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