Chapel Hill is buzzing this weekend with excitement as four North Carolina high school football teams have claimed their state championships, while an array of all-star matches are also taking place. Originally, this weekend was meant to be an all-star showcase, featuring the Queen City Senior Bowl, the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, and the N.C. Coaches Association East-West game. However, due to Hurricane Helene, the regular season was extended by a week, leading to a packed schedule over three days.
In the 4A Final, Grimsley achieved a stellar victory over Rolesville with a score of 35-23, capturing their second state title in four years. The Whirlies managed the win despite losing their star running back, Mitchell Summers, to an injury. Quarterback Faizon Brandon stepped up big time, contributing significantly to the game, including a crucial 63-yard touchdown pass to Hudson Cooper late in the fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, in the 3A Final, West Charlotte secured their first title in 29 years by defeating Seventy-First in a tightly contested match, showcasing outstanding defensive plays from both sides. A turnover by Seventy-First set up the winning touchdown for the Lions.
On Saturday night, Monroe clutched the 2A State Championship title over Northeastern with a final score of 35-25, thanks to a strong second-half performance that outscored their opponents 21-7. This victory marks Monroe’s first title since 2015 and brought their record to a perfect 15-0.
In the 1A Final, Tarboro ended Corvian’s undefeated streak, finishing the game at 45-24. Tarboro, a seasoned finalist, demonstrated their dominance with a powerful running game that amassed over 400 yards.
As for the all-star games, the Queen City Senior Bowl ended in thrilling fashion, with an overtime field goal sealing the deal. Additionally, the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas took place, bringing together top talents from North Carolina and South Carolina in a fierce competition that has been a tradition for many years.
This weekend in Chapel Hill has proven to be a spectacular celebration of high school football in North Carolina, marking the culmination of hard work and skill for many young athletes.
