Charlotte Catholic ends Dudley’s championship quest

Dudley High School football player Brylyn Harris, a junior defensive lineman, sits and reflects on the Panthers 17-8 loss to Charlotte Catholic in the NCHSAA Class 4-A Regional. Photo by Joe Daniels

The unbeaten Charlotte Catholic Cougars (15-0) ended any hopes of the Dudley Panthers (13-2) playing for a state championship with a 17-8 victory at Tarpley Stadium Friday, Dec. 4.

The Cougars scored first and capitalized on a Dudley bad snap over the kicker’s head. The Panthers’ defense held the Cougars to a 39-yard field goal. They led 10-0 early in the second quarter before the Panthers marched 53 yards with Simeon Gatling scoring from one yard out.

During the third quarter, Dudley marched to the Cougars’ 13 yard line. Dudley tried an end run on fourth and three, but Charlotte held. The Cougars used two Panthers’ interceptions to preserve the win.

After the game, Dudley head coach Steven Davis told his players, “If you gave 100 percent during the game you have no reason to hold your head down.” Davis told the press, “Without those guys, we wouldn’t be this far in the playoffs. Those guys will go and do well in life. Some will play football and I think all of those guys will be successful.”