CHAPEL HILL – Ethan Royal threw for a touchdown and ran for two others as the Hough Huskies won their first-ever state championship with a 21-0 shutout over Millbrook. Coach DeShawn Bake’s Hough squad finished the season with a perfect 14-0 record and earned the state’s inaugural 8A crown.

The 5A championship is a battle of two 12-2 programs, one built on defensive star power and the other on consistent, blue-collar execution and a remarkable turnaround story. The Crest Chargers (12-2) of Boiling Springs are in the title hunt for the 11th time, holding a solid 6-4 record in their previous championship appearances. Crest is synonymous with football excellence in Cleveland County, and the current roster is loaded with the type of Division I talent that makes them a favorite in any matchup.

Head Coach Greg Lloyd, in his second season at Crest with a 22-5 record, has a career mark of 181-86-1 over 21 years of coaching in North Carolina. He's built this team around a dominant defense that features some of the state's most coveted recruits. The Chargers' defense is spearheaded by two elite Shrine Bowl participants: safety D'Various Surratt, an NC State commit, and safety Lyrik Pettis, a Duke commit.

This secondary is one of the best in the state, capable of erasing deep passes and creating turnovers. Surratt and Pettis are four-year varsity players who have been impact performers throughout their careers. Their ability to shut down high-powered offenses has been key to Crest's success through a tough playoff schedule. The defense also features senior linebacker Chris Gunter (6.6 tackles per game), who provides run-stopping ability and pass coverage versatility.

The defensive line, while perhaps less heralded, has been effective with seniors Paxton Dobbins (three-year varsity player), Eli Black (four-year varsity player), and Taveon Whistnant providing pressure and run defense. Crest allows just 12.2 points per game with three shutouts, demonstrating their defensive dominance.

Their offense is built to complement the defense, playing smart, ball-control football while occasionally exploding with big plays from their skilled positions. Senior quarterback Ely Hamrick, a Virginia commit with two years of varsity experience, manages the offense efficiently and has the arm talent to stretch defenses vertically. Senior receiver Michael Edwards (16 total touchdowns) is a three-year varsity player and primary target, while junior Namajay Thompson (56.3 yards per game) provides deep threat capability.

Senior running back Jason Black, despite being just a one-year varsity player, has emerged as a reliable ground threat. The offensive line features four-year varsity player Gavin Ledbetter and sophomore Denarion Hickman, a Gardner-Webb commit. The Chargers average 45.0 points per game, showing their ability to score in bunches when needed.

Lloyd points to a critical regular-season victory over South Point as the team's galvanizing moment, a game that confirmed they could compete with the best teams in their classification. The Chargers' playoff run has been dominant, including victories over Concord (69-6), East Lincoln (31-14), a revenge win over South Point (28-14), and Hickory (39-21).

The J.B. Hunt Warriors (12-2) have navigated a rigorous Eastern schedule under Head Coach Juan Jackson to earn their spot in the final. Jackson, in his sixth season with a 46-21 overall record, has revitalized a program that last appeared in a state final in 2004, when they lost to Concord 27-0. This marks Hunt's return to championship Saturday after a 21-year absence, making this moment particularly special for the Wilson community.

The Warriors finished second in the highly competitive Big East 5A/6A Conference, and their 12-2 overall record is a testament to the growth of the program and their ability to finish strong in the playoffs. After a loss to rival Tarboro (34-17) early in the season and a mid-season defeat to Northern Nash (49-14), Hunt has responded with six straight victories, peaking at precisely the right time.

Hunt's success is rooted in their run game and their ability to sustain drives and grind out difficult victories, often wearing down their opponents in the fourth quarter. Sophomore running back Doryan Jones has been exceptional, rushing for 1,629 yards and 19 touchdowns while averaging over 125 yards per game. Jones's emergence as a sophomore has given Hunt a dynamic playmaker who can break long runs and punish defenses between the tackles.

Junior quarterback Xzayvion "Mez" Harris, the Conference Offensive Player of the Year, manages the offense efficiently and has the dual-threat capability to extend plays with his legs. Senior receiver Jamauris Howard (30.1 yards per game) provides the deep threat, while senior Isaiah Chadwick offers another receiving option and contributes significantly on defense at cornerback.

The offensive line has been the foundation of Hunt's success, creating holes for Jones and protecting Harris in the passing game. Junior tackle Aarion Bryant is an All-Conference selection, while senior center James Gibson is a four-year varsity player who anchors the front.

Defensively, Hunt is led by junior inside linebacker Judah Harris (14.2 tackles per game), who has been all over the field all season. Junior defensive tackle Christopher Dickerson is an All-Conference selection who provides interior pressure and run-stopping ability, while junior Randy James contributes from the defensive end position. Senior cornerback Jamauris Howard (8 interceptions) leads a secondary that has been opportunistic, and senior safety Xzayvion Harris contributes from his free safety position.

Special teams provide another advantage for Hunt, with senior Will Doll serving as kicker and punter. Doll is a three-year varsity player, Conference Special Teams Player of the Year, and Shrine Bowl selection whose consistency in the kicking game has been crucial in close contests. The Warriors average 36.8 points per game while allowing 21.4, with two shutouts demonstrating their defensive capability.

Hunt's playoff journey has been marked by close victories that tested their resolve: a 30-28 win over Eastern Alamance in the first round, a 32-29 thriller over Croatan in the regional final, and a solid 20-7 semifinal victory over Northside-Jacksonville. These close games have prepared them for the championship stage.

The Matchup: Hunt must find a way to protect the ball and establish the line of scrimmage, keeping the ball away from the dynamic Crest safeties. If Hunt's offense can control the clock with Jones and limit Crest's possessions, they have a real shot at the title. Their ground-and-pound approach could neutralize Crest's pass-rushing ability and keep Surratt and Pettis from making game-changing plays.

However, the sheer athleticism and defensive playmaking ability of players like Surratt and Pettis give the Chargers a major advantage. Crest's ability to create turnovers and convert them into points could be the difference. The Chargers will also look to exploit Hunt's defense with Hamrick's arm talent and the speed of their receivers.

This game will likely be a low-scoring affair, decided in the trenches, with the Crest defense potentially tipping the scales in their favor with a late-game interception or forced fumble. Hunt's experience in close games and their momentum from six straight wins gives them confidence, but Crest's star power and championship pedigree make them formidable.

The 69-mile journey from Wilson to Durham represents the final leg of a remarkable season for Hunt, while Crest travels 187 miles from Boiling Springs seeking to add another championship to Cleveland County's rich football tradition. Both communities will be well-represented Saturday night in what promises to be a physical, hard-fought battle for the 5A crown.

J.B. Hunt Warriors (12-2) vs. Crest Chargers (12-2)

December 13 (Sat) at Durham County Memorial Stadium

Kickoff: 8:00 p.m.

The 2A State Championship offers a geographical and philosophical clash between the East and the West, featuring the Tarboro Vikings and the Murphy Bulldogs, two of the most reliable championship programs in the state. This is their first-ever meeting, ensuring a historic outcome and guaranteeing one program will add another prestigious trophy to an already packed case.

The Tarboro Vikings are arguably the most consistent program in the state, making their 8th consecutive appearance in the state championship game, a new NCHSAA record that may stand forever. This remarkable streak is a testament to the culture built by Coach Jeff Craddock over 22 seasons. Craddock, with a career record of 261-47, has the sixth-most wins at a single school in NCHSAA football history and is making his 14th appearance in a state final. His sustained excellence is unmatched in modern North Carolina football.

Tarboro enters the game making its 17th total championship appearance, holding a strong 10-6 record in those games, including last year's 1A title. The Vikings are built on a philosophy of discipline, ball control, and punishing physicality, a style often necessary to win eight regional titles in a row. They average 42.4 points per game while allowing just 8.9, with six shutouts showcasing their defensive dominance.

The offensive centerpiece is senior running back Kamerin McDowell-Moore, the 2024 1A State Championship MVP who has rushed for over 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns this season. McDowell-Moore, an Elon commit and Shrine Bowl participant, is the Eastern Plains Conference Player of the Year. His combination of speed, power, and vision makes him one of the state's elite backs. He's equally dangerous in the return game and contributes on defense.

Senior Tyler Powell is a two-way force, serving as quarterback and defensive end. From his DE position, Powell has recorded 13.0 sacks, earning him Eastern Plains Defensive Player of the Year honors and a Shrine Bowl selection. Senior Jhalen Pharr-McNair provides versatility as an athlete who impacts the game at running back and outside linebacker, while senior Keivious Bridgers contributes at tight end and linebacker.

The Vikings' dominance has been complete, outscoring playoff opponents 193-19, including shutout victories over Camden County (52-0) and Warren County (40-0). They're riding a 24-game winning streak dating back to last season, demonstrating remarkable consistency and championship pedigree. The key regular season victory came against Kinston (42-35), a hard-fought win that Coach Craddock cited as the team's most galvanizing moment.

The Murphy Bulldogs (12-2) are equally storied in the mountains of North Carolina. This is their 13th appearance in the final, where they own an impressive 9-3 record. Head Coach Joseph Watson, in his fifth season with a 51-17 record, is a Murphy graduate who understands what the program means to the community. He's continued the Bulldogs' tradition of excellence, bringing them back to the championship stage for the first time since their 2020-21 title.

Murphy thrives on a rugged defense and a methodical, effective run game that takes advantage of the size and strength of their linemen. Junior running back Cameron Clem is the offensive engine, having rushed for 1,647 yards and 30 touchdowns while averaging nearly 120 yards per game. Clem, the Smoky Mountain Conference Back of the Year, is a three-year varsity player whose production has been exceptional all season.

Senior quarterback Brady Grant, a Smoky Mountain All-Conference selection, manages the offense efficiently, while senior receiver Ryan Payne provides the deep threat at 33.2 yards per game. Payne is also a two-time All-WNC selection and contributes significantly on defense at free safety.

The defense is anchored by senior linebacker Brody Orton (9.8 tackles per game) and senior defensive end Camden Breazeale (8.0 sacks), both All-SMC selections. Senior Dalton Farmer provides linebacker depth, while sophomore Anthony Catuto has emerged as a contributor at linebacker and tight end. The Bulldogs average 38.4 points per game while allowing 13.6, with four shutouts demonstrating their defensive capability.

Murphy's path to the final has been paved by a defense that has consistently shut down Western opponents. After a challenging start that included losses to Heard County (Georgia) and A.C. Reynolds, the Bulldogs have won 10 straight, including playoff victories over Albemarle (57-14), Community School of Davidson (62-20), Corvian Community (49-40), and a defensive gem against Starmount (14-2).

Watson emphasizes his team's selfless approach: "A big part of our success this year has been our guys completely buying into their roles. Nobody's worried about touches or stat lines, they're locked in on doing their job and doing it well."

The Matchup: The key to this game will be ball security and tackling. Tarboro's defense will face a Murphy running back in Clem who is adept at finding seams and breaking tackles, while Murphy must contain the speed and misdirection in Tarboro's run game, which can break for big plays at any moment with McDowell-Moore.

Both teams run similar offensive philosophies, power running games that control the clock and wear down opponents. The difference may come down to explosive plays and which defense can force the critical turnover. Tarboro's experience in championship games and their 24-game winning streak suggests they know how to win in these moments, but Murphy's program pedigree and defensive discipline means they won't be intimidated by the stage.

For both schools, a victory adds another prestigious title to an already packed trophy case, but for Tarboro, a win would extend one of the most legendary championship streaks in NCHSAA history. The game promises a full 48-minute, trench-warfare slugfest between two programs that represent the best of small-town North Carolina football. The 424-mile distance between Tarboro and Murphy represents the entire breadth of the state, making this a true East-West championship showdown.

Tarboro Vikings (14-0) vs. Murphy Bulldogs (12-2)

December 13 (Sat) at Moretz Stadium

Kickoff: 5:00 p.m.

The 3A Championship provides a stark contrast between a program that measures success in state titles and a program seeking to establish its own modern legacy. The Shelby Golden Lions are arguably the NCHSAA's most historically successful program, making their 25th appearance in a title game and boasting a phenomenal 18-6 record in those contests. When you include their nine WNCHSAA championship appearances between 1947-1976 (where they went 4-3-2), Shelby's championship pedigree is unmatched. The Golden Lions come into the contest with a 12-3 record, a testament to their continued excellence under Head Coach Mike Wilbanks.

Wilbanks, in his seventh season at Shelby with a 76-20 overall record, has established himself as one of the state's elite coaches. He won both the 2019 2AA and 2021 2A championships with the Golden Lions, and this team has all the pieces to add a third title to his resume. After an 0-2 start that included losses to county rivals Kings Mountain and Crest, the Lions have responded with 12 straight victories, demonstrating resilience and championship character.

The 2025 Golden Lions are led by the powerful arm of quarterback Lan Farmer. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound senior is an exceptional talent whose statistics speak for themselves: 3,770 passing yards, 48 passing touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions this season. Farmer's ability to stretch the field vertically and find open receivers makes the Shelby offense nearly impossible to stop when he is clicking. His command of the offense and decision-making have been exemplary all season.

Farmer has guided the Lions through a tough playoff bracket, including critical wins over East Rutherford (65-34), Mount Airy (41-21), and a heart-stopping 43-41 regional final victory over Eastern Randolph. In that Eastern Randolph thriller, Farmer threw for 388 yards and 3 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to perform in pressure moments. Wilbanks pointed to an earlier regular-season game against Burns, won on a last-second blocked field goal (36-35), as the team's most galvanizing moment.

Freshman running back Jonas Woods has been a revelation, leading the team with 73.8 yards per game and 14 touchdowns. His emergence has given Shelby a ground game to complement Farmer's aerial assault. Junior receiver Immanuel Collins Jr. (68.9 yards per game) is Farmer's favorite target, while junior Kendrick Raper provides another deep threat.

Defensively, the Lions are anchored by junior linebacker Landon Hollifield (8.5 tackles per game) and senior defensive end Noah Gartner, who has recorded 15.0 sacks, among the state's best. Senior free safety Derrick Kee and senior strong safety Kendrick Raper (who also plays receiver) provide secondary coverage. The Golden Lions average 47.8 points per game while allowing 19.3, with four shutouts demonstrating their ability to dominate on both sides of the ball.

The Kinston Vikings (11-4) are seeking to crash the Shelby coronation and remind everyone that they, too, have championship pedigree, although the Vikings' last title was seventy years ago. Kinston is reaching the title game for the third time in fourteen years, proving they know how to get to the final stage. Head Coach Ryan Gieselman, in his 13th season with a 106-56 career record, led the Vikings to the 2015 2A championship game where they fell to Shelby 57-21, a loss that still motivates this program.

The Vikings have navigated a challenging path, evident by their 11-4 record and 14-seed in the playoffs, one of the lowest seeds to ever reach a championship game. After losses to South Central, White Oak, Ayden-Grifton, and rival Tarboro (42-35), Kinston found its identity and embarked on a remarkable playoff run. Gieselman points to a mid-season victory over Greene Central as the galvanizing moment that turned the season around.

Kinston relies on an aggressive, fast-paced game to create turnovers and quick scoring opportunities. Senior receiver Tyreek Copper has been nothing short of sensational, recording a record-setting 2,000+ receiving yards and 32 touchdowns while averaging 134.2 yards per game. Copper's production is among the best in state history, and he's the primary reason Kinston's offense averages 37.0 points per game despite their pass-heavy approach (270.8 passing yards per game).

Senior running back Genesis Wiggins provides balance with 57.6 yards per game, while senior quarterback Tyler Jones manages the offense and delivers the ball to Copper and fellow receivers Pap Brown and Brennan Chambers. The Vikings' aerial attack is designed to create explosive plays and force opponents to defend the entire field.

Defensively, Kinston is led by senior Jemorris Poole (10.3 tackles per game) and junior cornerback Justin Gooding Jr. (5 interceptions). Senior linebacker Davieon Jones contributes 4.0 sacks, while the secondary must play aggressive, physical coverage to disrupt opposing passing games. The Vikings allow 20.5 points per game, and their ability to create turnovers (2.3 per game) has been crucial to their success.

The Matchup: This game pits the established air-raid dominance of Shelby, with Farmer's 48 touchdown passes, against the aggressive, opportunistic style of Kinston and Copper's record-setting season. If the Vikings can force a few turnovers and convert them into scores, exploiting any potential weakness in the Lions' protection, they have a chance to add another perfect title game record to their history.

Kinston must find a way to pressure Lan Farmer and disrupt his timing, relying on the athleticism of their defensive line and secondary. However, Gartner's 15 sacks suggest Shelby's pass rush could be equally problematic for Kinston's pass-heavy attack. The key will be protecting the quarterback and giving Copper opportunities to make plays in space.

This rematch of the 2015 championship, which Shelby won convincingly, takes on added significance. Can Kinston avenge that loss a decade later? Or will Shelby's history and the sheer passing volume of Lan Farmer prove too much? The Vikings will need a historic defensive performance to stop the Golden Lions from collecting their 19th state title trophy, but their perfect championship game record suggests they shouldn't be underestimated.

The 283-mile journey from Kinston to Shelby represents more than distance; it's the culmination of two very different seasons that converged at the same destination. One program has been here many times; the other arrives as the ultimate underdog. Both will leave everything on the field Saturday afternoon.

Kinston Vikings (11-4) vs. Shelby Golden Lions (12-3)

Durham County Memorial Stadium

Kickoff: 2:00 p.m.

The 7A final features a battle between two of the state's most electric quarterbacks, with Clayton (12-2) making its historic debut and Grimsley (14-0) bringing a stellar record and riding a 30-game winning streak powered by a national recruit. This matchup represents the ultimate East-West showdown, with contrasting paths to the championship game.

The Clayton Comets have burst onto the scene in the Triangle area, achieving their first-ever 7A state championship appearance and first final of any kind since 1989, a 36-year gap. Head Coach Scott Chadwick, in his fourth season with a 38-12 record, highlighted a key moment of adversity early in the season: a significant 38-14 loss to Hoggard which forced personnel and coaching staff changes. The team's response to that challenge revealed their character.

Chadwick, who has coached in three state championship games in Maryland and won with Bowie in 2001, knows what it takes to win at this level. His career record of 210-94 over 25 years speaks to sustained excellence. The Comets' response to early adversity, capped by a "galvanizing moment" win over Cleveland and a thrilling 35-32 semifinal victory over Cardinal Gibbons, solidified their mental toughness and trajectory toward the final.

Their success is intrinsically linked to senior quarterback Aiden Smalls, a dynamic dual-threat athlete committed to NC State. Smalls, who also plays basketball, is a true playmaker, utilizing both his exceptional arm talent and positional versatility. This season, he's thrown for 1,784 yards while rushing for 1,348 yards with 24 combined touchdowns. His ability to create with his legs when plays break down makes him nearly impossible to game-plan against. In the previous season, he threw for 1,948 yards and 24 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,006 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning him the GNRC Offensive Player of the Year award.

Smalls is supported by a talented cast, including receiver Parker Ferguson (61.9 yards per game) and a dominant offensive line featuring tackles Cory Robinson and Nick Cappozzi. The defense is anchored by defensive end Keshawn Stancil, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound force who signed with Miami and is one of the nation's top defensive linemen. His presence alongside junior Kaiden Blackwell (7.0 sacks) gives Clayton an elite pass rush.

Clayton's path to the championship has been marked by their ability to rack up ten or more wins for the third consecutive season, demonstrating consistency and program growth. The Comets average 37.9 points per game while allowing 14.1, with a balanced attack that can beat teams through the air or on the ground.

They face the Grimsley Whirlies of Greensboro, a perennial powerhouse led by one of the nation's elite quarterback prospects, Faizon Brandon. Brandon, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound senior, enters the game with a near-flawless 29-1 record as a starter over his career and is the catalyst for Grimsley's 30-game winning streak. He is known for his remarkable efficiency, having completed 72.5% of his passes with 71 touchdowns against just five interceptions prior to his senior year.

His career totals are staggering: 6,374 passing yards and 79 passing touchdowns, complemented by 1,261 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns, confirming his status as an elite dual-threat quarterback. Brandon's ability to manage the game, make all the throws, and extend plays with his mobility will be the biggest challenge for the Clayton defense. He's supported by sophomore running back Ty Shoemake (1,082 yards, 17 touchdowns) and receiver Kaden Catoe (63.1 yards per game).

Head Coach Darryl Brown, in his 10th year at Grimsley with a 107-24 record, has built a program that consistently competes for championships. The Whirlies are ranked #1 in North Carolina and #12 nationally, defending their 2024 state title and seeking back-to-back championships. Their defense has been equally impressive, allowing just 11.6 points per game with key contributors including defensive end Andrew Rogers (8.0 sacks), linebacker Dylan Searls, and free safety Evander Davis (5 interceptions).

Grimsley's season has included impressive playoff wins over Jack Britt (55-12), Reagan (24-7), and a hard-fought 13-7 victory over Weddington in the regional final. That Weddington game, played in challenging conditions, showcased the Whirlies' ability to win ugly when their high-powered offense isn't clicking.

The two teams have met twice before, in 2021 and 2022, with Grimsley winning both contests decisively (56-0 and 42-14). However, this Clayton team is markedly different, battle-tested and featuring elite talent like Smalls and Stancil who can match up with anyone.

The Matchup: The ultimate question is whether the Comets' experience of overcoming adversity can translate into stopping the nation's most efficient quarterback in a true East-West showdown for the 7A crown. Clayton's pass rush, led by Stancil, must disrupt Brandon's rhythm, while Smalls must match Brandon's production and create explosive plays. This game will likely be decided by which defense can generate more pressure and which quarterback handles that pressure better. The 96-mile distance between Clayton and Greensboro is more than geography, it's a collision of two programs peaking at precisely the right moment.