The 6A Championship features two teams with very different geographic and stylistic identities, meeting for the first time in a battle that will crown one of them as state champion. The Middle Creek Mustangs (11-2), hailing from Apex in the high-density Triangle area, are making their first state championship appearance after 47 years, their last title game was in 1978. This feat, achieved by fifth-year Head Coach Andrae Jacobs, represents the culmination of steady program building and a breakthrough season.
The Mustangs fought their way through the competitive Triangle Six 6A/7A Conference, posting a strong 3-1 conference record. Their path to Chapel Hill has been marked by nail-biting victories, including a heart-stopping 31-30 win over Southern Alamance in the second round and a hard-fought 31-24 victory over Northern Nash in the regional final. Jacobs points to the Southern Alamance game as the team's most galvanizing moment, a contest that tested their resolve and proved their championship mettle.
Their defense is built around the imposing presence of Defensive End Davis Prichard, the Conference Player of the Year who is committed to Campbell University. Prichard has been a one-man wrecking crew with 20 sacks, among the best in the state, and a relentless motor that has disrupted opposing offenses all season. He's joined by senior outside linebacker Honor Paxton, who has recorded 8 interceptions from his hybrid safety/linebacker position, showcasing elite ball-hawking ability.
Offensively, the Mustangs average 410.7 total yards per game with a balanced attack. Senior running back Jayden Spencer has rushed for 468 yards and 6 touchdowns while also contributing on defense at middle linebacker. The receiving corps is led by senior Tracy Harrington Jr., who averages 83.5 yards per game and stretches defenses vertically. Junior quarterback Lex Sevilla has been efficient in managing the offense, while kicker Ben Ladue, an All-American finalist, provides stability in the kicking game.
The team's success is rooted in the physical trenches, dominating opponents to control the clock and field position. The Mustangs have averaged 36.9 points per game while allowing 22.2, demonstrating their ability to win in different styles, whether it's a shootout or a defensive struggle.
The Watauga Pioneers (14-0), coached by Ryan Habich, represent the rugged mountain tradition, bringing a perfect record into the championship from Boone. Habich, now in his 13th season at Watauga with a 129-31 record, has finally guided the Pioneers back to the title game for the first time since their 1978 championship, a 47-year gap that parallels Middle Creek's own drought.
The Pioneers are masters of the deep threat and balanced execution, powered by star athlete Evan Burroughs. Burroughs is a threat on both sides of the ball, leading the team with 83.3 receiving yards per game and 14 total touchdowns while recording a remarkable 8 interceptions from his cornerback position. His elite playmaking ability makes him arguably the most impactful player in the game, capable of changing the outcome on offense, defense, or special teams.
On offense, while they favor the ground game, quarterback Cade Keller is the engine that makes everything work. The senior has thrown for 2,887 yards while also contributing 642 rushing yards, making him a true dual-threat. Keller's ability to extend plays and make throws on the run has been crucial in Watauga's undefeated season. He's also the Conference Overall Player of the Year, testament to his all-around impact.
The defense is anchored by sophomore linebacker John Wilson Mills, who consistently racks up tackles at 10.1 per game, and senior outside linebacker Matthew Leon, a three-year starter and first-team all-conference selection. The defensive line features senior Brady Lindenmuth at nose guard, providing run-stuffing ability up front.
Watauga demonstrated its clutch factor in the regional final, pulling out a dramatic 43-42 victory over Northern Guilford, a game that showcased their resilience and ability to win in pressure moments. The Pioneers average 44.9 points per game while allowing just 14.9, with two shutouts demonstrating their defensive capability.
The Matchup: This game will be a test of styles: Middle Creek's power run game and front-line pressure, featuring Prichard's 20 sacks, versus Watauga's balanced attack and explosive playmaking, especially from Burroughs. Middle Creek must contain the deep threats and the dual-threat capability of Keller, while Watauga must figure out how to solve a defense that has proven adept at limiting large scoring outputs.
Both teams, who fought through a playoff gauntlet in their respective regions, have earned the right to this finale, promising a physical, high-stakes battle for the 6A crown. The 189-mile distance between Apex and Boone represents more than geography, it's a clash of cultures, playing styles, and championship dreams deferred for nearly five decades.
Middle Creek Mustangs (11-2) vs. Watauga Pioneers (14-0)
Friday, Dec. 12 (Kenan Stadium)
Kickoff: 4:00 p.m.
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