Laurel completes unbeaten season, capture back-to-back titles

NEWARK, Del. – Laurel capped off their two-year run of dominance in Class 1A Saturday afternoon at the University of Delaware, defeating St. Elizabeth, 28-13, in the state championship game.

The Dogs got off to a fast start, thanks to touchdown runs from Xavier Limehouse and Tate Walls in the first half.

A touchdown pass from Christopher Caracter to Thomas Schiavoni in the final minutes of the first half signaled this game was far from over.

St. Elizabeth appeared to pull even in the fourth. Caracter caught a 37-yard touchdown pass, but the point after was blocked, leaving the Bulldogs with a razor-thin 1-point edge.

The following drive was vintage Laurel, keeping the ball on the ground, bullying their way down the field, and eating away at the game clock.

Senior Kylse Wilson capped the drive with a 5-yard score. Wilson also gained 190 yards total.

Laurel gained 301 yards on the ground. All 16 of their first downs were gained through the run game.

It wasn’t the dominating finish that many expected, but Laurel showed once again that they are the class of the 1A.

Their next challenge will come in Class 2A next fall, when they join five other Henlopen schools in District 3.