Rock Hill Celebrates as Northwestern Wins State Championship
Rock Hill, SC — Northwestern High School’s football team completed a thrilling undefeated season on Saturday night, clinching the SCHSL Class 5A Division II championship with a nail-biting 34-31 victory against top contender Irmo. The championship game took place at the historic Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, and the Trojans left it all on the field, marking their sixth state title in the school’s history and their first since 2015.
A Last-Minute Victory
The game ended dramatically as senior kicker Matthew Fish nailed a 27-yard field goal just as the clock hit zero, sealing the victory for Northwestern. Reflecting on the moment, Fish exclaimed, “This is the best night of my life. I love being with these guys, and I’m gonna remember this forever.” His determination and strong performance in practice paid off, as he executed the game-winning kick flawlessly.
Setting the Scene
Head coach Page Wofford had forecasted the intense gameplay during practice, preparing the team for every possible scenario. Wofford noted, “What’s the difference? Fish is going to make it,” after making adjustments to the field goal distance. True to his word, Fish came through in the clutch, solidifying the win for the Trojans.
Key Players Shine
Northwestern finished the season with an impressive record of 14-0. Quarterback Finley Polk led his high-powered offense with a stellar performance, completing 33 of 39 passes for 427 yards and four touchdowns. His chemistry with senior receiver Tadarrian Knox was evident, as Knox scored two touchdowns, contributing significantly to the team’s early lead.
“It’s an unreal feeling,” Polk said. “I can’t say it enough: I’m so blessed to have these guys around me.” With every pass and play executed to perfection, the Trojans firmly established themselves as a formidable force throughout the season.
An Intense Battle
As the game unfolded, both teams traded leads, showcasing their offensive prowess. Northwestern struck first with an early touchdown pass from Polk to Knox, giving them a 7-0 advantage. Irmo equalized shortly after, courtesy of a touchdown by Virginia Tech-bound quarterback A.J. Brand.
The back-and-forth battle continued into the second half, with the score knotted at 17-17 by the start of the fourth quarter. Northwestern’s junior receiver Kameron Vance was pivotal, making several crucial catches, including an 8-yard touchdown in the closing minutes that put the Trojans ahead with a 31-24 lead.
Despite the pressure, Irmo responded with a touchdown of their own, tying the game once again. However, it was Northwestern’s disciplined play and determination that ultimately led them to victory.
Reflecting on the Season
This championship marks a significant achievement for Northwestern, having previously lost in the state title game just two years ago. Coach Wofford expressed pride in leading a team composed largely of local talent, stating, “Winning with Rock Hill kids … is very satisfying.” His approach emphasizes hard work and maintaining high standards through disciplined training.
As the celebrations continue, Northwestern’s achievement resonates through Rock Hill, instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment in the community. With aspirations to defend their title next season, the Trojans have set their sights on continuing this legacy of excellence.
