CHAPEL HILL – Grimsley scored 14 unanswered points in the second quarter and made them stand up for a 24-14 victory over Clayton in the NCHSAA state championship game.

The Whirlies trailed 7-0 after Clayton's opening-quarter touchdown but seized control before halftime and never trailed again, claiming their second straight state title and third in six years.

Clayton looked sharp early. Quarterback Aiden Smalls orchestrated an eight-play, 55-yard drive on the game's opening possession, finishing it himself with a 13-yard touchdown run. Nate Lunger's extra point gave the Comets a 7-0 lead with 6:30 left in the first quarter.

Grimsley's response came in the second quarter with a methodical 12-play, 81-yard drive. Quarterback Faizon Brandon found Hudson Cooper for a seven-yard touchdown pass, and Chase Huellmantel's extra point tied the game at 7-7 with 7:20 remaining in the half.

The Whirlies struck again before the break. Brandon capped a 10-play, 74-yard march with a three-yard touchdown plunge with just 37 seconds left in the half. Huellmantel's kick sent Grimsley to the locker room with a 14-7 lead and all the momentum.

That momentum turned into a rout in the third quarter when Makai Yon jumped a route and intercepted Smalls at the Clayton 38. Yon raced untouched to the end zone for a pick-six that pushed the lead to 21-7 just under two minutes into the second half.

Grimsley added a 22-yard Huellmantel field goal midway through the third quarter, extending the advantage to 24-7 and appearing to put the game away.

But Smalls gave Clayton hope. The senior quarterback broke loose for a 61-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 24-14 with 11:37 to play. Suddenly, the Comets had life.

Clayton forced a turnover on downs with 1:47 remaining and drove deep into Grimsley territory in the final minute. Smalls connected with TJ Campbell for 21 yards to the Grimsley 26, hit Austin Dalton for 14 yards, found River Fiore for 19 yards, then hit Campbell again for 21 yards to reach the Grimsley five-yard line.

With time running out, Clayton had four cracks from inside the five. Smalls threw two incompletions, gained four yards on a third-down rush, then threw incomplete on fourth down as time expired. The Whirlies held on to secure the championship.

Smalls finished with a game-high 167 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries while completing seven of 15 passes for 91 yards. Campbell caught four passes for 66 yards in the losing effort.

Brandon threw for 126 yards and a touchdown while adding 65 yards and another score on the ground for Grimsley. Micah Williams carried 21 times for 101 yards, providing a steady ground game that helped the Whirlies control the clock for more than 26 minutes.

Yon's pick-six proved to be the difference. The defensive back finished with five tackles and a pass breakup in addition to his game-changing interception return. Drew Searls led all tacklers with eight stops, while Kyrie Millner added two tackles for loss and a sack.

For Clayton, Keshawn Stancil recorded 10 tackles and half a sack, while Mason Bucklad contributed seven stops. Jaheim Stevenson intercepted Brandon in the third quarter but the Comets couldn't capitalize.

Grimsley's ability to convert third downs proved crucial, going six-for-11 while holding Clayton to just three-of-10. The Whirlies also won the possession battle by more than five minutes, keeping Smalls and the Clayton offense off the field during critical stretches.

Key Stats

• Grimsley: 314 total yards (188 rushing, 126 passing)
• Clayton: 305 total yards (196 rushing, 109 passing)
• Third down conversions: Grimsley 6-11, Clayton 3-10
• Time of possession: Grimsley 26:37, Clayton 21:17
• Turnovers: Grimsley 1, Clayton 1

CHAPEL HILL – Watauga High School capped an undefeated season with a 47-25 victory over Middle Creek High School in the NCHSAA 6 State Championship game Friday at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill. The Pioneers finished 15-0 while Middle Creek ended its season at 11-3.

Evan Burroughs earned every bit of his game MVP award, delivering a record-setting performance for Watauga, accounting for five touchdowns in multiple ways. The junior recorded three rushing touchdowns, caught a 68-yard touchdown pass, and returned an interception 54 yards for a score. Burroughs finished with 46 rushing yards on seven carries, 149 receiving yards on 14 catches, and two interceptions on defense. His all-purpose total of 266 yards set the tone for a Watauga offense that accumulated 471 total yards. 

Middle Creek opened the scoring with an eight-play, 73-yard drive that consumed nearly three minutes. Jayden Spencer capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown run, and Ben Ladue's extra point gave the Mustangs a 7-0 lead. However, Watauga responded immediately with a three-play, 83-yard drive that took just over a minute. Cade Keller connected with Burroughs for a 68-yard touchdown pass, though the extra point attempt failed.

The game shifted dramatically in the first quarter when Burroughs intercepted a Lex Sevilla pass at the Watauga 46-yard line and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown at the 6:30 mark. The pick-six gave Watauga a 12-7 lead and marked the beginning of Middle Creek's struggles with ball security. The Mustangs threw two interceptions and fumbled three times, though they recovered all three fumbles.

After Burroughs' interception return, Middle Creek managed a 10-play, 56-yard drive that resulted in a 19-yard field goal by Ladue, cutting Watauga's lead to 12-10 with 2:17 remaining in the first quarter. Watauga answered with an eight-play, 66-yard drive, with Matthew Leon punching in a one-yard touchdown run with six seconds left in the quarter. Miller Hankins' extra point extended the lead to 19-10.

The second quarter belonged entirely to Watauga. The Pioneers scored twice in the period, with Burroughs rushing for touchdown runs of three and 25 yards. The second scoring drive covered 67 yards in eight plays and showcased the balance of Watauga's offense. Keller completed nine of 11 passes for 69 yards in the quarter, while the running game added 63 yards. Watauga took a commanding 33-10 lead into halftime.

Both quarterbacks were named their team’s most outstanding offensive players. Watauga’s Cade Keller finished the game with exceptional efficiency, completing 22 of 26 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. His Middle Creek counterpart, Lex Sevilla, completed 21 of 30 passes for 257 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while also being sacked once by Brady Lindenmuth.

Watauga opened the second half with a methodical nine-play, 75-yard drive that consumed more than eight minutes. The drive featured a 46-yard run by Leon and ended with Burroughs' third rushing touchdown, a seven-yard run. Leon converted the two-point attempt after a Middle Creek penalty moved the ball closer, extending Watauga's lead to 41-10.

Middle Creek showed resilience in the third quarter, assembling a six-play, 51-yard scoring drive. Ezra Jobe capped the drive with a 10-yard touchdown run, and Ladue's extra point made it 41-17 with 1:06 left in the third quarter.

The Mustangs continued their momentum early in the fourth quarter. After recovering a Keller fumble at the Watauga 23-yard line, Middle Creek drove to the Watauga five-yard line but turned the ball over on downs. On the next possession following a punt, Middle Creek put together a six-play, 69-yard drive in just 82 seconds. Sevilla hit Nicolas Bocciardi for a 10-yard touchdown pass, and Nicholas Belcher caught the two-point conversion to cut the deficit to 41-25 with 10:26 remaining.

However, Watauga responded with a game-sealing 12-play, 95-yard drive that took nearly seven minutes off the clock. The drive featured strong running from Leon and Burroughs before Keller found Nyle Peays for a 51-yard touchdown pass with 43 seconds remaining, effectively ended Middle Creek's comeback hopes.

Leon led Watauga's ground game with 78 yards on 12 carries, while Keller added 41 yards on five attempts. For Middle Creek, Spencer rushed 17 times for 53 yards and one touchdown, while Sevilla added 51 yards on nine carries.

Bocciardi was Middle Creek's leading receiver with seven catches for 141 yards and one touchdown. Tracy Harrington Jr. added nine receptions for 79 yards. For Watauga, Burroughs was the primary target with 14 catches, while Peays contributed two receptions for 82 yards.

John Wilson Mills led Watauga's defense with 13 total tackles (10 solo, three assists) and was named the team’s most outstanding defensive player, while Cody Wicker paced Middle Creek with 11 total tackles (six solo, five assists).

The victory gave Watauga its first state championship since the program's previous title, while Middle Creek fell short in its attempt to add another championship to its trophy case.

Top Performers

Evan Burroughs, Watauga

• 14 receptions, 149 yards, 1 TD
• 7 rushes, 46 yards, 3 TDs
• 2 interceptions, 54 return yards, 1 TD
• 266 all-purpose yards

Cade Keller, Watauga

• 22-of-26 passing, 277 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
• 5 rushes, 41 yards

Nicolas Bocciardi, Middle Creek

• 7 receptions, 141 yards, 1 TD

Lex Sevilla, Middle Creek

• 21-of-30 passing, 257 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
• 9 rushes, 51 yards

CHAPEL HILL – The Hough Huskies capped a perfect 14-0 season with a 21-0 victory over Millbrook in the NCHSAA 8A state championship game at Kenan Stadium. The Huskies held the Wildcats to just 122 total yards while generating 265 yards of their own to claim the program’s first-ever state title.

Hough quarterback Ethan Royal earned Most Valuable Player honors after accounting for all three touchdowns. He rushed 12 times for 64 yards and two scores while completing 13 of 29 passes for 135 yards and another touchdown. His performance defined a game where the Huskies converted third downs at a 42 percent clip compared to Millbrook's 21 percent success rate.

The game's opening score came late in the first quarter when Hough put together a 12-play, 66-yard drive that consumed 5:51 of clock time. Royal capped the march with a one-yard touchdown plunge at the 3:47 mark. The drive featured five first downs, including a 14-yard completion to Kynis Tinnin that moved the ball to the Millbrook 11-yard line.

Millbrook (13-1) struggled to sustain offensive momentum throughout the contest. The Wildcats managed just 26 net rushing yards on 26 attempts, an average of one yard per carry. Quarterback Bryson Gray completed 13 of 28 passes for 96 yards but threw one interception and failed to lead his team into the end zone.

The second quarter saw both defenses tighten. Millbrook reached the Hough 17-yard line on one possession but turned the ball over on downs when Gray's fourth-down pass fell incomplete. The Wildcats advanced to the Hough 50 on another drive before a holding penalty pushed them back, and they punted after three consecutive incomplete passes.

Hough extended its lead early in the fourth quarter. Taking over at the Millbrook 46 after a punt with 2:27 remaining in the third quarter, the Huskies needed just seven plays to find the end zone. Royal connected with Jahmere Anderson on a seven-yard touchdown pass at the 11:54 mark of the final period. Piercom Selland's extra point made it 14-0.

Millbrook's offense showed life immediately after, with Gray hitting Quinton Cypher on an 18-yard completion on the first play. After Brilison McCullers gained eight yards on a rush, the Wildcats faced fourth-and-three at their own 44. Gray found Cypher again, but the gain measured only one yard, and Hough took over on downs.

The Huskies' defense registered five tackles for loss and limited Millbrook's leading rusher, McCullers, to 25 yards on 16 carries. Ryan Peterson led the defensive effort with 10 total tackles and two tackles for loss, earning West Defensive Most Outstanding Player recognition.

Cypher provided the brightest moments for Millbrook's defense. He recorded 10 tackles, forced one fumble, and intercepted Royal in the third quarter at the Millbrook 45-yard line, returning it 19 yards to the Hough 36. However, the Wildcats could not capitalize and turned the ball over on downs after losing 19 yards on the possession. Cypher also blocked a punt in the third quarter and was named East Defensive Most Outstanding Player.

Hough's Jamarion Morrison rushed 15 times for 63 yards and caught two passes for 30 yards, earning West Offensive Most Outstanding Player honors. His 16-yard run early in the fourth quarter set up first-and-10 at the Millbrook 29, though that drive stalled and Hough turned the ball over on downs.

Royal sealed the championship with a 74-yard touchdown run with 59 seconds remaining. Facing third-and-15 at his own 26-yard line, Royal broke through the Millbrook defense and raced untouched to the end zone. Selland's third extra point established the final margin.

The Wildcats' best offensive possession resulted in zero points. After Cypher's interception gave them possession at the Hough 36 in the third quarter, Millbrook went backwards. Gray threw three incomplete passes, and punter Ethan Luberecki rushed for a 16-yard loss on fourth down when the play broke down.

Malachi Thomas led Millbrook receivers with five catches for 45 yards. He also returned three kickoffs for 51 yards. His teammate Malachi Gilchrist caught three passes for 22 yards and was selected East Offensive Most Outstanding Player despite the shutout loss.

Hough's defense forced four Millbrook fumbles and recovered one while intercepting Gray once. Jason Wilkerson picked off a Gray pass in the fourth quarter and returned it 33 yards to the Millbrook 37, setting up Royal's 12-yard completion to Jayden White on the subsequent drive.

The Huskies finished with 130 rushing yards on 28 attempts, good for 4.6 yards per carry. Royal threw for 135 yards, with White catching four passes for 31 yards and Christian Carter adding three receptions for 25 yards.

Special teams played a significant role. Hough's Baylie Nelson punted four times for 119 yards, while Millbrook's Luberecki punted five times for 133 yards. Rashad Streets blocked a Hough punt in the third quarter, giving the Wildcats possession at the Hough 45, but Millbrook lost nine yards on that possession.

Gray rushed three times for a net loss of six yards after being sacked for losses on multiple scrambles. Santonis Wright provided a spark late in the game with 21 yards on four carries, including a 16-yard run, but Millbrook's final drive ended as time expired.

The championship completed Hough's undefeated campaign. Their defense recorded six tackles for loss in the title game, with Jackson Heath and Ryan Peterson contributing 2.5 and 2.0, respectively.

Millbrook's season ended at 13-1. Gray completed passes to five different receivers but could not generate the explosive plays needed against Hough's stingy defense.

Top Performers:

William A. Hough:

• Ethan Royal: 12 rushes, 64 yards, 2 TDs; 13-of-29 passing, 135 yards, 1 TD
• Jamarion Morrison: 15 rushes, 63 yards; 2 catches, 30 yards
• Ryan Peterson: 10 tackles, 2 TFL
• Jason Wilkerson: 4 tackles, 1 interception (33-yard return)

Millbrook:

• Quinton Cypher: 10 tackles, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, 1 blocked punt
• Malachi Thomas: 5 catches, 45 yards; 3 kickoff returns, 51 yards
• Bryson Gray: 13-of-28 passing, 96 yards, 1 INT
• Malachi Gilchrist: 3 catches, 22 yards

CHAPEL HILL – Duke scored the final eight points in the closing minutes Saturday to pull out a 32-25 victory over North Carolina at Kenan Stadium, moving to 6-5 overall and 5-2 in conference play while dropping the Tar Heels to 4-7 and 2-5.

The Blue Devils trailed 25-24 with less than three minutes remaining before putting together a crucial 11-play, 68-yard drive that consumed over four minutes of clock. The march ended with Anderson Castle's third rushing touchdown of the game, a one-yard plunge with 2:18 left. Duke then converted a two-point attempt on a pass from Nate Sheppard to push the lead to seven points.

North Carolina got the ball back but managed just four plays that lost three yards total. Gio Lopez was sacked on consecutive plays and threw an incomplete pass on fourth down to seal Duke's victory.

Castle finished with 49 yards and three touchdowns on 13 carries, finding the end zone from one yard out three separate times. His scoring runs came in the first quarter to tie the game at 7-7, in the third quarter to extend Duke's lead to 24-10, and his decisive fourth-quarter touchdown. Sheppard carried 22 times for 90 yards, including a 29-yard burst in the third quarter that set up Duke's second touchdown of that period.

Quarterback Darian Mensah completed 20 of 33 passes for 175 yards and one touchdown without an interception. His 14-yard scoring strike to Jeremiah Hasley in the second quarter gave Duke a 14-7 lead. Hasley led all receivers with seven catches for 85 yards, while Sahmir Hagans added three receptions for 30 yards and returned one kickoff for 40 yards.

Duke controlled possession for 36 minutes compared to North Carolina's 24 minutes and ran 76 offensive plays to the Tar Heels' 52. The Blue Devils converted six of 15 third-down attempts and an impressive five of six fourth-down tries, with the successful fourth-down conversions proving critical in sustaining drives.

North Carolina appeared poised to complete a comeback after Lopez connected with Jordan Shipp for a 20-yard touchdown pass with 4:52 left in the third quarter. The Tar Heels successfully converted a two-point attempt on a pass from Shipp to cut Duke's lead to 24-18.

The Tar Heels took their only lead of the game early in the fourth quarter when Davion Gause capped a nine-play, 91-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown run at 13:13. The extra point gave North Carolina a 25-24 advantage.

Gause rushed eight times for 63 yards and added one reception for 16 yards, finishing with 79 all-purpose yards. Lopez completed 21 of 27 passes for 204 yards and one touchdown but was sacked three times for 19 yards in losses. He also rushed nine times for a net of 20 yards and two touchdowns, including a one-yard score in the first quarter that gave North Carolina an early 7-0 lead.

Shipp caught eight passes for 83 yards and the touchdown while Kobe Paysour hauled in five receptions for 63 yards. However, North Carolina's offense stalled in critical moments, particularly on their final two possessions when they totaled negative 16 yards.

Duke built a 17-7 halftime lead after a 14-play, 71-yard drive that ate up nearly seven minutes of second-quarter clock. The Blue Devils faced multiple setbacks on the drive, including a holding penalty that created a first-and-20 situation, but they converted a third-and-24 with an 11-yard scramble by Mensah before settling for a 33-yard field goal by Todd Pelino.

North Carolina responded with an eight-play drive covering 44 yards in the final 2:26 of the half, with Rece Verhoff drilling a 49-yard field goal as time expired to cut the deficit to 17-10.

The third quarter featured explosive offensive plays from both teams. Duke opened the second half with an 11-play, 44-yard touchdown drive, aided by penalties and a successful fourth-down conversion. Castle scored from one yard out to make it 24-10 at 9:15.

North Carolina answered immediately with its best offensive series of the game. Lopez completed five of six passes on a 10-play, 75-yard march that covered just 4:23. His 20-yard touchdown pass to Shipp brought the Tar Heels within six points after the successful two-point conversion.

The Blue Devils' defense made crucial stops when needed, forcing three three-and-outs and recording five tackles for loss totaling 23 yards. Duke sacked Lopez three times for 19 yards, with Josiah Green, Aaron Hall, and Luke Mergott each recording sacks. The final sack by Mergott came with 1:24 remaining and helped preserve the victory.

North Carolina's defense recorded five tackles for loss totaling 26 yards and one sack. However, critical penalties hurt the Tar Heels throughout the game. They committed 12 penalties for 103 yards compared to Duke's three penalties for 27 yards. Three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in the fourth quarter, including one after Duke's final touchdown and another after a kickoff, exemplified the undisciplined play that hampered North Carolina's comeback attempt.

Duke's offensive balance proved effective, with 177 rushing yards on 43 attempts and 175 passing yards. The Blue Devils averaged 4.6 yards per play compared to North Carolina's 5.9, but their ability to sustain drives and convert in crucial situations made the difference.

The victory secures bowl eligibility for Duke at 6-5 with one regular-season game remaining. North Carolina's loss eliminates the Tar Heels from bowl contention at 4-7, ensuring a losing season regardless of the outcome in their final game.

Top Performers

Duke:

1. Anderson Castle: 13 rushes, 49 yards, 3 TDs
2. Jeremiah Hasley: 7 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD
3. Nate Sheppard: 22 rushes, 90 yards
4. Darian Mensah: 20-of-33, 175 yards, 1 TD passing; 3 rushes, 27 yards

North Carolina:

• Gio Lopez: 21-of-27, 204 yards, 1 TD passing; 9 rushes, 20 yards, 1 TD
• Jordan Shipp: 8 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD
• Davion Gause: 8 rushes, 63 yards, 1 TD
• Kobe Paysour: 5 receptions, 63 yards

CHAPEL HILL – Clemson scored 35 first-half points and never looked back, defeating North Carolina 38-10 on Saturday afternoon at Kenan Stadium. The Tigers improved to 2-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play, while the Tar Heels dropped to 2-3 and 0-1.

The visitors wasted no time establishing control. On the game's opening drive, quarterback Antonio Williams connected with T.J. Moore for a 75-yard touchdown pass just 11 seconds into the contest. The one-play, 11-second drive set the tone for an afternoon that would see Clemson's passing attack overwhelm the Tar Heels' secondary.

North Carolina answered with its only sustained drive of the first half, marching 58 yards over 10 plays to set up Rece Verhoff's 35-yard field goal. The 7-3 score represented the closest the Tar Heels would come the rest of the afternoon.

Cade Klubnik took over under center for Clemson and orchestrated three touchdown drives before halftime. He found Adam Randall for a 35-yard score to cap a three-play, 75-yard drive that took just 68 seconds. Later in the quarter, Klubnik hit Christian Bentancur for 45 yards and another touchdown, extending the lead to 21-3. With one second remaining in the first quarter, Klubnik and Randall connected again, this time from 23 yards out, pushing the advantage to 28-3.

The second quarter featured more of the same. Clemson drove 37 yards in six plays, with Klubnik finding Bentancur for an 8-yard touchdown with 2:02 left in the half. The Tigers took a commanding 35-3 lead into the locker room, effectively ending any suspense about the outcome.

Klubnik finished 22-of-24 passing for 254 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. His efficiency was remarkable, completing nearly 92 percent of his attempts and averaging 10.6 yards per completion. Williams, who started the game, was perfect on his lone attempt for 75 yards and a score.

North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson completed 26 of 42 passes for 213 yards but failed to throw a touchdown. The Tar Heels' passing game managed just 5.1 yards per attempt compared to Clemson's 10.2, a disparity that defined the game's flow.

Randall emerged as Clemson's most versatile weapon. He caught four passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns while also contributing 30 yards on eight rushing attempts. Moore led all receivers with 108 yards on five catches, with his opening touchdown accounting for most of that production.

The third quarter passed without any scoring, as both offenses stalled. Clemson punted once and converted a 14-play drive into a field goal attempt that set up the fourth quarter scoring. North Carolina attempted a 50-yard field goal by Verhoff that sailed wide, one of the few times the Tar Heels ventured into Tiger territory during the second half.

Clemson added to its lead early in the fourth quarter when Nolan Hauser connected on a 27-yard field goal, capping a 14-play, 55-yard drive that consumed 5:20 of clock. The field goal came after the Tigers moved from their own 36 to the North Carolina 9-yard line before the drive stalled.

North Carolina's only touchdown came with 10:25 remaining when Benjamin Hall powered in from 11 yards out. The score completed a five-play, 75-yard drive that took 2:55, but by then Clemson led 38-3 and had inserted backup quarterback Christopher Vizzina into the game.

The Tigers' defense held North Carolina to 270 total yards, including just 57 on the ground. The Tar Heels averaged 3.2 yards per rush on 18 attempts, never establishing the ground game necessary to keep drives alive. North Carolina converted just two of 11 third-down attempts and failed on its only fourth-down try.

Clemson's offensive balance kept the Tar Heels' defense off-balance throughout. The Tigers accumulated 488 total yards, distributing the ball to 14 different receivers. Bentancur caught two passes for 53 yards and two scores, while Bryant Wesco Jr. added 42 yards on two receptions.

Defensively, Jaiden Patterson led North Carolina with six solo tackles, while Khmori House contributed seven total tackles with two unassisted. For Clemson, Tyler Venables and Sammy Brown each recorded five tackles, with Brown adding half a tackle for loss.

Key Performances

Clemson:

• Cade Klubnik: 22-of-24 passing, 254 yards, 4 TDs
• T.J. Moore: 5 receptions, 108 yards, 1 TD
• Adam Randall: 4 receptions, 73 yards, 2 TDs; 8 rushes, 30 yards
• Christian Bentancur: 2 receptions, 53 yards, 2 TDs

North Carolina:

• Max Johnson: 26-of-42 passing, 213 yards
• Benjamin Hall: 5 rushes, 24 yards, 1 TD; 1 reception, 14 yards
• Jordan Shipp: 5 receptions, 41 yards
• Jaiden Patterson: 6 solo tackles

CHAPEL HILL – Monroe High School captured its second state football championship in program history Friday night, defeating previously unbeaten Northeastern 35-25 in the NCHSAA 2A title game at Kenan Stadium. The victory marks Monroe's first state championship since 2015 and caps off a perfect 15-0 season under head coach Johnny Sowell.

The game lived up to its billing as a matchup of undefeated powers, featuring explosive plays and momentum swings throughout the night. Both teams traded haymakers in a first quarter that saw four touchdowns, with Northeastern striking first on Trevaris Jones' 29-yard touchdown pass to Tyell Saunders.

Monroe answered immediately Jordan Young turned a 70-yard reception from Kaegan Chambers into a highlight-reel touchdown, breaking multiple tackles en route to the end zone. The teams continued trading scores, with Northeastern's Unique Blount and Monroe's Chambers adding first-quarter touchdowns to make it 12-14.

The second quarter saw Northeastern take control behind running back Carren Armstrong's 27-yard touchdown run, giving the Eagles an 18-14 advantage. However, Monroe's defense would stiffen, keeping Northeastern from taking advantage of interceptions by Khamani Bennett and keeping the Redhawks within striking distance heading into halftime.

Monroe seized control in the third quarter behind the powerful running of Nymir Kendall. The Redhawks back scored twice in a span of three-and-a-half minutes, including a 24-yard burst that gave Monroe a lead they would never relinquish. Kendall finished with 79 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries.

Northeastern refused to go quietly, as Jones connected with Zion Demps for a touchdown on the final play of the third quarter to pull within three at 28-25. However, Monroe's ground game proved too much down the stretch, with Zion Lindsey's 18-yard touchdown run with 2:18 remaining essentially sealing the victory. Lindsey led all rushers with 116 yards on 18 carries.

The Monroe defense played a crucial role in the victory, forcing three turnovers and recording multiple stops in critical situations. Jeremiah Lindsey led the defensive effort with 11 tackles, including two for loss, while Jesus Jarquin-Ambrosio provided a spark with a blocked punt.

For Northeastern (15-1), the loss marks their third runner-up finish in the last six seasons. Despite the defeat, the Eagles showcased their explosive offense, with Jones throwing for 177 yards and three touchdowns, while Armstrong added 113 yards rushing and a score.

The championship marks a crowning achievement for Monroe's program, which had previously finished as runners-up three times before breaking through with their first title in 2015. This second championship further cements the Redhawks' place among North Carolina's premier 2A programs.

CHAPEL HILL – On a chilly December evening that began with rain but ended in celebration, the Grimsley Whirlies secured their second state championship in program history, defeating the Rolesville Rams 35-23 in the NCHSAA 4A title game. The victory marks a triumphant return to the pinnacle for Grimsley, who last claimed the crown during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season.

Under the leadership of head coach Darryl Brown, the Whirlies (16-0) established their dominance early, building a two-touchdown lead in the first quarter and never relinquishing control, though Rolesville kept the outcome in doubt until the final period. The Whirlies' control was evident in the final statistics, as they accumulated 327 yards of total offense.

Game MVP Faizon Brandon directed the Whirlies' dynamic offense, striking quickly in the 46-degree weather at Kenan Stadium. Brandon, who finished an efficient 9-of-13 for 182 yards, connected with Khyan Battle for a 20-yard touchdown pass midway through the first quarter, setting the tone for what would become a masterful offensive performance.

The momentum continued to build as Battle, showcasing his versatility with 48 yards on punt returns, set up excellent field position. Offensive MOP Mitchell Summers, who proved to be a constant thorn in the Rams' side with 126 yards on 26 carries, needed just three plays to find the end zone, pushing the lead to 14-0.

Rolesville (14-2) refused to go quietly. The Rams' offense, which had struggled with ball control early, found its rhythm in the second quarter when quarterback Braden Atkinson connected with AJ Roberts on a spectacular 43-yard touchdown strike, breathing new life into their title hopes. Atkinson, who earned Rolesville's Offensive MOP honors, would finish with 298 yards passing and three touchdowns despite facing constant pressure.

The game's pivotal sequence came late in the second quarter. After Grimsley failed on a fourth-down attempt in their own territory, the defense immediately responded with an interception, swinging momentum back to the Whirlies. Summers capitalized moments later, breaking free for a 44-yard touchdown run that pushed the lead back to two scores.

The Rams showed their resilience, answering with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Atkinson to Jack McHugh just before halftime, keeping the game within reach at 21-14. Rolesville's Defensive MOP Xavier Lewis led all tacklers with 12 stops, including a sack, helping keep his team within striking distance.

The third quarter became a defensive struggle, with both teams trading possessions until Rolesville's Riley Daniels connected on a 23-yard field goal to narrow the gap to 21-17. However, the fourth quarter belonged entirely to Grimsley, with Defensive MOP Bryce Davis leading a fierce pass rush that recorded three of the team's six sacks.

Brandon, showcasing both his arm and legs, orchestrated two decisive scoring drives. First, he called his own number on a one-yard quarterback sneak to extend the lead. Then, with just over four minutes remaining, he delivered the knockout blow, finding Hudson Cooper streaking down the field for a 63-yard touchdown pass that essentially sealed the championship.

For Rolesville, Atkinson showed tremendous poise in defeat, finding success with multiple receivers as Gavin Waddell led all pass-catchers with seven receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown. The Rams' ground game, however, struggled to find consistent success against a stout Grimsley defensive front that limited them to just 38 rushing yards.

As the final seconds ticked away and the celebration began, the Whirlies' journey from their early-season determination to their late-December triumph was complete. For Coach Brown and his squad, the 2024 state championship trophy represents not just a single game's victory, but the culmination of a season's worth of dedication, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Two powerhouse programs are set to collide Friday night in Kenan Stadium as the Grimsley Whirlies (15-0) and the Rolesville Rams (14-1) meet in the 2024 NCHSAA 4A State Championship. These two familiar foes faced off earlier this season, with Grimsley claiming a 35-20 victory in late August. However, months have passed, and both teams have grown stronger, setting the stage for an epic rematch under the Friday night lights.

The Season So Far: Two Juggernauts

Grimsley, the top-ranked team in North Carolina, has been nothing short of dominant this season. The Whirlies boast a perfect 15-0 record, outscoring opponents 704-167. They’ve averaged a staggering 46.9 points per game while holding opposing offenses to just over 11 points per contest.

Rolesville, despite an early stumble against Grimsley, has been relentless ever since, rattling off 14 consecutive wins. The Rams are averaging an impressive 48.4 points per game and have scored 726 points overall this season, showcasing a potent aerial attack led by senior quarterback Braden Atkinson.

Both teams are battle-tested after deep playoff runs, with Rolesville overcoming perennial contenders like Cleveland and Cardinal Gibbons, while Grimsley edged defending champion Weddington and survived a tough contest against Hough.

Earlier Matchup: Grimsley 35, Rolesville 20

Their August clash feels like ancient history, but it provides insight into this high-stakes rematch. Grimsley’s dominant defense and balanced offense proved too much for Rolesville in that game. Senior running back Mitchell Summers exploded for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns, while quarterback Faizon Brandon added 175 passing yards and a touchdown through the air.

For Rolesville, Atkinson threw for 241 yards and 2 touchdowns, but turnovers and missed opportunities plagued the Rams. Since then, Rolesville’s offense has improved significantly, becoming more efficient and dangerous—qualities that will make this rematch far more competitive.

Key Players to Watch

Grimsley Whirlies:

- Mitchell Summers (RB): The workhorse of Grimsley’s offense, Summers has rushed for 2,207 yards this season, averaging 147.1 yards per game. His physical running style and ability to break big plays will be pivotal in controlling the tempo.

- Faizon Brandon (QB): The junior quarterback has been incredibly efficient, completing 77% of his passes for 2,632 yards and 33 touchdowns with just one interception all season.

- Bryce Davis (DL): On defense, senior Bryce Davis is a game-wrecker, averaging 7.8 tackles per game and leading the team with 17 sacks.

Rolesville Rams:

- Braden Atkinson (QB): Atkinson has had a stellar season, throwing for 3,627 yards and 50 touchdowns. His arm strength and chemistry with his receivers make him a constant threat.

- Gavin Waddell (WR): Waddell has been Atkinson’s go-to target, hauling in 58 catches for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field will challenge Grimsley’s secondary.

- Devon Thomas (RB): Thomas provides balance to the Rams’ offense, rushing for 797 yards and 16 touchdowns this season.

Matchups to Watch

1. Grimsley’s Ground Game vs. Rolesville’s Defense

Grimsley has leaned heavily on its rushing attack, averaging 245.9 rushing yards per game. Summers, alongside Brandon’s dual-threat ability, will look to test Rolesville’s defensive front, which has struggled at times against elite rushing teams.

2. Rolesville’s Passing Attack vs. Grimsley’s Secondary

The Rams’ aerial assault, led by Atkinson, averages 249.5 passing yards per game. Rolesville boasts a trio of talented receivers, including Waddell and Jalen Alford (812 yards, 16 TDs). Grimsley’s secondary, led by Kaden Catoe (11 touchdowns on offense, key contributor on defense), must limit big plays.

3. Turnover Battle

Both teams have thrived by forcing turnovers this season. Grimsley’s defense has tallied 10 interceptions, while Rolesville’s opportunistic secondary has recorded 9 picks. With so much talent on the field, a single turnover could swing the momentum.

Coaching and Adjustments

The rematch adds another layer of intrigue. Grimsley’s coaching staff, led by Coach Darryl Brown, has excelled at making adjustments all season. They’ll likely stick to their winning formula: a heavy dose of Summers on the ground and an opportunistic defense.

For Rolesville, Coach Martin Samek knows his team needs to start fast and limit mistakes. The Rams’ improved offensive efficiency since their Week 2 loss will give them confidence heading into this game.

What’s at Stake

For Grimsley, a win would cap off a perfect 16-0 season and secure their second state title in five years. The Whirlies are hungry to add to their championship legacy and prove they’re the best team in North Carolina.

Rolesville, on the other hand, seeks redemption. After falling short in past championship appearances, the Rams are determined to bring home their first-ever state title. A victory over Grimsley would avenge their earlier loss and cement Rolesville’s place as a top program in the state.

Final Thoughts

This championship showdown promises to be a classic. Grimsley’s balanced attack and elite defense will face its toughest test yet against Rolesville’s explosive offense. While Grimsley won their earlier matchup, expect a much closer contest this time.

Kickoff is set for Friday night at 7 PM. With the 4A title on the line, two of North Carolina’s best will leave it all on the field in pursuit of glory. Will Grimsley complete their perfect season, or will Rolesville rewrite the script?

Friday, December 20

7:00 p.m. – 4A Championship | Grimsley vs. Rolesville at Kenan Stadium

Saturday, December 21

11:00 a.m. – 3A Championship | West Charlotte vs. Seventy-First at Carter-Finley Stadium
3:00 p.m. – 1A State Championship | Corvian vs. Tarboro at Carter-Finley Stadium
6:30 p.m. – 2A State Championship | Monroe vs. Northeastern at Kenan Stadium

CHAPEL HILL – The Tarboro Vikings and Mount Airy Granite Bears clashed in a highly anticipated showdown during the 1A State Championship match at Kenan Memorial Stadium on the University of North Carolina campus. This marked their second encounter in the state finals, with each team having claimed victory over the other in previous championship matches in 2017 and 2022. On Saturday, Mount Airy emerged victorious, walking away with their ninth NCHSAA Football State Championship with a decisive 21-3 win.

In a defensive stalemate that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the first quarter showcased a remarkable 55-yard punt from Tarboro's Oscar Perez Gaspar, landing just shy of the 5-yard line. Gaspar later contributed the initial points of the game in the second quarter, nailing a 39-yard field goal to cap a seven-play, 17-yard drive. As the first half came to a close, Tarboro's defense made a crucial goal line stand, and the Granite Bears missed a 21-yard field goal attempt, leaving Tarboro with a 3-0 lead at halftime.

The turning point occurred in the third quarter when Deric Dandy's pivotal tackle on fourth and one led to a turnover on downs, granting Mount Airy possession on the Tarboro 29-yard line. Seizing the opportunity, Tyler Mason powered through with a 12-yard run after a 5-play sequence, propelling the Granite Bears to a 7-3 lead.

The momentum continued in the fourth quarter as Ian Gallimore executed a quick shovel pass to Mario Revels for an electrifying 89-yard touchdown within the first 15 seconds. Gallimore, orchestrating a patient 9-play, 32-yard drive, connected with Blake Hawks in the endzone, sealing the championship title for Mount Airy with a commanding 21-3 lead.

Tarboro concluded the season with a commendable 13-1 record, marking their 14th appearance in the state finals since their debut in 1984. This year's appearance marked their seventh consecutive entry, maintaining a shot at the state title every year since 2017. Despite the defeat, the Vikings hold a respectable state finals record of 8-6, with runner-up finishes in both 2022 and 2023.

Meanwhile, Mount Airy wrapped up an undefeated season with a flawless 16-0 record. This marked their 14th appearance in the final game of the season, boasting a 9-5 record in championship appearances since their inaugural participation in 1935.

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!

This Saturday at 12 p.m., the NCHSAA 1A State Championship will see a thrilling face-off between Mount Airy High School and Tarboro High School at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Despite the 211 miles separating these schools, Chapel Hill proves to be an ideal meeting spot, being 113 miles from Mount Airy and 101 miles from Tarboro.

Last Week’s Highlights

In the 1A Regional Championships, Mount Airy, the West No. 2 Seed, traveled to No. 1 Seed Robbinsville and scored 13 unanswered points to claim a 27-16 win. This victory has given the Granite Bears the opportunity to defend their 2022 state championship. The Bears now hold a 5-6 record in Regional Finals since 1972.

On the other hand, East No. 1 Seed Tarboro defeated No. 2 Seed West Columbus 49-12 in the Regional Championship. Mason Satterfield and Caiden Everette were the stars of the match, with Satterfield running for three touchdowns and Everette rushing for 111 yards and two scores. The Vikings now have a 14-3 record in Regional Finals and have won an East Regional Championship for eight consecutive years.

Team Rankings, Records, & History

The two teams come into this week’s game having held the top two spots in the Carolina Gridiron Top 15 since the preseason rankings were announced. In the 2022 NCHSAA 1A state championship, Mount Airy defeated Tarboro with a score of 20-7. This victory marked Mount Airy’s eighth state title and their first since 2008. The win over Tarboro was the first championship chapter in Mount Airy’s history book in 14 years. Before that, Mount Airy’s last state championship came in 2008 in a 37-14 rout over Williamston in the 1A title. On the other hand, Tarboro has won nine state titles overall in school history (1965, 1984, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2017, 2018, 2020-21, 2021).

Scoring Averages

Tarboro has an average score of 44.2 points per game, with most points scored in the first half. Mount Airy, on the other hand, has a higher average of 52.5 points per game, with a significant number of points also scored in the first half.

Team Stat Comparison

Both teams have unblemished records and impressive stats on both sides of the ball. Tarboro (13-0) scored a total of 575 points while conceding only 91 this season while Mount Airy (15-0) has amassed 788 points while only giving up 88 in quest to defend their title. Mount Airy leads in rushing yards per game (376.0), passing yards per game (56.0), and total yards per game (432.0). Tarboro, however, has a higher average of tackles per game (67.8) and sacks per game (1.5).

Team Leaders

Tarboro’s Mason Satterfield leads in rushing yards per game (87.1) and total yards per game (95.2), while Omarion Lewis leads in passing yards per game (26.9). Cam’ron Harper and Tyler Powell lead in tackles per game (8.1) and sacks per game (0.5) respectively.

For Mount Airy, Tyler Mason leads in rushing yards per game (138.7) and total yards per game (138.7), while Ian Gallimore leads in passing yards per game (41.4) and tackles per game (10.1). Deric Dandy leads in sacks per game (0.9).

Final Thoughts

With both teams undefeated this season and boasting impressive stats, this championship game promises to be a thrilling encounter. Will the Granite Bears successfully defend their title, or will the Vikings extend their winning streak in the East Regional Championship to the state level? Tune in this Saturday to find out!