Davidson Day beats Charlotte Latin to claim its first NCISAA Division 1 championship
By Tim Donelli CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
In NCISAA Division 1 football, there is a new sheriff in town.
Breaking a string of three straight Charlotte Christian titles, the No. 2 seed Davidson Day Patriots defeated the No. 4 seed Charlotte Latin Hawks 31-13 to win it first state title at the Division 1 level.
Davidson Day running back Cade Carney (committed to Wake Forest) had a huge game with 224 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Patriots’ quarterback Sam Hartman went 12 of 17 for 170 yards and threw two touchdown passes to Tommy Lawley and Jake Dyer. Patriots’ kicker Jeremy Silinski also booted a 24-yard field goal.
“Our offensive line came into the game with a chip on its shoulder tonight,” said Carney. “We challenged them and they absolutely stepped up to the occasion. They blocked their butts off for me and I really appreciate it.”
The Patriots never tasted defeat in 2015, going 12-0 despite moving up to Division 1 this season. Davidson Day knocked off Providence Day in the semifinals last Friday before completing its unblemished season Friday night.
“People don’t understand that everybody’s got great kids,” said Davidson Day coach Chad Grier. “This group off the field has a 3.17 GPA, they finished an undefeated season and were forced to play up. We always said we wanted to play at the highest level but we didn’t have an option. We’ve got no field, no stadium, no lights, but for these kids, nothing ever gets in their way.”
After knocking off No. 1 seed Charlotte Christian last week, the Hawks couldn’t duplicate last week’s performance against Davidson Day. The Hawks never led in the game and trailed 16-7 at the half.
DeMarkes Stradford snagged a 29-yard touchdown pass from Latin quarterback Bates Jones, while Hunter Sheridan had a 12-yard TD pass from Jones for the two Hawks’ touchdowns.
While the Patriots’ high-powered offense usually gets the stats and headlines, the Davidson Day defense was stellar Friday night. Leading the way was defensive end Garrett Groulx who had three sacks and numerous tackles.
“First of all I think it was our preparation and coaches,” said Groulx. “All week we did the best to prepare, and when the time came we stepped up, knocked some heads and got it done.”
WORTH MENTIONING: Charlotte Latin fell short in its attempt to claim its first state title since 2009…Davidson Day has now won four state titles in the last five seasons. The Patriots won one at the Division 3 level, and two in Division 2 while losing once in Division 2 last season.
QUOTE: “I’m going to enjoy this tonight and tomorrow morning. I’ll wake up and start working on 2016. We’ve got a great nucleus coming back. This is a special thing to be a part of. It’s bigger than football and that’s what makes it special.” Davidson Day coach Chad Grier previewing 2016.
RECORDS: Charlotte Latin (8-4), Davidson Day (12-0)
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/high-school/article44850411.html#storylink=cpy
By Tim Donelli CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
In NCISAA Division 1 football, there is a new sheriff in town.
Breaking a string of three straight Charlotte Christian titles, the No. 2 seed Davidson Day Patriots defeated the No. 4 seed Charlotte Latin Hawks 31-13 to win it first state title at the Division 1 level.
Davidson Day running back Cade Carney (committed to Wake Forest) had a huge game with 224 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Patriots’ quarterback Sam Hartman went 12 of 17 for 170 yards and threw two touchdown passes to Tommy Lawley and Jake Dyer. Patriots’ kicker Jeremy Silinski also booted a 24-yard field goal.
“Our offensive line came into the game with a chip on its shoulder tonight,” said Carney. “We challenged them and they absolutely stepped up to the occasion. They blocked their butts off for me and I really appreciate it.”
The Patriots never tasted defeat in 2015, going 12-0 despite moving up to Division 1 this season. Davidson Day knocked off Providence Day in the semifinals last Friday before completing its unblemished season Friday night.
“People don’t understand that everybody’s got great kids,” said Davidson Day coach Chad Grier. “This group off the field has a 3.17 GPA, they finished an undefeated season and were forced to play up. We always said we wanted to play at the highest level but we didn’t have an option. We’ve got no field, no stadium, no lights, but for these kids, nothing ever gets in their way.”
After knocking off No. 1 seed Charlotte Christian last week, the Hawks couldn’t duplicate last week’s performance against Davidson Day. The Hawks never led in the game and trailed 16-7 at the half.
DeMarkes Stradford snagged a 29-yard touchdown pass from Latin quarterback Bates Jones, while Hunter Sheridan had a 12-yard TD pass from Jones for the two Hawks’ touchdowns.
While the Patriots’ high-powered offense usually gets the stats and headlines, the Davidson Day defense was stellar Friday night. Leading the way was defensive end Garrett Groulx who had three sacks and numerous tackles.
“First of all I think it was our preparation and coaches,” said Groulx. “All week we did the best to prepare, and when the time came we stepped up, knocked some heads and got it done.”
WORTH MENTIONING: Charlotte Latin fell short in its attempt to claim its first state title since 2009…Davidson Day has now won four state titles in the last five seasons. The Patriots won one at the Division 3 level, and two in Division 2 while losing once in Division 2 last season.
QUOTE: “I’m going to enjoy this tonight and tomorrow morning. I’ll wake up and start working on 2016. We’ve got a great nucleus coming back. This is a special thing to be a part of. It’s bigger than football and that’s what makes it special.” Davidson Day coach Chad Grier previewing 2016.
RECORDS: Charlotte Latin (8-4), Davidson Day (12-0)
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/high-school/article44850411.html#storylink=cpy
