Tears flow, fans scream as Shelby wins title again

WINSTON-SALEM – Tears ran down Shelby cheerleader Brittany Davis’ face as the clock ran down to zero and the Shelby Golden Lions captured their second straight state championship.

Ms. Davis, a senior, plans to hang up her pompoms following Shelby’s 27-24 defeat of Southern Vance High School.

"It’s my senior year and I’ll never cheer for football again," said Ms. Davis. "Some of these girls I’ve been cheering with my entire life."

Shelby senior Leann Thurman and alumni Jeree McSwain screamed as the Golden Lions football team hoisted their championship plaque.

"I knew we were going to win," said Ms. Thurman. "That’s two in a row."

With the score bouncing back and fourth, some of the fans were a little nervous, especially when star quarterback Darryl Montgomery left with an injury after getting hit helmet to helmet during the first quarter.

"I’m not going to lie, my hopes were pretty low," said freshman Shaquille Petty. "He’s our key player."

But when Montgomery ran out onto the field to start the third quarter, Ms. Petty said she was overjoyed.

"I was happy with high spirits," said Ms. Petty.

She said she’s glad she will be traveling back to Shelby knowing her team has won two in a row.

"It’s amazing," said Ms. Petty. "I wanted the seniors to get another ring."

Shelby High School Principal Dianna Bridges watched the victory from the stands.

"I’m happy for the boys…I happy for the school," said Ms. Bridges.

The biggest game of the season for Shelby brought some fans out from Crest High School.

Crest sophomore Jermaine Jefferies said he’s a Shelby fan at heart.

"I was born and raised in Shelby," said Jefferies who was holding up black and gold signs with his mom, Juanita Surratt, celebrating the team’s back-to-back state championships. "I will always be a Shelby fan."