MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Two teams with State Title dreams met for the North Piedmont title Friday night and in the end, Lake Norman defeated Mooresville 40-38, ending the Blue Devils bid at a perfect season.

Wildcats senior Josh Ladowski threw for three touchdowns and ran for two more for the victorious Wildcats. The 10-1 Blue Devils were paced on the ground by Manny Johnson and Akease Rankin. The Mooresville duo ran for two touchdowns a piece.

“It feels great to prove people wrong,” said Ladowski. “Five different papers said we couldn’t win and we found a way to get it done.”

Wildcats head coach Rob McNeely fought back tears following the victory. “These kids saved me as a coach and they played together,” McNeely said. “I couldn’t be more proud of this group.”

Both teams await their playoff opponents. The pairings will be announced Saturday.