The 1A State Championship opens the weekend with the most dramatic contrast in narratives: the four-year-old upstart against a century-old dynasty. The Wilson Prep Tigers have shocked the state by marching to Chapel Hill with an 8-5 record and a stunning seven-game win streak. Many expected the traditional powers to compete for the title, but Head Coach Phil Dickens, who has been with the program since its inception, engineered this run through sheer will and intentional adversity.
Dickens, who holds a 39-12 career record at the school, was
prophetic in his pre-season comments, stating, "We scheduled one of the
toughest schedules in the State to prepare us for the end." That
challenging slate—which included games against 7A finalist Clayton and multiple
fourth-round playoff teams—forged a battle-tested squad that stumbled to a 1-5
start before finding its identity. The early losses, rather than derailing the
season, became the foundation for a remarkable turnaround.
Now, in their first-ever championship game, the Tigers rely
heavily on the legs and leadership of Travon Usher, the Conference
Player of the Year who has amassed over 1,800 rushing yards at more than 10
yards per carry while also contributing 624 passing yards. His backfield
partner, Ethan Nelson, exemplifies Wilson Prep's two-way dominance—the
four-year starter has surpassed 1,100 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns while
leading the team with 120 tackles and 752 return yards. Freshman defensive end Zalik
Cannady has been a revelation with 12 sacks, giving the Tigers an
unexpected pass-rushing threat.
For a program with just 191 students in its fourth year of
varsity football, this moment represents the culmination of a meteoric rise.
The Tigers have outscored playoff opponents 158-78, demonstrating their ability
to elevate their game when it matters most.
Standing across the field are the Robbinsville Black
Knights, a program synonymous with championship football. With 16 previous
state title appearances and a formidable 14-2 all-time record in championship
games, the Black Knights are pursuing their 15th state title, which would be a
North Carolina record. Despite the departure of long-time coach Dee Walsh after
17 seasons, first-year Head Coach Lucas Ford has kept the tradition
alive, guiding the 10-3 team back to familiar territory.
Ford's team found its identity early in the season,
crediting a tough 23-20 victory over Swain County on October 3rd as their most
"galvanizing moment." Since that watershed win, the Black Knights
have been nearly unstoppable. The team plays a physical, downhill brand of
football, relying on two-way star Kyzik Teesateskie, who has rushed for
867 yards and 21 touchdowns while anchoring the outside linebacker position.
Senior quarterback Luke Lovin, a converted wide receiver, has matured
into an efficient game manager with 1,203 passing yards and 15 touchdowns,
while Isiac Collins provides bruising runs from the fullback position
with 738 rushing yards.
Robbinsville's defense has been particularly suffocating in
the playoffs, outscoring opponents 151-21 and securing two shutouts. Linebacker
Ryelon Waldroup leads the unit with 8.0 tackles per game, while
defensive end Christian Koeller has contributed 5 sacks. The Black
Knights have allowed only 14 points total across their last three games.
The Black Knights' mission is clear: keep the game a
grinding, low-scoring affair to mitigate Wilson Prep's speed and athleticism in
this first-ever meeting between the schools. Robbinsville will look to control
the clock with their power running game and force the Tigers into long,
sustained drives. Wilson Prep, conversely, will aim to use their athleticism
and explosive plays to break the game open.
This game is a classic contrast of style, history, and pure
heart, determining whether a dynasty continues or a new one begins. The Tigers
travel 75 miles from Wilson, while Robbinsville makes the 311-mile journey from
the mountains. One team seeks to etch its name in the history books for the
first time; the other seeks to add another chapter to a legendary story.
Wilson Prep Tigers (8-5) vs. Robbinsville Black Knights (10-3)
Thursday, Dec. 11 (Kenan Stadium)
Kickoff: 4:00 p.m.
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