CHAPEL HILL — One of three Duplin County High schools walked away victorious Saturday in the state football finals.

That team being the Bulldogs of Wallace-Rose Hill, claiming their fourth straight state title. The final score was 35-28 as the ‘Dogs gutted out the win in overtime earning the 2A State Championship.

East Duplin gave up 16 unanswered points in the second quarter as the Panthers lost 16-14 on Saturday in the NCHSAA 2-AA championship game at North Carolina’s Kenan Stadium.

The Panthers ended the season 15-1 while Hibriten ended 16-0.

East Duplin took a 7-0 lead on its third play from scrimmage on an 81-yard touchdown run by Melvin Scott.

However, Hibriten scored on a safety to pull to within 7-2. McKinley Witherspoon then threw a 53-yard touchdown pass to Miles Simon on a halftime pass to give Hibriten a 9-7 lead.

Hibriten extended its lead to 16-7 with 1:53 left in the second quarter when Jaylen Scott threw a 43-yard TD pass to Simon.

East Duplin pulled to within 16-14 with 1:30 left on a 1-yard touchdown run by Chris Benson. East Duplin attempted an onside kick, but Hibriten recovered it.

Hibriten faced third-and-5 from its own 48-yard line, but Witherspoon ran for five yards to the East Duplin’s 47 to seal the win.

North Duplin also fell in the state final for 1A, losing to the Cherokee Braves in a close game 21-13.

The North Duplin Rebels received a rainy but ‘spectacular’ send off Saturday morning to the state football playoffs, complete with a Faison Fire and Rescue escort. The undefeated Rebels met their match in the 1A championship game, falling to Cherokee 21-13. ‘They will always be our champions,’ members of the rescue squad said, echoing the spirit of a community proud of their team.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_FB_IMG_1512831581062-2.jpgThe North Duplin Rebels received a rainy but ‘spectacular’ send off Saturday morning to the state football playoffs, complete with a Faison Fire and Rescue escort. The undefeated Rebels met their match in the 1A championship game, falling to Cherokee 21-13. ‘They will always be our champions,’ members of the rescue squad said, echoing the spirit of a community proud of their team.

Wallace Rose-Hill’s Devon Harper and Kameron McGee en route to a sack during their regular season faceoff this year against Clinton. This win would be one of many that led to the Bulldogs’ fourth straight state title.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_DSC_0479-1.jpgWallace Rose-Hill’s Devon Harper and Kameron McGee en route to a sack during their regular season faceoff this year against Clinton. This win would be one of many that led to the Bulldogs’ fourth straight state title.
East Duplin, North Duplin ‘still champions,’ communities say

From Staff and Tribune Content reports