The Whiteville Wolfpack is hitting the road this afternoon to a showdown that will determine the state 3A Championship.
The Pack (19-7) will meet the East Rutherford Cavaliers (24-5) in Holly Springs tonight at 8 p.m. Classes will release early today so students at all four city schools can cheer the team parade. The procession leaves Legion Stadium at 1 p.m., and will travel through Whiteville Primary School, Central Middle, into Downtown Whiteville, past Edgewood Elementary then head out of town past Whiteville High School.
Fans and families are encouraged to turn out for the parade.
The No. 4 Pack is going up against the No. 1 ERHS Cavaliers in a best of three contest. The defending 2A 2025 champs are bringing a powerful team to the diamond. It’s expected to be a pitcher’s battle from the start.
Malachi Dato anchors a strong senior staff with strong playoff experience. Eli Webb, Mathew Pinkerton, and Caleb Bennet are also on the senior pitching staff. Bennet is known for his mean mid-eighties fastball and low 70’s slider.
Meanwhile, the legendary McLean brothers, Luke and Layton are leading the Wolfpack pitching staff. Colin Hooks and Jake Odham have been steady with the bat all season for the Wolfpack.
Ty’Lae Rose hit a two-run homer to lead the Wolfpack in Game 3 of the Eastern Finals Saturday.
The Pack went undefeated through the Southeastern Conference season.
Whiteville will be seeking its 10th NCHSAA baseball title, having appeared in 14 title matches. WHS won the 1A titles in 2014, 2015, and 2017 while taking the 2A championships in 1982, 1984, 1989, 1991, 2011, and 2018.
The Pack has plenty of history with state victories — Whiteville was known as “Baseball USA” for its high school excellence during the 1980s, earning space in national publications for its winning seasons and players that went on to the Major Leagues.
East Rutherford is going for its eighth state title in baseball…the Cavaliers won the NCHSAA 2A Title in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2016, and 2025.
