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It has been a rebuilding season for Charlotte Latin's football team, but that hasn't shown much in the won-loss record.
The Hawks (9-2), three-time reigning N.C. private school 3A champion, will play for a fourth straight title against Charlotte Christian at 7:30 p.m. Friday, at home. Charlotte Latin had to replace 18 (of 22) starters after winning last year.
“Early in the season, we struggled offensively, but we played really good defense and had a good kicking game,” coach Larry McNulty said. “The low point was the Christian game (a 17-9 loss on Oct. 3), when I think we had one first down in the second half. Since then, we've made changes and it's been exciting to watch.”
Latin, since losing to Christian, has scored 50, 39, 55, 30 and 40 points.
It was part lineup changes, part strategy adjustment and, mostly, players gaining experience.
Sophomore Jalen Ross became a starting running back about four games into the season, McNulty said, and has run for more than 1,100 yards. He's averaging about nine yards per carry.
Quarterback David Pearson, a senior who'd never started, has sizzled the past four games, with eight touchdown passes and one interception.
The offensive line – all new from last year – steadily improved. Last week, they helped Ross run for 170 yards and a touchdown. Pearson was 10-of-17 passing for 177 yards and touchdowns to Ross Cockrell and Davis Austin.
Latin led 27-0 at half, and coasted into Friday's title game.
“I am very pleased with the way the players have worked the past four or five weeks,” McNulty said. “We've simplified some things. When you play someone three or four times in the span we've played Christian, it's really all about execution, fundamentals and the kicking game.
“We won't have a lot of secrets for each other. I'd be surprised if this isn't a close game.”
