Gryphon Grit

Yes it was Halloween night and Southern Nash opening kickoff was a pop up to the pitcher but the Gryphon front blockers admiring how high the kick was and Southern started on the Gryphon 48 after the Firebirds recovered the rolling free football. Less than three minutes Dion Lavendar one yard sneak gave Southern a 7-0 lead. Richard Hall carried for the Firebirds from one yard out gave the Birds a 14-0 lead in the second quarter and at this point Rocky Mount still does not have a first down. Two things changed the momentum of the game. Jason Battle went to Josh Carter at quarterback and Broderick Caudle intercepted a Lavendar pass on the Southern 29 yard line and took it to the house to get the Gryphons on the board and everything is now pointing to Rocky Mount.Josh Carter connected with Rashawn Harris for a 33 yard pass tied the game at 14 with 4:29 in the half. A Gryphon field goal attempt on the last play of the half was wide left and a 14-14 halftime score. The Gryphon D stopped Southern on their opening second half drive and the Gryphon duo of Josh Carter connected with Broderick Caudle on a touchdown pass but once again the ep was wide left and the Gryphon lead for the first time. By the end of the quarter Micah Varnell connects on a 29 yard field goal and the Gryphons and the Gryphons lead by more than one score. Starting the fourth quarter the Gryphons D stymies Southern and Rocky Mount offense converts two fourth down plays the second a 12 yard Carter to Harris pass to give the Gryphon a 30-14 win. As of this minute the Gryphons own 3rd place in the Big East after Fike beat Northern Nash 29-12. Hunt shutout Nash Central so Fike and Hunt play for the Big East crown next Friday. The loser can finish no worse than second. If the Gryphons win at Northern they collect third but should Northern win there could be a three way tie for third between Northern,Southern and Rocky Mount. Tarboro took care of business and clinched first beating Northampton 50-7.