Sam Story, who coached at Duke University, took over and served from 1984 until his retirement in 2008. Coach Story led the Bulldogs to the 3-A state championship in 1985, defeating Havelock High School 7-3 at Memorial Stadium in Burlington. The 1987 team lost to Shelby High at Memorial Stadium. The Bulldogs under Story, also won the title in 1999 against Asheville High 20-7 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill. This championship was notable for the fumblerooski play that Coach Story always kept in his arsenal of plays. Story was the North Carolina head coach for the 2007 Shrine Bowl game.