Charleston got to where it was Friday night, celebrating its second consecutive Class 3A state title after winning its 29th consecutive game, in part because of Ty Storey's passing ability.
The senior quarterback threw the ball plenty Friday night, but the Tigers left War Memorial Stadium with a 33-26 victory over the Smackover thanks to everything else he did.
"The best player in the state," Charleston Coach Greg Kendrick said. "We're going to win it with him."
Storey completed 24 of 38 passes for 218 yards with 3 touchdowns in his final high school game before he enrolls next month at the University of Arkansas. He also carried a season-high 35 times for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Storey either ran the ball, passed the ball or punted the ball on all but five of Charleston's 79 offensive plays Friday night.
If that weren't enough, the 6-4, 215-pounder played about 80 percent of the snaps on defense in a hybrid safety/linebacker role that Kendrick said was created late in the season to combat teams with athletic skill-position players.
The money package, as Kendrick calls it, consists of three down linemen with Storey and others roaming behind the front line. Storey's job in the formation is to read the quarterback's eyes. Storey was credited with only one tackle and one pass break-up, but Kendrick said the package limited Smackover's big-play ability.
Storey's role in just about every phase added up to a victory for Charleston, which made a few sore limbs worth it.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sore," said Storey, cracking a smile while holding his MVP plaque. "It's the last game. I knew we were going to do anything we could to win the game. We weren't settling for anything short."
Charleston's commitment to Storey was most evident on its last drive.
With the game tied 26-26 with 4:55 left, the Tigers took over on their own 45. Storey took snaps from the Shotgun and ran up the middle on nine consecutive plays. He had gains of 10, 8, 9, 12, 4, 4, 3 and 1 yard before a carry for no gain brought up a third-and-goal situation from the Smackover 4 with 22 seconds left.
Storey faked a handoff to a receiver in motion on that play and looked to his right before turning to his left and lofting a pass to a wide-open Taylor King for the game-winning touchdown with 17 seconds left.
"That was probably the most open I had seen him," Storey said.
Storey's third touchdown pass was the 154th for his career, and it had his coach trying to fight back tears moments later.
"You can't put it into perspective what that kid means to this program," Kendrick said.
Charleston's 18 seniors finished their careers 58-3, but even the other seniors were quick to point out the catalyst for their success.
"He's the most valuable player I could think of," said King, who had three touchdown receptions in his final game. "It's a team effort, but it wouldn't be the same without Ty."
Sports on 12/13/2014