Championship Weekend Looms After Thrilling NCHSAA Regional Battles

The stage is set. After four months of grueling competition, North Carolina’s high school football playoffs have whittled 256 teams down to the final 16. Regional championships delivered heart-stopping drama, defensive slugfests, and stunning upsets, and now the eight state championship matchups are locked in for next week’s trip to Chapel Hill, Hickory, and Durham.

 

2A: Murphy’s Defense Holds, Tarboro Rolls

In a game that felt more like January than December, Murphy leaned on its defense to grind out a 14-2 win over Starmount. The Bulldogs forced multiple turnovers and allowed only a safety, controlling the line of scrimmage in brutal conditions.

Meanwhile in the East, Tarboro flexed its muscle with a 40-0 demolition of Warren County. The Vikings suffocated defensively and scored at will, producing the most lopsided regional final of the weekend.

Championship: Tarboro vs. Murphy, Saturday, Dec. 13, 5:00 p.m. at Moretz Stadium (Lenoir-Rhyne University).

 

3A: Kinston Stuns Kenan, Shelby Shuts Out Lincolnton

The East Regional produced the upset of the night as Kinston dismantled previously unbeaten James Kenan 30-7, shutting down Kenan’s vaunted rushing attack and controlling the tempo throughout.

Out West, Shelby continued its dominant run with a 30-0 shutout of Lincolnton — the Golden Lions’ second straight playoff shutout, underscoring their reputation as one of the state’s most complete teams.

Championship: Kinston vs. Shelby, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2:00 p.m. at Durham County Memorial Stadium.

 

4A: Reidsville Survives, Brevard Breaks Through

In the game of the night, Reidsville edged West Craven 23-21 thanks to a clutch 32-yard field goal by Alex Penaloza with under two minutes to play. The Rams’ defense then held firm on West Craven’s final drive to preserve the win.

Brevard, meanwhile, handled Maiden 30-13, advancing to its first state final since 1982. The Blue Devils’ balanced attack and stout defense proved too much for the upstart Blue Devils of Maiden.

Championship: Reidsville vs. Brevard, Saturday, Dec. 13, 11:00 a.m. at Moretz Stadium (Lenoir-Rhyne University).

 

5A: Hunt Steady, Crest Surging

Hunt continued its methodical march with a 20-7 victory over Northside-Jacksonville, powered by special teams (a blocked punt returned for a touchdown and two field goals) and a defense that kept the Monarchs in check.

In the West, Crest’s postseason magic rolled on with a 39-21 win over Hickory. The Chargers, who had already knocked off top-seeded South Point, proved they’re no fluke with a comprehensive performance on both sides of the ball.

Championship: Hunt vs. Crest, Saturday, Dec. 13, 8:00 p.m. at Durham County Memorial Stadium.

 

7A: Clayton’s Heroics, Grimsley’s Grit

Clayton delivered the thriller everyone hoped for, outlasting defending champion Cardinal Gibbons 35-32. Quarterback Aiden Smalls was the star, rushing for four touchdowns and throwing the game-winning score with 33 seconds left.

In the West, Grimsley survived a defensive battle with Weddington, winning 13-7 behind timely turnovers and clutch plays from quarterback Faizon Brandon.

Championship: Clayton vs. Grimsley, Friday, Dec. 12, 8:00 p.m. at Kenan Stadium (UNC-Chapel Hill).

 

6A: Finals Still to Be Decided

The 6A regional championships are set for tonight (Dec. 6), with Jacksonville facing Middle Creek in the East and Watauga meeting Northern Guilford in the West.

Championship: Winners meet Friday, Dec. 12, 4:00 p.m. at Kenan Stadium.

 

Already Set: 1A and 8A

• 1A Championship (Thursday, Dec. 11, 4:00 p.m., Kenan Stadium): Wilson Prep’s high-powered offense vs. Robbinsville’s dominant defense.
• 8A Championship (Thursday, Dec. 11, 8:00 p.m., Kenan Stadium): Millbrook, fresh off its upset of Hoggard, faces undefeated powerhouse Hough.

 

State Championship Schedule

Thursday, Dec. 11 - Kenan Stadium (UNC-Chapel Hill)

• 4:00 p.m. - 1A: Wilson Prep vs. Robbinsville
• 8:00 p.m. - 8A: Millbrook vs. Hough

Friday, Dec. 12 - Kenan Stadium (UNC-Chapel Hill)

• 4:00 p.m. - 6A: Jacksonville/Middle Creek vs. Watauga/Northern Guilford
• 8:00 p.m. - 7A: Clayton vs. Grimsley

Saturday, Dec. 13 - Moretz Stadium (Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory)

• 11:00 a.m. - 4A: Reidsville vs. Brevard
• 5:00 p.m. - 2A: Tarboro vs. Murphy

Saturday, Dec. 13 - Durham County Memorial Stadium

• 2:00 p.m. - 3A: Kinston vs. Shelby
• 8:00 p.m. - 5A: Hunt vs. Crest

 

By the Numbers

• Closest Games: Reidsville 23-21 over West Craven; Clayton 35-32 over Cardinal Gibbons
• Biggest Blowouts: Tarboro 40-0 over Warren County; Shelby 30-0 over Lincolnton
• Lowest Scoring: Murphy 14-2 over Starmount
• Shutouts: Three (Tarboro, Shelby, Lincolnton)
• Upsets: Kinston over James Kenan; Clayton over Cardinal Gibbons

 

Matchups to Watch

• Offense vs. Defense: Tarboro’s explosive attack vs. Murphy’s stifling defense (2A); Wilson Prep vs. Robbinsville (1A).
• Defensive Battles: Hunt vs. Crest (5A); Murphy vs. Tarboro (2A).
• Tradition vs. Upstart: Reidsville (multiple titles) vs. Brevard (first final since 1982).
• Redemption: Clayton earns revenge by knocking off defending champ Cardinal Gibbons.

 

The road that began in August ends next week in Chapel Hill, Hickory, and Durham. Eight champions will be crowned. Eight dreams will be realized. And the 2025 season will reach its unforgettable conclusion.