Weddington dominated Hoggard with an impressive score of 56-21 in the 2023 4A state championship. Surprising the press, head coach Andy Capone disclosed that senior quarterback Tyler Budge had been battling an AC joint sprain since the playoffs’ second round.

“He’s as tough as they come,” Capone said of his quarterback after the game. “He took a hit on a run against Chambers, came off and said ‘I can’t throw.’ He went and threw a 5-yard pass, came off and said ‘now I really can’t throw.”

The 6-foot-3 player committed to Georgia Southern was not able to make a pass during the third round of playoffs against Charlotte Catholic. Weddington shifted to a more focused on running in the third round and beyond. Budge’s injury improved in the following weeks, but he still felt pain during the state championship game.

“With each passing week, his strength continued to increase. It’s simply a matter of building up his pain tolerance,” Capone stated. “There are numerous skilled quarterbacks in North Carolina, but none are as resilient as him. Despite his talent and outward appearance, he is a formidable force on the field.”

It was difficult for spectators to detect any signs of discomfort from Budge during the state championship. He successfully completed 17 out of 24 passing attempts, resulting in 243 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Additionally, he ran for 36 yards and scored a touchdown on ten attempts. Budge was recognized as the Most Outstanding Offensive Player for Weddington due to his impressive performance in the game.

Capone praised his teammate for being prepared and tough in a crucial moment tonight. He acknowledged the challenges the player faced during the previous three weeks, with tough opponents such as Catholic, Grimsley, and Independence. The team did not practice on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday during those weeks. However, the player was able to put together a full week of practice last week. Capone noticed that the team was a bit off in terms of timing, but he believes the player knew he would have to push through some discomfort this week.

It was unexpected to hear that Budge had struggled with timing during practice before the game. Budge and his senior wide receiver Keenan Jackson had a strong rapport during the game, despite Jackson being a 3-star recruit committed to UNC and it being their first and only season playing together. Jackson had transferred from Cuthbertson in the offseason.

Jackson stated that they were aware of the limited time and ambitious target ahead. They dedicated numerous days to practicing throwing and catching. As a result, Jackson has gained a sense of predictability when making a break, knowing precisely where the ball will be.

During the game against Hoggard, Budge and Jackson had a successful connection 10 times, resulting in 136 yards and two touchdowns. Budge’s strategic placement of the ball away from defenders allowed Jackson to make some impressive catches and runs.

During Weddington’s last scoring drive in the first half, Budge’s performance was remarkable. He threw a precise 10-yard pass to Jackson for a first down before being pressured by Hoggard’s Malakahi West on the following play. Budge managed to escape to his left and spot running back Brady Ritter making his way up the left sideline. He then threw a high pass over Hoggard’s linebacker Reagan Printy, who was trying to stop Ritter from passing the first down marker and going out of bounds. In the first quarter, Budge also made an impressive pass while moving to his left, connecting with Jonathan Manley for a 13-yard gain.

One remarkable aspect of Budge’s display was his skill in overcoming the challenge of throwing an interception on his second try during the game.

Budge stated that it now comes effortlessly to him to overcome challenges. He attributed this to the coaching staff instilling the ability to respond in the Weddington players throughout their four years in the program.

During significant occasions, it is important to rise to the occasion, and that is exactly what we do.

Source: highschoolot.com