RALEIGH – The dynasty continues to roll in eastern North Carolina. 

Behind a punishing ground attack led by Kamerin McDowell-Moore's 233 yards and four touchdowns, the Tarboro Vikings captured their seventh state title in 17 years with a 44-24 victory over Corvian Community in the NCHSAA 1A championship game on a crisp Saturday afternoon.

The Vikings overwhelmed the Cardinals with 419 rushing yards, demonstrating the smashmouth style that has become their trademark during an unprecedented run of eight straight state championship game appearances.

The Vikings wasted no time asserting their dominance, marching 80 yards on their opening drive. Caiden Everette's 11-yard touchdown run capped the five-play sequence that set the tone for Tarboro's ground-and-pound approach.

Corvian, making its first-ever state championship appearance, showed early resilience. The Cardinals responded with an impressive 17-play drive, though they had to settle for Cooper Peterson's 29-yard field goal after the Tarboro defense stiffened in the red zone.

That defensive stand proved pivotal as Tarboro seized control in the second quarter. McDowell-Moore scored from 10 yards out, and Mason Satterfield added a 23-yard touchdown run to build an 18-3 halftime advantage. Satterfield finished with 146 yards on just 13 carries.

The Cardinals refused to go quietly. After the break, quarterback AJ Jackson Jr. engineered an 18-play, 88-yard drive that consumed nearly eight minutes. Jackson's three-yard touchdown plunge cut the deficit to 18-10 and gave Corvian new life.

However, every time the Cardinals mounted a challenge, Tarboro had an answer. Satterfield's 13-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter pushed the lead back to two scores at 24-10.

The fourth quarter turned into a shootout as both offenses found their rhythm. Noah Best's one-yard touchdown run brought Corvian within 24-17, but McDowell-Moore responded immediately with a backbreaking 60-yard touchdown sprint on Tarboro's next play from scrimmage.

Jackson had an impressive day in defeat, completing 17 of 24 passes for 199 yards while adding a rushing touchdown. His favorite target was Best, who caught 11 passes for 122 yards and added 60 rushing yards with a score.

Tarboro's defense, led by Cole Craddock's 16 tackles, made crucial stops when needed. The Vikings recorded five sacks and forced one interception, a 42-yard return by Kip Biggs that thwarted a promising Corvian drive before halftime.

The Cardinals' Doug Quarles III provided late fireworks with a 33-yard touchdown reception, but McDowell-Moore sealed the outcome with his fourth touchdown, a 40-yard burst with 1:21 remaining.

For Tarboro, the victory adds another chapter to one of North Carolina's most impressive football dynasties. The Vikings have now won seven state titles since 2008, all while maintaining their signature physical, run-first identity.

The Vikings' championship culminates another dominant season that reinforces their status as North Carolina's premier 1A program. As the celebration began on the field at Carter-Finley Stadium, it was hard not to wonder how many more titles this eastern powerhouse might add to their growing collection.

The stage is set for an electrifying battle as the Tarboro Vikings (13-1) and the Corvian Jaguars (15-0) meet in the 2024 NCHSAA 1A Football State Championship on Saturday, December 21, at 3:00 PM at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh. With both teams dominating their competition en route to this title game, fans can expect an unforgettable clash between two contrasting yet equally successful programs.

Contrasting Paths to Raleigh

The Tarboro Vikings, led by veteran head coach Jeff Craddock, have been a juggernaut all season. After suffering their only loss to 3A powerhouse Havelock early in the year, Tarboro responded by steamrolling opponents with a relentless ground game. The Vikings have outscored opponents 51.6 to 9.7 points per game this season, amassing over 4,200 rushing yards behind their signature “Tarboro T” offense.

On the other side, the Corvian Jaguars have taken a meteoric rise in just their second year of playoff football. The Queen City program enters the championship with a perfect 15-0 record, earning respect statewide by defeating three Charlotte-area 4A schools to start the season. The Jaguars’ playoff run was capped by victories over Mount Airy—snapping the state’s longest active winning streak—and perennial contender Mountain Heritage.

Tarboro’s Relentless Ground Game

At the heart of Tarboro’s success is their punishing ground attack. Quarterback Tyler Powell has expertly orchestrated the Vikings' “Tarboro T,” distributing the ball efficiently to a loaded backfield. Senior running back Kamerin McDowell-Moore leads the charge, averaging 99.6 rushing yards per game. He is complemented by Mason Satterfield and Caiden Everette, who together add over 150 rushing yards per game.

While Tarboro leans heavily on the run, Powell has delivered when needed through the air, throwing for 700 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. With such a dominant ground game and a quarterback capable of keeping defenses honest, the Vikings’ offense is built to control the clock and wear down opponents.

Corvian’s Balanced Offensive Attack

The Jaguars’ offense presents a more balanced approach, led by dynamic senior quarterback AJ Jackson Jr. Jackson has accounted for 17 touchdowns through the air and 12 more on the ground, showcasing his versatility as a dual-threat playmaker. He’ll look to connect early and often with star running back Cam Johnson, who has been the centerpiece of the Jaguars’ offense with 24 total touchdowns and nearly 100 rushing yards per game.

Corvian has averaged 41.4 points per game this season while allowing just 8.5 points per contest, proving they can win shootouts and defensive battles alike. Jackson’s ability to stretch the field and Johnson’s consistency on the ground will be key in keeping Tarboro’s defense off balance.

Defensive Battle

Both teams feature physical, hard-hitting defenses that have stifled opponents all season.

For Tarboro, linebacker Cole Craddock leads the team with 132 total tackles and 11 tackles for loss, while Keivious Bridgers (112 tackles) and Tyler Powell (21 tackles for loss) add to an imposing defensive front. Powell has also tallied 21 sacks, making him one of the most disruptive defenders in the state. Add in contributors like Kamerin McDowell-Moore and Gabe Kassnove, who have combined for 140 tackles, and Tarboro’s defense is as formidable as their offense.

The Jaguars’ defense is equally impressive. Junior linebacker Jayden Summers anchors the unit with 117 tackles, while defensive end Adrian Scott has wreaked havoc in opposing backfields with 28 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. On the back end, playmakers like Cam Johnson and AJ Jackson Jr. continue to make their mark. Johnson has contributed over 100 tackles as a defensive back, while Jackson leads the team with six interceptions, showcasing his ability to flip momentum.

Championship Narrative

For Tarboro, this championship represents an opportunity to add another title to their storied history. Their dominant playoff run has included a 71-0 rout of Warren County and a 59-6 win over Wilson Prep in the regional final, underscoring their reputation as one of the state’s premier programs.

For Corvian, the Jaguars are chasing history. In just their second playoff season, they’ve already proven they belong among the state’s elite. Their 21-14 win over Mount Airy and 28-21 victory against Mountain Heritage solidified their place as a team that thrives in big moments.

This matchup pits tradition against rising talent. Tarboro’s bruising ground game and championship pedigree will test Corvian’s balance and resilience. For the Jaguars, the challenge is clear: stop the Vikings’ running attack and seize their moment in Raleigh.

Final Thoughts

With two elite programs colliding for the 1A state title, fans can expect a hard-fought, physical contest. Will Tarboro’s ground-and-pound attack secure another championship for the Vikings, or will Corvian complete their perfect season and claim their first-ever state title?

Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 21, at Carter-Finley Stadium. This championship clash is one fans won’t want to miss.

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