Hough
Hough won the 2025 8A Football (11-man) state championship vs Millbrook, 21 at Kenan Memorial Stadium, UNC.
| Year | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Sport | Football (11-man) |
| Classification | 8A |
| Champion | Hough |
| Runner-Up | Millbrook |
| Score | 21 - 0 |
| Venue | Kenan Memorial Stadium, UNC, Chapel Hill |
Box Scores
Notes
William A. Hough capped an unbeaten season by defeating Millbrook 21–0 in the NCHSAA state championship on Dec. 11, 2025, at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill. Playing in clear 39-degree weather before a reported crowd of 1,564, Hough (14-0) scored once in the first quarter and twice in the fourth to secure the shutout over Millbrook (13-1). Hough took control early with a 12-play, 66-yard drive that ended in Ethan Royal’s 1-yard touchdown run (3:47 left in the first). The game stayed 7–0 through halftime and a scoreless third quarter, with both defenses winning field position and forcing empty possessions—including Millbrook’s best opportunity, which ended on a turnover on downs at the Hough 17-yard line in the second quarter. In the fourth, Royal hit Jahmere Anderson for a 7-yard touchdown pass (11:54), and Royal later sealed it with a 74-yard rushing touchdown with 0:59 remaining. Statistically, Hough outgained Millbrook 265–122 and held Millbrook to 26 net rushing yards. Royal accounted for three touchdowns (two rushing, one passing), finishing with 64 rushing yards on 12 carries and 135 passing yards on 13-of-29 through the air. Jamarion Morrison added 63 rushing yards on 15 carries. Millbrook quarterback Bryson Gray went 13-of-28 for 96 yards with one interception, while Malachi Thomas led Millbrook receivers with 45 yards. Defensively, Millbrook’s Quinton Cypher recorded 10 tackles and an interception return, but Hough’s defense produced the game’s key late swing with Jason Wilkerson’s fourth-quarter interception return to set up a short field as the shutout was preserved.