Chapel Hill, N.C. – On a chilly night that saw temperatures plunge into the 30s, the Monroe High School Redhawks clinched the North Carolina NCHSAA Class 2A championship with a 35-25 comeback victory over the Northeastern Eagles. The game was held at the historic Kenan Memorial Stadium, and it certainly did not lack excitement.
Coach Johnny Sowell, who received a celebratory Gatorade bath after the win, humbly stated, “Didn’t feel a thing. I’m just proud of the team. It’s hard to describe.” This victory marked the second state title for Monroe, with the first one dating back to 2015.
At halftime, the Redhawks were trailing 18-14, but they came out firing in the second half. Back-to-back touchdown runs by Nymir Kendall for 23 and 3 yards swiftly put them ahead by 14 points. The game’s MVP, Zion Lindsey, sealed the win with an 18-yard touchdown run, making the score 35-25. The Monroe defense held strong and wrapped up the season undefeated at 15-0.
Northeastern, who ended their season with a record of 15-1, was looking for their first state title. Standout performances came from their MVPs, Khamani Bennett on defense and Tyell Saunders on offense, but it was not enough to overcome the Redhawks.
Other notable MVP honors included Michigan-bound receiver Jordan Young, who electrified the crowd with a remarkable 70-yard touchdown catch and run, and defensive lineman Jesus Jarquin-Ambrosio.
The afternoon preceding the championship featured a buildup to the exciting game, highlighting the potency of both teams’ offenses. Monroe’s quarterback Kaegan Chambers was recognized for his dual-threat capabilities, while Northeastern’s Trevaris Jones showcased his impressive season stats with over 3,700 passing yards.
During the contest, the Eagles managed to maintain a slight edge early on, but the tide turned quickly in the second half. The game was characterized by strategic plays and a resilient Monroe team that fought back from adversity.
In a closely contested battle, Monroe took charge when it mattered most, demonstrating their grit and determination. As the final whistle blew, it was clear that the Redhawks had made their mark in the record books.
