Last weeks’ semi-final win over Robbinsville may have sent the Bulldogs to their third State Championship appearance in a row but turned out to be the last game of a young man’s high school career.

In the second quarter, Slade McTaggart was ejected from the game after the officials flagged him for a flagrant personal foul.  The ruling was that McTaggart kicked a Black Knight player after making the tackle.  McTaggart is the leading rusher for the Bulldogs and also a force to reckon with as a linebacker on the defensive side of the ball.

Coach David Gentry said after the game “We will watch the film and if we see something on there we will appeal the ejection and go from there.”  The appeal was sent to the NCHSAA this week and on Wednesday the State Association upheld the decision to keep Mctaggart off the field for Saturday’s championship game at Duke University.

McTaggart, through Twitter, showed his appreciation to all who supported him through this process.  ” I love this school.  I love this community.  I love this town.”  McTaggart also commented, “I love everyone who is supporting me in times like this. Words can’t express my gratitude for the people helping me during my struggles.  All I can say is thank you.”

Coach Gentry stated that the State got it wrong. The Bulldogs will face Pamlico County at 3:00 on Saturday at Duke University’s Wallace Wade Stadium for the 1A State Title missing one of their guys.  Devonte Murray said after last weeks’ win that “That is what we do.  When someone goes down, we step up.”  The game on Saturday will be an exciting opportunity for the Bulldogs to bring home Coach Gentry’s 406th career win and a State Championship for Murphy.