CHAPEL HILL – The Grimsley Whirlies capped an undefeated season with a 35-23 victory over the Rolesville Rams on Friday night at Kenan Stadium, claiming their second NCHSAA 4A state championship in three years. Led by MVP Faizon Brandon, a Tennessee commit and the North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year, Grimsley finished 16-0 while Rolesville concluded a stellar 14-2 campaign.
The Whirlies struck early as Brandon connected with Khyan Battle for a 20-yard touchdown pass midway through the first quarter. Moments later, running back Mitchell Summers added a two-yard scoring run, giving Grimsley a 14-0 lead by the end of the quarter. Summers, who earned 4A West Most Outstanding Offensive Player honors, finished the night with 126 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries despite battling an injury.
Rolesville answered in the second quarter when quarterback Braden Atkinson found A.J. Roberts for a 43-yard touchdown pass. Summers responded with a 44-yard scoring run to extend the lead to 21-7. The Rams closed the gap just before halftime with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Atkinson to Jack McHugh, making it 21-14 at the break.
Rolesville kicker Riley Daniels added a 23-yard field goal in the third quarter to pull the Rams within four, but Grimsley dominated the final frame. Brandon scored on a one-yard run and later delivered a 63-yard touchdown strike to Hudson Cooper, sealing the victory. Brandon finished 9-of-13 passing for 182 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score.
Grimsley’s defense also played a pivotal role, recording six sacks and two interceptions. Duke signee Bryce Davis, who tallied three sacks, earned West Most Outstanding Defensive Player honors, while Ryan Debow had both interceptions. Rolesville’s Xavier Lewis led all defenders with 12 tackles and was named East Most Outstanding Defensive Player.
Atkinson, who concluded his impressive senior season with 52 touchdown passes, was named East Most Outstanding Offensive Player after throwing for 298 yards and three touchdowns on 21-of-39 passing. Atkinson is a Mercer signee.
Post-Game Awards
- Carolina Panthers Most Valuable Player: Faizon Brandon, Grimsley (accounted for three TDs)
- West Most Outstanding Offensive Player: Mitchell Summers, Grimsley (126 rushing yards, 2 TDs)
- West Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Bryce Davis, Grimsley (3 sacks)
- East Most Outstanding Offensive Player: Braden Atkinson, Rolesville (298 passing yards, 3 TDs)
- East Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Xavier Lewis, Rolesville (12 tackles)
- NC Farm Bureau Sportsmanship Award: Will Rainwater, Grimsley; Gavin Marks, Rolesville
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
- GRIMSLEY: Khyan Battle 20-yard pass from Faizon Brandon (Jackson Henry kick), 7-0
- GRIMSLEY: Mitchell Summers 2-yard run (Jackson Henry kick), 14-0
Second Quarter
- ROLESVILLE: A.J. Roberts 43-yard pass from Braden Atkinson (Riley Daniels kick), 14-7
- GRIMSLEY: Mitchell Summers 44-yard run (Jackson Henry kick), 21-7
- ROLESVILLE: Jack McHugh 9-yard pass from Braden Atkinson (Riley Daniels kick), 21-14
Third Quarter
- ROLESVILLE: Riley Daniels 23-yard field goal, 21-17
Fourth Quarter
- GRIMSLEY: Faizon Brandon 1-yard run (Jackson Henry kick), 28-17
- GRIMSLEY: Hudson Cooper 63-yard pass from Faizon Brandon (Jackson Henry kick), 35-17
- ROLESVILLE: Gavin Waddell 24-yard pass from Braden Atkinson, 35-23
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