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John A. Holmes rallies before first state title game since 1969

Posted at 11:55 PM, Dec 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-16 23:56:00-05

EDENTON, N.C. - Since 1969, John A. Holmes High School has been eyeing a return to the state title game. Tomorrow night, they erase the 47-year drought, and face an undefeated Reidsville.

The Aces (13-2) haven't been in this position since Lyndon B. Johnson was in the oval office. "It feels good, it feels like an early Christmas gift for us," says senior offensive lineman Tamrik Hamer.

After beating South Columbus last week 50-14, the Aces etched their name in history, bringing a small town, a large joy. "It was real emotional, I started crying."

The Aces rallied Friday night before hitting the road to Winston Salem for the 2A state championship. "Just looking at this out here, I would've never thought they'd do all of this for the state championship game," says senior wide receiver James Cofield.

But they did, hundreds of people braving the frigid temperatures to cheer on a team that's become a part of history.  "You can tell, it means a lot for our town, it means a lot for our kids," says Aces head coach Paul Hoggard. "Just look at the people that showed up on a night like tonight when it's very cold."