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)