After suffering three losses in the 4AA state title game in the early 2010s, Wake Forest was finally able to break through two years ago and win Wake County's first football state title in almost 3 decades. The Cougars have not let up since winning their second title last season and continuing on to win forty-four straight games and are aiming for their third straight state title this Friday night at Wallace Wade Stadium at Duke University.
Coach Reggie Lucas, even though the Cougars are the two-time defending state champions, he still coaches his team like they are the underdogs. This mentality is what helped fuel the Cougar running attack who has averaged 270 yards per game on the ground this season in averaging more than 40 points per game. Maquel Haywood into DeMarcus Jones have combined for almost 2400 yards on the ground and 35 touchdowns this season.
Vance was finally able to get over the hump in a regional final this season after three heartbreaks in the regional finals since 2014. The Cougars are hoping to take the mantle of Charlotte Power and bring the 4AA state title back to the Queen City. Coach Aaron Brand and his “All Gas, No Breaks” mentality for Vance means that the Cougars play with an intensity that many of their opponents cannot match up to. This intensity has seen the Cougars average 34 points a game on offense while giving up nine a game.
The Cougars have shut out five opponents this year, including an impressive 25-0 win over conference rival Hough to end the regular season. There’s talent all over the defense for the Vance Cougars with as many eight starters holding college offers.
.png)
