdown pass from Avery Johnson to DJ Giddens. It was a berry good start for Kansas State, as Chris Tennant's PAT kick added the extra point, giving them a fruity lead of 7-0 at 12:35.

Second Quarter: Brown Sugar Cinnamon

Kansas State continued to sprinkle their magic in the second quarter, with Giddens rushing for a four-yard touchdown, and Johnson adding another touchdown with a 19-yard rush. The Wolfpack tried to spice things up with a 31-yard rushing touchdown by Brennan Armstrong, and just before the clock could say "time's up," Brayden Narveson served a 26-yard field goal, making the halftime score a toasty 21-10 in favor of Kansas State.

Third Quarter: S’mores

The Wolfpack came back with a burst of flavor in the third quarter, narrowing the gap with a 49-yard field goal from Narveson and a truly zesty 60-yard rushing touchdown from Trent Pennix. Despite a failed PAT pass, NC State managed to cut the deficit to 21-19, leaving the fans craving more excitement.

Fourth Quarter: Cookies and Creme

In a lip-smacking final quarter, the Wildcats sealed the deal with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Avery Johnson to Jayce Brown. Chris Tennant's successful PAT kick was the frosting on the pastry, and Kansas State finished on top with a final score of 28-19, leaving fans with a taste of victory.

Nutrition Facts:

The offensive buffet saw both teams piling up impressive yardage, with Kansas State gaining 429 total yards and NC State close behind with 399 yards. The rushing game was a delicious highlight, with Giddens leading for Kansas State with 152 yards, while Armstrong and Pennix combined for a mouthwatering 195 yards for NC State.

Defensively, both teams showed they were no strangers to tough bites, with a close tackle count of 54 for NC State and 55 for Kansas State. The Wildcats managed a crucial interception, adding some extra crunch to their defensive gameplan.

NC State, who won five straight games to close out the regular season, is now .500 in bowls games with a 17-17-1 all-time postseason record and a 5-4 bowl record under Dave Doeren, who has led NC State to more bowl games than any coach in school history.

CHARLOTTE – In a stadium that looked like Morgantown South, the West Virginia Mountaineers gave their dedicated fans a resounding 30-10 victory at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Wednesday night at Bank of America Stadium. Game MVP Garrett Greene led his team in rushing and passing as the Mountaineers improved to 9-4 on the season.

The Mountaineers wasted no time getting on the scoreboard as Greene hit a streaking Traylon Ray down the sideline on the game's first play. The freshman wide receiver raced past Tar Heel defenders for a seventy-five-yard touchdown. Just as the Tar Heels offense looked poised to even the score, West Virginia safety Aubrey Burks picked off an errant pass in the end zone, giving the ball back to the Mountaineers.

The Tar Heels finally got on the scoreboard with a Noah Burnette field goal halfway through the second quarter. The rest of the quarter was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams. West Virginia extended their lead with a 78-yard punt return touchdown by Beanie Bishop Jr., only for the Tar Heels to respond with a 16-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Conner Harrell to JJ Jones. However, West Virginia closed out the half with a field goal, heading into the locker room with a 17-10 lead.

The second half witnessed a continuation of West Virginia’s dominance. Kicker Michael Hayes added two more field goals, further solidifying the Mountaineers’ lead. Running back Jaheim White’s eleven-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter served as the final blow, sealing West Virginia’s decisive victory, and began a chorus of “Country Roads” by the thousands of Mountaineer faithful who had made the trip south. The postgame "Mayo Dump" had an equally raucous cheer.

Although the stat line was close, with West Virginia gaining 379 total offensive yards compared to North Carolina’s 353, the Mountaineers’ defense recorded two interceptions and consistently disrupted the Tar Heels’ offensive plays. The limited Tar Heels fans in attendance were left stunned, wondering how a season that began with so much promise ended with three straight losses and a bowl loss for the fourth season in a row.

BIRMINGHAM, AL – In a hard-fought battle at Protective Stadium, the Duke Blue Devils emerged victorious against the Troy Trojans, claiming a 17-10 win in the Birmingham Bowl on December 23, 2023. The game showcased a mix of defensive prowess, offensive resilience, and standout special teams performances.

Early Domination and Defensive Brilliance

Duke wasted no time asserting control, with graduate running back Jaylen Coleman punching in a one-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter. The Blue Devils set the tone early, ultimately holding Troy to a meager three points until late in the fourth quarter.

The defensive unit proved to be the backbone of Duke's success. Sophomore cornerback Chandler Rivers shone with three critical pass breakups, etching his name into the bowl record books. Redshirt sophomore linebacker Tre Freeman led the team with nine tackles, capping off a season where he surpassed the 100-tackle mark.

A standout moment came from senior defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles, who notched four tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss, and 1.0 sack, disrupting Troy's offensive rhythm. The Blue Devils collectively recorded 10 pass breakups, marking a historic high for a bowl game in the program's history.

Offensive Contributions and Milestones

Graduate running back Jaylen Coleman, in his final appearance, contributed significantly with a crucial touchdown. Freshman quarterback Grayson Loftis showcased composure, going 19-of-29 for 183 yards despite facing a resilient Troy defense.

Senior wide receiver Jalon Calhoun etched his name alongside Duke great T.J. Rahming, tying for third all-time in program history with 253 career catches. Meanwhile, redshirt sophomore wide receiver Sahmir Hagans played a pivotal role, hauling in five receptions for 55 yards.

Special Teams Excellence

Sophomore kicker Todd Pelino delivered a clutch performance, converting three field goals (34-, 37-, and 45-yards), tying a Duke bowl record. His precision proved crucial in securing the win, matching the tenacity displayed by the defense throughout the game.

Graduate student punter Porter Wilson showcased his punting prowess, registering four punts for 188 yards, concluding the season with the best single-season punting average in program history (46.64).

Sealing the Victory

The game's defining moment came in the fourth quarter when graduate safety Jeremiah Lewis secured the win with his fifth career interception, putting an end to Troy's hopes of a comeback.

Duke's triumph not only marked its fifth consecutive bowl victory but also snapped Troy's 10-game winning streak and halted its five-game bowl winning streak. The Blue Devils closed the season with an 8-8 all-time bowl record, leaving an indelible mark on the Birmingham Bowl and capping off a memorable year for Duke football.

CHARLOTTE – In a stunning comeback at the 2023 Famous Toastery Bowl, WKU Football overcame a 28-point deficit, securing a historic 38-35 victory in overtime against Old Dominion. Quarterback Caden Veltkamp, named Offensive MVP, orchestrated a remarkable performance, throwing for 383 yards and five touchdowns, while Dalvin Smith's three one-handed touchdown grabs contributed to WKU's unforgettable comeback. Head Coach Tyson Helton commended the team's warrior spirit, emphasizing the significance of the win, as WKU concluded the season with an 8-5 record. Despite Old Dominion's early 28-0 lead, WKU's resilience, highlighted by Sportscenter Top-10 plays, resulted in a thrilling overtime victory, marking the fourth-largest comeback in college football bowl history.

Check out these great photos from our own Ed Conway.

RALEIGH – In a spectacular display of dominance, the Weddington Warriors clinched the NCHSAA 4A state championship with a resounding 56-14 victory over the Hoggard Vikings at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC. The Warriors' defense played a pivotal role in their triumph, relentlessly shutting down Hoggard's offensive attempts. Led by standout players like Drew Harris and Sam Neely, the Warriors' defense applied unrelenting pressure, accumulating sacks and turnovers that stifled any hopes of a Viking comeback.

The defensive dominance was on full display as Drew Harris and his teammates showcased their skills with a combined total of 8 solo tackles, 24 assists, and multiple tackles for loss. Gannon Anthony made a significant impact with a crucial interception, while Aiden Harris and Matthew Massaro contributed to the defensive dominance with sacks and tackles that kept Hoggard on the backfoot throughout the game. Weddington's defensive unit proved to be an impenetrable force, allowing only 14 points and sealing their championship victory.

The scoring kicked off in the first quarter with the Hoggard Vikings taking an early lead. After Trey Nixon intercepted a Weddington pass and nearly ran it back for a pick-six, quarterback Hudson Wilharm connected with Charlie Kilbourne for a 4-yard touchdown pass, putting the Vikings on the board. However, the Weddington Warriors quickly responded, with Keenan Jackson's 5-yard rushing touchdown, followed by another impressive 27-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Budge to Jackson, bringing the score to 14-7 in favor of the Warriors by the end of the first quarter. The Warriors continued to dominate in the second quarter, extending their lead with Nick Diamond's 12-yard rushing touchdown and Jackson's 21-yard touchdown reception, entering halftime with a commanding 28-7 advantage.

The third quarter showcased the Warriors' defensive dominance with a punt block return for a touchdown by TJ Davis starting off the scoring. The Weddington offensive onslaught continued with rushing touchdowns by Nick Diamond, Brady Ritter, and Tyler Budge, pushing the score to 56-14 and a running clock by the end of the quarter. Despite a late resurgence by the Hoggard Vikings in the fourth quarter, including a 65-yard rushing touchdown by Hudson Wilharm and a 20-yard touchdown toss from Wilharm to Ryan McAllister, the Weddington Warriors secured their triumph with a final score of 56-21.

On the offensive side, quarterback Tyler Budge orchestrated a masterful performance, completing 17 of 24 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. The rushing game complemented the aerial assault, with Nick Diamond leading the charge with 105 yards and two touchdowns. Keenan Jackson's dynamic playmaking abilities were showcased as he contributed both in the air and on the ground, scoring two rushing touchdowns and receiving one.

In the end, the Weddington Warriors secured a well-deserved victory, showcasing not only their offensive fireworks but also their resilience in the face of a determined opponent. As the players and coaches exchanged handshakes at midfield, the mutual respect between the two teams was palpable, a testament to the sportsmanship that defines high school athletics.

RALEIGH – In a game between titans both looking for a return to championship glory, the Reidsville Rams emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle against the Clinton Dark Horses to claim the NCHSAA 2A State Championship. The Rams' explosive offense, coupled with a stalwart defense, propelled them to a 28-18 triumph that extended their NCHSAA-leading record of twenty state championships.

From the opening kickoff, the Rams set the tone for the evening, taking charge with a methodical drive culminating in a 12-yard touchdown pass from Al Lee to Dionte Neal. The Dark Horses responded with a 23-yard field goal from Sumner Brandt, signaling their intent to stay in contention.

The Rams, however, were undeterred. Quarterback Al Lee orchestrated a masterful 18-yard touchdown connection to Kendre Harrison, widening the gap to 14-3 before the end of the first quarter.

As the game progressed into the third quarter, Clinton rallied with a powerful 1-yard rushing touchdown from Amaris Williams, narrowing the Rams' lead to 14-10. Reidsville answered back swiftly, with Lee once again finding Harrison for a 24-yard touchdown reception, restoring the Rams' dominance at 21-10.

The climax of the game occurred in the fourth quarter when Al Lee delivered a 45-yard touchdown pass to Cam'ron Jones, securing a commanding lead for the Rams. Although Clinton fought back with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Nydarion Blackwell to Amaris Williams, the Rams' earlier surge proved insurmountable.

A standout moment in the game was a crucial onside kick by Nydarion Blackwell, reclaiming possession for Clinton. However, the Rams' defense stood firm, denying the Dark Horses an opportunity to capitalize on the turnover.

The game was not short on drama, with key plays punctuating the contest. Jariel Cobb's ground prowess for Reidsville, coupled with timely receptions from Neal, Harrison, and Jones, showcased the Rams' offensive diversity. On the defensive side, Aidan Mansfield's stellar performance, including nine total tackles, played a pivotal role in stifling the Dark Horses' advances.

Clinton's efforts were led by the dynamic duo of Robinson Josiah and Amaris Williams, who consistently found gaps in the Rams' defense. Despite their resilience, penalties and the Rams' formidable defense prevented Clinton from fully closing the scoring gap.

In the end, the Reidsville Rams hoisted the championship trophy, their 28-18 triumph a testament to their skill, teamwork, and unyielding determination. As the teams met at midfield for the trophy ceremony and the Reidsville faithful erupted in celebration, the Rams etched their names into the storied history of North Carolina high school football, savoring a well-deserved 2A state championship victory.

CHAPEL HILL – The Tarboro Vikings and Mount Airy Granite Bears clashed in a highly anticipated showdown during the 1A State Championship match at Kenan Memorial Stadium on the University of North Carolina campus. This marked their second encounter in the state finals, with each team having claimed victory over the other in previous championship matches in 2017 and 2022. On Saturday, Mount Airy emerged victorious, walking away with their ninth NCHSAA Football State Championship with a decisive 21-3 win.

In a defensive stalemate that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the first quarter showcased a remarkable 55-yard punt from Tarboro's Oscar Perez Gaspar, landing just shy of the 5-yard line. Gaspar later contributed the initial points of the game in the second quarter, nailing a 39-yard field goal to cap a seven-play, 17-yard drive. As the first half came to a close, Tarboro's defense made a crucial goal line stand, and the Granite Bears missed a 21-yard field goal attempt, leaving Tarboro with a 3-0 lead at halftime.

The turning point occurred in the third quarter when Deric Dandy's pivotal tackle on fourth and one led to a turnover on downs, granting Mount Airy possession on the Tarboro 29-yard line. Seizing the opportunity, Tyler Mason powered through with a 12-yard run after a 5-play sequence, propelling the Granite Bears to a 7-3 lead.

The momentum continued in the fourth quarter as Ian Gallimore executed a quick shovel pass to Mario Revels for an electrifying 89-yard touchdown within the first 15 seconds. Gallimore, orchestrating a patient 9-play, 32-yard drive, connected with Blake Hawks in the endzone, sealing the championship title for Mount Airy with a commanding 21-3 lead.

Tarboro concluded the season with a commendable 13-1 record, marking their 14th appearance in the state finals since their debut in 1984. This year's appearance marked their seventh consecutive entry, maintaining a shot at the state title every year since 2017. Despite the defeat, the Vikings hold a respectable state finals record of 8-6, with runner-up finishes in both 2022 and 2023.

Meanwhile, Mount Airy wrapped up an undefeated season with a flawless 16-0 record. This marked their 14th appearance in the final game of the season, boasting a 9-5 record in championship appearances since their inaugural participation in 1935.

CHAPEL HILL – In a highly anticipated clash at Kenan Memorial Stadium, the Hickory Red Tornadoes secured a historic victory in the 3A State Championship game against the Seventy-First Falcons, marking their first NCHSAA Football State Championship since 1996. The game kicked off with both teams boasting undefeated records, intensifying the stakes.

Hickory initiated the scoring with a 15-play, 74-yard drive culminating in a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Isaiah Lackey, setting the tone for the night. Seventy-First responded with a well-executed 12-play, 72-yard drive, as Deandre Nance connected with Amire Drummond for a 13-yard touchdown pass, evening the score at 7-7 by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter witnessed a relentless exchange of touchdowns. Isaiah Lackey’s second touchdown of the night, along with a successful two-point conversion, changed the pace of the game. Seventy-First’s Deandre Nance responded with a short keeper, but an unsuccessful PAT attempt kept the Red Tornadoes in the lead. Hickory managed to secure a 5-point lead at halftime with a 26-yard field goal by Braeden McCourt as time expired.

The third quarter brought a pivotal moment as Seventy-First's Nance spearheaded a swift five-play, 88-yard drive, breaking through Hickory's defense for a 38-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Falcons their first, and only, lead of the night going into the final quarter. However, the Red Tornadoes responded emphatically in the fourth quarter. Isaiah Lackey bulldozed his way to a 12-yard rushing touchdown, his third of the night, and coupled with a successful 2-point conversion, propelled Hickory to a 26-19 lead. The Falcons fought back and tied the game at 26-26 with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jaydyn Surgeon.

In a nail-biting climax, with just 36 seconds on the clock, Hickory's MVP Brady Stober orchestrated a game-winning drive, capping it off with an 8-yard touchdown run. Stober's stellar performance, finishing 21-of-30 for 238 yards through the air and contributing 46 yards and a touchdown on the ground, solidified his MVP status.

The Falcons launched a final threat in the dying moments, but Hickory's Will Prince secured the victory with an interception in the end zone as time expired. The Red Tornadoes concluded the season with a flawless 16-0 record, marking their second appearance in the state finals and a triumphant return to championship glory.

This Saturday at 7 p.m., Carter-Finley Stadium will be the battleground for the NCHSAA 4A State Championship, featuring a tough, physical matchup between Weddington High School and Hoggard High School. Both teams have shown remarkable resilience and skill throughout the season, earning their spots in this highly anticipated championship game.

Team Overview

Hoggard, with an average of 42.6 points per game, has shown a strong offensive presence throughout the season. Their key players include #22 M’kel Bellamy, who averages 58.5 rushing yards per game, and #15 Hudson Wilharm, who contributes 183.0 passing yards per game. On the defensive side, #21 Reagan Printy leads with an average of 12.4 tackles per game.

Weddington, on the other hand, has a balanced approach with an average of 37.5 points per game. Their offense is led by #34 Nick Diamond, who averages 68.2 rushing yards per game, and #12 Tyler Budge, who contributes 197.3 passing yards per game. On defense, #4 Gannon Anthony leads with an average of 8.2 tackles per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Chapel Hill this season, with Hoggard winning 52-0 and Weddington winning 66-13. This common opponent provides a glimpse into the potential dynamics of the upcoming championship game.

The Road to the Championship

Hoggard’s journey to the championship has been marked by impressive victories, including a 41-20 win over Cardinal Gibbons. Weddington, despite a couple of losses, has shown resilience, bouncing back with a 34-14 win over Independence.

As we look forward to this weekend’s championship game, it’s clear that both teams bring a unique set of strengths to the table. It will be exciting to see how these dynamics play out on the field. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling showdown at Carter-Finley Stadium!

A Clash of Titans

Hickory, the West No. 2 seed, is coming into the game with a strong record. The team edged No. 4 Seed Dudley 42-41 in the 3A Regional Championships, scoring the game-winning touchdown with just 1:36 left in the fourth quarter. This victory marks their return to the Championship Game for the first time since 1996.

On the other hand, Seventy-First is making a triumphant return to the state championship for the first time since 2008. They secured their spot after beating No. 11 Seed Northern Nash 50-36, avenging a loss to Northern Nash in the same round last year. Deandre Nance, the team’s star player, was responsible for six touchdowns in the win, running for four and throwing for two.

Stats and Team Leaders

When comparing team stats, both teams have their strengths. Seventy-First excels in rushing yards per game with 348.7, compared to Hickory’s 205.9. However, Hickory outperforms in passing yards per game with 247.4, against Seventy-First’s 104.3. Both teams are nearly neck-and-neck in total yards per game, with Seventy-First at 452.9 and Hickory at 453.3.

In terms of team leaders, Deandre Nance of Seventy-First leads in rushing yards per game (102.1), passing yards per game (103.3), total yards per game (205.4), and points per game (15.3). On Hickory’s side, Brady Stober leads in passing yards per game (246.3) and total yards per game (251.6), while Isaiah Lackey leads in rushing yards per game (119.8) and points per game (13.6).

Season Recap

Both teams have had impressive seasons leading up to the championship. Seventy-First boasts a winning streak, with victories over Richmond, Pine Forest, Hoke County, South View, Gray’s Creek, Cape Fear, Jack Britt, Purnell Swett, Lumberton, Douglas Byrd, Triton, Williams, Fike, Southern Alamance, and Northern Nash.

Hickory, on the other hand, has also had a successful season with wins against Hibriten, Newton-Conover, Cox Mill, East Lincoln, North Lincoln, St. Stephens, North Iredell, West Iredell, Foard, Statesville, Huss, North Lincoln, A.C. Reynolds, West Henderson, and Dudley.

With both teams bringing their A-game, the NCHSAA 3A Championship promises to be a thrilling event. As the teams prepare for the big game, fans eagerly await to see who will emerge as the champion. Stay tuned for more updates!