For the first time in history, Lee County High School will play for the state championship in football.

The Yellow Jackets used a stiff defense and a phenomenal night from senior running back A.J. Boulware, who ran for four touchdowns in a 34-9 victory over New Hanover in the 3-AA East Regional Championship Friday night.

Lee County is now 15-0 on the season. It’ll face reigning 3AA champions Weddington next Saturday night at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh. Weddington destroyed Watauga, 49-14, on Friday night.

Boulware had long touchdown runs of 70 and 52 yards and finished with 247 yards on the ground. Lee County’s defense held New Hanover to just 38 yards on the ground and 162 total yards, with two turnovers. (H/T WFJA 105.5 FM for the stats!)

Lee County hasn’t been to the state championship game since before it was called “Lee County.” Its predecessor Sanford Central won the 3-A state title in 1966, 67, 68 and 72 and the 4A state title in 1973 in the glory days of Coach Paul B. Gay, for whom the stadium is named.

NCHSAA recordbooks also indicate that Sanford won the state championship in 1926.

Final: Lee County 34, New Hanover 9.

We going to the SHIP!#JacketPride #JacketFamily #HSOTScores #run910 — Lee County High Athletic Booster Club (@LCHS_Boosters) December 7, 2019

Lee County beats New Hanover 34-9: AJ Boulware led the Yellow Jackets to the 3AA state final with four touchdowns against the Wildcats. https://t.co/9so9qFhHsc — HighSchoolOT.com (@highschoolot) December 7, 2019

TD @LCHS_Boosters. Jackets got an interception then scored on a 16-yard pass. 34-9 Lee County with 4:11 remaining. — Jackson Fuller-SNV (@StarNewsVarsity) December 7, 2019

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