Butler (Matthews, N.C.) at Mallard Creek (Charlotte, N.C.)
Lawrence Pittman and Mallard Creek have already defeated Butler this season. One more win and they'll reach the state title game.
Photo by Dean Swint
What to watch: A rematch of an Aug. 30 game won by Mallard Creek, this time with a trip to the Class 4AA title game on the line. Butler (11-3) is trying to repeat as state champion and win its fourth crown in the last five years. This is the fourth-consecutive semifinals trip for No. 14 Mallard Creek (14-0), but the Mavericks have never won a state title since their program began in 2007.
Just the facts: Junior quarterback
Anthony Ratliff –
rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports – accounted for 258 yards and three touchdowns in
Butler's 48-7 blowout of West Forsyth (Clemmons) last week. Senior running back
Lawrence Pittman had 146 yards and two touchdowns on only nine carries as
Mallard Creek breezed past Northwest Guilford (Greensboro), 56-13. … Friday will be the fifth meeting between these teams, all since 2011. The series is tied 2-2.
Mitch Stephens: Butler 28, Mallard Creek 27
Kevin Askeland: Mallard Creek 28, Butler 21
Jamie DeMoney: Mallard Creek 28, Butler 27
Stephen Spiewak: Mallard Creek 35, Butler 21
Leland Gordon: Mallard Creek 21, Butler 20
Colin Ward-Henninger: Mallard Creek 20, Butler 17
