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.

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 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!

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!

This Saturday, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 2A State Championship will feature an electrifying match between Clinton High School and Reidsville High School at Carter-Finley Stadium. The game is set to kick off at 3 p.m.

Friday, December 8

7:00 p.m. – 3A Championship | Hickory vs. Seventy-First at Kenan Stadium

Saturday, December 9

Noon – 1A State Championship | Mount Airy vs. Tarboro at Kenan Stadium

3:00 p.m. – 2A State Championship | Reidsville vs. Clinton at Carter-Finley Stadium

7:00 p.m. – 4A State Championship | Weddington vs. Hoggard at Carter-Finley Stadium

In the first game of the day, the Duke Blue Devils hosted the Pittsburgh Panthers at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, where they emerged victorious with a score of 30-19. Duke's Grayson Loftis threw for 248 yards and 2 touchdowns, while LeQuint Allen rushed for 144 yards. Despite a valiant effort from Pittsburgh's Nate Yarnell, who threw for 265 yards and 3 touchdowns, the Panthers were unable to secure a win.

Also in the noon kickoff window, the Syracuse Orange triumphed over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons with a final score of 35-31 at JMA Wireless Dome. Syracuse's Garrett Shrader passed for 173 yards and 3 touchdowns and rushed for 46 yards and 1 touchdown. Wake Forest's Taylor Morin had an impressive game with 140 receiving yards, 7 receptions, and 2 rushing yards, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Orange.

In the midafternoon, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane narrowly edged out the East Carolina Pirates in a thrilling match that ended 29-27. The game, held at Bagwell Field at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, saw Tulsa's Anthony Watkins rush for 106 yards and Kirk Francis pass for 297 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite a strong performance from East Carolina's Alex Flinn, who passed for 184 yards and 2 touchdowns, the Pirates fell short.

Finally, the South Florida Bulls trounced the Charlotte 49ers with a score of 48-14 at Raymond James Stadium. The Bulls' defense was the star of the show, holding the 49ers to just 14 points. Standout performances included South Florida's Byrum Brown, who threw for 253 yards and 4 touchdowns, and Kelley Joiner, who had 71 receiving yards, 4 receptions, 2 touchdowns, and 33 rushing yards.

MACON, GA – In a hard-fought battle on the gridiron, the Mercer Bears emerged victorious against the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs in the first round of the FCS Playoffs, ending the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ season with a final score of 17-7 on Saturday afternoon.

The game showcased intense defensive efforts from both teams, with Mercer ultimately prevailing through a combination of standout plays and resilient defense.

The Bears’ Carter Peevy wasted no time asserting his dominance in the second quarter, scoring both of Mercer’s touchdowns in a four-minute window. Peevy’s 2-yard run in the second quarter set the tone offensively and he continued to dazzle with a spectacular 72-yard touchdown run, expanding Mercer’s lead to 14-0.

Gardner-Webb, however, answered back before halftime. Quarterback Jaylen King connected with Karim Page for a 3-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 14-7, and entering the locker room with hopes of a second-half comeback.

The third quarter saw both teams locked in a defensive struggle, with neither side yielding significant ground. Gardner-Webb’s Jay Billingsley attempted a 45-yard field goal that went wide left, maintaining Mercer’s lead. Mercer matched possessions with a missed field goal of their own to keep it scoreless heading into the final stanza.

As the game progressed, the Mercer defense proved formidable, forcing turnovers and limiting Gardner-Webb’s offensive opportunities. Despite Gardner-Webb’s defense, highlighted by Ty French’s three sacks, Mercer’s Reice Griffith sealed the deal with a 29-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to its final margin.

Gardner-Webb fought hard in the closing minutes, attempting to mount a comeback, but Mercer’s defense stood strong. A pair of interceptions by Mercer on Gardner-Webb’s final two drives sealed the fate of the Runnin’ Bulldogs.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs ended the 2023 season as back-to-back conference champions for the first time in two decades with the first-ever set of back-to-back postseason appearances. Gardner-Webb finished a perfect 5-0 at home for only the second time in team history.

RICHMOND, VA – In a high-scoring first-round FCS playoff showdown, the Richmond Spiders emerged victorious against the North Carolina Central Eagles with a final score of 49-27. The game, filled with explosive plays and offensive fireworks ultimately tilted in favor of Richmond and spoiled the Eagles’ first-ever playoff appearance since moving up to Division 1 in 2011.

The Eagles found themselves trailing early in the first quarter after a 35-yard touchdown pass from Richmond's Kyle Wickersham to Nick DeGennaro, putting them at a 7-0 disadvantage. However, North Carolina Central responded with a gritty 1-yard touchdown run by Davius Richard, bringing the score to 7-6. The Eagles then seized the lead with an electrifying 91-yard touchdown connection between Richard and Devin Smith, ending the first quarter with a 13-7 lead.

Despite Richmond narrowing the gap in the second quarter, with Richard's 18-yard touchdown run making it 20-14, North Carolina Central showcased their offensive capabilities. Richard demonstrated versatility, leading the team with both passing and rushing contributions.

In the third quarter, Richmond took control, scoring three unanswered touchdowns. Savon Smith's 14-yard rushing touchdown and an impressive 65-yard punt return shifted the momentum in Richmond's favor. The Spiders extended their lead further with a 71-yard touchdown pass from Wickersham to Jerry Garcia Jr., entering the final quarter with a 35-20 advantage.

North Carolina Central fought hard in the fourth quarter, with Richard orchestrating a 75-yard drive that culminated in his 2-yard touchdown run, narrowing the score to 35-27. However, Richmond responded with three additional touchdowns, securing the 49-27 win.

Offensively, North Carolina Central's Richard showcased his skills, passing for 262 yards and a touchdown while leading the team in rushing with 51 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Devin Smith was a standout receiver, amassing 202 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Jayden Flaker led the Eagles with 11 total tackles, demonstrating resilience despite Richmond's offensive onslaught. Despite the loss, North Carolina Central's defense showed glimpses of strength, with Quantez Mansfield making key plays, including 1.5 tackles for loss.

Although the Eagles fell short in this matchup, their tenacity and offensive firepower were evident. As they regroup for upcoming games, North Carolina Central aims to build on the positives from this contest and make strides in the remainder of the season.

BOONE – Senior Day at The Rock turned into a celebration of milestones and triumphs as the Appalachian State Mountaineers clinched the East Division title with a commanding 55-27 victory over arch-rival Georgia Southern. The win secured their spot in the Sun Belt Championship Game against West Division champion Troy, setting the stage for a championship pursuit.

Despite falling behind 14-3 in the opening quarter, the Mountaineers orchestrated a remarkable comeback, fueled by the arm of quarterback Joey Aguilar, who threw four touchdown passes in the game. Aguilar’s performance not only propelled App State to victory but also etched his name in the program’s history as the single-season record-holder with an impressive 33 touchdown passes heading into the postseason.

The turning point of the game came in the second quarter when App State, trailing 14-10, launched a relentless offensive assault, scoring 38 unanswered points over 16 minutes. The Mountaineers’ defense played a crucial role, capitalizing on turnovers, including three interceptions. Tyrek Funderburk was instrumental in the defensive effort, contributing two interceptions that set the stage for immediate scoring opportunities.

The halftime ceremony added extra flair to the Mountaineers’ resurgence, as the legendary No. 14 jersey of Hall of Fame quarterback Armanti Edwards was officially retired. Edwards, whose short and direct message to the crowd was a resounding “Thank you! Go App!” witnessed his beloved team transform an 11-point deficit into a commanding 41-17 lead by the end of the third quarter.

The Mountaineers’ five-game winning streak to close the regular season, including an overtime victory against James Madison, showcased their resilience and determination to earn a spot in the Sun Belt title game for the fourth time since 2018.

App State’s offensive prowess was on full display, with Aguilar’s 296 passing yards and a balanced rushing attack that accumulated 236 yards on the ground. Kanye Roberts, Anderson Castle, and Maquel Haywood each contributed rushing touchdowns, showcasing the team’s versatility.

The defense, led by standout performances from Tyrek Funderburk and Jordan Favors, played a pivotal role in shutting down Georgia Southern and forcing turnovers that translated into crucial points for the Mountaineers.

As the final whistle blew, App State had not only secured a convincing victory but also established themselves as a force to be reckoned with as they head into the Sun Belt Championship Game, fueled by a perfect blend of offensive firepower and defensive resilience.

COLUMBIA, SC – In a thrilling second-round NCAA Division II playoff game, Lenoir-Rhyne emerged victorious over Benedict, whose #1 seed in the region allowed them to host the second-round game. Homefield advantage was not enough for the Tigers as the visiting Bears were able leave Columbia with a 35-25 victory.

How it Happened

The first quarter saw Lenoir-Rhyne's Dwayne McGee run 29 yards for a touchdown, followed by an extra point from Jake Brown. However, Benedict quickly retaliated with two touchdowns from Reginald Harden, who ran 58 yards and 87 yards respectively.

In the second quarter, Zayvion Turner-Knox from Lenoir-Rhyne ran 4 yards for a touchdown, with an extra point added by Jake Brown. Benedict's Aeneas Dennis completed a pass to Caden High, who ran 29 yards for a touchdown, with Tom Piccirillo securing the extra point.

The third quarter saw Lenoir-Rhyne take the lead with two touchdowns. Sean White completed passes to Songa Yates and John Godwin, who ran 21 yards and 26 yards respectively for touchdowns, with Jake Brown adding the extra points.

In the final quarter, Zayvion Turner-Knox ran 2 yards for a touchdown, with Jake Brown adding the extra point. Benedict's Aeneas Dennis completed a pass to Reginald Harden, who ran 36 yards for a touchdown.

Playmakers

Lenoir-Rhyne's Dwayne McGee had an impressive game, rushing 216 yards from 21 attempts and scoring one touchdown. Zayvion Turner-Knox also contributed significantly, rushing 45 yards from 8 attempts and scoring two touchdowns. In the passing game, Sean White completed 27 out of 35 attempts, throwing for 310 yards and two touchdowns.

On the receiving end, Kelin Parsons caught 6 passes for 103 yards, while Songa Yates caught 4 passes for 48 yards and one touchdown. Deondre Lester and Tate O'bryan also contributed to the receiving game.

On the defensive side, Jon Ross Maye led the team with 11 total tackles, while C'darius Kelley made 2 solo tackles.

What’s Next

This victory propels fourth-seeded Lenoir-Rhyne into the national quarterfinals, with a matchup against region #3 Valdosta State, who upset the number two seed Delta State, 38-31, on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday night’s ACC Network game from Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh will be the 113th meeting between the NC State Wolfpack and the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Tar Heels, recovering from a loss at Clemson, are preparing to face their rivals in the final game of the 2023 regular season. The Tar Heels’ offense, which averages 38.1 points per game, is the 12th highest nationally, and they’ve been successful on third downs, converting 49.7% of them. Quarterback Drake Maye and running back Omarion Hampton have been key players, with Maye throwing at least one touchdown pass in 10 of the 11 games this season and Hampton rushing for 100 yards in six consecutive games.

On the other side, the Wolfpack have been formidable opponents under the guidance of head coach Dave Doeren, the winningest coach in school history with 80 wins at NC State. They are one of only four teams in the Power 5 that have won eight or more games in each of the last four seasons. Their defense, which leads the ACC in total defense and scoring defense vs. league opponents, has been particularly impressive. In the last nine games, the Wolfpack defense has allowed just 88.5 rushing yards per game. During that span, three opponents have rushed for less than 100 yards. This game promises to be a thrilling end to the regular season, with both teams bringing their A-game to the field for bragging rights and a claim to best FBS team in the state.

NCAA Division II Playoffs (Round 2)

Lenoir-Rhyne vs Benedict: The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears are set to face the Benedict Tigers in the NCAA Division II playoffs this Saturday. The Bears have had a strong season, with an 11-1 record and an average of 40.17 points per game. Their rushing game is led by Dwayne McGee, who has gained 1213 yards with an average of 110.27 yards per game. In the passing game, Jalen Ferguson has completed 111 out of 154 attempts, throwing for 1468 yards and 16 touchdowns. The receiving corps is led by DeAree Rogers, who has made 43 catches for 621 yards and 6 touchdowns. On defense, Jon Ross Maye leads the team with 86 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. The Bears' defense has been particularly effective, with 35 sacks and 13 interceptions this season. The team's overall performance has been impressive, with an average of 443.7 yards per game. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the Bears looking to leverage their strong performance this season against the formidable Tigers.

NCAA FCS Playoffs (Round )

Gardner-Webb vs. Mercer: This Saturday, the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, under the guidance of Head Coach Tre Lamb, a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, will face off against the Mercer Bears in the NCAA FCS playoffs. The Bulldogs have had a strong season, with back-to-back conference championships for the first time since 2002 and 2003, and an undefeated home record. Their offense, led by Lamb, has been aggressive, averaging 34.7 points per game in conference games and converting 24 of their 37 fourth-down attempts. On the defensive end, Ty French has set a new school record for career sacks with 30.5 and has been named a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award. Running back Narii Gaither has also made history, becoming just the second player in program history to rush for at least 3,000 yards. The Bulldogs have a record of 9-36 against FCS teams ranked inside the national polls, but they defeated #13/14 UT Martin earlier this season. Freshman quarterback Jaylen King, a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, has gone 5-1 in his first six career starts, including leading the Bulldogs to a 38-34 upset victory over #13/14 UT Martin. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the Bulldogs looking to leverage their strong performance this season against the formidable Bears.

North Carolina Central vs. Richmond: This Saturday at 3pm, the NCAA FCS playoff game between North Carolina Central and Richmond is set to be a thrilling showdown. NCCU, with a record of 9-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play, has been a force to reckon with this season. They have outscored their opponents 403 to 296, averaging 36.64 points per game. Their rushing attack, led by Latrell Collier with 684 yards and 8 touchdowns, and Davius Richard with 579 yards and 15 touchdowns, has been particularly potent. Richard has also been impressive in the passing game, completing 60.98% of his passes for 1915 yards and 20 touchdowns. On the receiving end, Devin Smith and Joaquin Davis have been key contributors, with 505 and 404 receiving yards respectively. On the defensive side, Jayden Flaker leads the team with 74 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. With a rare appearance in the FCS playoffs, NCCU is poised to give a tough fight to the University of Richmond.

Honoring NCCFB Legend Armanti Edwards 

App State vs. Georgia Southern: App State will host Georgia Southern at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone in a game that will be broadcast on ESPNU Saturday afternoon at 3:30. App State leads the series 21-16-1 overall and 14-5-1 in Boone. Leading the Mountaineers’ offense is quarterback Joey Aguilar with 2,975 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, receiver Kaedin Robinson with 45 catches for 609 yards and 8 touchdowns, and running back Nate Noel with 787 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. Andrew Parker Jr. paces the App State defense with 98 tackles. The game will be a significant event, as it's not only the regular-season finale but also Senior Day, and the retirement of QB Armanti Edwards’ No. 14 jersey will take place at halftime. App State is also vying for a Sun Belt Championship Game berth. The team needs to beat Georgia Southern and have JMU win at Coastal Carolina to advance to face West champ Troy on Dec. 2.

As the clock struck noon on Selection Sunday, football fans across the nation eagerly tuned in to witness the unveiling of the 2023 FCS playoff bracket. The anticipation reached its peak as the NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee revealed the field of 24 teams competing for the prestigious title.

Two teams from North Carolina, Gardner-Webb and North Carolina Central, found themselves among the chosen few. For the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, it was a testament to their resilience throughout a challenging season. Despite facing one of the toughest nonconference schedules in FCS football, the Runnin' Bulldogs secured significant victories against Elon and #13 UT Martin. They stumbled along the way, facing tough losses to FBS Appalachian State and fellow playoff team Austin Peay. However, as conference play unfolded, Gardner-Webb turned the tide, finishing strong with a 5-1 record and clinching the conference championship for the second consecutive year.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the North Carolina Central University Eagles soared into the playoffs on the wings of an impressive season. Fresh off winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the HBCU national championship, the Eagles showcased their strength in a schedule that included marquee matchups against UCLA and a trip to the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis. Victories against South Carolina State and Norfolk State highlighted their success, while a challenging loss to Howard kept them out of the Celebration Bowl for a second year in a row but opened the door to the FCS playoffs.

As the bracket unfolded, fans marveled at the matchups that would define the road to the national championship in Frisco, Texas. Gardner-Webb was slated to face Mercer in the first round, a game that promised intensity and excitement. Meanwhile, NC Central prepared for a showdown with Richmond, setting the stage for a clash between two formidable opponents. Both North Carolina teams will play away from home for the first round of the playoffs with a win putting each team on the road at one of the top eight national seeds.

Top 8 seeds

1. South Dakota State
2. Montana
3. South Dakota
4. Idaho
5. Albany
6. Montana State
7. Furman
8. Villanova

The playoff journey begins on Thanksgiving weekend on ESPN+, with the first-round matchups set to captivate audiences across the nation. 

ELON – In a commanding performance, the Elon football team showcased their offensive prowess and defensive prowess, securing a decisive victory over Hampton in a game marked by explosive plays and defensive turnovers.

The first quarter set the tone for Elon's dominance as quarterback Matthew Downing orchestrated two impressive touchdown passes. The first, a 33-yard connection to Jamarien Dalton, occurred just 19 seconds into the game, with Jack Berkowitz converting the extra point. Elon quickly followed up with another Downing pass, this time a 60-yard bomb to Chandler Brayboy, extending their lead to 14-0.

Hampton responded with a scoring drive of their own, as Chris Zellous connected with Paul Woods for a 43-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 14-7 by the end of the opening quarter.

The second quarter witnessed Elon's continued offensive onslaught. Downing, displaying precision in his passes, linked up with Christian Da-Silva for a 33-yard touchdown, further extending the lead to 21-7. The Elon defense then made a significant impact, with Bo Sanders intercepting a pass and returning it 34 yards for a touchdown. Marco Patierno added to the defensive heroics with a 23-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, pushing Elon's lead to a commanding 34-7.

As the second quarter unfolded, Elon continued to capitalize on Hampton's defensive lapses, with Jack Berkowitz adding three more points to the board through a 39-yard field goal. The offensive onslaught continued just before halftime, as Downing connected with Johncarlos Miller II for a 53-yard touchdown, concluding the first half with Elon leading 44-7.

Despite Hampton's efforts to mount a comeback in the third quarter, Chris Zellous's 2-yard rushing touchdown brought the score to 44-14. However, Elon remained in control, ensuring a substantial lead heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Elon sealed their dominant performance with Wayne Dixie III's 27-yard touchdown run, capping a 51-14 victory. The play was part of a seven-play, 89-yard drive that showcased Elon's offensive versatility.

Elon finishes the season with a 6-5 overall record and 6-2 in the CAA.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – East Carolina’s football woes continued as they dropped to a 2-9 overall record and 2-4 in Annapolis, suffering a 10-0 defeat at the hands of Navy. The loss concluded the ECU’s road schedule for the season, with the Pirates finishing 1-5 away from home.

In a challenging offensive outing, ECU failed to score for the first time since October 4, 1997, when they suffered a 56-0 loss to Syracuse, ending a remarkable streak of 322 consecutive games with points on the board. The Pirates managed only 189 yards of total offense, including a season-low 34 rushing yards, highlighting the struggles on that side of the ball.

Despite the offensive difficulties, East Carolina’s defense showcased its resilience by holding Navy to 10 points. This marked the fourth time this season that the Pirates limited an opponent to 13 points or less. 

In individual player performances, quarterback Alex Flinn faced immense pressure from Navy’s defense but completed a career-high 24 of 38 pass attempts for 155 yards. However, he failed to secure any touchdowns and threw two interceptions. Flinn also led the team in rushing with 31 yards on 12 carries.

Chase Sowell emerged as a bright spot for the receiving corps, totaling 62 yards on 11 catches. On the defensive side, Teylor Jackson recorded his first career forced fumble, while Jason Shuford achieved his first career fumble recovery. BJ Davis stood out with a team-high 10 tackles, reaching double figures for the second consecutive week.

Looking ahead to their final game of the 2023 season, East Carolina is set to face Tulsa in an American Athletic Conference matchup on Saturday, November 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., and the game will be streamed live via ESPN+.

As the Pirates prepare to conclude their season, Coach Mike Houston remains focused on ending on a positive note against Tulsa, stating, “We have a chance to finish things off on a positive note with a win at home next week against a very talented Tulsa team."