The battles got tougher, including a double-overtime contest, but Cleveland County football (all 3 teams) win again!

Paul's recap report

CREST CHARGERS: This recap Gridiron story picks up in the third quarter when it appeared Crest was headed towards a smooth ending with a 38-17 lead over their third round playoff opponent Weddington. Instead, Weddington came on strong and before the clock ran out in regulation they tied the Chargers at 38 all to force over time. The defending State 3AA Champ (Crest) and its long winning streak were on the ropes. Forget the ropes, lets call this being on a high wire without a net. However there was a net. A net in the way of its home stadium fans, its tradition, and most of all its experience. In the first of what turned out to be two over times, both defenses forced their opponents to field goals, including a 33 yarder by Crest Freshmen Kicker Evan Davis. It was on to double overtime with the score tied at 41. Since the Chargers got the ball first in overtime one, Weddington got the ball first to begin the second one. Tremendous D by Crest forced Weddington to kick another field goal, which Keith Dickson hit. They go up 44-41. Back to Crest and on 3rd down from the 4 yard line it was Tre Harbison running right side to cross the goal line and give his team the winning touchdown. Final: Crest 44 Weddington 41 in a classic. Winners of 30 in a row and now 14-0 this year, Crest travels to #1 West Seed Conover. The winner goes to the State Championship.

KINGS MOUNTAIN MOUNTAINEERS: It's not often that an 8th seed in the high school football playoffs makes it all the way to the 3A Western Final. However, it's also not often that an 8th seed could have probably won other conference titles across the state after finishing with only 2 losses for the entire season. That's exactly what a solid Kings Mountain Mountaineers Football Team is all about after eliminating Hibriten last week 28 to 13. A lot of the credit, again last week, has to go to the Mountaineers defense - who found a way to make Hibriten turn over the football every time it looked like they were threatening. Out of four turnovers in all, Kings Mtn. was able to turn two of those into points. This was also a week, where the Kings Mtn. running game came up big. They rushed the ball for just over 180 yards, including Darian McClain contributing almost 100 of those and a touchdown. In the passing department, Kings Mtn. QB-Darren Burns was 12 of 19 for 99 yards. What a season it has been for the Mountaineers, who will now take their 12-2 record on the road at 2nd Seed South Point of Belmont. The winner takes that big step on the to a State Championship appearance.

SHELBY GOLDEN LIONS: After being tied 21 all at the half, the Shelby Golden Lions fought hard and made a true total team statement to advance in 2A action with a 38-27 victory against Mount Pleasant. For a while in the first half, mistakes by Shelby and a strong running game by their opponent enabled Mount Pleasant to not only make it a game but even have the lead. Two touchdowns for Shelby in the 1st half came from Quarterback Darquez Lee connecting with Wide Receiver Antwan Wright (2 passes equaling over 80 yards). The Golden Lions defense came on strong to begin the second half, which forced Mt. Pleasant to have to punt on several series. Shelby's Xavier Brooks also got in the end zone twice in this contest, including a big go ahead four yard touchdown run in the 2nd half. Now for the third straight season, Shelby finds itself in its third straight Western Final with a chance to go for a third straight State Championship. Now at 13-1 on the year, the Golden Lions host a familiar name, Lincolnton, this Friday at Blanton Memorial Stadium. It will be a great night featuring two great football traditions.

Foster has covered over 15 State Championships combined in the Carolinas in his years as a high school football broadcaster and reporter, with the majority of those involving Cleveland County teams.