CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Welcome to Week 15 of high school football in North Carolina, and welcome to the last week of Friday Night Frenzy for the 2023 season!
Each week during high school football season, the WCNC Charlotte Sports team brings you the best hits and highlights from underneath the stadium lights. This week, it's round four of the state playoffs in the Tar Heel State, and we've got a pair of games to cover!
Who moves one step closer to bringing home the ultimate hometown glory? Check out the scores and highlights here! And thanks for tuning in each week this season to Friday Night Frenzy!
Game of The Week: Independence vs. Butler
It was a throwback rivalry game with huge implications.
Independence visiting crosstown rival Butler to not only avenge a regular-season loss, but advance to the state 4A semifinals.
The Patriots got on the board first with a first-quarter field goal from Lyric Kopera to make it 3-0.
From there Independence's defense stood tall all night, coming up with a pair of big fourth-down stops in the first half to turn the Bulldogs over on downs.
The only first-half touchdown came when Patriots QB Justin Little called his own number around the left side, and Independence took a 10-0 lead into halftime.
Butler finally got on the board in the third quarter when QB Zachary Lawrence fired a touchdown strike to Dequadre Currence, making it 10-7.
But each time the Bulldogs tried to air it out and take the lead, they were denied.
First by Quentin Reddish who broke up a pass on the sideline, and then with under a minute remaining, Bryce Lofton intercepted a pass to seal the victory.
FINAL SCORE
Independence - 10
Butler - 7
Weddington vs. Grimsley
The Weddington Warriors answered Grimsley all first half, and raced away in the second half to secure a 4A quarterfinal victory.
Weddington scored first on a Nick Diamond touchdown, but Mitchell Summers scored two-straight times to make it 14-7.
However, the Warriors responded with a Tyler Budge QB keep for a score to tie it again, 14-14.
Grimsley took a 20-14 lead into the break, but Weddington stormed back to win.
The Warriors will host Independence next Friday night in the state semifinals.
FINAL SCORE
Weddington - 44
Grimsley - 27
Note: Shelby advanced to the 2A semifinals with a win over Forest Hills.