Nanih Waiya’s dream of going back-to-back became a reality as they defeated Lumberton 28-13 to win their second-straight championship in their third-straight appearance. Head coach James Courtney moves to 29-3 as head coach of the Warriors, including the two 1A State Championships.
Robert Henry took the ball for a 50-yard touchdown run on the first offensive play of the game to give the Panthers a 6-0 lead with 11:42 remaining in the first quarter. The PAT was no good.
Nanih Waiya responded with a drive capped off by a 17-yard touchdown on fourth down when Donovan Turner found Tylan Glass who leaped over two Panther defenders. The PAT was good, and they took the lead 7-6 with 8:50 remaining in the first quarter.
The Warriors added onto their lead when Shia Moore scored on a bruising six-yard rush attempt to score. The successful PAT gave them a 14-6 lead with 11:00 remaining in the first half.
Tylan Glass catches a 17-yard touchdown pass from Donovan Turner.Â
Nanih Waiya attempted to put points on the board before the first half ended, but their last-ditch pass attempt fell incomplete. Still, the Warriors held onto a 14-6 lead as both teams went to the lockers.
The third quarter featured no scoring, but the fourth quarter was dominated by the Warriors, namely behind the legs of Moore.
With 9:10 to go in the contest, Austin Sanders scored on a two-yard rush that started from their own six. A PAT booted through the uprights gave the Warriors a 21-6 lead.
On the ensuing possession, Moore made a big defensive play, hauling in an interception. Five plays later, Moore pushed the Warriors farther ahead scoring on a one-yard touchdown run. A Jake Vick PAT gave Nanih Waiya a 28-6 lead.
Lumberton managed to put a drive together with just under three minutes to play. The Panthers went 78 yards in eight plays, capping off the drive with a Trevon Jessie one-yard touchdown rush. A Jake Robinson PAT closed the gap to 28-13.
That would be the final score when the whistle sound, giving Nanih Waiya their second-straight 1A State Championship.
Nanih Waiya finishes the season 14-2, while Lumberton finishes their season 12-4.
Stats
Donovan Turner - 3/9, 68 yards,1 passing touchdown, 24 carries, 189 rushing yards
Shia Moore - 17 carries, 125 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns
Tylan Glass- 1 reception, 17 yards, 1 receiving touchdown
