Blocked field goal helps Grimsley stop Weddington, advance to NCHSAA 4A final

By winning the NCHSAA 4A regional final against Weddington on Friday, the Grimsley Whirlies did something that not many football teams can say they have done or had to do before: They successfully defeated four Charlotte-area high school football teams in four consecutive weeks.

“I think to say that we are battle-tested is a bit of an understatement,” Whirlies’ head coach Darryl Brown said Friday after his team rallied to beat Weddington, 28-27, to advance to this week’s 4A state final against New Bern. “We have had to play four teams that were all capable of winning the state championship.”

The run started in the second round against a traditionally strong program in Charlotte Catholic. Despite the Cougars’ best efforts to use the clock to their advantage, the Whirlies generated enough pressure to get the Cougars out of their offensive rhythm to get the job done.

Next up was an Independence team playing arguably the most balanced football of anyone in the state at the time. Again, it was coach Brown’s squad that prevailed.

Then, the Whirlies faced one of the toughest defenses in the state. The Hough Huskies came into the teams’ quarterfinal game having not allowed a team to score double digits since their opening game against South Carolina power Dutch Fork. After the Huskies took a 9-7 lead into the fourth quarter, the teams lit it up in a 40-37 double-overtime thriller.

Their reward? Friday’s battle with Weddington in the regional final.

The pivotal play in this game came while Weddington was driving, clinging to a 27-21 lead. A short field goal in the fourth quarter may have put the game away. Grimsley, which had blocked the PAT on the Warriors’ previous score, blocked the short field goal attempt and drove and scored on a short run from sophomore Mitchell Summers. The extra point was the game-winner.

“They made two really good plays on our kick attempts,” Capone said. “I think that is where I need to do a little bit better job having those guys ready on special teams.”

Brown knew what his guys were capable of.

“The most important thing with my guys is that they don’t lose the faith,” coach Brown said. “They play hard and they play for one another.”

The Whirlies have to play a hot New Bern team in the state championship game on Dec. 9 in Chapel Hill. Brown knows that New Bern is a solid team, and that they run a triple option. For now, though, that’s about it.

“I can’t comment too much on New Bern having not seen their film,” coach Brown said. “I know they are a good team. You don’t make it to the state championship not being a good team. I also know they usually run a triple option and run the ball well.”

This story was originally published December 2, 2022 at 10:04 PM.