Lake Norman kicked off the new year with a very different kind of fireworks—and this one echoed all the way to New Orleans.

On New Year’s Day, Cornelius native Lucas Carnerio delivered a clutch, game-winning 47-yard field goal in the final seconds of the Sugar Bowl, lifting Ole Miss past Georgia and sending the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinal. No pressure… except the entire season riding on your right foot.

For Lake Norman locals, this wasn’t just a big college football moment—it was a hometown one. Carnerio grew up in Cornelius and starred at the Community School of Davidson, where he was named Player of the Year during both his junior and senior seasons. His path to the national spotlight wasn’t overnight, either. Before Ole Miss, Carnerio played at Western Kentucky, where he posted an impressive 87.1% field-goal percentage and went a flawless 47-for-47 on extra points. Consistency? Check. Ice in the veins? Also check.

That steady reliability showed up when it mattered most. With the Sugar Bowl on the line and seconds ticking away, Carnerio lined up and calmly drilled the kick—cementing himself into Ole Miss history and giving Lake Norman a front-row seat to a national sports headline.

Moments like this are why we love following local athletes long after they leave home. From Friday night lights to playoff spotlights, Carnerio’s journey is a reminder that big-time sports stories often start right here in our own backyard.

Lake Norman pride is strong—and it’s officially CFP strong this year.