CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WITN) - In a gritty, defensive football game, Wilson Prep captured its first-ever state championship versus Robbinsville 9-8 Thursday Evening.

With 25 seconds left, the Tigers lined up for a rare field goal down two, and were rewarded for doing so as Ethan Nelson propelled the game-winner through the uprights.

Throughout the 1A playoffs, Wilson prep had leaned on its offense, averaging 53 points per playoff game, but tonight it was the defense getting things done. Aside from a late-1st half rushing touchdown, the Tigers’ D did not allow another score all night.

This goes down as their first title in the school’s short history, as the high school opened up in the 2018-19 school year.

Copyright 2025 WITN. All rights reserved.

See Full Page