The School of Champions: Watauga Takes Home State Football Title

Anasofia Salinas, 12, and Montana Rattler, 12, in the UNC Chapel Hill Kenan Memorial Stadium during the North Carolina 6A Football State Championships. “Watauga always has that consistent support, that consistent spirit,” said Dr. ColemanBailey, Assistant Principal. “We are here, regardless of the outcome, to just give it our all, and it just paid off a lot this fall.” Photo Credits: Charlie Stumb, Watauga Yearbook

Rebecca Billette, Editor-in-Chief of The Powderhorn

On December 12, 2025, students, teachers, and parents alike made the drive to Kenan Memorial Stadium at UNC Chapel Hill to cheer on the Watauga Pioneers football team as they competed for the 6A North Carolina State Championship. The thrilling game against Middle Creek High School ended in a Watauga win, score 47 - 25, and the Pioneers brought home the state title for the first time since 1978.

“I’ve worked the Watauga student section for 15 games this year, and the energy is always the same,” said Dr. Coleman Bailey, an Assistant Principal at Watauga High School. “The kids do everything they can; they are very vocal and verbal and we even had adults on their feet helping. Even though we got out to a lead early on, we didn’t take that game for granted. They cheered and stayed with it the entire time.”

The week leading up to the highly-anticipated football game was plagued with remote days and delays. It had always been a priority for the high school to offer transportation for students who wished to attend, but with snow still on the roads, many wondered if this would still be possible. Friday morning came, and, while the conditions weren’t ideal, buses departed late morning and Watauga showed up to watch their team win the state championship.

“It was probably the best it's been in all four years that I've been to a game at least. It was so awesome to just see everybody there,” said Jack Garrett, a senior who attended the game. “Especially being in the front, being able to turn around and see everybody was awesome.” 

Between the weather and nearly 3-hour drive, many faced challenges when getting to Chapel Hill. This led to much surprise when Watauga supporters arrived and realized how large the light-blue fan section was, especially when compared to the other team. Many believe this was a testament to the Watauga County community and the lengths its members are willing to go to in order to support their local team.

“I think that what sets Watauga apart from other schools is our humbleness and spirit,” said junior Tessa Buchanan. “We are definitely confident and loud when we are at games, but Watauga is humble not only on the field but also in the stands, which sets us apart from other good schools.” 

The football state championship was not WHS’s only victory of the fall sports season. With unprecedented success across the board, Volleyball, Women’s and Men’s XC, Women’s Golf and Women’s Tennis all went on to compete for state titles, and many other sports won conference and regional titles.

“To be honest, in my entire career, I don't think I've seen a school in so many different sports go as far as we have in just one sports season,” Dr. Bailey said. “I think the football state championship for the first time in 47 years is just amazing. You only have one game a week and you don't have as many opportunities to recover, and for them to be so consistent and undefeated all year is just amazing.” 

While Watauga High School is no doubt full of impressive athletes who lead their teams to victory, many also credit the Pioneers’ success to how supportive the student section always is. At any game, students and parents alike can be spotted decked out in Watauga gear and cheering at the top of their lungs in the stands.

“I always love being in the student section and I think we especially had great energy at this game,” said Buchanan. “We had a ton more people than at other games and everyone was taking things more seriously. It was so hype and I loved how everyone counted down at the end.” 

It is easy to get swept up in the pure thrill of watching your team win the state championship, but for many seniors, this wild success was symbolic of their quickly-ending high school career, and may have been bittersweet.

“There was a lot of emotion going into it,” said Garrett. “I'd say it just kind of built up all year.
 There were a lot of ups and downs, especially in the student section. But it was a lot of fun to just get in there and realize, ‘you know what, last game, let's go out, just have fun’.”

Since the football victory, the school spirit has been palpable across Watauga County. It is difficult for many students to imagine a better way for the season to wrap up.

“I feel proud to be a Pioneer and it feels so great that we are state champs, and knowing that the team worked so hard for it,” Buchanan said.

Despite not actually being on the field, the Watauga High School student section was a key part of this school year’s football success. With a humble yet enthusiastic attitude and unwavering support, it is no wonder that the Pioneers have been deemed the “Best Student Section in NC”.

“I think from the time that we got there in the stands and on the field, until the time that we left, every player, every coach, every cheerleader and every fan was there with one purpose: to support each other so that no matter the outcome, we were still going to walk away victorious,” Dr. Bailey said.