Weddington receiver Keenan Jackson scores three TDs, named MVP of state finals
Keenan Jackson had no idea he would have three touchdowns and be named most valuable player of the NCHSAA 4A state title game Saturday night at N.C. State.
He said he did know that his teammates and coaches would put him in the best position for success.
Jackson caught 10 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns — all in the first half — of Weddington’s 56-21 win against Wilmington Hoggard.
Jackson also picked up a fumble and ran it in for a touchdown in the first half.
“I’m just grateful that (quarterback Tyler Budge) kept putting the ball on the money,” Jackson said. “During the week, we stressed on envisioning ourselves making big plays. So, I always look for any opportunity to step up.”
Jackson scored the first two touchdowns for the Warriors. The first was a bit unorthodox, scooping up Budge’s fumble and taking it the remaining 5 yards for the score. The second, he caught the ball along the sidelines and walked a tight rope down the sideline for about 10 yards.
Weddington’s defense comes up with several big plays
The Warriors’ defense was dominant Saturday.
In the first half, Aiden Harris intercepted Hudson Wilharm leading to a Weddington touchdown. Early in the third quarter, Harris again blocked a punt which teammate Thomas Davis Jr. picked up and ran in for another touchdown.
It was a total performance, similar to Weddington’s play during its 2019 championship, a 34-14 win against Lee County.
Warriors coach Andy Capone was pleased with his team’s defense.
“Obviously, we’ve got the twins (Aiden and Drew Harris) and TJ (Davis),” Capone said. “I think the big thing is figuring out upfront. We lose four starters on the offensive line. I think after this one sinks in we will take a step back, but I just don’t want to look too far.”
Hoggard ran 18 times for 37 yards.
Warriors’ future appears bright
Though Weddington will lose a number of players to graduation, the team does return several key players next season.
Junior running back Nick Diamond, for example, finished with nine carries for a team-high 105 yards and two touchdowns.
Twins Aiden (four tackles, blocked punt) and Drew Harris (eight tackles) are both sophomores, and TJ Davis, son of former Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis, is also a sophomore.
Brady Ritter runs past the Vikings
Alongside his teammate Diamond, senior Brady Ritter had a great night rushing the ball. The senior finished with 10 carries for 61 yards and a score. As a team, Weddington ran 34 times for 210 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry.
Budge, the Warriors’ quarterback, finished 17-for-24 passing for 243 yards and two touchdowns.
This story was originally published December 9, 2023 at 11:30 PM.
