The 2024 NCHSAA 3A State Championship promises a high-stakes battle as the West Charlotte Lions (12-2) clash with the undefeated Seventy-First Falcons (15-0) on Saturday. Both teams have navigated challenging seasons to arrive at this moment, and fans can expect an intense matchup between two of North Carolina's finest programs at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday morning.
Seventy-First’s Perfect Season
Seventy-First enters the championship with an unblemished 15-0 record, highlighted by an offense averaging an impressive 45.7 points per game while surrendering only 114 points all season. Led by senior quarterback Deandre Nance, who averages 105.5 passing yards per game and contributes heavily on the ground (99.9 rushing yards per game), the Falcons’ attack is both versatile and explosive.
Running back Dante Frederick (1,382 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns) and sophomore sensation Savion Pone (712 yards, 10 touchdowns) provide additional firepower in the backfield. Pone also contributes in the passing game with 400 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, adding a critical dimension to the offense.
Defensively, Seventy-First is anchored by standout Hector Bautista (8.6 tackles per game, 27 tackles for loss) and Deandre Nance, who has been dominant on both sides of the ball. The Falcons' physicality up front and ability to force turnovers will test West Charlotte’s playmakers.
West Charlotte’s Resilience
The West Charlotte Lions come into this matchup with a 12-2 record, including a dominant playoff run where they have outscored opponents 240-36 in their last four games. Sophomore quarterback Jamouri Nichols has been the Lions’ offensive catalyst, averaging 195.3 passing yards per game and totaling 2,539 passing yards with 27 touchdowns this season.
Nichols has plenty of weapons at his disposal, including junior wide receiver Donte Nicholson, who leads the team with 572 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, and junior playmaker KD Cotton, who has 443 receiving yards and a team-leading 18 total touchdowns.
On the ground, senior Aidan Turner leads the rushing attack with 559 yards and 11 touchdowns, while the versatile Nicholson adds explosive runs to complement his receiving abilities. Defensively, sophomore linebacker Michael Griffin Jr. (8 tackles per game, 12 tackles for loss) and defensive end Sam Johnson (11 sacks) will be tasked with slowing Seventy-First’s rushing juggernaut.
Key Matchups
1. Seventy-First’s Ground Attack vs. West Charlotte’s Front Seven
The Falcons' rushing offense averages a staggering 322.6 yards per game, powered by Nance, Frederick, and Pone. West Charlotte must rely on Griffin Jr. and Johnson to plug gaps and disrupt plays in the backfield to contain this dominant run game.
2. Jamouri Nichols and West Charlotte’s Passing Game
Nichols’ accuracy and poise have driven the Lions’ success. With weapons like Nicholson and Cotton, West Charlotte averages 172.2 passing yards per game. Seventy-First’s secondary, led by ball hawk Nance, will need to pressure Nichols and limit big plays.
3. Turnovers and Special Teams
Both teams excel at forcing turnovers. West Charlotte has recorded 20 interceptions this season, including 7 by sophomore Deandre Jones. Seventy-First, meanwhile, thrives on special teams with 650 kickoff return yards, including standout performances by Nate Moore (51.2 yards per return).
Coaching and Preparation
Both teams have strong coaching leadership. West Charlotte’s defense, guided by their ability to create chaos and force turnovers, will need to rise to the challenge against Seventy-First’s potent offense. Meanwhile, the Falcons, led by their methodical ground game and stout defense, aim to maintain their undefeated season under the leadership of a balanced and experienced coaching staff.
Final Thoughts
This championship game will likely come down to which team controls the line of scrimmage and capitalizes on mistakes. Seventy-First’s undefeated record and dominant run game make them the favorites, but West Charlotte’s balanced attack and explosive playmakers give them a puncher’s chance.
Kickoff is set for 11:00 Saturday, and fans can expect a hard-fought, physical game that will crown the 2024 NCHSAA 3A champion.
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