James Kenan to play in historic state championship

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on December 10, 2013 1:49 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

RALEIGH -- Seven of 16 teams enter championship weekend unbeaten.

One rematch is on tap.

And 240 other teams wish they were competing for a historic N.C. High School Athletic Association football crown in Chapel Hill, Raleigh and Winston-Salem on either Friday evening or Saturday afternoon.

"This is an exciting time for you and your communities, and your programs," said Davis Whitfield, commissioner of the Association and a native of Goldsboro.

"You are making history by participating in our 100th (state championship) game, which makes it special for your programs and your kids. As you can see, it will be an exciting week of preparation for your respective teams."

High Point Andrews (13-1 overall) and Monroe (13-2) kick off championship weekend Friday in the Class 2-AA final at the University of North Carolina. Southwest Onslow (12-3) battles Shelby (11-4) for the 2-A title Saturday morning at UNC.

Three games are slated for Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh.

Two-time defending state champ Havelock (15-0) faces Concord (15-0) in the 3-A final at 11:05 a.m. Scotland (15-0) opposes Greensboro Dudley (14-0) in the 4-A final at 3:05 p.m., and Wake Forest (12-3) takes on Mallard Creek (15-0) in the 4-AA title tilt at 7:05 p.m.

The final three contests are at BB&T Field in Winston-Salem.

Reigning champion Plymouth (14-0) and Murphy (12-3) square off for the 1-A crown for the second straight year. Southern Durham (13-2) meets Crest (14-1) in the nightcap.

Unbeaten and No. 1-ranked James Kenan (14-0) takes on state-ranked West Montgomery (14-1) in the mid-afternoon game. Kickoff is 3:05 p.m. and advance tickets for $9 went on sale today at the school.

Tickets are $10 on game day.

"We're excited. We've had a good year and are looking forward to Saturday," James Kenan head coach Ken Avent Jr. said. "We've been able to stay healthy for the most part all year, and that's been a big key."

The Tigers are making their first title-game appearance since 2007 and fourth overall in program history.

West has made two trips to the state final.

"All of you guys are the elite of this state and I know it's special for your kids to be in this environment," first-year N.C. State head football coach Dave Doeren said. "It is special to be the best of the best. When the last second comes off that clock on game day, you will know that you are the very best at your level at that very moment in time.

"That is a moment in history that no one will ever take from you and your kids."