The kick-off of the 7th Annual MaxPreps Football Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard brought us to Laurinburg, North Carolina, home of the Fighting Scots of Scotland High. This small town filled with enormous school spirit and strong community backing was excited upon our arrival and the upcoming presentation. The Scots won their 4A state championship on December 3rd after defeating Porter Ridge 42-16, which put their record at an amazing 15-0. This State Championship was a first for the school, team and head coach Chip Williams. The team finished nationally ranked at No. 32 out of over 16,000 high school football teams in the MaxPreps Freeman Rankings and is one of 50 schools to receive the Army National Guard national ranking trophy.
I arrived on campus bright and early on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 and was greeted by Scotland High School athletic director Tommy Britt who led me to the gym where the fall sports pep rally would take place. As the students began to pile into the gym, the band and varsity cheerleaders were on hand to boost school spirit and stir up the crowd. After the school honored all of their hard working fall student athletes, our presentation began with Scotland Principal Beth Ammons introducing the team, followed by the reading of a letter from the Governor of North Carolina, congratulating the team on their perseverance, teamwork and endurance that led them to victory. As the school erupted in cheers and applause, it was turned over to MaxPreps representative David Dilda who spoke about the prestigious award and the Scots great winning season that led them to their first-ever championship win. With local media on hand capturing every minute, the presentation was then turned over to North Carolina Army National Guard Sergeant First Class David English and Captain Loeffler who presented head coach Chip Williams and the team the coveted "Minuteman" national ranking trophy. Following the trophy presentation, the school erupted into congratulatory cheers as the team proudly held up their well-deserved trophy above their heads. Gratitude from the teachers and community were expressed as this honor made their victorious season "extra special." The "Minuteman" trophy symbolic of excellence and dedication to a cause could not have gone to a more deserving team.
Congratulations to the Fighting Scots and Scotland High on winning your first State Championship and national recognition!!!