CARY – Senior Tate Jones, an Ohio State commit, scored the game-winning goal with 10 seconds left to give top-seeded Middle Creek High (23-2 final record) a dramatic 9-8 win
After watching his team's four-goal lead against Weddington disappear, Tate Jones won his team a N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A state title with a game-winning goal with 10 seconds remaining against the Warriors. The championship is Middle Creek's second as a program and first since 2017.
Middle Creek swept Green Level in the regular season, and on Thursday night the Mustangs won again, beating the Gators 12-4 to advance to the state semifinals.
Middle Creek scored the first four goals of the game, led by as many 12 goals, triggered a running clock in the second half, and advanced to the fourth round with a 17-7 win over the Golden Hawks.