(Photo gallery by Will Wotring, Postgame assistance from Aaron Parker)

NITRO, W.Va. — For the first time since 2005, Nitro will play for the Class AAA state championship. The No. 5 Wildcats (12-1) handed No. 9 Chapmanville (12-1) their first loss of the season, 36-13 to set up a meeting with No. 2 Princeton at University of Charleston Stadium.

“It means everything to me,” said Nitro senior wide receiver Malachi Thompson. “All year we have been saying it. I have been trying to get here my whole high school career. Now it has happened.”

“It means everything to this community,” said Nitro head coach Boom McKinney. “We have worked hard since January. These kids have bought in to what we are selling. They deserve this. My administration deserves this. It is just an honor to be here.”

Thomps

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