NCHSAA football highlights, Crest vs. Hickory (Dec. 4, 2025)
Crest football vies for its first NCHSAA state football final on Dec. 4, 2025, taking on Hickory in the 5A West title game.
DURHAM — “We’re Chargers, we’re better.” Once a catchphrase for supporters of Crest High School, such can again be used to describe its football team following its latest NCHSAA title conquest.
The Chargers claimed their first state title in a decade Saturday, Dec. 14 at Durham County Memorial Stadium, taking a 31-14 win over Hunt in the NCHSAA 5A title game.
“Tonight was a special night,” said Crest football coach Greg Lloyd. “I’m lucky to have the job that I’be had this year, the last couple years at a place I love. I couldn’t be more proud to bring home the seventh state championship for Crest High School. It’s just a blessing.”
Watch football games on NFHS Network
The win was the second of the day for a Cleveland County program, coming hours after Shelby trounced Kinston 84-41 for the 2A title. By no means did underdog Hunt make it easy.
Hunt blocked a Crest punt in the opening minutes, cashing it in for points moments later on a touchdown run by quarterback Mez Harris. Warrior momentum continued into the Chargers’ ensuing drive, quarterback Ely Hamrick sacked just shy of the goal line. However, a completion from Hamrick to wideout Majay Thompson helped steady things for Crest, getting them out of the shadow of their own goal line and give the Charger offense a jolt.
“That was just a prayer,” Hamrick said. “We practice that throw all the time in practice, but it’s still a low completion throw. We were throwing that as a ‘Hail Mary’ chance, but whenever you get a play like that, when you need it that bad it kind of shifts momentum entirely.”
From there, the Crest offense was off and running, wideout Michael Edwards capping the 94-yard touchdown drive witha touchdown run. He added a TD run on the Chargers’ following drive, giving Crest its first lead of the night at 14-7.
“We realized when the defense was coming off the field, that their heads were down,” Edwards said. “We realized we had to pick up the slack. So we ran down, got us a touchdown, and then got another touchdown and everyone just started getting crunk; that’s when we started taking momentum (for ourselves).”
Hamrick added two TD runs of his own, with a Carson Grier field goal sandwiched between. The Crest quarterback was named the game’s most valuable player, while Edwards received offensive player of the game honors..
The Crest defense also tightened up over the final 30 minutes, Hunt’s only scoring play coming on a Harris scramble which resulted in a touchdown late in the second quarter. Middle linebacker Chris Gunther was voted defensive MVP for his effort.
It is the program’s seventh championship, but first since going back-to-back in 2014 and 2015. Crest also won titles in 1994, 1996, 2003 and 2004.
As he left the field, Lloyd clutched tightly to a game ball, signifying the end of a long, arduous journey for him as a coach, as well as the 2025 Crest football team.
“I just like being part of the winning team here, and I like to do my part,” Lloyd said. “But I’m just happy for our team. I like seeing everyone happy and smiling; all the credit goes to (players), our coaches and our staff. They did a great job.
“It was a great night to be a Crest Charger.”
FINAL: Crest 31, Hunt 14
Crest claims its seventh state title, and first in a decade.
END 3: Crest 31, Hunt 14Crest ups its lead after break
A physical Ely Hamrick TD run puts Crest in front 31-14 with under 10 minutes left in the third.
HALFTIME: Crest 24, Hunt 14
Carson Grier field goal ends the half. Chargers get the ball to start second half.
Dazzling Harris TD run cuts into Crest advantage
A long Mez Harris TD run helps Hunt cut the Crest lead to 21-14 with 1:42 until half.
Crest adds to lead
Using its running game, Crest adds to its lead via an Ely Hamrick 1-yard TD run. Extra point is good, Crest ups its lead over Hunt to 21-7 with 2:06 left until halftime.
Chargers pull in front
On a fourth-and-1, Michael Edwards’ 35-yard TD run gives Crest its first lead of the night. Crest leads 14-7 with 9:17 until halftime.
Crest pulls even
After intercepting a Hunt pass, Crest completes a 96-yard drive with a Michael Thompson touchdown run. Extra point is good, Crest and Hunt tied, 7-7.
Hunt draws first blood
After blocking a Crest punt, Mez Harris cashes it in for a Hunt touchdown. Extra point good, Hunt leads 7-0 in the first.
First break goes Hunt’s way
Hunt blocks a Crest punt, staking it to great field position at the Chargers’ 37.
What time does Crest football vs. Hunt kick off?
Date: 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: Durham County Memorial Stadium, Durham
How can one watch, listen to the Crest-Hunt football game?
NCHSAA state title games are being broadcast live on WCCB-TV (Charlotte), as well as WLOS-TV (Asheville). Action can also be found online at BahakelSports.com. NCHSAA postseason games are also live-streamed through the NFHS Network, which requires a subscription.
For those listening on radio, WOHS 101.5 FM/1390 AM will provide live accounts of game action.
Crest football 2025 schedule
Aug. 22: at Burns W, 55-14
Aug. 29: at Shelby, w 31-24
Sept. 5: Asheville, W, 55-12
Sept. 12: Weddington, L 31-10
Sept. 29: Forestview, W 48-0
Oct. 3: South Point, W 42-7
Oct. 10: at Hunter Huss, 62-7
Oct. 17: North Gaston, W 76-0
Oct. 24: at Asheville, L 21-14
Oct. 31: at Kings Mountain, W, 70-0
Nov. 14: Concord, W, 69-6
Nov. 21: East Lincoln, W 31-14
Nov. 28: at South Point, W 28-14
Dec. 4: at Hickory, W 39-21
Dec. 13: vs. Hunt (in Durham) W 31-14