BIRMINGHAM, AL – Georgia Southern scored 16 unanswered points in the third quarter to break open a tight game and defeat App State 29-10 in the JLab Birmingham Bowl on Monday at Protective Stadium.

The Eagles (7-6) led just 13-7 at halftime before exploding for two quick touchdowns in a span of less than five minutes early in the third quarter. Georgia Southern's offense totaled 413 yards and converted 5 of 11 third-down attempts, while the defense forced four interceptions to stifle the Mountaineers' comeback hopes.

App State (5-8) played without numerous regulars but remained competitive through two quarters before Georgia Southern's offensive burst proved too much to overcome. The Mountaineers advanced inside the Eagles' 40-yard line on seven possessions but managed just one touchdown, with four interceptions and a missed field goal ending promising drives.

Redshirt freshman Matt Wilson made his collegiate debut for App State and delivered a memorable performance, completing 12 of 22 passes for 128 yards while rushing for 110 yards on 12 carries. Wilson's 110 rushing yards marked just the fourth 100-yard rushing game by an App State quarterback in the FBS era. His 6-yard touchdown run with 1:51 remaining in the first half brought the Mountaineers within 10-7, capping a seven-play, 53-yard drive.

True freshman Noah Gillon made his first career start at quarterback for App State, completing 4 of 7 passes for 64 yards. His 34-yard completion to senior Dalton Stroman set up Wilson's touchdown before halftime. Stroman finished with three catches for 96 yards in his final game, ending his career atop the program's all-time yards-per-catch list.

Georgia Southern answered Wilson's touchdown with a 36-yard field goal from Tripp Bryant as time expired in the first half, extending the lead to 13-7. The Eagles then seized control with two lightning-quick scoring drives to open the third quarter.

Running back OJ Arnold broke loose for a 58-yard gain on the first play of the second half, setting up a 3-yard touchdown run by Weston Bryan 82 seconds into the quarter. The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving Georgia Southern ahead 19-7.

The Eagles forced an interception on the Mountaineers' next possession, and quarterback JC French IV immediately capitalized. French connected with Marcus Sanders Jr. for a 20-yard gain, then found him again for a 32-yard touchdown strike just 89 seconds after the previous score. Bryant's extra point made it 26-7 with 8:50 left in the third quarter.

App State responded with a methodical nine-play, 66-yard drive that consumed nearly five minutes. Wilson connected with Stroman for 42 yards on the drive's key play, and Dominic De Freitas kicked a 27-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 26-10 with 3:46 remaining in the third quarter.

The Mountaineers' defense came up with a crucial stop when cornerback Ethan Johnson intercepted French on Georgia Southern's next possession. However, App State's offense stalled and punted from its own 45 early in the fourth quarter.

Georgia Southern put the game away with a grinding 17-play, 81-yard drive that consumed 10 minutes and 2 seconds. The Eagles converted three third downs on the march, including a 10-yard completion from French to Terrance Gibbs on third-and-8 from the Georgia Southern 46. Bryant capped the drive with a 27-yard field goal with 3:57 remaining, extending the lead to 29-10.

App State's final possession ended when Georgia Southern's Devin Collier intercepted Wilson at the 2-yard line with 59 seconds remaining.

French completed 18 of 27 passes for 171 yards, one touchdown and one interception for Georgia Southern. Arnold rushed 11 times for 152 yards, averaging 13.8 yards per carry. Sanders Jr. caught five passes for 72 yards and a touchdown.

Jaquari Lewis led the Mountaineers with 16 carries for 55 yards and added five catches for 35 yards. Linebacker Colton Phares paced the defense with 12 tackles, capping a season in which he recorded 101 stops.

Georgia Southern controlled possession for 30 minutes and 35 seconds and outgained App State 242-187 on the ground. The Eagles went 5-for-5 in the red zone, scoring two touchdowns and three field goals. Bryant converted all three field goal attempts, connecting from 23, 36 and 27 yards.

The Mountaineers went 3-for-10 on third down and turned the ball over four times via interception. Defensive back Dorrian Smith recorded two of Georgia Southern's four interceptions.

App State played with approximately 65 available players, including numerous athletes who returned to campus after initially entering the transfer portal. Five fifth-year seniors started for the Mountaineers alongside Johnson, a fourth-year senior, in what proved to be their final college game.

The loss snapped App State's three-game bowl winning streak and marked the program's ninth bowl appearance at the FBS level. Georgia Southern won its second bowl game in three seasons.

TAMPA, FL – NC State closed its season with authority Saturday at Raymond James Stadium, riding a dominant first-half performance to a 31-7 victory over Memphis in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl.

The Wolfpack scored all 31 points before halftime, with quarterback CJ Bailey accounting for three touchdowns in a performance that showcased both his versatility and command of the offense. Bailey rushed for one score and threw for two more, finishing 14-of-25 for 221 yards through the air while adding a 14-yard touchdown run.

The victory marked NC State's first bowl win since 2017 and gave the program its eighth win of the season, the fifth time in six years the Wolfpack has reached that mark.

The scoring started early when Bailey capped a seven-play, 75-yard opening drive with his rushing touchdown at the 11:32 mark of the first quarter. Both of Bailey's pass attempts on the drive went for more than 20 yards before he kept it himself for the score, his sixth rushing touchdown of the season.

The Pack defense forced a three-and-out and a turnover on downs on Memphis's first two possessions. NC State converted the latter into points when Bailey found Wesley Grimes for a 31-yard touchdown strike at the 3:21 mark, giving the Wolfpack a 14-0 lead. Grimes absorbed a hard hit near the goal line but fought his way into the end zone for his third touchdown of the season.

The game's turning point came on Memphis's next possession. Quarterback Brendon Lewis completed passes to Marcello Bussey for gains of 24 and six yards to move into NC State territory. But on second-and-six from the NC State 49, Lewis's pass was tipped at the line and intercepted by linebacker Caden Fordham at the NC State 42.

Fordham, who would be named the game's MVP and become the first defensive player to earn that honor in Gasparilla Bowl history, sprinted 55 yards down the sideline before being brought down at the Memphis 3-yard line by Bryce Anderson. The return marked the second-longest by an NC State player in a bowl game since 2008.

Will Wilson finished the short drive two plays later, punching it in from one yard out for his 10th rushing touchdown of the season. The score came just 14 seconds into the second quarter, extending the lead to 21-0. Wilson's 10 rushing touchdowns tie him with Philip Rivers for the second-most in a season by an NC State quarterback, trailing only Scott Smith's 13 in 1979.

The Wolfpack added a 51-yard field goal by Kanoah Vinesett at the 8:03 mark of the second quarter to make it 24-0. The kick was a season-long for Vinesett, who finished the year 6-of-7 on field goal attempts and perfect from beyond 30 yards.

Memphis finally got on the board with a methodical eight-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a 28-yard touchdown pass from Lewis to Jamari Hawkins with 4:59 remaining in the half, cutting the deficit to 24-7.

But NC State answered immediately. On the first play after the kickoff, redshirt freshman running back Jayden "Duke" Scott burst through the middle for a 35-yard run to the Memphis 40. Two plays later, Bailey threw deep to Teddy Hoffmann, who hauled in a 40-yard touchdown pass with 1:28 left in the half to push the advantage to 31-7. The touchdown was Hoffmann's third of the season, and the score in his home state of Florida capped a dominant first-half performance.

The 31 first-half points were the most for NC State in a half of a bowl game in the last 30 seasons, surpassing the previous high of 28 points. It was also the most scored in a half by any team in Gasparilla Bowl history and the fourth-most by an ACC team in any bowl game over the last 30 years.

The second half turned into a defensive struggle, with neither team able to reach the end zone. The two sides combined for five punts, four turnovers on downs, and a lost fumble. It marked the first time either team had been shut out in a half all season and the first scoreless half for NC State in a bowl game since a 14-0 victory over South Florida on New Year's Eve 2005.

Scott led all rushers with 108 yards on 19 carries in just his second collegiate start, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt. He became the fourth NC State player in the last 30 seasons to rush for 100 or more yards in a bowl game. Bailey added 30 rushing yards on seven attempts despite being sacked three times.

Wolfpack receivers averaged 15.8 yards per reception for the game, with eight different players recording catches of 15 or more yards. It was the first time NC State had eight or more players with a 15-plus-yard catch in the same game since 2010 at Georgia Tech and the first time an ACC team accomplished that feat in a bowl game since Maryland on New Year's Day 2004.

Grimes finished with three receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown, while Hoffmann's lone reception went for 40 yards and a score. Noah Rogers added two catches for 37 yards, and Dante Daniels contributed one reception for 22 yards.

Bailey became the only NC State player to have multiple passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in a bowl game in the last 30 seasons. He also became the first ACC player to record 200 or more passing yards, two or more passing touchdowns, and one or more rushing touchdowns in a bowl game since Trevor Lawrence in 2021. With 165 passing yards in the first half alone, Bailey became the seventh quarterback in NC State history to reach 3,000 passing yards in a season, finishing the year with 3,105 yards, good for ninth all-time in program history for a single season.

Fordham paced the defense with 13 tackles (five solo, eight assisted) to go along with his interception return, recording his ninth game of 10 or more tackles this season. The performance gave him 140 tackles for the year, the most in a season for NC State since Earl Wolff in 2012. As the leading tackler among Power Four conference players, Fordham also added 1.5 tackles for loss.

Linebacker Kenny Soares Jr. contributed 12 tackles, while Devon Marshall added eight stops and a pass breakup. Defensive end Joseph Adedire recorded a sack and recovered a fumble that Josiah Victor forced. Tra Thomas also had a sack, finishing off Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis for an 11-yard loss in the second quarter.

Memphis quarterback Lewis completed 14 of 25 passes for 106 yards, one touchdown and one interception before giving way to AJ Hill in the fourth quarter. Hill went 6-of-7 for 48 yards in relief. Khyair Spain led the Tigers' ground game with 65 yards on nine carries.

NC State converted 5 of 13 third-down attempts and held Memphis to just 7 points, becoming the first ACC team to hold an opponent to seven or fewer points and win by 24 or more in a bowl game since Virginia in 2018. The 24-point lead entering the fourth quarter was the largest for NC State heading into a final period of a bowl game in the last 30 seasons, and the game marked the eighth straight contest decided by 10 or more points for the Wolfpack.

The victory improved head coach Dave Doeren's record to eight or more wins in seven of the last nine seasons. NC State finished 8-5 overall and 6-0 when leading at halftime this season.

DURHAM – Crest High School captured its first state championship in a decade, defeating Hunt High School 31-14 in the NCHSAA 5A state title game at Durham County Stadium on December 12, 2025.

Second-year Crest coach Greg Lloyd returned to his alma mater and delivered a championship in his second season. The Chargers (13-2) built a 24-7 halftime lead behind senior quarterback Ely Hamrick, who accounted for 320 yards of total offense and was named game MVP. Hunt (12-3) fell to 0-2 all-time in state championship games, having previously lost in 2004.

Hamrick, a senior Virginia commit who transferred to Crest mid-season after being displaced by Hurricane Helene while attending A.C. Reynolds, completed 17 of 25 passes for 233 yards while rushing 15 times for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Senior receiver Michael Edwards added 95 rushing yards and two scores on nine carries, plus six receptions for 85 yards.

Hunt sixth-year coach Juan Jackson watched his Warriors strike first when senior quarterback Mez Harris called his own number on a 2-yard touchdown run at the 5:42 mark of the opening quarter. Harris capped a five-play, 37-yard drive after sophomore running back Doryan Jones converted two critical third downs, including a 15-yard run on third-and-13 and an 18-yard gain on third-and-10.

Crest responded with a seven-play, 94-yard touchdown drive that covered 3 minutes and 3 seconds. After Hunt defensive back Javion Hopper intercepted Harris at the Crest 6-yard line, the Chargers faced second-and-15 from their own 1-yard line following a sack by Hunt linebacker Judah Harris. Hamrick then connected with receiver Namajay Thompson for 49 yards to the Crest 50, sparking the comeback. Running back Jason Black rushed for 13 yards on the next play, and Edwards finished the drive with a 6-yard touchdown run after a horse collar tackle penalty moved the ball to the 1-yard line. Carson Grier’s extra point tied the game at 7-7 with 1:29 remaining in the first quarter.

The second quarter belonged to Crest, which scored on all three possessions to seize control. Pregame tensions between the teams carried into the game, with officials calling multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties to maintain order. Edwards broke a 35-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-1 from the Hunt 35 to give the Chargers a 14-7 lead at 9:17, finishing a seven-play, 55-yard drive. The Warriors managed only 16 yards on their next possession before punting.

Crest then engineered a 10-play, 66-yard scoring drive that consumed 3 minutes and 51 seconds. Hamrick rushed for 15 yards on second-and-1 to reach Hunt territory, and Black carried for 16 yards on second-and-12 to extend the drive. Hamrick scored from 1 yard out to push the advantage to 21-7 with 2:06 left in the half.

Hunt answered immediately when Harris scrambled out of the pocket and raced 80 yards for a touchdown on the second play of the ensuing drive, cutting the deficit to 21-14 with 1:42 remaining before halftime. Harris had called his own number for the second time, producing the longest run from scrimmage for either team.

Crest used the final 1:36 of the half to drive 79 yards in seven plays, with Hamrick completing a 50-yard pass to receiver D’various Surratt to set up Grier’s 27-yard field goal as time expired. The Chargers took a 24-14 lead into the locker room.

The third quarter featured another methodical Crest scoring drive. The Chargers used 10 plays to cover 80 yards in 5 minutes and 4 seconds, converting four third downs along the way. Hamrick completed a 15-yard pass to receiver Brock Melton on third-and-10, then finished the drive with a 24-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 31-14 with 9:56 left in the period.

Hunt mounted its best drive of the second half immediately after, advancing 60 yards on 11 plays. Jones rushed for 28 yards on third-and-8, and Harris added a 16-yard run on the next play. The Warriors reached the Crest 22 before Will Doll’s 38-yard field goal attempt missed wide at the 5:10 mark of the third quarter.

The game’s outcome was effectively decided when Crest took over at its own 22 following the missed field goal. The Chargers converted four consecutive third downs and drove to the Hunt 24 before Harris intercepted Hamrick at the Hunt 10-yard line with 7 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Lloyd’s defense shut out Hunt in the second half, holding the Warriors to just 70 total yards after halftime. Hunt’s offense managed just 10 net rushing yards in the fourth quarter on seven attempts. The Warriors fumbled on their second possession of the period, with Hopper recovering at the Hunt 48. Crest drove to the Hunt 4 before Edwards fumbled, with Hunt defensive back Jake Harris recovering with 1:26 remaining.

Crest held decisive advantages in total offense (555-217), first downs (25-9) and time of possession (30:32-17:28). The Chargers rushed for 322 yards on 47 attempts, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.

Harris finished with 103 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries for Hunt, while Jones added 100 yards on 16 attempts. Harris completed zero passes on six attempts with one interception, staying true to Hunt’s run-heavy approach that averaged just 10 pass attempts per game during the season.

Black led Crest’s ground game with 119 yards on 19 carries. Thompson caught six passes for 61 yards, and Edwards hauled in six receptions for 85 yards.

Hunt committed 11 penalties for 84 yards, while Crest was flagged 13 times for 130 yards, reflecting the chippy nature of the contest that began with pregame confrontations.

“Tonight was a special night,” Lloyd said. “I’m lucky to have the job that I’ve had this year, the last couple years at a place I love. I couldn’t be more proud to bring home the seventh state championship for Crest High School. It’s just a blessing.”

Top Performers

• Ely Hamrick, Crest: 17-of-25 passing, 233 yards; 15 rushes, 87 yards, 2 TD
• Michael Edwards, Crest: 9 rushes, 95 yards, 2 TD; 6 receptions, 85 yards
• Jason Black, Crest: 19 rushes, 119 yards
• Mez Harris, Hunt: 11 rushes, 103 yards, 2 TD; 1 interception
• Doryan Jones, Hunt: 16 rushes, 100 yards

The 5A championship is a battle of two 12-2 programs, one built on defensive star power and the other on consistent, blue-collar execution and a remarkable turnaround story. The Crest Chargers (12-2) of Boiling Springs are in the title hunt for the 11th time, holding a solid 6-4 record in their previous championship appearances. Crest is synonymous with football excellence in Cleveland County, and the current roster is loaded with the type of Division I talent that makes them a favorite in any matchup.

Head Coach Greg Lloyd, in his second season at Crest with a 22-5 record, has a career mark of 181-86-1 over 21 years of coaching in North Carolina. He's built this team around a dominant defense that features some of the state's most coveted recruits. The Chargers' defense is spearheaded by two elite Shrine Bowl participants: safety D'Various Surratt, an NC State commit, and safety Lyrik Pettis, a Duke commit.

This secondary is one of the best in the state, capable of erasing deep passes and creating turnovers. Surratt and Pettis are four-year varsity players who have been impact performers throughout their careers. Their ability to shut down high-powered offenses has been key to Crest's success through a tough playoff schedule. The defense also features senior linebacker Chris Gunter (6.6 tackles per game), who provides run-stopping ability and pass coverage versatility.

The defensive line, while perhaps less heralded, has been effective with seniors Paxton Dobbins (three-year varsity player), Eli Black (four-year varsity player), and Taveon Whistnant providing pressure and run defense. Crest allows just 12.2 points per game with three shutouts, demonstrating their defensive dominance.

Their offense is built to complement the defense, playing smart, ball-control football while occasionally exploding with big plays from their skilled positions. Senior quarterback Ely Hamrick, a Virginia commit with two years of varsity experience, manages the offense efficiently and has the arm talent to stretch defenses vertically. Senior receiver Michael Edwards (16 total touchdowns) is a three-year varsity player and primary target, while junior Namajay Thompson (56.3 yards per game) provides deep threat capability.

Senior running back Jason Black, despite being just a one-year varsity player, has emerged as a reliable ground threat. The offensive line features four-year varsity player Gavin Ledbetter and sophomore Denarion Hickman, a Gardner-Webb commit. The Chargers average 45.0 points per game, showing their ability to score in bunches when needed.

Lloyd points to a critical regular-season victory over South Point as the team's galvanizing moment, a game that confirmed they could compete with the best teams in their classification. The Chargers' playoff run has been dominant, including victories over Concord (69-6), East Lincoln (31-14), a revenge win over South Point (28-14), and Hickory (39-21).

The J.B. Hunt Warriors (12-2) have navigated a rigorous Eastern schedule under Head Coach Juan Jackson to earn their spot in the final. Jackson, in his sixth season with a 46-21 overall record, has revitalized a program that last appeared in a state final in 2004, when they lost to Concord 27-0. This marks Hunt's return to championship Saturday after a 21-year absence, making this moment particularly special for the Wilson community.

The Warriors finished second in the highly competitive Big East 5A/6A Conference, and their 12-2 overall record is a testament to the growth of the program and their ability to finish strong in the playoffs. After a loss to rival Tarboro (34-17) early in the season and a mid-season defeat to Northern Nash (49-14), Hunt has responded with six straight victories, peaking at precisely the right time.

Hunt's success is rooted in their run game and their ability to sustain drives and grind out difficult victories, often wearing down their opponents in the fourth quarter. Sophomore running back Doryan Jones has been exceptional, rushing for 1,629 yards and 19 touchdowns while averaging over 125 yards per game. Jones's emergence as a sophomore has given Hunt a dynamic playmaker who can break long runs and punish defenses between the tackles.

Junior quarterback Xzayvion "Mez" Harris, the Conference Offensive Player of the Year, manages the offense efficiently and has the dual-threat capability to extend plays with his legs. Senior receiver Jamauris Howard (30.1 yards per game) provides the deep threat, while senior Isaiah Chadwick offers another receiving option and contributes significantly on defense at cornerback.

The offensive line has been the foundation of Hunt's success, creating holes for Jones and protecting Harris in the passing game. Junior tackle Aarion Bryant is an All-Conference selection, while senior center James Gibson is a four-year varsity player who anchors the front.

Defensively, Hunt is led by junior inside linebacker Judah Harris (14.2 tackles per game), who has been all over the field all season. Junior defensive tackle Christopher Dickerson is an All-Conference selection who provides interior pressure and run-stopping ability, while junior Randy James contributes from the defensive end position. Senior cornerback Jamauris Howard (8 interceptions) leads a secondary that has been opportunistic, and senior safety Xzayvion Harris contributes from his free safety position.

Special teams provide another advantage for Hunt, with senior Will Doll serving as kicker and punter. Doll is a three-year varsity player, Conference Special Teams Player of the Year, and Shrine Bowl selection whose consistency in the kicking game has been crucial in close contests. The Warriors average 36.8 points per game while allowing 21.4, with two shutouts demonstrating their defensive capability.

Hunt's playoff journey has been marked by close victories that tested their resolve: a 30-28 win over Eastern Alamance in the first round, a 32-29 thriller over Croatan in the regional final, and a solid 20-7 semifinal victory over Northside-Jacksonville. These close games have prepared them for the championship stage.

The Matchup: Hunt must find a way to protect the ball and establish the line of scrimmage, keeping the ball away from the dynamic Crest safeties. If Hunt's offense can control the clock with Jones and limit Crest's possessions, they have a real shot at the title. Their ground-and-pound approach could neutralize Crest's pass-rushing ability and keep Surratt and Pettis from making game-changing plays.

However, the sheer athleticism and defensive playmaking ability of players like Surratt and Pettis give the Chargers a major advantage. Crest's ability to create turnovers and convert them into points could be the difference. The Chargers will also look to exploit Hunt's defense with Hamrick's arm talent and the speed of their receivers.

This game will likely be a low-scoring affair, decided in the trenches, with the Crest defense potentially tipping the scales in their favor with a late-game interception or forced fumble. Hunt's experience in close games and their momentum from six straight wins gives them confidence, but Crest's star power and championship pedigree make them formidable.

The 69-mile journey from Wilson to Durham represents the final leg of a remarkable season for Hunt, while Crest travels 187 miles from Boiling Springs seeking to add another championship to Cleveland County's rich football tradition. Both communities will be well-represented Saturday night in what promises to be a physical, hard-fought battle for the 5A crown.

J.B. Hunt Warriors (12-2) vs. Crest Chargers (12-2)

December 13 (Sat) at Durham County Memorial Stadium

Kickoff: 8:00 p.m.