DURHAM – Crest High School captured its first state championship in a decade, defeating Hunt High School 31-14 in the NCHSAA 5A state title game at Durham County Stadium on December 12, 2025.
Second-year Crest coach Greg Lloyd returned to his alma mater and delivered a championship in his second season. The Chargers (13-2) built a 24-7 halftime lead behind senior quarterback Ely Hamrick, who accounted for 320 yards of total offense and was named game MVP. Hunt (12-3) fell to 0-2 all-time in state championship games, having previously lost in 2004.
Hamrick, a senior Virginia commit who transferred to Crest mid-season after being displaced by Hurricane Helene while attending A.C. Reynolds, completed 17 of 25 passes for 233 yards while rushing 15 times for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Senior receiver Michael Edwards added 95 rushing yards and two scores on nine carries, plus six receptions for 85 yards.
Hunt sixth-year coach Juan Jackson watched his Warriors strike first when senior quarterback Mez Harris called his own number on a 2-yard touchdown run at the 5:42 mark of the opening quarter. Harris capped a five-play, 37-yard drive after sophomore running back Doryan Jones converted two critical third downs, including a 15-yard run on third-and-13 and an 18-yard gain on third-and-10.
Crest responded with a seven-play, 94-yard touchdown drive that covered 3 minutes and 3 seconds. After Hunt defensive back Javion Hopper intercepted Harris at the Crest 6-yard line, the Chargers faced second-and-15 from their own 1-yard line following a sack by Hunt linebacker Judah Harris. Hamrick then connected with receiver Namajay Thompson for 49 yards to the Crest 50, sparking the comeback. Running back Jason Black rushed for 13 yards on the next play, and Edwards finished the drive with a 6-yard touchdown run after a horse collar tackle penalty moved the ball to the 1-yard line. Carson Grier’s extra point tied the game at 7-7 with 1:29 remaining in the first quarter.
The second quarter belonged to Crest, which scored on all three possessions to seize control. Pregame tensions between the teams carried into the game, with officials calling multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties to maintain order. Edwards broke a 35-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-1 from the Hunt 35 to give the Chargers a 14-7 lead at 9:17, finishing a seven-play, 55-yard drive. The Warriors managed only 16 yards on their next possession before punting.
Crest then engineered a 10-play, 66-yard scoring drive that consumed 3 minutes and 51 seconds. Hamrick rushed for 15 yards on second-and-1 to reach Hunt territory, and Black carried for 16 yards on second-and-12 to extend the drive. Hamrick scored from 1 yard out to push the advantage to 21-7 with 2:06 left in the half.
Hunt answered immediately when Harris scrambled out of the pocket and raced 80 yards for a touchdown on the second play of the ensuing drive, cutting the deficit to 21-14 with 1:42 remaining before halftime. Harris had called his own number for the second time, producing the longest run from scrimmage for either team.
Crest used the final 1:36 of the half to drive 79 yards in seven plays, with Hamrick completing a 50-yard pass to receiver D’various Surratt to set up Grier’s 27-yard field goal as time expired. The Chargers took a 24-14 lead into the locker room.
The third quarter featured another methodical Crest scoring drive. The Chargers used 10 plays to cover 80 yards in 5 minutes and 4 seconds, converting four third downs along the way. Hamrick completed a 15-yard pass to receiver Brock Melton on third-and-10, then finished the drive with a 24-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 31-14 with 9:56 left in the period.
Hunt mounted its best drive of the second half immediately after, advancing 60 yards on 11 plays. Jones rushed for 28 yards on third-and-8, and Harris added a 16-yard run on the next play. The Warriors reached the Crest 22 before Will Doll’s 38-yard field goal attempt missed wide at the 5:10 mark of the third quarter.
The game’s outcome was effectively decided when Crest took over at its own 22 following the missed field goal. The Chargers converted four consecutive third downs and drove to the Hunt 24 before Harris intercepted Hamrick at the Hunt 10-yard line with 7 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
Lloyd’s defense shut out Hunt in the second half, holding the Warriors to just 70 total yards after halftime. Hunt’s offense managed just 10 net rushing yards in the fourth quarter on seven attempts. The Warriors fumbled on their second possession of the period, with Hopper recovering at the Hunt 48. Crest drove to the Hunt 4 before Edwards fumbled, with Hunt defensive back Jake Harris recovering with 1:26 remaining.
Crest held decisive advantages in total offense (555-217), first downs (25-9) and time of possession (30:32-17:28). The Chargers rushed for 322 yards on 47 attempts, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.
Harris finished with 103 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries for Hunt, while Jones added 100 yards on 16 attempts. Harris completed zero passes on six attempts with one interception, staying true to Hunt’s run-heavy approach that averaged just 10 pass attempts per game during the season.
Black led Crest’s ground game with 119 yards on 19 carries. Thompson caught six passes for 61 yards, and Edwards hauled in six receptions for 85 yards.
Hunt committed 11 penalties for 84 yards, while Crest was flagged 13 times for 130 yards, reflecting the chippy nature of the contest that began with pregame confrontations.
“Tonight was a special night,” Lloyd said. “I’m lucky to have the job that I’ve had this year, the last couple years at a place I love. I couldn’t be more proud to bring home the seventh state championship for Crest High School. It’s just a blessing.”
Top Performers
- Ely Hamrick, Crest: 17-of-25 passing, 233 yards; 15 rushes, 87 yards, 2 TD
- Michael Edwards, Crest: 9 rushes, 95 yards, 2 TD; 6 receptions, 85 yards
- Jason Black, Crest: 19 rushes, 119 yards
- Mez Harris, Hunt: 11 rushes, 103 yards, 2 TD; 1 interception
- Doryan Jones, Hunt: 16 rushes, 100 yards
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