DURHAM – Get the scoreboard operator a Gatorade. The scoreboard stayed busy all game as Shelby and Kinston traded blows in a 125-point offensive explosion, with the Golden Lions claiming the NCHSAA 3A football state championship 84-41 behind quarterback Lan Farmar's 10 touchdowns and 644 yards of total offense.

Farmar completed 20 of 27 passes for 459 yards and eight touchdowns through the air, adding two more scores on the ground. The senior quarterback carved up the Vikings secondary with precision, connecting with four different receivers for touchdowns and spreading the ball around to keep Kinston's defense off balance.

Lorenzo Roseboro emerged as Farmar's primary target, hauling in four receptions for 147 yards and four touchdowns. His 36.8 yards per catch average reflected the big-play nature of Shelby's passing attack. Immanuel Collins added seven catches for 123 yards and a score, while Calvin Ramseur contributed four receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. Kendrick Raper rounded out the receiving corps with five catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns.

Shelby established a balanced offensive attack by rushing for 185 yards on 30 carries. Running back Jonas Woods led the ground game with 20 carries for 129 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt. Farmar added 38 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries, while Tyler Tate chipped in 18 yards on three attempts.

The Golden Lions controlled the line of scrimmage throughout, converting 11 first downs while averaging 11.3 yards per play. Shelby ran 57 offensive plays and held the ball for 23:07. The offense operated with efficiency in critical situations, converting 1 of 5 third-down attempts and 2 of 2 fourth-down tries.

Kinston quarterback Tyler Jones kept the Vikings competitive through the air, completing 18 of 28 passes for 348 yards and four touchdowns, though he threw three interceptions that proved costly. Backup quarterback Michael Eaton added a 25-yard touchdown pass on his lone completion.

Tyreek Copper provided the big plays for Kinston's passing game, catching seven passes for 229 yards and three touchdowns. His 32.7 yards per reception included a 69-yard scoring strike from Jones. Brennan Chambers added four receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown, averaging 25.8 yards per catch. Genesis Wiggins caught four passes for 27 yards and a score, while Pap Brown had four catches for 14 yards.

The Vikings struggled to establish a ground game against Shelby's defense, managing just 46 yards on 19 carries. Wiggins led the rushing attack with 13 carries for 26 yards, while Eljai Sumpter added 24 yards on two attempts. Brown gained two yards on one carry, and Jones was held to no yards on two carries. Ex'Zavion Croom lost six yards on his lone carry.

Kinston totaled 419 yards on 48 plays, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt. The Vikings converted 14 first downs but struggled on third down, succeeding on just 2 of 7 attempts. They went 0 for 2 on fourth-down conversions and possessed the ball for 27:53.

Shelby's defense generated three interceptions off Jones, returning them for 25 yards. The Golden Lions also recorded one fumble recovery that Kinston returned for one yard. The turnover margin proved decisive in the outcome.

Special teams played a factor in field position. Shelby averaged 43 yards on one punt, while Kinston averaged 30.5 yards on two punts. On kickoff returns, Kinston gained 268 yards on 12 returns, averaging 22.3 yards per return. Shelby returned seven kicks for 153 yards, averaging 21.9 yards per attempt.

Both teams committed penalties that cost them yardage. Shelby was flagged seven times for 50 yards, while Kinston drew six penalties for 47 yards.

The play-by-play revealed a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. Farmar connected with Roseboro on multiple touchdown passes, including scoring strikes of 42 and 36 yards. He also found Collins, Ramseur, and Raper in the end zone multiple times. His rushing touchdowns came from two yards and one yard out.

Jones and Copper connected on touchdown passes of 69, 52, and other big gains that kept Kinston within striking distance at various points. Chambers hauled in a long touchdown reception, and Wiggins scored on an 18-yard pass from Jones. Eaton threw a 25-yard touchdown pass in relief.

Woods punched in rushing touchdowns for Shelby, including one from 26 yards out. His physical running style helped the Golden Lions control the clock and maintain offensive balance.

The game featured multiple lead changes and momentum swings in the first half before Shelby pulled away. The Golden Lions scored on drives that showcased their offensive versatility, mixing up run and pass plays while converting key third and fourth downs to sustain drives.

Defensively, Shelby's secondary made crucial plays when needed, intercepting Jones three times and breaking up passes at key moments. The front seven limited Kinston's rushing attack to minimal gains, forcing the Vikings to become one-dimensional and rely heavily on the passing game.

The scoring pace remained high throughout the four quarters. Shelby's ability to answer Kinston's scoring drives prevented the Vikings from gaining momentum. When Kinston would score to close the gap, the Golden Lions would respond with quick-strike touchdowns through the air or methodical drives on the ground.

The victory added another state championship to Shelby's program history, with the Golden Lions' place among North Carolina's most successful high school football programs further solidified. The combination of Farmar's dual-threat ability, a talented receiving corps, a productive running game, and an opportunistic defense proved too much for Kinston to overcome.

Kinston's season ended despite Jones's strong passing performance and Copper's explosive plays. The Vikings' inability to run the ball effectively and protect the football ultimately sealed their fate in the championship game.

Top Performers

Shelby:

• QB Lan Farmar: 20-27, 459 yards, 8 passing TDs; 7 carries, 38 yards, 2 rushing TDs
• WR Lorenzo Roseboro: 4 receptions, 147 yards, 4 TDs
• WR Immanuel Collins: 7 receptions, 123 yards, 1 TD
• RB Jonas Woods: 20 carries, 129 yards, 2 TDs
• WR Calvin Ramseur: 4 receptions, 100 yards, 1 TD
• WR Kendrick Raper: 5 receptions, 89 yards, 2 TDs

Kinston:

• WR Tyreek Copper: 7 receptions, 229 yards, 3 TDs
• QB Tyler Jones: 18-28, 348 yards, 4 TDs, 3 INTs
• WR Brennan Chambers: 4 receptions, 103 yards, 1 TD
• RB Eljai Sumpter: 2 carries, 24 yards
• WR Genesis Wiggins: 4 receptions, 27 yards, 1 TD; 13 carries, 26 yards
• QB Michael Eaton: 1-1, 25 yards, 1 TD

The 3A Championship provides a stark contrast between a program that measures success in state titles and a program seeking to establish its own modern legacy. The Shelby Golden Lions are arguably the NCHSAA's most historically successful program, making their 25th appearance in a title game and boasting a phenomenal 18-6 record in those contests. When you include their nine WNCHSAA championship appearances between 1947-1976 (where they went 4-3-2), Shelby's championship pedigree is unmatched. The Golden Lions come into the contest with a 12-3 record, a testament to their continued excellence under Head Coach Mike Wilbanks.

Wilbanks, in his seventh season at Shelby with a 76-20 overall record, has established himself as one of the state's elite coaches. He won both the 2019 2AA and 2021 2A championships with the Golden Lions, and this team has all the pieces to add a third title to his resume. After an 0-2 start that included losses to county rivals Kings Mountain and Crest, the Lions have responded with 12 straight victories, demonstrating resilience and championship character.

The 2025 Golden Lions are led by the powerful arm of quarterback Lan Farmer. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound senior is an exceptional talent whose statistics speak for themselves: 3,770 passing yards, 48 passing touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions this season. Farmer's ability to stretch the field vertically and find open receivers makes the Shelby offense nearly impossible to stop when he is clicking. His command of the offense and decision-making have been exemplary all season.

Farmer has guided the Lions through a tough playoff bracket, including critical wins over East Rutherford (65-34), Mount Airy (41-21), and a heart-stopping 43-41 regional final victory over Eastern Randolph. In that Eastern Randolph thriller, Farmer threw for 388 yards and 3 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to perform in pressure moments. Wilbanks pointed to an earlier regular-season game against Burns, won on a last-second blocked field goal (36-35), as the team's most galvanizing moment.

Freshman running back Jonas Woods has been a revelation, leading the team with 73.8 yards per game and 14 touchdowns. His emergence has given Shelby a ground game to complement Farmer's aerial assault. Junior receiver Immanuel Collins Jr. (68.9 yards per game) is Farmer's favorite target, while junior Kendrick Raper provides another deep threat.

Defensively, the Lions are anchored by junior linebacker Landon Hollifield (8.5 tackles per game) and senior defensive end Noah Gartner, who has recorded 15.0 sacks, among the state's best. Senior free safety Derrick Kee and senior strong safety Kendrick Raper (who also plays receiver) provide secondary coverage. The Golden Lions average 47.8 points per game while allowing 19.3, with four shutouts demonstrating their ability to dominate on both sides of the ball.

The Kinston Vikings (11-4) are seeking to crash the Shelby coronation and remind everyone that they, too, have championship pedigree, although the Vikings' last title was seventy years ago. Kinston is reaching the title game for the third time in fourteen years, proving they know how to get to the final stage. Head Coach Ryan Gieselman, in his 13th season with a 106-56 career record, led the Vikings to the 2015 2A championship game where they fell to Shelby 57-21, a loss that still motivates this program.

The Vikings have navigated a challenging path, evident by their 11-4 record and 14-seed in the playoffs, one of the lowest seeds to ever reach a championship game. After losses to South Central, White Oak, Ayden-Grifton, and rival Tarboro (42-35), Kinston found its identity and embarked on a remarkable playoff run. Gieselman points to a mid-season victory over Greene Central as the galvanizing moment that turned the season around.

Kinston relies on an aggressive, fast-paced game to create turnovers and quick scoring opportunities. Senior receiver Tyreek Copper has been nothing short of sensational, recording a record-setting 2,000+ receiving yards and 32 touchdowns while averaging 134.2 yards per game. Copper's production is among the best in state history, and he's the primary reason Kinston's offense averages 37.0 points per game despite their pass-heavy approach (270.8 passing yards per game).

Senior running back Genesis Wiggins provides balance with 57.6 yards per game, while senior quarterback Tyler Jones manages the offense and delivers the ball to Copper and fellow receivers Pap Brown and Brennan Chambers. The Vikings' aerial attack is designed to create explosive plays and force opponents to defend the entire field.

Defensively, Kinston is led by senior Jemorris Poole (10.3 tackles per game) and junior cornerback Justin Gooding Jr. (5 interceptions). Senior linebacker Davieon Jones contributes 4.0 sacks, while the secondary must play aggressive, physical coverage to disrupt opposing passing games. The Vikings allow 20.5 points per game, and their ability to create turnovers (2.3 per game) has been crucial to their success.

The Matchup: This game pits the established air-raid dominance of Shelby, with Farmer's 48 touchdown passes, against the aggressive, opportunistic style of Kinston and Copper's record-setting season. If the Vikings can force a few turnovers and convert them into scores, exploiting any potential weakness in the Lions' protection, they have a chance to add another perfect title game record to their history.

Kinston must find a way to pressure Lan Farmer and disrupt his timing, relying on the athleticism of their defensive line and secondary. However, Gartner's 15 sacks suggest Shelby's pass rush could be equally problematic for Kinston's pass-heavy attack. The key will be protecting the quarterback and giving Copper opportunities to make plays in space.

This rematch of the 2015 championship, which Shelby won convincingly, takes on added significance. Can Kinston avenge that loss a decade later? Or will Shelby's history and the sheer passing volume of Lan Farmer prove too much? The Vikings will need a historic defensive performance to stop the Golden Lions from collecting their 19th state title trophy, but their perfect championship game record suggests they shouldn't be underestimated.

The 283-mile journey from Kinston to Shelby represents more than distance; it's the culmination of two very different seasons that converged at the same destination. One program has been here many times; the other arrives as the ultimate underdog. Both will leave everything on the field Saturday afternoon.

Kinston Vikings (11-4) vs. Shelby Golden Lions (12-3)

Durham County Memorial Stadium

Kickoff: 2:00 p.m.

The NCHSAA football playoffs opened with a full slate of first-round games across all eight classifications, and while most higher seeds advanced as expected, several double-digit seeds scored notable upsets, a reminder that this year’s brackets are built strictly off RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) rather than win–loss records or conference standings.

1A East: Washington County 12, North Edgecombe 26

1A East: Hobgood Charter 44, Weldon 14

1A East: Sallie B. Howard 49, Columbia 0

1A West: Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy 30, Chatham Central 12

1A West: Rosman 38, Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy 28

1A West: College Prep & Leadership Academy 34, Andrews 42

2A East: Northampton County 50, Lejeune 7

2A East: Northwest Halifax 26, Union 28

2A East: Southside 52, Pamlico County 28

2A East: American Leadership Academy - Johnston 26, Rosewood 52

2A East: Camden County 33, West Columbus 30

2A West: North Rowan 55, Avery County 10

2A West: Hayesville 41, Highland Tech 6

2A West: Mountain Island Charter 40, Elkin 7

2A West: Cherryville 55, South Stokes 12

2A West: Albemarle 21, Cherokee 15

3A East: Ayden - Grifton 48, South Lenoir 20

3A East: South Columbus 38, West Bladen 0

3A East: Princeton 54, Beddingfield 18

3A East: Wake Prep Academy 37, Bartlett Yancey 0

3A East: Farmville Central 56, Heide Trask 28

3A East: Kinston 53, North Moore 7

3A East: Hertford County 26, Northwood 14

3A East: Wallace-Rose Hill 37, Greene Central 36

3A West: Hendersonville 50, East Davidson 0

3A West: Shelby 70, McMichael 14

3A West: West Wilkes 14, Wheatmore 21

3A West: West Davidson 28, Madison 13

3A West: East Surry 35, Polk County 15

3A West: Owen 14, Union Academy 24

3A West: Thomasville 14, Chase 7

3A West: West Lincoln 42, North Wilkes 13

4A East: Eastern Wayne 21, Anson 14

4A East: Clinton 28, Ledford 20

4A East: SouthWest Edgecombe 50, Southwest Onslow 0

4A East: North Pitt 44, Cummings 7

4A East: Carver 16, Morehead 14

4A East: North Johnston 42, Washington 35

4A East: Nash Central 12, Roanoke Rapids 14

4A East: Red Springs 37, Jordan-Matthews 12

4A West: Lexington Senior 22, West Stanly 24

4A West: Bandys 71, South Rowan 14

4A West: North Surry 40, Salisbury 26

4A West: Tuscola 13, East Burke 6

4A West: West Iredell 45, Ashe County 0

4A West: Lake Norman Charter 19, Foard 21

4A West: R-S Central 48, Wilkes Central 6

4A West: West Stokes 39, Forbush 3

5A East: Southeast Alamance 42, Orange 0

5A East: Western Alamance 12, South Granville 20

5A East: West Carteret 35, C.B. Aycock 21

5A East: Havelock 47, Richlands 0

5A East: South Brunswick 28, Seaforth 29

5A East: J.F. Webb 56, Person 68

5A East: Rockingham County 50, Dixon 58

5A East: Eastern Alamance 35, Fike 0

5A West: West Rowan 41, Southern Guilford 23

5A West: Oak Grove 30, North Lincoln 8

5A West: Forest Hills 40, Smoky Mountain 28

5A West: West Henderson 42, East Rowan 7

5A West: Concord 29, Forestview 28

5A West: Carson 7, Montgomery Central 30

5A West: North Davidson 46, North Henderson 8

5A West: Erwin 49, Huss 21

6A East: Terry Sanford 49, E.E. Smith 20

6A East: South Johnston 47, Vance County 7

6A East: J.H. Rose 47, Triton 10

6A East: Franklinton 28, Gray's Creek 6

6A East: Lee County 21, Westover 20

6A East: West Brunswick 35, West Johnston 6

6A East: Eastern Guilford 22, White Oak 32

6A East: Harnett Central 40, South View 37

6A West: A.C. Reynolds 56, South Caldwell 0

6A West: Kings Mountain 28, Ben L. Smith 14

6A West: Dudley 35, Glenn 14

6A West: Olympic 35, Ragsdale 0

6A West: Southeast Guilford 10, Central Cabarrus 38

6A West: Statesville 28, Alexander Central 3

6A West: Asheville 42, Western Guilford 7

6A West: St. Stephens 24, Mount Tabor 23

7A East: Cary 13, Ashley 14

7A East: New Bern 50, Overhills 0

7A East: Southern Durham 6, Sanderson 41

7A East: Wake Forest 59, North Brunswick 28

7A East: New Hanover 28, Heritage 14

7A East: South Central 14, South Garner 62

7A East: Fuquay-Varina 29, Holly Springs 7

7A East: SSEAS 61, Lumberton 15

7A West: Davie County 19, West Mecklenburg 0

7A West: East Forsyth 63, Purnell Swett 0

7A West: Porter Ridge 26, Cuthbertson 16

7A West: A.L. Brown 34, South Iredell 27

7A West: Butler 42, Hopewell 28

7A West: Page 68, McDowell 0

7A West: Marvin Ridge 52, Chapel Hill 13

7A West: West Cabarrus 28, R.J. Reynolds 27

8A East: Rolesville 49, Green Hope 0

8A East: Leesville Road 49, Broughton 12

8A East: Panther Creek 27, Enloe 14

8A East: Laney 12, Willow Spring 31

8A West: West Forsyth 43, Northwest Guilford 7

8A West: Pinecrest 31, Chambers 32

8A West: Providence 14, Ardrey Kell 7

8A West: South Mecklenburg 32, Palisades 35

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association released its football playoff brackets Sunday, setting the stage for first-round action across all eight classifications beginning Friday, November 7.

In a historic shift, the NCHSAA expanded from four classifications to eight this season, creating new opportunities for teams across the state. A total of 330 teams earned playoff berths based solely on RPI (Ratings Percentage Index), with brackets ranging from 22 teams in 1A to 48 teams in most other classifications.

Defending Champions in New Landscape

The classification expansion has reshuffled last year's state champions into different competitive tiers. Tarboro, the defending champion from the old system, enters as the No. 1 seed in 2A East. Monroe, another 2024 titleholder, claimed the No. 8 seed in 5A West. West Charlotte secured the No. 2 seed in 8A West, while Grimsley earned the top seed in 7A West as it looks to defend its crown.

The new eight-classification structure creates fresh championship races across the state, with no defending champions in 1A, 3A, 4A, or 6A under the restructured system.

Top Seeds Across Classifications

Several programs secured the No. 1 seeds in their respective brackets:

East: KIPP Pride (1A), Tarboro (2A), James Kenan (3A), Reidsville (4A), Hunt (5A), Jacksonville (6A), Cardinal Gibbons (7A), and Hoggard (8A) earned top billing in the Eastern brackets.

West: Robbinsville (1A), Murphy (2A), Mountain Heritage (3A), Brevard (4A), South Point (5A), Watauga (6A), Grimsley (7A), and Hough (8A) claimed the top seeds in the Western brackets.

First-Round Byes and Matchups

The top five seeds in 1A received first-round byes, while other classifications feature full brackets. Notable first-round matchups include several inter-regional contests, with teams like Washington County (1A East No. 6) facing Winston-Salem Prep (1A West No. 6) in cross-bracket play.

In 1A East, No. 8 Sallie B. Howard faces No. 9 Columbia, while No. 7 Hobgood Charter takes on Rosman from the West bracket. The 1A West bracket features Andrews (No. 9) traveling to College Prep & Leadership Academy (No. 8).

Competitive Balance Across State

The expansion to eight classifications aims to create more competitive balance across North Carolina's diverse football landscape. Traditional powers are spread throughout the new system, with programs like Reidsville (4A East No. 1), Cardinal Gibbons (7A East No. 1), and perennial contenders finding new homes in the restructured format.

The 2A brackets are particularly deep, featuring 22 teams in each region. Murphy, a storied program in western North Carolina, leads the 2A West bracket, while Tarboro's defending championship pedigree makes it the team to beat in the East.

Mid-tier classifications showcase competitive depth, with Hunt leading 5A East and South Point topping 5A West. The state's largest classification, 8A, features 24 teams with Hoggard and Hough as the respective regional favorites.

Road to Championships

Teams will battle through multiple rounds over the coming weeks, with state championship games scheduled for mid-December. The RPI-based seeding system eliminates subjective selection, with every playoff berth and seed determined by the mathematical formula that weighs winning percentage, opponents' winning percentage, and opponents' opponents' winning percentage.

Friday night's opening round marks the beginning of a new era in North Carolina high school football, as the expanded playoff system provides more teams the opportunity to compete for state titles while maintaining competitive balance across all eight classifications.

RALEIGH – On a chilly Saturday afternoon at Carter-Finley Stadium, the West Charlotte Lions captured the NCHSAA 3A state championship with a hard-fought 14-7 victory over Seventy-First, riding an efficient passing attack and stalwart defensive effort to secure the title.

In a game where offensive opportunities proved scarce, West Charlotte quarterback Jamouri Nichols delivered a masterful performance, completing 12 of 13 passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns. His precision through the air proved to be the difference in a defensive struggle that saw both teams battle for every yard.

The Lions struck first, establishing their passing attack early when Nichols connected with KD Cotton on a 6-yard touchdown strike in the opening quarter. That early score would stand as the game's only points until late in the second quarter, as both defenses settled in and refused to yield ground.

Seventy-First, playing without starting quarterback Deandre Nance due to a knee injury suffered the previous week, showed remarkable resilience. The Falcons mounted an impressive seven-minute drive before halftime, culminating in Jayson Franklin's 5-yard touchdown run that knotted the score at 7-7.

The third quarter evolved into a tactical chess match, with field position proving crucial. West Charlotte appeared poised to break the deadlock when they drove deep into Falcons territory, but a touchdown run by Nichols was nullified by a penalty. The Lions' frustration mounted as they turned the ball over on downs at the 6-yard line.

The decisive moment finally arrived early in the fourth quarter when Nichols found Donte Nicholson for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown. The 10-yard scoring strike capped a methodical drive that started at the game's most critical juncture.

Seventy-First mounted two late challenges, recovering a fumble in Lions territory with 6:53 remaining, but the West Charlotte defense stood firm. The Falcons' final desperate drive ended on a botched spike attempt as time expired, setting off a celebration on the Lions' sideline.

The defensive nature of the contest was reflected in the statistics, with both teams finding rushing yards at a premium. West Charlotte's Emory McClain Jr. led all rushers with 47 yards on 14 carries, while the Lions' defense limited Seventy-First to just 46 total rushing yards on 26 attempts.

Davion Jones proved to be Nichols' favorite target, hauling in 8 receptions for 55 yards as the Lions consistently moved the chains through the air. The Falcons' Jytavius Whitted provided several explosive plays in defeat, including a 50-yard reception that set up their lone touchdown.

The victory marked a triumphant culmination for West Charlotte, whose defense proved championship-worthy by holding Seventy-First to just seven points. The Falcons entered the contest averaging significantly more points per game but found themselves stymied by a Lions defensive unit that recorded eight tackles for loss.

For Seventy-First, the loss was particularly bitter given their late opportunities. Despite the absence of their starting quarterback, the Falcons remained within striking distance throughout, a testament to their defensive unit led by Kaiveon Gear and Hector Bautista, who combined for 19 tackles.

The championship represents a crowning achievement for West Charlotte's program, which demonstrated championship mettle in the season's biggest moment. Their blend of efficient offense and suffocating defense proved to be the perfect formula for capturing the 3A crown on a memorable December afternoon in Raleigh.

CHAPEL HILL – In a highly anticipated clash at Kenan Memorial Stadium, the Hickory Red Tornadoes secured a historic victory in the 3A State Championship game against the Seventy-First Falcons, marking their first NCHSAA Football State Championship since 1996. The game kicked off with both teams boasting undefeated records, intensifying the stakes.

Hickory initiated the scoring with a 15-play, 74-yard drive culminating in a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Isaiah Lackey, setting the tone for the night. Seventy-First responded with a well-executed 12-play, 72-yard drive, as Deandre Nance connected with Amire Drummond for a 13-yard touchdown pass, evening the score at 7-7 by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter witnessed a relentless exchange of touchdowns. Isaiah Lackey’s second touchdown of the night, along with a successful two-point conversion, changed the pace of the game. Seventy-First’s Deandre Nance responded with a short keeper, but an unsuccessful PAT attempt kept the Red Tornadoes in the lead. Hickory managed to secure a 5-point lead at halftime with a 26-yard field goal by Braeden McCourt as time expired.

The third quarter brought a pivotal moment as Seventy-First's Nance spearheaded a swift five-play, 88-yard drive, breaking through Hickory's defense for a 38-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Falcons their first, and only, lead of the night going into the final quarter. However, the Red Tornadoes responded emphatically in the fourth quarter. Isaiah Lackey bulldozed his way to a 12-yard rushing touchdown, his third of the night, and coupled with a successful 2-point conversion, propelled Hickory to a 26-19 lead. The Falcons fought back and tied the game at 26-26 with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jaydyn Surgeon.

In a nail-biting climax, with just 36 seconds on the clock, Hickory's MVP Brady Stober orchestrated a game-winning drive, capping it off with an 8-yard touchdown run. Stober's stellar performance, finishing 21-of-30 for 238 yards through the air and contributing 46 yards and a touchdown on the ground, solidified his MVP status.

The Falcons launched a final threat in the dying moments, but Hickory's Will Prince secured the victory with an interception in the end zone as time expired. The Red Tornadoes concluded the season with a flawless 16-0 record, marking their second appearance in the state finals and a triumphant return to championship glory.

A Clash of Titans

Hickory, the West No. 2 seed, is coming into the game with a strong record. The team edged No. 4 Seed Dudley 42-41 in the 3A Regional Championships, scoring the game-winning touchdown with just 1:36 left in the fourth quarter. This victory marks their return to the Championship Game for the first time since 1996.

On the other hand, Seventy-First is making a triumphant return to the state championship for the first time since 2008. They secured their spot after beating No. 11 Seed Northern Nash 50-36, avenging a loss to Northern Nash in the same round last year. Deandre Nance, the team’s star player, was responsible for six touchdowns in the win, running for four and throwing for two.

Stats and Team Leaders

When comparing team stats, both teams have their strengths. Seventy-First excels in rushing yards per game with 348.7, compared to Hickory’s 205.9. However, Hickory outperforms in passing yards per game with 247.4, against Seventy-First’s 104.3. Both teams are nearly neck-and-neck in total yards per game, with Seventy-First at 452.9 and Hickory at 453.3.

In terms of team leaders, Deandre Nance of Seventy-First leads in rushing yards per game (102.1), passing yards per game (103.3), total yards per game (205.4), and points per game (15.3). On Hickory’s side, Brady Stober leads in passing yards per game (246.3) and total yards per game (251.6), while Isaiah Lackey leads in rushing yards per game (119.8) and points per game (13.6).

Season Recap

Both teams have had impressive seasons leading up to the championship. Seventy-First boasts a winning streak, with victories over Richmond, Pine Forest, Hoke County, South View, Gray’s Creek, Cape Fear, Jack Britt, Purnell Swett, Lumberton, Douglas Byrd, Triton, Williams, Fike, Southern Alamance, and Northern Nash.

Hickory, on the other hand, has also had a successful season with wins against Hibriten, Newton-Conover, Cox Mill, East Lincoln, North Lincoln, St. Stephens, North Iredell, West Iredell, Foard, Statesville, Huss, North Lincoln, A.C. Reynolds, West Henderson, and Dudley.

With both teams bringing their A-game, the NCHSAA 3A Championship promises to be a thrilling event. As the teams prepare for the big game, fans eagerly await to see who will emerge as the champion. Stay tuned for more updates!

RALEIGH – The 3A state championship game, scheduled to be the last game of the 2022 North Carolina high school football season, featured two undefeated teams with dynamic offenses and stingy defenses. In the end, it was turnovers that seemed to make the biggest difference, with East Lincoln’s four turnovers leading the Mustangs to a 30-15 victory and the 3A state championship.

Northern Nash started the game with a bang, with Keno Jones hitting a streaking Randall King for a sixty-six-yard catch and run to get the Knights inside the five-yard line on the second play of the game. Jones scored on a keeper on the next play to put Northern Nash on the board less than a minute into the game. A fumble on East Lincoln’s first play from scrimmage looked like it would be a disaster for the Mustangs, but the East Lincoln defense stepped up and turned Northern Nash over on downs.

Energized by their team’s big defensive stops, the Mustangs offense started to hit their stride later in the quarter. Sophomore running back Christopher Daley II punished the Northern Nash defense, rumbling in from thirty-five yards out to give the Mustangs a 7-6 lead. Keno Jones went deep again on the next Northern Nash drive, hitting Trey Battle for forty-five yards to get the Knights in scoring position. The East Lincoln defense kept the Knights out of the end zone and forced a Bryson Jenkins field goal to end the quarter.

The second quarter belonged to quarterback Tyler Mizzell and the Mustangs. Mizzell threw two beautiful touchdown passes to give East Lincoln a commanding lead going into the half. The first score was a toss to Markell Clark, but it was the fade to Keandre Walker in the back corner of the end zone that had the Mustang faithful on their feet and feeling like they had overcome the costly miscues from earlier in the evening. A Christopher Mileta field goal with no time remaining in the half set the intermission score at 24-9. After a scoreless third quarter, Mileta would add the next points of the game with two fourth-quarter field goals. Keno Jones added a late touchdown pass to Ashton Rhodes to cap the scoring.

Defensively, East Lincoln teetered between giving up big passes to Northern Nash’s speedy outside receivers and making athletic plays to pick off passes. Defensive end Diego Neira picked off a screen pass to set up East Lincoln’s second touchdown of the night. Aiden Terrell and Keandre Walker picked off passes on consecutive drives in the third quarter and Marcel Johnson recovered a fumble early in the fourth quarter to keep Northern Nash off the board.

The win marked the third football state championship for East Lincoln, all within the last eleven seasons. Northern Nash suffered its first loss of the season and fell to 0-2 all-time in state title games.

 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 – Records fell in Friday night's 3A state championship game between the Dudley Panthers and the JH Rose Rampants. Fans in attendance were treated to an offensive spectacle as the two teams combined for 109 points, breaking a fourteen-year-old record. Dudley set the record for most points in a neutral site title game as the Panthers raced past the Rampants, 69-40, to secure their seventh state championship and first in five seasons.

Everything seemed to be going Dudley's way at the start of the game. A holding penalty on the first play of the game and a sack two plays later forced an early punt from deep in Rose territory. A good return set up the Panthers at the Rampant 29-yard line. Five plays later, RJ Baker rushed it in from three yards out. On the ensuing drive, a pass over the middle was picked off by Jaylan Richmond, who raced fifty-six yards for the pick-six and an early two-score lead. After forcing another punt, Dudley's Michael Shaw burst through the line and sprinted seventy-six yards down the home sideline for the Panthers' third score to open the game.

JH Rose responded with an eight-play drive on its next possession. After Will Taylor threw a pass where only his guy could get it, Jayden Grimes hauled in a catch in the left side of the end zone to give the Rampants their first points of the night. This seemed to give some momentum to the Rose defense as well, and the Rampant faithful were yelling ecstatically when sophomore safety Jameer Roach stepped in front of a Dudley pass and scooted fifty-nine yards down the field for the pick-six. At the end of the first quarter, things looked to be going Rose's way as the Rampants had cut the Panthers' lead to one score.

Dudley found its mojo again in the second quarter. After giving up the scoring interception the drive before, Jahmier Slade was determined to not let that be the deciding factor in the first half. The senior quarterback engineered a seven-play, sixty-five-yard scoring drive with Slade himself running it in around the left side to extend the Panthers' lead to 27-14. It was a short-lived momentum burst, though, as a bad snap on a punt attempt on Dudley's next possession set up Rose at the six-yard line. Senior running back Klavon Brown did the rest one play later and one score separated the two teams halfway through the second quarter.

In what seemed to be the critical turning point of the game, fortune favored the Panthers late in the quarter as the Panthers were able to add two touchdowns in the last minute of the first half. A recovered fumble set up a five-yard Mekhi Wall rushing score and a recovery on the ensuing kickoff helped Dudley go into the half with a 49-20 lead after Jahmier Slade's fourteen-yard scoring pass to RJ Baker.

What was supposed to be a football state championship game turned into a track meet of sorts in the third quarter as each team found new ways to score each time they held the ball. A big kickoff return got the Panthers started in Rose territory and the western regional champions took advantage of the great field position, scoring a minute and a half later on Jahmier Slade's second rushing touchdown of the evening. Rose refused to relent even in the face of a seemingly insurmountable Dudley lead. Will Taylor and Jayden Grimes connected for the second time of the evening, a forty-three-yard pass that picked up the mood on the Rampant sideline early in the third quarter.

The two teams kept trading blows like heavyweight fighters through the rest of the quarter. After Dudley scored on a Slade to Wall pass for the second time on the night, Rose got back on the board with a long pass from Taylor to Montez Green. Dudley went right back down the field, with Slade keeping it for his third score of the night. Just when it looked like the fireworks would slow down, RJ Baker took a Rose punt to the house to make it 69-34 going into the final quarter. Rose would add a late score to set the final tally.

MVP – Jahmier Slade (Dudley)

Dudley Def. MOP – Logan Wright (DE)

Dudley Off. MOP – Michael Shaw (RB)

JH Rose Off. MOP – Jayden Grimes (WR)

JH Rose Def. MOP – Klavon Brown (LB)

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)