GASTONIA — Darius James sought to convince anyone with a listening ear that a new day had arrived for Ashbrook football. After Friday, Oct. 24, the Green Wave head man is done talking.

After falling behind by two touchdowns in the first half, Ashbrook scored 21 unanswered points to claim the Big South 5A/6A title, stunning visiting Crest, 21-14. The Green Wave stopped Crest short of the goal line on the game’s final play to preserve the victory.

“Man, this team is resilient,” James said following the game. “Everybody has something to say about them; they can’t do this, they can’t do that. And what we’re teaching these guys is to just play and good things will happen.”

While his legs have been his primary weapon much of the season, it was A.J. McClain’s arm that proved the difference aga

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