The award is given by Inspireum, an Oregon-based company that develops youth programs, and Parade magazine. The award recognizes athletes who have inspired and motivated their teammates, classmates and community.

King was diagnosed with leukemia after his sophomore basketball season and spent five weeks undergoing chemotherapy and kidney dialysis.

He missed all of last year but returned to football this fall. He has run for 177 yards and two touchdowns for the 8-3 Mustangs.

Middle Creek will be at home Friday night against Panther Creek in the first round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4AA playoffs.

The award is named for Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, a walk-on to the Notre Dame football team in the 1970s who inspired the 1993 film "Rudy." The winner will be announced Jan. 15.

Soccer scoring: Fuquay-Varina's Adrian Gonzales set the single-season record for boys' soccer goal scoring in Wake County. Gonzales had 53 goals and nine assists after Saturday's 2-0 win against Sanderson. He is tied for 10th on the NCHSAA's single-season scoring list.

In the county, Justin Schatz had 51 goals in 1997 and Justin Branch of Apex had 49 in 2000.

Michael Richardson of Surry Central had a national record 92 goals in 2002.

Cardinal Gibbons titles: Cardinal Gibbons had a banner day on Saturday, winning four state championships. The Crusaders won NCHSAA 3A titles in volleyball, girls tennis and boys and girls cross country.

In tennis action, the third doubles team of Christina Wangen and Natalie Freeman scored the clinching victory to lead the Crusaders to a 5-4 win over two-time defending 3A champion Charlotte Catholic at the Burlington Tennis Center.

Gibbons (25-5) avenged last year's state finals loss to Catholic, winning both the second and third doubles to capture the title.

At Kernersville's Beeson Park, Gibbons' Steven Phillips was the 3A boys individual cross country champ as his team won 47-48 over Chapel Hill. The Gibbons girls had no trouble in romping past runner-up Matthews Weddington 47-117.