The Hoggard High School football team soared past Cardinal Gibbons in the NCHSAA 4A East Regional final on Friday night, securing the team’s first state championship appearance in 16 years.
The Vikings took control early and never let off the gas, cruising past a talented Crusaders side 41-20.
“It’s truly special,” exclaimed Hoggard coach Craig Underwood. “This team has a great passion for playing together, and they are a truly special group, and that’s what drives their phenomenal performance.”
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The No. 3-seeded Vikings (14-1) advance to their first state championship since the team won the 4A state title in 2007.
The Hoggard defense overwhelmed an electric Cardinal Gibbons offense, solidifying its rank as one of the best in the state and forcing four turnovers.
“When you look at great teams, you’ve got to be able to execute in all phases,” Underwood said. “These kids are the ones who put it out there, and defensively, our secondary is just all over the place.”
The dominance started early as Hoggard jumped to a 31-7 lead at the half. Running back Tamear Webb rushed for three scores, bulldozing his way into the end zone all night long.
“It feels incredible to be a part of this team right now,” Webb expressed. “We’ve kept pushing higher and never looked back.”
Despite scoring two touchdowns in the second half, Cardinal Gibbons couldn’t mount a comeback, failing to recover an onside kick in the third quarter.
The Hoggard special teams also showed resilience, blocking two punts and converting two field goals.
Crusaders quarterback Gannon Jones, who showcased his talents on the ground in the team’s upset of No. 1-seeded Rolesvile last Friday, was limited to just 12 completions while throwing two interceptions before being benched in the second half.
Hoggard will face West Regional champion Weddington (13-2) in the NCHSAA 4A state championship on Dec. 9 at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh.
While the night couldn’t have gone much better for the Vikings, Underwood’s squad will return to the practice field next week looking to improve.
“I thought we played an explosive game (but) we’ve got to eliminate penalties (moving forward),” Underwood said. “We’ve got 85 guys who are just all in, and I’m just so proud of the effort of all of them.”
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