Last Updated on December 12, 2025 12:02 pm
This article will be updated throughout the week and after Friday's game.
The Watauga Pioneers are heading to Chapel Hill on Friday for their first state championship football game since 1978. The community is buzzing with excitement, and championship week has been filled with snow, hard work, and school spirit.
Here's how the week has unfolded:
Saturday, December 6: STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BOUND!
The Pioneers punched their ticket to the state title game with a thrilling 43-42 victory over Northern Guilford in the semifinal round.
TOUCHDOWN PIONEERS! 🏈 The 3-yard TD catch with 47 seconds left! Video: Bobby and Meredith Jones
GO FOR TWO AND GET IT! 🔥 Watauga takes the 43-42 lead with 37 seconds left. Video: Bobby and Meredith Jones
Sunday, December 7: A connection to history
As excitement built, we shared the 1978 Watauga High School Pioneers varsity football roster — the last team to bring home a state football championship. That was 47 years ago.
The number 47 took on special meaning this week:
✨ 47 years since the Pioneers won the state championship (1978)
✨ The game-winning touchdown? A 3-yard catch with 47 seconds left
Monday, December 8: Winter weather arrives
Winter weather arrived in the High Country, blanketing the area with several inches of snow. Schools closed, roads got slick, but championship week marched on.
Tuesday, December 9: “We run into the storm”
The snow didn't slow down the Pioneers. Watauga Football shared this message on X (formerly Twitter):
“State Championship Week. We run into the storm, not away from it. Bring your shovels. Champions clear their own path, including their own game field to practice this week!”
True to their word, Nathan Cable spent the day clearing Jack Groce Stadium so the team could practice.
From Watauga Football on X:
“Shoutout to Nathan Cable for working hard today to get the field cleared so we can prepare for this week's game. Fortunate to have these problems, and grateful for everyone who sacrifices to help us keep moving forward. Always replacing excuses with Effort!”
Donna Wellborn captured this powerful image of the 2025 Pioneers practicing right beneath the 1978 State Championship sign on the Carroll Leather Fieldhouse.
“OUR guys are practicing right beneath the 1978 State Championship sign, hoping to add a new year to it.”
Wednesday, December 10: Spirit Rock ready for Chapel Hill
The freshly painted Spirit Rock at Watauga High School is ready for the big game.
The community steps up
Donna Wellborn shared that the community has raised over $20,000 — enough to get ALL Watauga High School students who want to attend a ticket to the game, plus provide food, transportation, and support for other team needs.
Thursday, December 11: Relive the 1978 championship
47 years ago, the Watauga Pioneers won it all. Now you can watch both the 1978 semifinal and state championship games online — just in time for Friday's title game.
The Watauga County Sheriff's Office also showed their support for the Pioneers:
Friday, December 13: Game day
The day has arrived. After 47 years, Watauga football heads to Chapel Hill to play for a state championship.
The Watauga Football Booster Club shared a video featuring messages from former coaches and players:
The community gathered to send the Pioneers off in style:
The Pioneers got a sendoff to remember as they departed for Chapel Hill:
Buses lined up to take Watauga High School students to Chapel Hill for the game:
Game Information
NCHSAA 6A State Championship Game
- Who: #1 Watauga Pioneers vs. #3 Middle Creek Mustangs
- When: Friday, December 12, 2025 at 4:00 PM
- Where: Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill
- Tickets: gofan.co/event/4800872
Note: WHS students — the Booster Club is covering your tickets.
How to Watch & Listen
For those who can't make the trip to Chapel Hill, here's how you can follow along:
Listen Live on Local Radio
The game will be broadcast live on WATA 1450 AM and 96.5 FM, as well as streaming online at goblueridge.net.
Watch Live on TV and Streaming
According to the NCHSAA, all championship games will be streamed live on NFHS Network and available on the following affiliated television station websites:
- Raleigh: MyRDCTV.com
- Asheville: WLOS.com
- Charlotte: WCCBCharlotte.com
- Greensboro: My48.tv
Go Pioneers! 🖤💛
