HICKORY – Reidsville dismantled previously unbeaten Brevard 50-20 on Saturday at Lenoir Rhyne’s Moretz Stadium to claim the NCHSAA 4A state championship behind an explosive offensive performance.

The Rams (13-2) scored on seven of their nine possessions, amassing 421 yards of total offense while holding Brevard (14-1) to just 289 yards. Quarterback Tyson Broadway completed 10 of 11 passes for 283 yards and four touchdowns, while junior Dionte Neal accounted for 288 all-purpose yards and four total touchdowns in the victory.

Reidsville needed just 19 seconds to take the lead on its opening drive. Broadway found Neal streaking down the middle for a 49-yard touchdown pass at the 11:36 mark of the first quarter. The extra point attempt failed, giving the Rams a 6-0 advantage.

Brevard responded quickly, marching 47 yards in eight plays. Quarterback Christian Conley connected with tight end Brayden Crain for a 17-yard touchdown pass with 9:02 remaining in the opening quarter. Andres Melgaregjo's extra point gave the Blue Devils their only lead of the game at 7-6.

The lead lasted less than three minutes. Neal took a direct snap and burst through the right side of the defense for a 56-yard touchdown run at 6:53. Neal then found Oregon-bound tight end Kendre Harrison for the two-point conversion, pushing Reidsville's lead to 14-7.

The Rams struck again before the quarter ended. Running back Damarien Whitted broke free for a 34-yard touchdown run with 1:35 left in the first quarter. Neal connected with Harrison again for the two-point conversion, extending the lead to 22-7.

Reidsville's offense continued to overwhelm Brevard's defense in the second quarter. Broadway hit Neal for a 52-yard touchdown pass at 11:07, though the extra point attempt failed. The Rams led 28-7 and showed no signs of slowing down.

On Brevard's next possession, Conley fumbled at the Reidsville 30-yard line. Neal recovered the loose ball, giving the Rams possession at their own 30-yard line. Broadway needed just one play to capitalize on the turnover, finding Harrison for a 70-yard touchdown pass at 9:48. Neal completed a pass to Finnley Galloway for the two-point conversion, making it 36-7.

Less than two minutes later, Reidsville struck again. After Richard Brathwaite intercepted Conley at the Brevard 35-yard line, Broadway threw his fourth touchdown pass of the half on the very next play. The 6-foot-7, 250-pound Harrison hauled in a 35-yard scoring pass at 7:39, and Alex Penaloza's extra point gave the Rams a 43-7 halftime lead.

Broadway's first-half performance was exceptional: 10 completions in 11 attempts for 283 yards and four touchdowns. The Rams averaged 14.0 yards per play in the opening half while limiting Brevard to 5.8 yards per play.

The second half began with a running clock due to the 35-point lead rule in North Carolina high school football. Brevard opened the third quarter with its best drive of the game, covering 65 yards in seven plays. Conley found Tristan Thompson-Wynn for a 35-yard touchdown pass at 7:08, cutting the deficit to 43-14.

Any momentum the Blue Devils gained evaporated on the ensuing kickoff. Jorden Robinson fielded Melgaregjo's kick at the Reidsville 9-yard line and raced 91 yards untouched for a touchdown at 5:54 of the third quarter. Penaloza's extra point made it 50-14, effectively ending any hope of a Brevard comeback.

The Blue Devils added a late touchdown in the fourth quarter when Conley connected with Thompson-Wynn for a 13-yard scoring pass with 3:20 remaining. The extra point attempt failed, setting the final score at 50-20.

Neal finished with seven receptions for 158 yards and two receiving touchdowns, plus 65 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown on just two carries. He also threw three two-point conversions and recovered a fumble on defense. His 288 all-purpose yards included 19 yards on one kickoff return.

Harrison caught all three passes thrown his way for 105 yards and two touchdowns. He also recorded six tackles, including one sack and two tackles for loss on defense.

Broadway's final line read 10 of 11 for 283 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. He was sacked just once and attempted only 12 passes in the game.

For Brevard, Thompson-Wynn finished with 12 receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns, accounting for more than 75 percent of the Blue Devils' receiving yards. Conley completed 19 of 26 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns but was intercepted twice and lost a fumble.

The Rams' defense forced three turnovers and limited Brevard to 74 rushing yards on 24 attempts, an average of 3.1 yards per carry. Kadence Pruitt and Harrison each recorded six tackles to lead the defense.

The victory gave Reidsville (13-2) the 4A state championship. The Rams' explosive plays and efficient offense proved too much for Brevard to overcome.

Top Performers

Reidsville

• Dionte Neal: 7 receptions, 158 yards, 2 TD; 2 rushes, 65 yards, 1 TD; 3-3 on 2-pt conversions
• Tyson Broadway: 10-11 passing, 283 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT
• Kendre Harrison: 3 receptions, 105 yards, 2 TD; 6 tackles, 1 sack, 2 TFL
• Jorden Robinson: 91-yard kickoff return for TD

Brevard

• Tristan Thompson-Wynn: 12 receptions, 162 yards, 2 TD
• Christian Conley: 19-26 passing, 215 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
• Jax Whitmire: 9 tackles (5 solo, 4 assisted)

BREVARD – Brevard imposed its will on both sides of the ball Saturday afternoon, overwhelming Greensboro 34-7 at Pride Field. The Tornados improved to 3-3 with a complete performance that featured a dominant ground attack, timely passing and a relentless defensive effort that held the Pride to just one first-quarter score.

Rayshawn Williams led the offensive charge, rushing 14 times for 125 yards and scoring the game's final touchdown. His physical running style wore down Greensboro's defense, with gains of 36, 15, 12 and 10 yards highlighting his afternoon. Williams also contributed in the passing game, catching one pass for two yards.

The tone was set early, though not in Brevard's favor. Greensboro marched 61 yards on 11 plays on its opening possession, capping the drive when Cameron Turner found Jayden Morrison for a touchdown pass. Reagan Sawyer's extra point gave the Pride a 7-0 lead less than six minutes into the game.

Brevard responded immediately. After a kickoff return that included a personal foul penalty on Greensboro, the Tornados found themselves at the GSO 23-yard line. One play later, Jeremyah Lane burst 23 yards up the left side for a touchdown. Hayden Vandegriff's extra point attempt was blocked, leaving Brevard trailing 7-6 with 6:31 remaining in the opening quarter.

The rest of the game belonged to the Tornados. Brevard scored 14 points in the second quarter, seven in the third and seven in the fourth, while the defense shut out Greensboro over the final three quarters.

Ethan Beamish managed the game efficiently from the quarterback position, completing 8 of 15 passes for 136 yards and one touchdown. His 54-yard completion to Alex Bolton in the second quarter set up one scoring drive, while his 31-yard connection with Adam Douglas in the third quarter sparked another. Beamish's most important throw came late in the first half when he hit Christian Roberson for a 20-yard touchdown pass with 19 seconds remaining before halftime, extending Brevard's lead to 18-7.

Douglas finished with four receptions for 50 yards, serving as Beamish's most reliable target. Roberson caught two passes, including the touchdown, and added a 27-yard kickoff return.

Zion Fauntleroy-McDaniel provided explosive plays in the running game, carrying five times for 72 yards and one touchdown. His 26-yard touchdown run in the second quarter gave Brevard a 12-7 lead. He also broke off runs of 27 and 16 yards, consistently finding gaps in Greensboro's defensive front.

Lane added 23 yards on two carries beyond his touchdown run, while Beamish contributed 11 yards on the ground despite being sacked twice.

The Brevard defense overwhelmed Turner and the Greensboro offense throughout the final three quarters. Baylee Ramey recorded eight solo tackles and five assists for 13 total stops, adding one tackle for loss. His presence in the middle of the field disrupted Greensboro's rhythm repeatedly.

Robert Dorsey terrorized the Pride backfield with six solo tackles, two assists and three tackles for loss totaling 18 yards. He recorded multiple sacks and consistently penetrated into the backfield on rushing attempts.

Turner finished 8 of 19 passing for 83 yards before being replaced by Chase Altis in the fourth quarter. Turner rushed 24 times for 72 net yards but was sacked eight times, losing 44 yards in the process. The constant pressure from Brevard's defensive line and linebackers prevented Greensboro from establishing any offensive continuity.

Altis completed 5 of 10 passes for 70 yards in relief, but by the time he entered the game, the outcome was no longer in doubt.

Camron Torrence-Kelly led Greensboro's rushing attack with 88 net yards on 13 carries. Kyjuan Westmoreland added 43 yards on nine attempts. Despite these individual efforts, the Pride managed just 207 net rushing yards as a team and could not sustain drives once Brevard's defense made adjustments after the opening quarter.

Greensboro's receiving corps was led by KJ Brown and Jae'Vian Carr, who each caught three passes for 43 yards. Shamar Privette also caught three passes for 40 yards, but none of Greensboro's receivers found the end zone after the opening drive.

Brevard controlled possession for just 21:25 compared to Greensboro's 38:35, but the Tornados made their opportunities count. They converted 3 of 7 third-down attempts and scored touchdowns on four of their seven trips inside Greensboro territory.

The third quarter proved decisive for establishing the final margin. After Sawyer returned a kickoff for a touchdown to open the second half, giving Brevard a 26-7 lead, Vandegriff's extra point made it 27-7. Greensboro never threatened to make the game competitive again.

In the fourth quarter, Williams capped a three-play, 54-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown run. His 36-yard burst up the middle on that drive showcased his ability to break tackles and find space in the open field. Vandegriff's extra point set the final score at 34-7.

Brevard's special teams contributed to the victory beyond the kickoff return touchdown. Samuel Vargas punted twice for 63 yards, pinning Greensboro deep once with a punt inside the 20-yard line. Lane returned one punt for 35 yards, providing excellent field position for the offense.

Vandegriff missed one field goal attempt from 32 yards in the third quarter, but his kickoffs were effective, totaling 360 yards on six attempts with an average of 60 yards per kick.

Greensboro's Guy Galardi III punted three times for 119 yards, averaging 39.7 yards per attempt, but his unit could not overcome the offensive struggles.

The penalties proved costly for both teams but particularly for Greensboro, which committed multiple personal fouls and holding penalties at critical moments. Brevard also committed nine penalties for 111 yards, including holding calls that negated positive plays.

For Brevard, the victory represents a complete team effort and moves the Tornados to .500 on the season. The defense's ability to shut down an opponent after giving up an early touchdown demonstrates growth and resilience. The offense showed balance between the run and pass while protecting Beamish well enough to allow the passing game to complement the ground attack.

Greensboro falls to 1-5, searching for answers on both sides of the ball. The Pride's inability to protect Turner in the pocket and the offense's failure to score after the first quarter will need to be addressed moving forward.

Top Performers

Brevard:

• Rayshawn Williams: 14 rushes, 125 yards, 1 TD
• Ethan Beamish: 8-of-15 passing, 136 yards, 1 TD
• Zion Fauntleroy-McDaniel: 5 rushes, 72 yards, 1 TD
• Baylee Ramey: 13 tackles (8 solo, 5 assists), 1 TFL
• Robert Dorsey: 8 tackles, 3 TFL (18 yards)

Greensboro:

• Camron Torrence-Kelly: 13 rushes, 88 yards
• Cameron Turner: 8-of-19 passing, 83 yards, 1 TD (8 sacks)
• KJ Brown: 3 receptions, 43 yards
• Jae'Vian Carr: 3 receptions, 43 yards
• Jadon Barnes: 6 tackles (3 solo, 3 assists)

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association's regional finals delivered a night of intense football, with sixteen teams battling for state championship berths across four classifications, setting the stage for next week's ultimate showdown.

In the most decisive performance of the evening, top-seeded Tarboro dominated Wilson Prep, routing the newcomers 59-6 in the 1A East Regional Final. The Vikings continued their playoff momentum, having already scored 176 points in their previous three postseason games, securing their eighth consecutive regional championship.

The 1A West Regional Final saw fifth-seeded Corvian continuing its Cinderella run, defeating Mountain Heritage 28-19. This comes on the heels of their stunning upset of Mount Airy, which ended the Granite Bears' remarkable 43-game winning streak – the fifth-longest active streak in the nation.

In the 2A East Regional, top-seeded Northeastern maintained its strong form, defeating Whiteville 24-14. The team successfully avenged last year's regional final loss and will now advance to the state championship game for the first time since 2019. Standing opposite of the Eagles will be the Monroe Redhawks, who took down Brevard in convincing fashion.

The 3A East Regional Final witnessed Seventy-First emphatically defeating Jacksonville 43-7, a remarkable turnaround for a team that was the twelfth seed. In a rematch of the 1986 4A championship, the team facing Seventy-First will be the West Charlotte Lions, who took down the defending state champion Hickory Red Tornadoes on the road.

The 4A East Regional Final provided perhaps the most competitive matchup, with fifth-seeded Rolesville edging Cardinal Gibbons 38-31. This victory continues Rolesville's playoff magic, following their earlier upset of top-seeded Cleveland.

The 4A West Regional was a rematch of the 2022 regional final between Grimsley and Weddington, a game which the Whirlies won by a single point. The Warriors looked poised to return the favor, taking a 10-0 lead into the half. But Grimsley came roaring to life in the second half, putting up thirty-five points and making it back to the title game for the fourth time in school history.

These regional final results set up an exciting state championship weekend. Grimsley and Rolesville will clash in the 4A title game, Seventy-First and West Charlotte will battle in the 3A contest, Tarboro and Corvian will fight for 1A supremacy, and Northeastern and Monroe will compete for the 2A crown.

The championships will be held December 20-21 at Kenan Memorial Stadium and Carter-Finley Stadium, with Kenan Stadium hosting its 83rd and 84th state championship games in its historic football venue.

Regional Final Scores

1A East: (1) Tarboro def. (3) Wilson Prep, 59-6
1A West: (5) Corvian def. (2) Mountain Heritage, 28-19
2A East: (1) Northeastern def. (2) Whiteville, 24-14
2A West: (3) Monroe def. (9) Brevard, 41-15
3A East: (2) Seventy-First def. (12) Jacksonville, 43-7
3A West: (8) West Charlotte def. (3) Hickory, 36-20
4A East: (5) Rolesville def. (2) Cardinal Gibbons, 38-31
4A West: (1) Grimsley def. (2) Weddington, 35-23

Chancellor Lee-Parker rushed for a career-high 208 yards as Brevard College defeated Kentucky Christian University 41-25 on Saturday afternoon at KCU Stadium in Grayson, Kentucky. The victory gave the Tornados their first six-win season since 2021, finishing the 2024 campaign with a 6-3 record.

Lee-Parker, playing in his final collegiate game, recorded two rushing touchdowns while carrying the ball 28 times. His 208-yard performance ranks as the second-highest single-game rushing total in Brevard's Division III history, trailing only Mitchell Yoder's 220-yard mark set in 2021.

After a scoreless first quarter, Brevard built a 17-7 halftime lead. Hugo Taylor opened the scoring with a 20-yard field goal, followed by Lee-Parker's five-yard touchdown run. Kentucky Christian responded when Rey Graciano returned a fumble 28 yards for a touchdown, but Brevard quickly countered as Ethan Beamish connected with Zackary Orr on a 66-yard touchdown pass.

The Tornados dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Knights 17-0. Lee-Parker broke free for a 27-yard touchdown run, Beamish found Joseph Cuellar for a 17-yard scoring pass, and Taylor added a 41-yard field goal to extend the lead to 34-7.

Kentucky Christian (2-9) mounted a fourth-quarter rally behind quarterback Calvin Kafando, who threw two touchdown passes to Davari Morris. However, Brevard's Dre Burton, playing in his first varsity game, sealed the victory with a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Orr, completing his five-year career at Brevard, caught six passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. His season totals of 837 yards and 10 touchdowns both rank second in program single-season history. The graduate receiver finished his career as Brevard's all-time leader in receptions (123) and receiving yards (1,893).

Defensively, Robert Dorsey led Brevard's pass rush with three-and-a-half sacks, bringing his conference-leading season total to 11.5. Kentrayle Holloway recorded a team-high nine tackles, while Brandon Broughton and Burton each intercepted passes.

The win marked the fifth time this season Brevard scored 40 or more points, contributing to the program's fourth-best winning percentage in school history.

BREVARD – Brevard scored four touchdowns in the first quarter en route to a 42-9 victory over Greensboro in Saturday's USA South conference matchup.

Junior quarterback Ethan Beamish led Brevard (3-1, 3-0 USA South) with 310 passing yards and four touchdowns, connecting with Zackary Orr twice for scores. The game held special significance for Orr, who broke Brevard's all-time career receiving record, surpassing former record-holder Bubba Craven. Orr finished with 122 receiving yards, bringing his career total to 1,591 yards.

The Tornados struck quickly when Beamish found Cooper Hogan for a 64-yard touchdown on their opening drive. After forcing a three-and-out, Brevard extended their lead on a 20-yard touchdown pass to Orr. Running back Jadien Deaton added to the first-quarter surge with a 70-yard touchdown run, followed by Orr's second touchdown reception of 56 yards.

Greensboro (1-4, 1-2 USAS) got on the scoreboard in the second quarter with Thomas Chapman's 21-yard field goal. Brevard responded when Chancellor Lee-Parker scored on a 16-yard run, pushing the lead to 35-3 at halftime.

After a scoreless third quarter, Brevard added its final touchdown on Beamish's 31-yard pass to Reggie Taylor II. Greensboro scored their lone touchdown late in the fourth quarter on Quinton Solomon's 23-yard run.

Brevard's defense limited Greensboro to 287 total yards and forced two turnovers. Adam Chaney and Baylee Ramey led the Tornados' defense with eight tackles each, while Robert Dorsey recorded one and a half sacks and forced a fumble.

For Greensboro, Jayden Morrison completed 8 of 18 passes for 55 yards, while Jaquavius Weldon led the rushing attack with 28 yards on eight carries. Defensively, Ziere Ray recorded nine tackles and one and a half sacks in the losing effort.

The win keeps Brevard undefeated in conference play, while Greensboro drops to 1-2 in USA South competition.

MONTGOMERY, AL – The Brevard College football team (2-4, 2-1 USA South) fell by a final of 38-14 to No. 23/25 Huntingdon College (5-1, 3-0 USAS) on Saturday afternoon in Montgomery, Alabama.

Huntingdon, who was ranked in the top 25 of all NCAA DIII football teams in both the D3foootball.com and the AFCA coaches poll, put up 31 unanswered points that included 24 points in the first half en route to the 24-point victory.

Senior wide receiver Dalton Cole totaled 162 yards of total offense, rushing for 48 yards on seven carries while logging 114 passing yards after taking over at quarterback late in the first half for the Tornados. Cole, a former USA South Offensive Rookie of the Year at the quarterback position, went 9-for-22 with three interceptions and a rushing TD under center.

Mitchell Yoder dashed for 56 yards on 10 carries, while Freddie Aiken III punched the ball in for his first touchdown of the 2022 season. Jaden O'Leary led all Tornados with four catches and 39 yards receiving.

Stamati Damalos made a pair of extra points, while Cooper Hogan averaged 27.3 yards-per-return and a long of 42 on kickoff returns. Joe Powell handled the punting duties for the second-consecutive week, averaging 37.3 yards per attempt.

Senior linebacker Toby Naylor led all Tornados with nine tackles, including a team-best three tackles-for-loss. KJ Dagout matched his season-high with seven tackles, while Tyler Harrison added six tackles. Trey Williams logged a pair of TFL's while James Woods, Grequenceo Coger Jr., Reece Rubio, and Eli Everhart also totaled tackles-for-loss.

Both teams traded punts on their first possessions, but after a three-and-out from the Tornado offense, Huntingdon struck first with a 48-yard drive on eight plays that ended with a Kahari McReynolds touchdown run that gave the hosts the early advantage, 7-0.

BC was able to get a first down on its next possession, but was forced to punt the ball away. Huntingdon put together another lengthy drive – this one 11 plays and 69 yards – that ended with a 40-yard field goal from Will Edwards.

The Hawks scored on their third consecutive possession after another Brevard three-and-out, as a nine-play, 75-yard drive ended with Landon Cotney finding Tyler England for a 10-yard touchdown that extended the Huntingdon lead to a 17-0 margin.

The Tornados put together their most productive drive of the first half, getting the ball inside the red zone with an eight-play, 48-yard drive, but Damalos' 35-yard field goal attempt was wide right. Huntingdon was able to capitalize on the missed opportunity, marching down the field 80 yards in just five plays to extend the lead, 24-0, as the hosts took this 24-point cushion into the halftime locker rooms.

Huntingdon continued its positive momentum on the first drive of the second half, going 58 yards in just seven plays as McReynolds rushed for his second TD of the day to extend the lead, 31-0. Both teams traded punts before the Hawks picked Cole off for the second time, but BC's defense forced a three-and-out on the next possession. Both sides again traded punts as the contest shifted to the fourth quarter with the hosts in command, 31-0.

Cole orchestrated BC's best drive of the afternoon – a nine-play, 54-yard possession that ended with Cole punching the ball in from a yard out as the Tornados cut the deficit back down to 24 points, 31-7.

After the Tornado defense forced another three-and-out, BC put together its longest drive of the day, running 10 plays for 77 yards and finishing with Aiken III's first touchdown of the season, as the lead shrunk to 17 points for Huntingdon, 31-14.

The Hawks were able to put the game on ice with a seven-play, 48-yard drive that ended with another Cotney touchdown pass. BC's final drive of the game ended with an interception as the Tornados fell for the first time in conference play.

Huntingdon outgained Brevard 434-250, including a 292-129 advantage in the passing game. Huntingdon controlled the ball for over 35 minutes of the game and converted 25 first downs while forcing three turnovers defensively.

Brevard will look to bounce back next weekend as the Tornados return to Ives-Lemel Family Field to take on LaGrange College on Saturday, October 22 at 3 p.m.

 

Story courtesy of Brevard Athletics

Four FBS teams will go bowling this year while the last remaining playoff team in the state was defeated.

Won a Bowl Game…
Brevard (8-2) – The Division III Tornados won the Scotty Whitelaw Bowl in Pittsburgh against Carnegie Mellon, 42-28.

Going Bowling…
Appalachian State (12-1) – defeated Louisiana in the Sun Belt Conference Championship game, 45-38, to secure a trip to the New Orleans Bowl (CUSA).

Wake Forest (8-4) – finished the regular season in a three-way tie for third in the ACC Atlantic Division to earn a berth to the New Era Pinstripe Bowl to face Michigan State (6-6) of the Big Ten.

Charlotte (7-5) – accepted a bid to the Bahamas Bowl and will face Buffalo (7-5) out of the MAC. Charlotte will be making their first appearance in a bowl game in program history.

North Carolina (6-6) – The Tar Heels became bowl eligible with a 42-10 win over NC State this past Saturday and earned a berth in the Military Bowl where they will face Temple of the American Athletic Conference.

North Carolina A&T (8-3) – the Aggies secured a berth in the Celebration Bowl for the third straight year and fourth time overall in the bowl’s five-year history. NC A&T won the Celebration bowl in 2015, 2017, and 2018 and will face Alcorn State (9-3) of the SWAC in the 2019 edition of this game.

In the Playoffs…
No remaining North Carolina teams in any playoff

Staying Home During Bowl Season…
Duke (5-7)
ECU (4-8)
NC State (4-8)

Season Over…
Lenoir Rhyne (13-1) – lost against West Florida, 43-38, in Super Region 2 final.

Wingate (10-2) – lost against West Florida, 38-17, in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Not in the Playoffs…
FCS – No North Carolina FCS teams qualified for the FCS playoffs this season for the first time since 2015.
Campbell (6-5)
Davidson (8-4)
Elon (5-6)
Gardner-Webb (3-9)
North Carolina Central (4-8)
Western Carolina (3-9)

Division II
Catawba (1-10)
Chowan (3-7)
Elizabeth City State (2-9)
Fayetteville State (8-2) – Broncos won the CIAA South and were defeated in the CIAA championship game.
Johnson C. Smith (4-6)
Livingstone (4-6)
Mars Hill (5-6)
St. Augustine’s (2-8)
Shaw (6-4)
Pembroke (4-7)
Winston-Salem State (4-6)

Division III
Greensboro (1-9)
Guilford (2-8)
Methodist (4-6)
NC Wesleyan (6-4)