The Weddington football squad has an opportunity to repeat as NCHSAA 3AA state champions, as they travel this Saturday, December 14, to Carter-Finley Stadium in a match up against the undefeated Lee County Yellow Jackets. Lee County is sure to be Weddington’s toughest competition yet, coming off of a similarly dominant 15-0 season. Both teams won decisively in their regional championships, as in most of their games this year. Weddington defeated Watauga 49-14 in their semi-final game, while Lee County won 34-9 over New Hanover.
The two teams share many similarities on paper, particularly so regarding their offensive numbers. Lee county has scored 639 points to Weddington’s 670, but Weddington’s defense has had much more success. The Yellow Jackets have allowed nearly twice as many points as Weddington this year, totaling at 172 compared to Weddingtons 90 points against. Strength of schedule is another important factor when considering this matchup. Weddington’s opponents have been, statistically, far stronger than Lee County’s. Maxpreps provides a strength of schedule rating of 5.1 for Weddington compared to Lee County’s -21.3.
The Warriors have had unprecedented success this season, earning their first ever undefeated regular season, and breaking records along the way. Many athletes from this year’s team have received offers, and made commitments to universities across the country. Athletes and coaches from the team have been recognized for multiple honors and awards throughout the season, most recently by the Charlotte Touchdown Club. Senior linebacker Alec Mock was named as the Charlotte Touchdown Club’s Luke Kuechly Defensive Player of the Year, his teammate, senior Will Cobb, won the Charlotte Touchdown Club’s Michael A. Kahn Community Service and Scholastic Scholarship Award. Head coach Andy Capone was named the Charlotte Touchdown Club’s High School Coach of the Year.
The Warriors will match up against Lee County this Saturday, December 14, at Carter-Finley Stadium on the campus of North Carolina State University. Tickets are $15.00 at the gate. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. Best of luck to the Warriors as they represent Union County and the Tri-W area in the NCHSAA 3AA State Championship!
