Concord First Assembly falls in title game

Concord First Assembly fell short of winning a second straight football state championship on Saturday.

The Eagles lost 38-35 to Harrells Christian in the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II title game in Concord. First Assembly finished 10-2 in coach Mike Minter's first season (he's a former Carolina Panther).

First Assembly's Andrew Burton, a senior, ran for 263 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries. First Assembly led 21-7 in the first half, and 35-24 early in the fourth quarter, but couldn't hang on.

Harrells Christian finished 10-2.

-- Cliff Mehrtens