RALEIGH – The dynasty continues to roll in eastern North Carolina. 

Behind a punishing ground attack led by Kamerin McDowell-Moore's 233 yards and four touchdowns, the Tarboro Vikings captured their seventh state title in 17 years with a 44-24 victory over Corvian Community in the NCHSAA 1A championship game on a crisp Saturday afternoon.

The Vikings overwhelmed the Cardinals with 419 rushing yards, demonstrating the smashmouth style that has become their trademark during an unprecedented run of eight straight state championship game appearances.

The Vikings wasted no time asserting their dominance, marching 80 yards on their opening drive. Caiden Everette's 11-yard touchdown run capped the five-play sequence that set the tone for Tarboro's ground-and-pound approach.

Corvian, making its first-ever state championship appearance, showed early resilience. The Cardinals responded with an impressive 17-play drive, though they had to settle for Cooper Peterson's 29-yard field goal after the Tarboro defense stiffened in the red zone.

That defensive stand proved pivotal as Tarboro seized control in the second quarter. McDowell-Moore scored from 10 yards out, and Mason Satterfield added a 23-yard touchdown run to build an 18-3 halftime advantage. Satterfield finished with 146 yards on just 13 carries.

The Cardinals refused to go quietly. After the break, quarterback AJ Jackson Jr. engineered an 18-play, 88-yard drive that consumed nearly eight minutes. Jackson's three-yard touchdown plunge cut the deficit to 18-10 and gave Corvian new life.

However, every time the Cardinals mounted a challenge, Tarboro had an answer. Satterfield's 13-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter pushed the lead back to two scores at 24-10.

The fourth quarter turned into a shootout as both offenses found their rhythm. Noah Best's one-yard touchdown run brought Corvian within 24-17, but McDowell-Moore responded immediately with a backbreaking 60-yard touchdown sprint on Tarboro's next play from scrimmage.

Jackson had an impressive day in defeat, completing 17 of 24 passes for 199 yards while adding a rushing touchdown. His favorite target was Best, who caught 11 passes for 122 yards and added 60 rushing yards with a score.

Tarboro's defense, led by Cole Craddock's 16 tackles, made crucial stops when needed. The Vikings recorded five sacks and forced one interception, a 42-yard return by Kip Biggs that thwarted a promising Corvian drive before halftime.

The Cardinals' Doug Quarles III provided late fireworks with a 33-yard touchdown reception, but McDowell-Moore sealed the outcome with his fourth touchdown, a 40-yard burst with 1:21 remaining.

For Tarboro, the victory adds another chapter to one of North Carolina's most impressive football dynasties. The Vikings have now won seven state titles since 2008, all while maintaining their signature physical, run-first identity.

The Vikings' championship culminates another dominant season that reinforces their status as North Carolina's premier 1A program. As the celebration began on the field at Carter-Finley Stadium, it was hard not to wonder how many more titles this eastern powerhouse might add to their growing collection.

The stage is set for an electrifying battle as the Tarboro Vikings (13-1) and the Corvian Jaguars (15-0) meet in the 2024 NCHSAA 1A Football State Championship on Saturday, December 21, at 3:00 PM at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh. With both teams dominating their competition en route to this title game, fans can expect an unforgettable clash between two contrasting yet equally successful programs.

Contrasting Paths to Raleigh

The Tarboro Vikings, led by veteran head coach Jeff Craddock, have been a juggernaut all season. After suffering their only loss to 3A powerhouse Havelock early in the year, Tarboro responded by steamrolling opponents with a relentless ground game. The Vikings have outscored opponents 51.6 to 9.7 points per game this season, amassing over 4,200 rushing yards behind their signature “Tarboro T” offense.

On the other side, the Corvian Jaguars have taken a meteoric rise in just their second year of playoff football. The Queen City program enters the championship with a perfect 15-0 record, earning respect statewide by defeating three Charlotte-area 4A schools to start the season. The Jaguars’ playoff run was capped by victories over Mount Airy—snapping the state’s longest active winning streak—and perennial contender Mountain Heritage.

Tarboro’s Relentless Ground Game

At the heart of Tarboro’s success is their punishing ground attack. Quarterback Tyler Powell has expertly orchestrated the Vikings' “Tarboro T,” distributing the ball efficiently to a loaded backfield. Senior running back Kamerin McDowell-Moore leads the charge, averaging 99.6 rushing yards per game. He is complemented by Mason Satterfield and Caiden Everette, who together add over 150 rushing yards per game.

While Tarboro leans heavily on the run, Powell has delivered when needed through the air, throwing for 700 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. With such a dominant ground game and a quarterback capable of keeping defenses honest, the Vikings’ offense is built to control the clock and wear down opponents.

Corvian’s Balanced Offensive Attack

The Jaguars’ offense presents a more balanced approach, led by dynamic senior quarterback AJ Jackson Jr. Jackson has accounted for 17 touchdowns through the air and 12 more on the ground, showcasing his versatility as a dual-threat playmaker. He’ll look to connect early and often with star running back Cam Johnson, who has been the centerpiece of the Jaguars’ offense with 24 total touchdowns and nearly 100 rushing yards per game.

Corvian has averaged 41.4 points per game this season while allowing just 8.5 points per contest, proving they can win shootouts and defensive battles alike. Jackson’s ability to stretch the field and Johnson’s consistency on the ground will be key in keeping Tarboro’s defense off balance.

Defensive Battle

Both teams feature physical, hard-hitting defenses that have stifled opponents all season.

For Tarboro, linebacker Cole Craddock leads the team with 132 total tackles and 11 tackles for loss, while Keivious Bridgers (112 tackles) and Tyler Powell (21 tackles for loss) add to an imposing defensive front. Powell has also tallied 21 sacks, making him one of the most disruptive defenders in the state. Add in contributors like Kamerin McDowell-Moore and Gabe Kassnove, who have combined for 140 tackles, and Tarboro’s defense is as formidable as their offense.

The Jaguars’ defense is equally impressive. Junior linebacker Jayden Summers anchors the unit with 117 tackles, while defensive end Adrian Scott has wreaked havoc in opposing backfields with 28 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. On the back end, playmakers like Cam Johnson and AJ Jackson Jr. continue to make their mark. Johnson has contributed over 100 tackles as a defensive back, while Jackson leads the team with six interceptions, showcasing his ability to flip momentum.

Championship Narrative

For Tarboro, this championship represents an opportunity to add another title to their storied history. Their dominant playoff run has included a 71-0 rout of Warren County and a 59-6 win over Wilson Prep in the regional final, underscoring their reputation as one of the state’s premier programs.

For Corvian, the Jaguars are chasing history. In just their second playoff season, they’ve already proven they belong among the state’s elite. Their 21-14 win over Mount Airy and 28-21 victory against Mountain Heritage solidified their place as a team that thrives in big moments.

This matchup pits tradition against rising talent. Tarboro’s bruising ground game and championship pedigree will test Corvian’s balance and resilience. For the Jaguars, the challenge is clear: stop the Vikings’ running attack and seize their moment in Raleigh.

Final Thoughts

With two elite programs colliding for the 1A state title, fans can expect a hard-fought, physical contest. Will Tarboro’s ground-and-pound attack secure another championship for the Vikings, or will Corvian complete their perfect season and claim their first-ever state title?

Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 21, at Carter-Finley Stadium. This championship clash is one fans won’t want to miss.

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.

This Saturday at 12 p.m., the NCHSAA 1A State Championship will see a thrilling face-off between Mount Airy High School and Tarboro High School at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Despite the 211 miles separating these schools, Chapel Hill proves to be an ideal meeting spot, being 113 miles from Mount Airy and 101 miles from Tarboro.

Last Week’s Highlights

In the 1A Regional Championships, Mount Airy, the West No. 2 Seed, traveled to No. 1 Seed Robbinsville and scored 13 unanswered points to claim a 27-16 win. This victory has given the Granite Bears the opportunity to defend their 2022 state championship. The Bears now hold a 5-6 record in Regional Finals since 1972.

On the other hand, East No. 1 Seed Tarboro defeated No. 2 Seed West Columbus 49-12 in the Regional Championship. Mason Satterfield and Caiden Everette were the stars of the match, with Satterfield running for three touchdowns and Everette rushing for 111 yards and two scores. The Vikings now have a 14-3 record in Regional Finals and have won an East Regional Championship for eight consecutive years.

Team Rankings, Records, & History

The two teams come into this week’s game having held the top two spots in the Carolina Gridiron Top 15 since the preseason rankings were announced. In the 2022 NCHSAA 1A state championship, Mount Airy defeated Tarboro with a score of 20-7. This victory marked Mount Airy’s eighth state title and their first since 2008. The win over Tarboro was the first championship chapter in Mount Airy’s history book in 14 years. Before that, Mount Airy’s last state championship came in 2008 in a 37-14 rout over Williamston in the 1A title. On the other hand, Tarboro has won nine state titles overall in school history (1965, 1984, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2017, 2018, 2020-21, 2021).

Scoring Averages

Tarboro has an average score of 44.2 points per game, with most points scored in the first half. Mount Airy, on the other hand, has a higher average of 52.5 points per game, with a significant number of points also scored in the first half.

Team Stat Comparison

Both teams have unblemished records and impressive stats on both sides of the ball. Tarboro (13-0) scored a total of 575 points while conceding only 91 this season while Mount Airy (15-0) has amassed 788 points while only giving up 88 in quest to defend their title. Mount Airy leads in rushing yards per game (376.0), passing yards per game (56.0), and total yards per game (432.0). Tarboro, however, has a higher average of tackles per game (67.8) and sacks per game (1.5).

Team Leaders

Tarboro’s Mason Satterfield leads in rushing yards per game (87.1) and total yards per game (95.2), while Omarion Lewis leads in passing yards per game (26.9). Cam’ron Harper and Tyler Powell lead in tackles per game (8.1) and sacks per game (0.5) respectively.

For Mount Airy, Tyler Mason leads in rushing yards per game (138.7) and total yards per game (138.7), while Ian Gallimore leads in passing yards per game (41.4) and tackles per game (10.1). Deric Dandy leads in sacks per game (0.9).

Final Thoughts

With both teams undefeated this season and boasting impressive stats, this championship game promises to be a thrilling encounter. Will the Granite Bears successfully defend their title, or will the Vikings extend their winning streak in the East Regional Championship to the state level? Tune in this Saturday to find out!

RALEIGH – Mount Airy’s Tyler Mason came into Saturday’s game having scored forty-one touchdowns through fifteen games and needing one-hundred-thirty-seven yards to reach two-thousand yards on the season. The junior lived up to his billing, rushing for three touchdowns and 139 yards and leading his team to the NCHSAA 1A state championship with a 20-7 victory over Tarboro on Saturday afternoon.

The Mount Airy defense entered Saturday afternoon’s 1A state championship against Tarboro giving up less than ten points per game on average. The Granite Bears defense had pitched shutouts in four of its last five regular-season games and two more in the playoffs. Mount Airy was able to hold the Vikings off the scoreboard for the first twenty-seven minutes of the game, finally surrendering a score in the third quarter.

Tarboro finally found its way in the third quarter. After Omarion Lewis picked off a Mount Airy pass and returned it into Granite Bears territory, Vikings running back Mason Satterfield barely broke the goal line on a run around the right side of the formation to get Tarboro on the board for the first time on the afternoon, but it was not enough to dig out of the hold the Vikings found themselves in after surrendering three touchdowns first.

In a twist seen more in 1A football than in other classifications, both team’s quarterbacks made strong defensive efforts on the other side of the ball. Mount Airy’s Ian Gallimore led his team with fourteen tackles and Tarboro’s Omarion Lewis snagged an interception to go along with eight tackles.

The win was the Granite Bears’ seventh title and first since a 2008 win over Williamston. Tarboro, making its sixth straight title game appearance, drops just its second title game in that span.

 1A East

Tarboro, Bye 

North Duplin 22, Southeast Halifax 42

Riverside-Martin 62, Pamlico County 12

North Edgecombe 48, KIPP Pride 6

West Columbus 47, South Creek 0

Gates County 20, Washington County 40

Northside-Pinetown 42, Weldon 6

Northampton Co. 68, Jones 6

Rosewood 44, Chatham Central 8

Warren County 32, Lakewood 16

Southside 2, Rocky Mount Prep (FF) 0

Hobbton 69, Northwest Halifax 28

East Columbus 28, Bear Grass Charter 6

Perquimans 34, Wilson Prep 32

Pender 22, Bertie 14

North Moore 53, Lejeune 7

1A West

Eastern Randolph, Bye 

Mountain Heritage 42, South Stokes 0

Robbinsville 40, Cherryville 14

Cherokee 28, Starmount 21

Christ the King 42, Avery County 13

Hayesville 37, Alleghany 22

North Rowan 49, Carver 6

Mount Airy 72, North Stokes 0

Thomasville 55, Elkin 7

Swain Co. 26, Winston-Salem Prep 8

Draughn 63, Union Academy 13

Mitchell 72, South Davidson 21

Murphy 49, Albemarle 18

East Wilkes 44, Thomas Jefferson 14

Mountain Island Charter 16, Bessemer City 14

Andrews 77, Highland Tech 8

2A East

Princeton 64, Goldsboro 8

Heide Trask 20, Eastern Wayne 6

Cummings 44, Bartlett Yancey 26

Midway 44, East Carteret 35

Northeastern 43, Farmville Central 19

Wallace-Rose Hill 74, Kinston 32

Greene Central 40, St. Pauls 8

Nash Central 60, North Johnston 12

Whiteville 13, Southwest Onslow 3

Holmes 66, SouthWest Edgecombe 41

West Craven 37, Bunn 8

Hertford County 40, East Bladen 8

Clinton 39, Beddingfield 18

South Granville 20, Roanoke Rapids 16

James Kenan 41, Camden County 10

East Duplin 71, North Pitt 16

2A West

Reidsville 76, Madison 14

Providence Grove 48, McMichael 14

Chase 74, North Wilkes 15

Jay M. Robinson 22, Wilkes Central 12

Maiden 68, Polk County 33

Mount Pleasant 28, Walkertown 13

Bunker Hill 41, East Davidson 8

Community School of Davidson 20, East Gaston 14

Burns 62, Morehead 13

Shelby 30, Forest Hills 13

Salisbury 28, Brevard 16

Pine Lake Prep 38, West Stokes 20

Monroe 56, North Stanly 6

Lincolnton 37, Randleman 36

Hendersonville 36, West Lincoln 29

East Surry 42, Anson 0

3A East

Northern Nash 25, Northside-Jacksonville 7

Southern Nash 62, White Oak 26

Vance Co. 28, West Carteret 26

Southern Durham 55, Richlands 12

C.B. Aycock 28, Triton 53

Hunt 3, Smithfield-Selma 0

Jacksonville 21, Rocky Mount 17

Havelock 68, Croatan 7

Seventy-First 62, South Johnston 0

J.H. Rose 44, Cape Fear 24

North Brunswick 14, Westover 6

Lee County 41, Currituck County 38

Terry Sanford 56, South Brunswick 29

Scotland 42, Fike 35

Williams 34, Western Alamance 20

Eastern Alamance 41, Franklinton 7

3A West

Kings Mountain 42, St. Stephens 6

Smoky Mountain 41, Central Davidson 38

West Charlotte 40, Cramer 13

Hibriten 32, Southern Guilford 27

Northwest Cabarrus 17, Ashbrook 3

Ledford 41, Freedom 0

Tuscola 35, Forestview 14

East Lincoln 51, Ashe County 6

Oak Grove 17, West Mecklenburg 12

Crest 33, Statesville 7

Dudley 43, Pisgah 5

South Point 48, Hickory 13

Erwin 41, Carson 27

Eastern Guilford 56, Parkwood 42

West Rowan 35, Franklin 7

West Henderson 45, North Davidson 28

4A East

Hillside 49, Hoke County 18

Apex 42, Panther Creek 35

Holly Springs 36, Richmond 33

Pine Forest 21, Fuquay-Varina 20

Cardinal Gibbons 50, Knightdale 8

Millbrook 27, Clayton 10

Southern Alamance 28, Riverside-Durham 21

New Hanover 45, Broughton 19

Wake Forest 42, Chapel Hill 8

Leesville Road 30, D.H. Conley 27

Cleveland 42, Topsail 14

Rolesville 41, Overhills 16

Pinecrest 42, Laney 35

Jordan 23, Jack Britt 20

Hoggard 42, Heritage 13

New Bern 56, Sanderson 14

4A West

Grimsley 69, Davie 37

Reagan 22, Charlotte Catholic 48

Independence 41, Page 13

Olympic 21, T.C. Roberson 14

Hough 49, Providence 0

Mallard Creek 26, Ardrey Kell 14

Mount Tabor 28, Asheville 26

East Forsyth 49, West Forsyth 0

Watauga 42, South Iredell 13

Northwest Guilford 45, Southeast Guilford 20

Weddington 29, Marvin Ridge 19

Cox Mill 45, Lake Norman 33

A.C. Reynolds 55, A.L. Brown 14

Chambers 34, Porter Ridge 3

Butler 28, Hickory Ridge 21

Mooresville 47, Southwest Guilford 26

1A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS

EAST

#1 Tarboro (9-1) vs. #17 Southeast Halifax (5-5)

#8 Riverside-Martin (10-1) vs. #9 North Edgecombe (8-3)

#5 West Columbus (8-3) vs. #21 Washington County (4-7)

#13 Northside-Pinetown (7-4) vs. #20 Weldon (3-5)

#3 Rosewood (7-4) vs. #14 Warren County (7-4)

#6 Southside (8-3) vs. #11 Hobbton (9-2)

#23 Perquimans (3-8) vs. #26 East Columbus (3-8)

#2 North Moore (11-0) vs. #18 Pender (6-5)

WEST

#1 Eastern Randolph (9-1) vs. #17 Mountain Heritage (5-6)

#8 Robbinsville (8-3) vs. #24 Cherokee (3-8)

#5 Christ the King (9-2) vs. #12 Hayesville (6-5)

#4 Mount Airy (10-1) vs. #13 North Rowan (7-4)

#3 Thomasville (10-1) vs. #14 Swain County (5-6)

#6 Draughn (10-1) vs. #11 Mitchell (8-3)

#7 Murphy (8-3) vs. #10 East Wilkes (9-2)

#2 Andrews (11-0) vs. #15 Mountain Island Charter (5-5)

2A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS

EAST

#1 Princeton (10-1) vs. #16 Heide Trask (8-3)

#8 Cummings (7-3) vs. #24 Midway (7-4)

#5 Northeastern (9-2) vs. #12 Wallace-Rose Hill (9-2)

#4 Nash Central (8-3) vs. #13 Greene Central (10-1)

#3 Whiteville (10-1) vs. #14 John A. Holmes (8-3)

#6 West Craven (8-3) vs. #11 Hertford County (10-1)

#7 Clinton (10-1) vs. #10 South Granville (6-5)

#2 East Duplin (10-1) vs. #15 James Kenan (9-2)

WEST

#1 Reidsville (10-1) vs. #17 Providence Grove (8-3)

#8 Chase (11-0) vs. #9 Robinson (10-1)

#5 Maiden (10-1) vs. #21 Mount Pleasant (8-3)

#4 Community School of Davidson (10-1) vs. #13 Bunker Hill (10-1)

#3 Burns (10-1) vs. #19 Shelby (7-4)

#6 Salisbury (10-1) vs. #11 Pine Lake Prep (10-1)

#7 Monroe (10-1) vs. #23 Lincolnton (6-5)

#2 East Surry (11-0) vs. #15 Hendersonville (9-2)

3A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS

EAST

#1 Northern Nash (11-0) vs. #16 Southern Nash (8-3)

#9 Southern Durham (7-4) vs. #25 Vance County (7-3)

#21 Hunt (7-4) vs. #28 Triton (6-5)

#4 Havelock (9-2) vs. #20 Jacksonville (6-4)

#3 Seventy-First (11-0) vs. #14 J.H. Rose (8-3)

#6 North Brunswick (10-1) vs. #22 Lee County (8-3)

#7 Terry Sanford (9-2) vs. #10 Scotland (7-4)

#2 Eastern Alamance (10-1) vs. #15 Williams (8-3)

WEST

#1 Kings Mountain (11-0) vs. #17 Smoky Mountain (7-4)

#8 West Charlotte (6-5) vs. #9 Hibriten (6-5)

#5 Northwest Cabarrus (10-1) vs. #12 Ledford (10-1)

#4 East Lincoln (11-0) vs. #13 Tuscola (10-1)

#3 Oak Grove (11-0) vs. #14 Crest (8-3)

#6 Dudley (9-2) vs. #11 South Point (10-1)

#7 Erwin (6-5) vs. #23 Eastern Guilford (7-4)

#2 West Henderson (11-0) vs. #15 West Rowan (9-2)

4A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS

EAST

#1 Hillside (11-0) vs. #16 Apex (10-1)

#8 Holly Springs (9-2) vs. #9 Pine Forest (9-2)

#5 Cardinal Gibbons (9-2) vs. #12 Millbrook (10-1)

#4 New Hanover (10-1) vs. #13 Southern Alamance (8-3)

#3 Wake Forest (9-2) vs. #14 Leesville Road (9-2)

#6 Cleveland (11-0) vs. #11 Rolesville (8-3)

#7 Pinecrest (9-2) vs. #23 Jordan (5-6)

#2 New Bern (11-0) vs. #18 Hoggard (8-3)

WEST

#1 Grimsley (11-0) vs. #17 Charlotte Catholic (9-2)

#8 Independence (10-1) vs. #9 Olympic (11-0)

#5 Hough (9-2) vs. #12 Mallard Creek (8-3)

#4 East Forsyth (11-0) vs. #20 Mount Tabor (9-2)

#3 Watauga (10-1) vs. #14 Northwest Guilford (9-2)

#6 Weddington (10-1) vs. #11 Cox Mill (9-2)

#7 A.C. Reynolds (10-1) vs. #10 Julius Chambers (9-2)

#2 Mooresville (10-1) vs. #15 Butler (9-2)

CHAPEL HILL – The 1A state championship game started off as two teams who were trying to figure out the weakness in their opponent. Both teams made it to the title game by heavily relying on their run games with Mitchell quarterback Ty Turbyfill coming into the game with the fifth-highest rushing total and the vaunted "Tarboro T" offense amassing over four-thousand yards on the season. Stopping these offenses would be a tall task for anyone, but it was Tarboro's day as the Vikings won their eighth state championship, 28-7, over Mitchell on Saturday afternoon at Kenan Stadium.

Tarboro was the first team to break the scoreless tie. After a punt pinned the Mountaineers deep at their own one-yard line, the Tarboro defense stepped up and forced Mitchell to punt from their own end zone. The Vikings, with excellent field position, marched eight plays down the field with Trevon White hitting paydirt from three yards out to give Tarboro a 7-0 lead going into the second quarter. 

Mitchell was finally able to find some offense in the second stanza. A pop pass from Turbyfill to Gage Young near the goal line tied the game, showing that neither team was going to back down from the challenge. After trading punts, Tarboro was in business again after a Mitchell punt wobbled out of bounds at the 31-yard line. Eight seemingly long plays later, Trevon White, on a 4th and goal from the one-yard line and with only six seconds left on the clock, punched it in for his second score of the game and gave Tarboro a 14-7 lead going into the half.

Receiving the second-half kickoff, Tarboro went right back to what they do best: run the ball. When Tobias Joyner raced thirty-five yards to extend the Vikings' lead to two scores, Mitchell was on its heels. Forcing the Mountaineers to go to the air to cut the deficit, the Tarboro defense smelled blood and it was junior cornerback Nathan Sherrod who stepped up, intercepting a Mitchell pass and returning the ball across midfield. The Mitchell defense held, though, stopping Tarboro on fourth down and taking possession as the game entered the fourth quarter.

Just as Mitchell was poised to move the chains, Tarboro's Omarion Lewis, the team's starting quarterback on offense and safety on defense, intercepted a pass and returned it to the Mitchell thirty-yard line. From that, it was a race to all zeroes on the clock with the Vikings adding another Joyner touchdown for the final score of the day.

MVP – Tarboro #24 Tobias Joyner

Tarboro MOP Offense - #10 Trevon White

Tarboro MOP Defense - #3 Treheem Daniels

Mitchell MOP Offense - #2 Ty Turbyfill

Mitchell MOP Defense - #32 Enrique Huaroco 

THIRD ROUND PAIRINGS

1A EAST

#8 Perquimans (8-2) at #1 Tarboro (10-1)

#5 Rosewood (6-2) at #4 Northampton County (9-2)

#6 Pender (7-3) at #3 North Moore (10-1)

#7 Southside (11-1) at #2 Northside-Pinetown (10-1)

1A WEST

#9 Murphy (8-4) at #1 Eastern Randolph (10-0)

#12 North Rowan (8-3) at #4 Robbinsville (8-3)

#6 Thomasville (9-2) at #3 Mitchell (10-2)

#7 Starmount (8-4) at #2 Mount Airy (12-0)

2A EAST

#8 Nash Central (7-5) at #1 Princeton (11-0)

#5 St. Pauls (10-0) at #4 Whiteville (11-0)

#11 Washington (11-0) at #3 Northeastern (11-0)

#10 Wallace-Rose Hill (10-2) at #2 East Duplin (11-1)

2A WEST

#24 East Gaston (8-4) at #1 Shelby (11-1)

#5 Hendersonville (10-1) at #4 Reidsville (11-0)

#6 Salisbury (11-0) at #3 Maiden (12-0)

#7 Monroe (8-1) at #2 East Surry (11-0)

3A EAST

#8 Westover (10-1) at #1 Eastern Alamance (9-1)

#13 Jacksonville (9-2) at #5 Lee County (9-3)

#6 J.H. Rose (8-4) at #3 Seventy-First (12-0)

#23 Scotland County (7-4) at #2 Northern Nash (11-1)

3A WEST

#25 Forestview (7-5) at #16 South Point (9-3)

#5 North Davidson (8-3) at #4 Crest (9-2)

#11 Kings Mountain (10-2) at #3 Dudley (11-1)

#7 Hibriten (8-3) at #2 Statesville (11-0)

4A EAST

#25 Knightdale (6-5) at #16 Leesville Road (9-2)

#20 Rolesville (7-5) at #12 Millbrook (11-1)

#6 Cardinal Gibbons (10-2) at #3 Cleveland (10-0)

#18 Panther Creek (9-3) at #7 Hoggard (11-1)

4A WEST

#25 Mallard Creek (6-4) at #1 Hough (12-0)

#13 East Forsyth (10-1) at #5 Glenn (9-2)

#27 Cuthbertson (6-6) at #3 Weddington (11-1)

#18 Porter Ridge (8-2) at #10 Julius Chambers (11-1)

1A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND SCORES

EAST

#1 Tarboro (9-1), BYE

#16 Southeast Halifax (5-6) 34, #17 Weldon (3-5) 6

#8 Perquimans (7-2) 51, #25 Northwest Halifax (2-7) 8

#9 Riverside-Martin (6-3) 48, #24 Chatham Central (1-8) 0

#5 Rosewood (5-2), BYE

#12 North Edgecombe (6-5) 62, #21 East Columbus (3-6) 38

#20 Warren County (4-6) 32, #13 Pamlico County (3-7) 22

#4 Northampton County (8-2), BYE

#3 North Moore (9-1), BYE

#14 Gates County (4-4) 34, #19 North Duplin (3-7) 0

#6 Pender (6-3) def. #27 Lejeune (0-10); Cancelled – No Contest (COVID)

#11 West Columbus (5-5) 43, #22 Bertie (1-7) 0

#7 Southside (10-1) 48, #26 South Creek (0-11) 0

#10 KIPP Pride (6-3) 44, #23 Jones Senior (2-8) 22

#15 Hobbton (5-6) 56, #18 Lakewood (4-7) 21

#2 Northside-Pinetown (9-1), BYE

WEST

#1 Eastern Randolph (9-0), BYE

#16 Draughn (6-5) 56, #17 Elkin (3-7) 9

#8 Mountain Heritage (8-2) 51, #25 Albemarle (2-8) 0

#9 Murphy (7-4) 58, #24 Alleghany (2-8) 20

#5 Thomas Jefferson (7-3) 39, #28 Avery County (1-10) 7

#12 North Rowan (7-3) 62, #21 Bessemer City (2-9) 0

#13 Cherokee (6-4) 36, #20 Cherryville (3-8) 15

#4 Robbinsville (7-3) 66, #29 Winston-Salem Prep (1-9) 14

#3 Mitchell (9-2) 49, #30 South Davidson (1-9) 10

#14 Swain County (5-5) 40, #19 Hayesville (3-8) 13

#6 Thomasville (8-2) 62, #27 Highland Tech (0-10) 0

#11 South Stokes (6-4) 28, #22 Christ the King (3-8) 16

#7 Starmount (7-4) 65, #26 South Stanly (2-8) 8

#10 Andrews (7-3) 34, #23 Bishop McGuinness (2-8) 6

#15 East Wilkes (4-6) vs. #18 North Stokes (4-6)

#2 Mount Airy (11-0) 75, #31 Union Academy (0-11) 0

2A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND SCORES

EAST

#1 Princeton (10-0) 56, #32 Bunn (3-8) 20

#17 Kinston (8-3) 27, #16 Eastern Wayne (8-3) 21

#8 Nash Central (6-5) 29, #25 Southwest Onslow (2-8) 28

#9 South Granville (5-6) 44, #24 Midway (6-5) 21

#5 St. Pauls (9-0) 56, #28 Goldsboro (4-7) 0

#12 Roanoke Rapids (7-4) 34, #21 Bartlett Yancey (6-4) 14

#13 James Kenan (6-3) 41, #20 East Bladen (4-7) 34

#4 Whiteville (10-0) 56, #29 Camden County (4-7) 0

#3 Northeastern (10-0) 52, #30 East Carteret (4-6) 8

#14 John A. Holmes (8-2) 28, #19 North Pitt (7-4) 22

#6 Cummings (9-1-1) 36, #27 Greene Central (4-7) 28

#11 Washington (10-0) 63, #22 South Columbus (3-5) 36

#7 West Craven (6-3) 54, #26 North Lenoir (4-6) 6

#10 Wallace-Rose Hill (9-2) 71, #23 SouthWest Edgecombe (3-7) 36

#15 Clinton (8-2) 48, #18 Hertford County (7-4) 44

#2 East Duplin (10-1) 63, #31 West Bladen (3-6) 0

WEST

#1 Shelby (10-1) 55, #32 Owen (4-7) 3

#17 Polk County (7-3) 29, #16 Southwestern Randolph (8-3) 14

#25 Forest Hills (7-4) 27, #8 Providence Grove (8-3) 26

#24 East Gaston (7-4) 57, #9 Community School of Davidson (8-3) 39

#5 Hendersonville (9-1) 42, #28 West Stanly (3-6) 0

#12 Burns (8-3) 56, #21 McMichael (7-4) 14

#13 Chase (10-1) 47, #20 Pine Lake Prep (6-4) 8

#4 Reidsville (10-0) 49, #29 Randleman (4-7) 7

#3 Maiden (11-0) 37, #30 Mount Pleasant (6-5) 7

#14 West Lincoln (9-2) 41, #19 Surry Central (6-5) 7

#6 Salisbury (10-0) 49, #27 North Forsyth (5-6) 6

#11 Bunker Hill (10-1) 21, #22 East Davidson (6-5) 7

#7 Monroe (7-1) 57, #26 Lincolnton (4-7) 13

#10 J.M. Robinson (10-1) 33, #23 West Stokes (5-5) 14

#15 Forbush (7-3) vs. #18 North Surry (5-4); ppd., Sat. @ 7 p.m.

#2 East Surry (10-0) 30, #31 Newton-Conover (3-7) 6

3A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND SCORES

EAST

#1 Eastern Alamance (8-1) 56, #32 East Wake (3-8) 12

#16 Havelock (7-3) 33, #17 Rocky Mount (5-6) 28

#8 Westover (9-1) 46, #25 Vance County (7-3) 8

#9 North Brunswick (7-4) 47, #24 South Brunswick (6-5) 30

#5 Lee County (8-3) 59, #28 West Johnston (5-6) 15

#12 Southern Nash (9-1) 49, #21 White Oak (8-3) 9

#13 Jacksonville (8-2) 22, #20 Western Alamance (4-6-1) 8

#4 Hunt (9-2) 28, #29 Franklinton (4-7) 14

#3 Seventy-First (11-0) 28, #30 West Brunswick (3-7) 6

#19 Williams (7-4) 48, #14 Fike (7-3) 24

#6 J.H. Rose (7-4) 45, #27 Croatan (4-7) 24

#22 Terry Sanford (7-3) 64, #11 Currituck County (5-6) 40

#7 West Carteret (8-2) 24, #26 Cape Fear (6-4) 7

#23 Scotland County (6-4) 35, #10 Southern Durham (6-5) 13

#15 Smithfield-Selma (8-3) 54, #18 South Johnston (8-3) 14

#2 Northern Nash (10-1) 24, #31 Northwood (4-6) 17

WEST

#1 Pisgah (10-1) 29, #32 Southern Guilford (4-7) 20

#16 South Point (8-3) 41, #17 Eastern Guilford (7-3) 31

#25 Forestview (6-5) 36, #8 Erwin (6-5) 19

#9 Parkwood (6-2) 42, #24 Rockingham County (5-5) 19

#5 North Davidson (7-3) 59, #28 West Henderson (3-8) 14

#21 Hickory (7-4) 37, #12 Smoky Mountain (7-3) 34

#20 West Rowan (7-3) 34, #13 North Lincoln (8-3) 28

#4 Crest (8-2) 28, #29 Jesse Carson (4-6) 7

#3 Dudley (10-1) 60, #30 North Henderson (4-7) 0

#14 Ledford (8-3) 28, #19 Central Davidson (7-3) 21

#6 West Charlotte (7-3) 34, #27 Stuart Cramer (5-6) 10

#11 Kings Mountain (9-2) 21, #22 Franklin (6-5) 17

#7 Hibriten (7-3) 14, #26 Freedom (5-5) 13

#10 Concord (7-3) 34, #23 Tuscola (6-5) 14

#18 East Lincoln (8-3) 22, #15 Oak Grove (7-3) 14

#2 Statesville (10-0) 49, #31 Enka (4-7) 0

4A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND SCORES

EAST

#1 Richmond County (10-1) 52, #32 Jack Britt (4-6) 14

#16 Leesville Road (8-2) 27, #17 Holly Springs (7-4) 13

#25 Knightdale (5-5) 27, #8 Middle Creek (8-3) 14

#9 Pine Forest (10-1) 28, #24 Jordan (4-5) 21

#5 Hillside (8-2) 45, #28 D.H. Conley (4-7) 38

#12 Millbrook (10-1) 49, #21 Garner (4-5) 14

#20 Rolesville (6-5) 56, #13 Pinecrest (8-3) 32

#4 New Bern (10-1) 56, #29 Wakefield (4-7) 49

#3 Cleveland (10-0) 56, #30 Chapel Hill (7-4) 14

#19 Laney (9-2) 17, #14 Fuquay-Varina (7-4) 7

#6 Cardinal Gibbons (9-2) 49, #27 New Hanover (5-6) 10

#11 Heritage (10-1) 34, #22 Clayton (5-6) 12

#7 Hoggard (10-1) 35, #26 Corinth Holders (4-6) 0

#10 South View (9-2) 31, #23 Sanderson (5-4) 24

#18 Panther Creek (8-3) 49, #15 Southern Alamance (8-3) 36

#2 Wake Forest (8-3) 47, #31 Hoke County (4-7) 0

WEST

#1 Hough (11-0) 52, #32 Page (4-7) 3

#16 South Mecklenburg (9-2) 27, #17 West Forsyth (5-5) 21

#25 Mallard Creek (5-4) 29, #8 Butler (7-3) 8

#9 Asheville (9-2) 61, #24 Davie (6-5) 28

#5 Glenn (8-2) 7, #28 Providence (6-5) 3

#12 Myers Park (8-3) 44, #21 Mooresville (6-5) 26

#13 East Forsyth (9-1) 49, #21 Southeast Guilford (7-4) 0

#4 Ardrey Kell (8-2) 62, #29 Northwest Guilford (5-6) 7

#3 Weddington (10-1) 35, #30 North Mecklenburg (5-5) 6

#14 Marvin Ridge (8-2) 20, #19 Charlotte Catholic (7-3) 19

#27 Cuthbertson (5-6) 42, #6 Watauga (8-3) 31

#22 Lake Norman (8-3) 28, #11 Northern Guilford (9-2) 21

#7 Hickory Ridge (9-2) 31, #26 A.C. Reynolds (7-4) 7

#10 Julius Chambers (10-1) 73, #23 South Caldwell (7-3) 20

#18 Porter Ridge (7-2) 27, #15 Reagan (7-4) 21

#2 Grimsley (11-0) 44, #31 Cox Mill (5-6) 8

SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS

1A

East

#16 Southeast Halifax (5-6) at #1 Tarboro (9-1)

#9 Riverside-Martin (6-3) at #8 Perquimans (7-2)

#12 North Edgecombe (6-5) at #5 Rosewood (5-2)

#20 Warren County (4-6) at #4 Northampton County (8-2)

#14 Gates County (4-4) at #3 North Moore (9-1)

#11 West Columbus (5-5) at #6 Pender (6-3)

#10 KIPP Pride (6-3) at #7 Southside (10-1)

#15 Hobbton (5-6) at #2 Northside-Pinetown (9-1)

West

#16 Draughn (6-5) at #1 Eastern Randolph (9-0)

#9 Murphy (7-4) at #8 Mountain Heritage (8-2)

#12 North Rowan (7-3) at #5 Thomas Jefferson (7-3)

#13 Cherokee (6-4) at #4 Robbinsville (7-3)

#14 Swain County (5-5) at #3 Mitchell (9-2)

#11 South Stokes (6-4) at #6 Thomasville (8-2)

#10 Andrews (7-3) at #7 Starmount (7-4)

#15 East Wilkes (4-6) at #2 Mount Airy (11-0)

2A

East

#17 Kinston (8-3) at #1 Princeton (10-0)

#9 South Granville (5-6) at #8 Nash Central (6-5)

#12 Roanoke Rapids (7-4) at #5 St. Pauls (9-0)

#13 James Kenan (6-3) at #4 Whiteville (10-0)

#14 John A. Holmes (8-2) at #3 Northeastern (10-0)

#11 Washington (10-0) at #6 Cummings (9-1-1)

#10 Wallace-Rose Hill (9-2) at #7 West Craven (6-3)

#15 Clinton (8-2) at #2 East Duplin (10-1)

West

#17 Polk County (7-3) at #1 Shelby (10-1)

#25 Forest Hills (7-4) at #24 East Gaston (7-4)

#12 Burns (8-3) at #5 Hendersonville (9-1)

#13 Chase (10-1) at #4 Reidsville (10-0)

#14 West Lincoln (9-2) at #3 Maiden (11-0)

#11 Bunker Hill (10-1) at #6 Salisbury (10-0)

#10 J.M. Robinson (10-1) at #7 Monroe (7-1)

#15 Forbush (8-3) at #2 East Surry (10-0)

3A

East

#16 Havelock (7-3) at #1 Eastern Alamance (8-1)

#9 North Brunswick (7-4) at #8 Westover (9-1)

#12 Southern Nash (9-1) at #5 Lee County (8-3)

#13 Jacksonville (8-2) at #4 Hunt (9-2)

#19 Williams (7-4) at #3 Seventy-First (11-0)

#22 Terry Sanford (7-3) at #6 J.H. Rose (7-4)

#23 Scotland County (6-4) at #7 West Carteret (8-2)

#15 Smithfield-Selma (8-3) at #2 Northern Nash (10-1)

West

#16 South Point (8-3) at #1 Pisgah (10-1)

#25 Forestview (6-5) at #9 Parkwood (6-2)

#21 Hickory (7-4) at #5 North Davidson (7-3)

#20 West Rowan (7-3) at #4 Crest (8-2)

#14 Ledford (8-3) at #3 Dudley (10-1)

#11 Kings Mountain (9-2) at #6 West Charlotte (7-3)

#10 Concord (7-3) at #7 Hibriten (7-3)

#18 East Lincoln (8-3) at #2 Statesville (10-0)

4A

East

#16 Leesville Road (8-2) at #1 Richmond County (10-1)

#25 Knightdale (5-5) at #9 Pine Forest (10-1)

#12 Millbrook (10-1) at #5 Hillside (8-2)

#20 Rolesville (6-5) at #4 New Bern (10-1)

#19 Laney (9-2) at #3 Cleveland (10-0)

#11 Heritage (10-1) at #6 Cardinal Gibbons (9-2)

#10 South View (9-2) at #7 Hoggard (10-1)

#18 Panther Creek (8-3) at #2 Wake Forest (8-3)

West

#16 South Mecklenburg (9-2) at #1 Hough (11-0)

#25 Mallard Creek (5-4) at #9 Asheville (9-2)

#12 Myers Park (8-3) at #5 Glenn (8-2)

#13 East Forsyth (9-1) at #4 Ardrey Kell (8-2)

#14 Marvin Ridge (8-2) at #3 Weddington (10-1)

#27 Cuthbertson (5-6) at #22 Lake Norman (8-3)

#10 Julius Chambers (10-1) at #7 Hickory Ridge (9-2)

#18 Porter Ridge (7-2) at #2 Grimsley (11-0)