Staff report

WEDDINGTON —  Weddington was expected to steamroll A.L. Brown in a first-round game in the 4A state football playoffs, and there were no surprises, no upsets, no miracles.

The Warriors romped 54-7 over the overmatched Wonders.

Second-seeded Weddington (10-0) is the defending state champ and is expected by many to repeat. Seeded 31st in the 32-team 4A West bracket, A.L. Brown (5-6) was 2-4 in league play and squeezed into the playoffs.

A.L. Brown’s touchdown came on a pass play from CJ Gray to Ja’Meer Langley. Brian Rojo kicked the PAT.

The Wonders had only 33 rushing yards, so Gray, an NC State baseball recruit, was throwing on virtually every snap. He put the ball in the air 38 times. He completed 24 for 160 yards. He was intercepted once.

Langley made 11 catches for 73 yards. Navariy Young and Jesse Morton snagged five aerials apiece.

The 47-point setback was the most lopsided playoff loss in program history for the Wonders, who have endured back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1976.

The highlight of the season was the 10th straight victory against a Concord program that is also having its struggles.

The Wonders did have an undefeated jayvee team, so they may start turning things around as early as 2025.

The Wonders have an ADM figure of 1,726 students. They will be a 7A team when the NCHSAA moves to eight classifications next fall.