The Matchup

Opening round of the playoffs are three days away and I suspect the Gryphons will be 40-point favorites.

Looking at the past games played against Rocky Mount and Jacksonville, there one thing that stands out.

Games with them have generally been defensive struggles.

Four of the seven games the winning team could muster only 13 points.

Only three times has the winner scored at least 20

I would hope we have 20 by the half this Friday night.

This year, the Gryphons are averaging 38 points per game. Jacksonville is averaging 13 per game.
The Cardinals scored in double digits just four times. The Gryphons score at least 24 10 times.

The Cardinal defense gave up at least 40 four times while the Gryphon offense scored 40 or more points six times.

The Gryphon defense gave up 71 points on the season. In its nine losses, Jacksonville could muster only scoring 91.

As the old saying goes, that's why they play the game. You never know that the Gryphons might turn the ball over three times and two are returned for score.

The Gryphons will need to be focused. Maybe the Northern Vance game is the only game all year where we didn't seem ready to play and yet, we lead 10-0 in the first quarter.

Friday starts a brand new season. A season of one-and-done. Survive and advance. Friday night should be their only easy game as starting with the second round the noose tightens.

The schedule Gods have granted us an easy one this Friday. Why not take advantage and do like we have done in so many other games this year.

I want to see the taillights of cars in the parking lot heading home at the half because another victim is down by 30.

The team practiced this morning since school is out for the holiday so the players will get to enjoy the afternoon off.

My pick: Gryphons 49, Cardinals 6

I would like to finish this today by saying THANK YOU to all our Veterans who have served to make this country free.