"Each one that we won felt great, but winning this state championship it a little more special because it is my senior year and people will remember this one the most," said Todd Gurley. "People won't think about me part of the first two state championships as much as they will this one because this was my last game and this is the best way to go out."
Gurley has been wearing the first two state title rings on his necklace for months and he will be able to add a third to that chain now.
He played a big role in this win over Lincolnton.
"I haven't been able to practice the last two weeks because of a high ankle sprain on my left ankle and a regular ankle sprain on the right. I was wearing a boot all week before the game, so I just had to go out there and play hard.
"I finished with 242 yards and four touchdowns, so I am happy about how I played. I just played as hard as I could, ran as hard as I could, and just tried to help the team win. I muffed a punt, so I did not have a perfect game, but I think I played well overall. It was a great way to go out."
He is now focused on the next chapter of his football career. Gurley is one of the top prospects in North Carolina, he is one of the top running backs in the country, and he is closing in on one of the biggest decisions of his life.
Things have changed a little for him though in recent weeks. He has been naming Georgia and North Carolina as his top two, but not any longer.
"Everybody is the same for me right now and North Carolina State is in there too now," said the no. 20 ranked running back on Scout. "Georgia, North Carolina, and Clemson are still in there too. I am looking at each one of those four schools the same now and all of them are equal."
The 6-foot-1, 205 pound senior out of Tarboro, N.C. does still plan to make his decision early in 2012.
"I have visited Clemson, N.C State, and Georgia officially, and I have been to UNC a few times, so January 3 is still the date I am looking to commit. That is my plan, but I still could decide to announce my decision at my school with my family and friends around. I am thinking more about the Semper Fi All-American game right now though."
Clemson will be in the Gurley home Sunday night for a visit and then Georgia will be there on Monday.