Let's look back that what happened locally on the sports scene in 2015 covered by this blog.
January:
Big East boys Basketball started after one week with all six teams tied at 1-1
Angie Miller Nash County Athletic Director won the distinguished Service Award from the National
Interscholastic Athletic Administration Association.
February:
Weather plays Havoc with high school sports as basketball sectionals could not be finished and regional were forced to play three games per night instead of two.
Wilson Smith Rocky Mount sophomore won the state championship in the 126 pound weight class in wrestling.
Even though he had nothing to do with local sports legendary UNC basketball coach Dean Smith died. There are many people locally affected by his life.
Northern Nash girls basketball team completes and undefeated regular season going 21-0
March:
Spring sports went in some cases three weeks without a day of practice as weather continued it's hold on eastern North Carolina.
Former Gryphon TaShawn Mabry a senior at Tarleton State in Texas finished third in the DII basketball national Tournament.
April:
DeShawn Freeman former Northern Nash and Rocky Mount Prep basketball player signs with Rutgers to play basketball his junior and senior seasons.
Derrick Carter Northern Nash pitcher pitches a no hitter in Easter Tournament in Wilson.
May:
Two Rocky Mount girl's relay teams win state championship races. London Green, NyAna Edwards, Laneeza Sheppard and Teyanna Dressure won the 4x100 relay. Green, Edwards, Sheppard joined Brittany Bickford and won the 4x200 relay race.
SouthWest Edgecombe golfer Cole Jefferies won the boys 2A boys golf state championship.
Benton Moss pitching career at UNC finished when Carolina failed to be named to the NCAA playoffs. Moss finished with a career 26-6 record 81% winning percentage top ten all time at Carolina. Finish with 318 strike outs second all time.
Collins Cuthrell playing at UNC Pembroke is named Peach Belt player of the year and is named DII All-American after batting 443 hit 25 home runs and drove in 74 runs all top ten in the country.
BW Holt resigns at football coach at Rocky Mount Academy
American Legion Season starts without Post 58 fielding a team.
June:
Terrell Hudgins named RMA football coach replacing BWHolt
Former North Edgecombe basketball player Montrezl Harrell is 32nd player selected in the NBA draft going to Houston.
Collins Cuthrell former Gryphon signs with Florence Kentucky after not being drafted during MLB draft.
Todd Gurley signs with the St Louis Rams after being drafted 10th for the former Tarboro Viking.
Former Gryphon pitcher Benton Moss is drafted and signed with Tampa Bay. Moss would also be named Academic All American
Tomorrow will will look at last half of 2015.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Heading To Belk Bowl
One of the good things about the Belk Bowl is you can get up the day of the game and drive to the game. Extra treat today Is Carrie Underwood will be performing at fan fest two hours before the game. Good friend and fellow Wolfpacker Andy Holt will be with me. He and I went together to the ACC basketball Tournament this past season.
The weather forecast is calling for thunder showers which is always a possibility during football games when it is outside. I will be prepared with rain gear and will sit in any amount of rain unless lightning.
I think it was 1999 and the Wolfpack was playing South Carolina on ESPN Thursday night football and Lou Holtz was the coach at South Carolina. There was a tropical storm passing through the area and it never had a bolt of lightning all night. It did however pour down most of the game and I mean came down in buckets at least three quarters of the game.
I had one of those clear plastic Ponchos on and during the entire game the only place I was wet was my feet where I was either standing in water or it was running down my poncho until it ended just below my knees.
The game ended and the Pack won 10-0 and as I am heading to my car a gust of win practically rips my poncho off and the last 100 yards as I was running to the car I have no poncho at all and I was soaked through and through.
I have always been a person who stays to the last play and if it rains during the game I hope the walk back to the car I will now be wearing a hooded jacket it will still be on when we get back to the car.
North Carolina has played the ACC championship and now their bowl game The Russell Athletic Bowl as if last year's defense is back in uniform. They gave up 45 to Clemson and 49 to Baylor. Where did the defense that played do well all season go?
The weather forecast is calling for thunder showers which is always a possibility during football games when it is outside. I will be prepared with rain gear and will sit in any amount of rain unless lightning.
I think it was 1999 and the Wolfpack was playing South Carolina on ESPN Thursday night football and Lou Holtz was the coach at South Carolina. There was a tropical storm passing through the area and it never had a bolt of lightning all night. It did however pour down most of the game and I mean came down in buckets at least three quarters of the game.
I had one of those clear plastic Ponchos on and during the entire game the only place I was wet was my feet where I was either standing in water or it was running down my poncho until it ended just below my knees.
The game ended and the Pack won 10-0 and as I am heading to my car a gust of win practically rips my poncho off and the last 100 yards as I was running to the car I have no poncho at all and I was soaked through and through.
I have always been a person who stays to the last play and if it rains during the game I hope the walk back to the car I will now be wearing a hooded jacket it will still be on when we get back to the car.
North Carolina has played the ACC championship and now their bowl game The Russell Athletic Bowl as if last year's defense is back in uniform. They gave up 45 to Clemson and 49 to Baylor. Where did the defense that played do well all season go?
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Scouting Report Carolina Panthers
18 consecutive regular season wins dating back to December of 2014. The streak is over and now what can we expect for the Panthers? What did the Falcons victory show the Panthers and any other teams that may match up with the Panthers the rest of the way.
If I am a future opponent what would I try to do to beat the Panthers. I would make Cam Newton beat me passing the ball. Cam is less than a 60% completion passer. Sunday accuracy was a real problem. Atlanta took away Cam's running lanes and missed too many passes that could have been completed. If the Panthers have to win a playoff game totally having to depend on Cam's passing I doubt they can win.
The Carolina running game must be a major part of the Panther attack. I realize That Jonathan Stewart has been out for three weeks now and hopefully he is being protected for the playoffs. There was no running game Sunday and with Cam forced to pass you could see than the receiving corp of the Panthers is not a group that scares other teams.
The front four for the defense is a strong point. Their linebackers may be best group in NFL so they are a strong point too. The secondary has not been as good since the injury several weeks back to Binwikere Bene corner back. They have lost with his injury their shutdown ability in the secondary. Josh Norman Is a shutdown cornerback as long as he is covering outside receivers. I would move my best pass catcher into the slot and make one of the other guys be on my best receiver.
The defense has had several lockdown games against bottom feeding teams and in three of the last four have given up 93 points. It is vital the Panthers earn home field by beating Tampa Sunday.
They have earned a first week bye and one home game but a victory Sunday would give the Panthers two home games if they win the first. If they lose Sunday and Arizona wins Zona would earn the two game home advantage. I don't care what team you are would you want to have to play at Arizona?
The playoffs will be the six best teams in the NFC so there will be no team that can't beat you if you don't play your best. The Panthers need Stewart to play and be a factor in running the football to keep Cam's options to run available. If the running game is working the Panthers will have a chance against anybody. Without the running game there will be no Super Bowl.
If I am a future opponent what would I try to do to beat the Panthers. I would make Cam Newton beat me passing the ball. Cam is less than a 60% completion passer. Sunday accuracy was a real problem. Atlanta took away Cam's running lanes and missed too many passes that could have been completed. If the Panthers have to win a playoff game totally having to depend on Cam's passing I doubt they can win.
The Carolina running game must be a major part of the Panther attack. I realize That Jonathan Stewart has been out for three weeks now and hopefully he is being protected for the playoffs. There was no running game Sunday and with Cam forced to pass you could see than the receiving corp of the Panthers is not a group that scares other teams.
The front four for the defense is a strong point. Their linebackers may be best group in NFL so they are a strong point too. The secondary has not been as good since the injury several weeks back to Binwikere Bene corner back. They have lost with his injury their shutdown ability in the secondary. Josh Norman Is a shutdown cornerback as long as he is covering outside receivers. I would move my best pass catcher into the slot and make one of the other guys be on my best receiver.
The defense has had several lockdown games against bottom feeding teams and in three of the last four have given up 93 points. It is vital the Panthers earn home field by beating Tampa Sunday.
They have earned a first week bye and one home game but a victory Sunday would give the Panthers two home games if they win the first. If they lose Sunday and Arizona wins Zona would earn the two game home advantage. I don't care what team you are would you want to have to play at Arizona?
The playoffs will be the six best teams in the NFC so there will be no team that can't beat you if you don't play your best. The Panthers need Stewart to play and be a factor in running the football to keep Cam's options to run available. If the running game is working the Panthers will have a chance against anybody. Without the running game there will be no Super Bowl.
Monday, December 28, 2015
What Would You Rather Be?
The Carolina Panthers lost their first football game of the season losing to the Falcons 20-14. Would you rather go undefeated but lose in the playoffs? Both Havelock and Eastern Alamance had great seasons going 11-0 during the regular season for Havelock a second round loss and for Eastern Alamance lost one step from the big game.
Rocky Mount lost two games during the regular season and both of their losses were to teams that went deep in the 4-A playoffs. Today would you rather been undefeated in the regular season and lose in one of the five steps to the championship? Does anybody any where in the state know what Rocky Mount's final record was, only that they were the the 3A state champs?
The case of the Panthers but the NFL in general the team that wins the Super Bowl is the hottest team playing when the playoffs start. There are none hotter than Kansas City in the AFC and Arizona in the NFC. I am afraid giving up the big lead against the Giants broke the momentum that the Panthers had going.
There is always the case of the team that matches up well against you loses to somebody else. Part of the success of the Gryphons was getting the third playoff home game and avoided going to Havelock. It would help the Panthers cause greatly if they beat Tampa This Sunday and if they meet make Arizona come to them.
The pressure of any streak whether it is a winning streak or a losing one can carry a heavy burden on any team. Sometimes winning streaks teams play to keep from losing while losers keep looking for what is going to go wrong this week instead of playing the game.
There is one thing that winning hides sometimes is your faults. One or two plays make a difference in every game. You win you tend not to see how close you were to losing while losing you see how close you were to winning and what you have to do to win. When you keep winning even when you don't play well you become immune to think you will never lose but one good slap back into reality to show you that you can be beaten might not be as bad as you think. The way they play against Tampa will tell us if they learned anything.
Rocky Mount lost two games during the regular season and both of their losses were to teams that went deep in the 4-A playoffs. Today would you rather been undefeated in the regular season and lose in one of the five steps to the championship? Does anybody any where in the state know what Rocky Mount's final record was, only that they were the the 3A state champs?
The case of the Panthers but the NFL in general the team that wins the Super Bowl is the hottest team playing when the playoffs start. There are none hotter than Kansas City in the AFC and Arizona in the NFC. I am afraid giving up the big lead against the Giants broke the momentum that the Panthers had going.
There is always the case of the team that matches up well against you loses to somebody else. Part of the success of the Gryphons was getting the third playoff home game and avoided going to Havelock. It would help the Panthers cause greatly if they beat Tampa This Sunday and if they meet make Arizona come to them.
The pressure of any streak whether it is a winning streak or a losing one can carry a heavy burden on any team. Sometimes winning streaks teams play to keep from losing while losers keep looking for what is going to go wrong this week instead of playing the game.
There is one thing that winning hides sometimes is your faults. One or two plays make a difference in every game. You win you tend not to see how close you were to losing while losing you see how close you were to winning and what you have to do to win. When you keep winning even when you don't play well you become immune to think you will never lose but one good slap back into reality to show you that you can be beaten might not be as bad as you think. The way they play against Tampa will tell us if they learned anything.
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Greatest Gifts Don't Always Require Money
Duke University won it's first Bowl game since the 1961 Cotton Bowl when they won over the Southeastern Conference champion Arkansas by a whopping score of 7-6. That game was seen by 70,000 plus people. Arkansas was lead by future Hall Of Famer Lance Alworth.
Saturday two colleges known more for basketball played football in the the hallowed grounds used for baseball where the likes of Arod plays in Yankee Stadium. This is the fourth year in a row that Duke has played in a bowl and 41 points was not enough as the Devils had to make a field goal and had to watch as Indiana's kicker's kicked a ball that seemed by the end zone camera just three to four inches wide right but what complicated the call was the kick was higher that the goal post and the result Duke beats Indiana 44-41 in over time.
Sometimes you get Christmas presents that cost lots of money and then there are those that are priceless. We open one gift at home and then load rest up to head to Stephanie's house in Wake Forest where we will open gifts Christmas Eve night with Steph's family.
My one gift opened Thursday after noon were letters. The first letter was from Bob Burke retired basketball coach at Chowan College who has already invited me back to Chowan now University where on January 30th the court in the Helms Center will become Bob Burke Court. I was the play by play voice of the Braves from 1981 through 1993 when Chowan was a national power in Junior College basketball.
Bob and I had already talked by phone when he invited me a couple of months ago and as the letter started I thought it was an official invitation but the letter went into how important our broadcast of the games meant to the growth of basketball at Chowan. Already water in my eyes there was another letter from Alexus Hill's family.
Not sure at this point what's going on there was more. Ashley Moss and the Moss family, BW Holt, Mike Gainey and the last letter was from daughter Morgan. Seems that Morgan has decided to start a scrap book about my career in sports. Stunned by the letters from everyone there is just not enough space or hugs that I can give everyone for their comments.
If there is one thing that has motivated me more than anything else over the years was when I would receive a comment from a grand mother who thanked me for doing the games when she could hear her grand son play because her health did not allow her to attend games.
Whether it was radio, TV or the blog reporting the wins is fun but when someone tells you that you have effected their life in a good way you have reached the ultimate in what you were trying to do. This motivates me to continue to do what ever I can. Doesn't seem to be much radio left in the area, WHIG TV I'm in the emergency role when needed. Right now the blog is daily and there is so much good going on in the area to keep me busy. PA is like radio only you can see those that hear your mistakes.
If all goes as planned last child Morgan will graduate from Campbell University majoring in sports management. That will be two of the children that will be in sports. Somewhere along the way I have passed on my passion for sports to all of you who have listened, watch or read me daily.
I thank each of you who have heard or felt what I have tried to pass along to each of you. There is many things in our area that people need to know. Life is better when the good is spread. Life can be boring when it is all bad news.
Finally to Morgan, this may be your greatest gift to me. Love You!
Sometimes you get Christmas presents that cost lots of money and then there are those that are priceless. We open one gift at home and then load rest up to head to Stephanie's house in Wake Forest where we will open gifts Christmas Eve night with Steph's family.
My one gift opened Thursday after noon were letters. The first letter was from Bob Burke retired basketball coach at Chowan College who has already invited me back to Chowan now University where on January 30th the court in the Helms Center will become Bob Burke Court. I was the play by play voice of the Braves from 1981 through 1993 when Chowan was a national power in Junior College basketball.
Bob and I had already talked by phone when he invited me a couple of months ago and as the letter started I thought it was an official invitation but the letter went into how important our broadcast of the games meant to the growth of basketball at Chowan. Already water in my eyes there was another letter from Alexus Hill's family.
Not sure at this point what's going on there was more. Ashley Moss and the Moss family, BW Holt, Mike Gainey and the last letter was from daughter Morgan. Seems that Morgan has decided to start a scrap book about my career in sports. Stunned by the letters from everyone there is just not enough space or hugs that I can give everyone for their comments.
If there is one thing that has motivated me more than anything else over the years was when I would receive a comment from a grand mother who thanked me for doing the games when she could hear her grand son play because her health did not allow her to attend games.
Whether it was radio, TV or the blog reporting the wins is fun but when someone tells you that you have effected their life in a good way you have reached the ultimate in what you were trying to do. This motivates me to continue to do what ever I can. Doesn't seem to be much radio left in the area, WHIG TV I'm in the emergency role when needed. Right now the blog is daily and there is so much good going on in the area to keep me busy. PA is like radio only you can see those that hear your mistakes.
If all goes as planned last child Morgan will graduate from Campbell University majoring in sports management. That will be two of the children that will be in sports. Somewhere along the way I have passed on my passion for sports to all of you who have listened, watch or read me daily.
I thank each of you who have heard or felt what I have tried to pass along to each of you. There is many things in our area that people need to know. Life is better when the good is spread. Life can be boring when it is all bad news.
Finally to Morgan, this may be your greatest gift to me. Love You!
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Twin County Pros
Today starts probably the most famous high school basketball tournament in America. The Holiday basketball tournament at Broughton High school in Raleigh. It has grown so much in the 40 plus years that they now have so many brackets and teams it is hard to keep up with who is in what bracket.
North Carolina beat South Carolina in the Shrine Bowl game by the score 54-39. There was good news for the Rocky Mount Gryphons in that game as Rose wide receiver Cornell Powell scored on a kickoff return and a touchdown pass. Just goes to show Powell could score on anybody.
Through Christmas Day Brian Goodwin playing Winter Ball in Venezuela for a team that is a half game out off first place. Goodwin has had a really good season as in 153 bats he has struck out 28 times which is one in five times. So far in his minor league career he has averaged one in three strike out per at bats which was taking away possible batting average. This winter he is hitting 316 with three homers and eighteen RBI. Hope this is the type of play the Washington Nationals wanted from Brian when he was rated as their number one prospect. Will be interesting to see if he is invited to the big club's spring training.
Pro bowl football player Todd Gurley a rookie one thousand yard rusher has made an impact on the NFL. Gurley can now be seen on NFL related commercials. Just over a thousand yards on the season he is third in the NFL in rushing and it is not out of the question that he could win the rushing title yet. The Rams have two more games to play before the regular season and they are already out of playoff contention.
Now in his 14th NFL season Julius Peppers not only is heading back to the NFL playoffs but he is having what in his career is becoming what everyone expects from Peppers. He has 34 tackles and 9.5 sacks on the season for the Green Bay Packers and his career total sacks now stands at 135. That ranks tenth all time in the NFL history.
One player Julius Peppers in the twilight of his career giving pride to the Firebirds of South Nash. A rookie from Tarboro giving the Viking faithful a chance to see their star for years to come in the NFL. Still a hopeful for the Gryphons of Rocky Mount looking to have a Major League Baseball player.
North Carolina beat South Carolina in the Shrine Bowl game by the score 54-39. There was good news for the Rocky Mount Gryphons in that game as Rose wide receiver Cornell Powell scored on a kickoff return and a touchdown pass. Just goes to show Powell could score on anybody.
Through Christmas Day Brian Goodwin playing Winter Ball in Venezuela for a team that is a half game out off first place. Goodwin has had a really good season as in 153 bats he has struck out 28 times which is one in five times. So far in his minor league career he has averaged one in three strike out per at bats which was taking away possible batting average. This winter he is hitting 316 with three homers and eighteen RBI. Hope this is the type of play the Washington Nationals wanted from Brian when he was rated as their number one prospect. Will be interesting to see if he is invited to the big club's spring training.
Pro bowl football player Todd Gurley a rookie one thousand yard rusher has made an impact on the NFL. Gurley can now be seen on NFL related commercials. Just over a thousand yards on the season he is third in the NFL in rushing and it is not out of the question that he could win the rushing title yet. The Rams have two more games to play before the regular season and they are already out of playoff contention.
Now in his 14th NFL season Julius Peppers not only is heading back to the NFL playoffs but he is having what in his career is becoming what everyone expects from Peppers. He has 34 tackles and 9.5 sacks on the season for the Green Bay Packers and his career total sacks now stands at 135. That ranks tenth all time in the NFL history.
One player Julius Peppers in the twilight of his career giving pride to the Firebirds of South Nash. A rookie from Tarboro giving the Viking faithful a chance to see their star for years to come in the NFL. Still a hopeful for the Gryphons of Rocky Mount looking to have a Major League Baseball player.
Friday, December 25, 2015
This Day Is For Jesus
We will take this day off from the world of sports because sports is part of this world and sports will have no part in our here after so today is a no sports day.
We honor the person who came to this world from a virgin there fore did not have sin in his genes. Those living during the life of Jesus thought he was going to be king of the Jews never realizing he was not for earth that he would rule.
We have no idea the true date but December 25th is the date use by Christians to celebrate his birth. His birth was the first true Christmas of giving as the Wisemen brought gifts. Time has passed and Christmas is more about making money than celebrating the Kings Birthday.
On this day I hope you know what we really celebrate that one day for all of us there will be another life that Jesus has saved for us. All we need to do is ask him to save a place for us.
Whether you stay home today or with family else where have a Merry Christmas and remember Jesus on his birthday.
Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas!
We honor the person who came to this world from a virgin there fore did not have sin in his genes. Those living during the life of Jesus thought he was going to be king of the Jews never realizing he was not for earth that he would rule.
We have no idea the true date but December 25th is the date use by Christians to celebrate his birth. His birth was the first true Christmas of giving as the Wisemen brought gifts. Time has passed and Christmas is more about making money than celebrating the Kings Birthday.
On this day I hope you know what we really celebrate that one day for all of us there will be another life that Jesus has saved for us. All we need to do is ask him to save a place for us.
Whether you stay home today or with family else where have a Merry Christmas and remember Jesus on his birthday.
Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 24, 2015
NFL Loves To Be In Headlines
The NFL right now is the top professional sport that even when there are no games being played they still steal the headlines. Inflate Gate began during Super Bowl week and stay within the first two minutes of all sports headlines all off season.
Once the season started the biggest headlines has fallen to the many mistakes being made by the officials. Is it a catch or not? Each and every week that is the biggest question in one or two games that effect the outcome.
One of the biggest problem with any sport that uses any type of replay is it puts pressure on referees or umpires. There are many plays that even when the replay looks at it they still can't Say one way or the other. Knowing that the camera may know the correct answer refs to many times make a call knowing that what ever they call it will be reviewed so let's do nothing so that is what happened in New York with Beckham.
Yes the refs allowed the Panther/Giants game to be a disgrace. One of the most disappointing in the aftermath was head coach Tom Coughlin admitting he failed to remove Beckham because without him he knew the Giants could not win. Isn't this the same coach when he first arrived in New York he had long practices and required discipline from every player. Now he has lost all discipline control and the Giants will again not make playoffs.
Now let's talk about slurs. Now we all know that street talk there is all kind on conversation while games are going on. All of a sudden it is repulsive to say anything that might be about a player's sexual persuasion. Now let's for a second talk about language heard every where and they are the words MF. Now in our society today is used more than any other. But isn't that talking about incest? We as a society are very selective about what we will allow and what we will not. Why do we have to have any talk of any kind that is derogatory to anyone.
Finally congratulations to Todd Gurley who this week has been named to the Pro Bowl or the NFL's all star game. Didn't even see the field until the third quarter of the third game and since has rushed for 1000 yards. Stay healthy and he could be one of he greatest running backs ever.
Once the season started the biggest headlines has fallen to the many mistakes being made by the officials. Is it a catch or not? Each and every week that is the biggest question in one or two games that effect the outcome.
One of the biggest problem with any sport that uses any type of replay is it puts pressure on referees or umpires. There are many plays that even when the replay looks at it they still can't Say one way or the other. Knowing that the camera may know the correct answer refs to many times make a call knowing that what ever they call it will be reviewed so let's do nothing so that is what happened in New York with Beckham.
Yes the refs allowed the Panther/Giants game to be a disgrace. One of the most disappointing in the aftermath was head coach Tom Coughlin admitting he failed to remove Beckham because without him he knew the Giants could not win. Isn't this the same coach when he first arrived in New York he had long practices and required discipline from every player. Now he has lost all discipline control and the Giants will again not make playoffs.
Now let's talk about slurs. Now we all know that street talk there is all kind on conversation while games are going on. All of a sudden it is repulsive to say anything that might be about a player's sexual persuasion. Now let's for a second talk about language heard every where and they are the words MF. Now in our society today is used more than any other. But isn't that talking about incest? We as a society are very selective about what we will allow and what we will not. Why do we have to have any talk of any kind that is derogatory to anyone.
Finally congratulations to Todd Gurley who this week has been named to the Pro Bowl or the NFL's all star game. Didn't even see the field until the third quarter of the third game and since has rushed for 1000 yards. Stay healthy and he could be one of he greatest running backs ever.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
December College Football
Duke plays Saturday in New York City in the Pinstripe Bowl in Yankee Stadium. They will be playing Indiana who can put points on the board. For them can they hold Duke down? Duke hasn't shown over much of the season to be able to out score anybody.
Through the end of the regular season got 91 correct picks on college games while missing 27. Duke will be missing Jeremy Cash lost to season ending surgery will be a big hole for the Duke defense. Indiana 38 Duke 28
The state of North Carolina is off to a great start in bowl games. North Carolina A&T won the Celebration Bowl beating Alcorn State 41-34. Appalachian State after winning three straight National Championships playing as Division two school won their very first bowl game since their rise to D1. They kicked a field goal to beat Ohio 29-28 to win the Camillia Bowl after trailing by 17 in the fourth quarter.
NC State plays next week and the Tar Heels on New Years Day. We will pick those next week.
Now to the strange story at ECU. There is no doubt the Pirates football season was not what anyone in the purple and gold wanted. They led late in several games only to give up the lead and lose and finished 5-7. They announced almost immediately that they wanted no part as being considered for a bowl game. That was very noble considering I for one am against any team with a 6-6 record getting into a bowl.
Bowls were suppose to be for reward for a good season not to just play one more game. That one more game most of the time does not have enough pay out to even pay to take your team to the game and stay several days in what ever city the bowl game is in. The 6-6 teams supporters stay home not really happy to follow a team that was at best average and almost all those 6-6 games are played before or just after Christmas where it is hard for supporters to fit it in around Christmas.
Shocking Pirate nation ECU athletic Director Jeff Compher fired Ruffin McNeil who had averaged eight wins a season in Pirate Nation until this year. Compher stated that ECU needed a coach who could get the Pirate nation to the next level.
There are many in Greenville that think the SEC or Big XII will call whenever the next big movement comes to go to eight team playoff. I personally think the Pirates need to stick where they are because if and when The playoffs move to eight the top five power conferences will not get all eight spots.
Compher understanding they need to be a power in the AAC wants a coach to push the Pirates to the top level of their conference. He found out quickly in order to get that brand name coach the Pirates didn't have the money to get a proven coach. Did he pull the trigger too soon? If you are going to try to get a named coach you need to have him your back pocket before you get rid of the coach you already have.
The bottom line is Pirate Nation has lost a popular coach. Brought in a rookie head coach Scottie Montgomery who has no track record to show he can lead the Pirates to the Promised land. He may be the next great coach but I doubt we will find that out next year.
Through the end of the regular season got 91 correct picks on college games while missing 27. Duke will be missing Jeremy Cash lost to season ending surgery will be a big hole for the Duke defense. Indiana 38 Duke 28
The state of North Carolina is off to a great start in bowl games. North Carolina A&T won the Celebration Bowl beating Alcorn State 41-34. Appalachian State after winning three straight National Championships playing as Division two school won their very first bowl game since their rise to D1. They kicked a field goal to beat Ohio 29-28 to win the Camillia Bowl after trailing by 17 in the fourth quarter.
NC State plays next week and the Tar Heels on New Years Day. We will pick those next week.
Now to the strange story at ECU. There is no doubt the Pirates football season was not what anyone in the purple and gold wanted. They led late in several games only to give up the lead and lose and finished 5-7. They announced almost immediately that they wanted no part as being considered for a bowl game. That was very noble considering I for one am against any team with a 6-6 record getting into a bowl.
Bowls were suppose to be for reward for a good season not to just play one more game. That one more game most of the time does not have enough pay out to even pay to take your team to the game and stay several days in what ever city the bowl game is in. The 6-6 teams supporters stay home not really happy to follow a team that was at best average and almost all those 6-6 games are played before or just after Christmas where it is hard for supporters to fit it in around Christmas.
Shocking Pirate nation ECU athletic Director Jeff Compher fired Ruffin McNeil who had averaged eight wins a season in Pirate Nation until this year. Compher stated that ECU needed a coach who could get the Pirate nation to the next level.
There are many in Greenville that think the SEC or Big XII will call whenever the next big movement comes to go to eight team playoff. I personally think the Pirates need to stick where they are because if and when The playoffs move to eight the top five power conferences will not get all eight spots.
Compher understanding they need to be a power in the AAC wants a coach to push the Pirates to the top level of their conference. He found out quickly in order to get that brand name coach the Pirates didn't have the money to get a proven coach. Did he pull the trigger too soon? If you are going to try to get a named coach you need to have him your back pocket before you get rid of the coach you already have.
The bottom line is Pirate Nation has lost a popular coach. Brought in a rookie head coach Scottie Montgomery who has no track record to show he can lead the Pirates to the Promised land. He may be the next great coach but I doubt we will find that out next year.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Did Beckham Get Enough?
Those people who watch the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants game saw the most embarrassing game in the history of the NFL. How in the world does any player stay in a game when they have three personal fouls called on them and could have had seven or eight if the officials had of been doing their jobs. Surely the ten yard run directly at the head of Josh Norman should have been an automatic ejection. Norman did his share early but his teammates and coaches reeled him in and got him under control. I wonder whether Beckham was given a drug test after the game?
Christmas Eve football sends The Chargers who just might be homeless after playing their last home game in San Diego travel to Oakland for Thursday night football. Oakland drubbed the Chargers in San Diego but that was when Oakland was playing well. Raiders still win 26-20.
Skins at Eagles: Skins could just about wrap up craziest division in football but they won't. Eagles 30 Skins 27
San Fran at Detroit: who in the world do you pick here. Detroit 27-20
Steelers @ Ravens: Raven's have packed it in and Steelers in playoff mode. Steelers 38 Ravens 13
Cowboys @ Bills: snow could be on ground. Bills defense can win this game. 21-17
Bears @ Buccaneers: Bucs will take this one. 26-23.
Panthers@ Falcons: Did Panthers Lose all the momentum they had going letting the Giants back in game last week? I don't think so but Panther D gave up 38 to Saints and 35 to Giants?
Colts @ Dolphins: Fish will win at home 26 -17
Patriots @ Jets: game doesn't mean much to Patriots And this is always big game for Jets. 30-27 Jets.
Texans @ Titans: who will be either team's quarterback in this game but Houston has best D. Texans
Win 30-20
Browns @ Chiefs: Chiefs could still win AFC West. Chiefs 30-13
Jags @ Saints: this game could be close but Saints win it at home 28-23
Packers @ Cardinals: winner of this game might very well be team that has to beat Panthers for NFC championship game. Cards 33 Packers 26
Rams @ Seahawks: Hawks great at home something they will not be in playoffs. 31-19 Hawks.
Giants @ Vikings: Two teams with slim hopes. Vikings 27 No Beckham 13
Bengals @ Broncos: Big test for both teams. Bengals will score more 20-17
Last week had great week picking 13of 16 running my picking record for the year to 132-92
Christmas Eve football sends The Chargers who just might be homeless after playing their last home game in San Diego travel to Oakland for Thursday night football. Oakland drubbed the Chargers in San Diego but that was when Oakland was playing well. Raiders still win 26-20.
Skins at Eagles: Skins could just about wrap up craziest division in football but they won't. Eagles 30 Skins 27
San Fran at Detroit: who in the world do you pick here. Detroit 27-20
Steelers @ Ravens: Raven's have packed it in and Steelers in playoff mode. Steelers 38 Ravens 13
Cowboys @ Bills: snow could be on ground. Bills defense can win this game. 21-17
Bears @ Buccaneers: Bucs will take this one. 26-23.
Panthers@ Falcons: Did Panthers Lose all the momentum they had going letting the Giants back in game last week? I don't think so but Panther D gave up 38 to Saints and 35 to Giants?
Colts @ Dolphins: Fish will win at home 26 -17
Patriots @ Jets: game doesn't mean much to Patriots And this is always big game for Jets. 30-27 Jets.
Texans @ Titans: who will be either team's quarterback in this game but Houston has best D. Texans
Win 30-20
Browns @ Chiefs: Chiefs could still win AFC West. Chiefs 30-13
Jags @ Saints: this game could be close but Saints win it at home 28-23
Packers @ Cardinals: winner of this game might very well be team that has to beat Panthers for NFC championship game. Cards 33 Packers 26
Rams @ Seahawks: Hawks great at home something they will not be in playoffs. 31-19 Hawks.
Giants @ Vikings: Two teams with slim hopes. Vikings 27 No Beckham 13
Bengals @ Broncos: Big test for both teams. Bengals will score more 20-17
Last week had great week picking 13of 16 running my picking record for the year to 132-92
Carolina Can Win Basketball If Healthy
North Carolina was picked as the preseason number one and already this year they have lost twice but in both instances the Tar Heels were down a starter. College basketball has changed in just a short time. No longer does Carolina or Duke have a team full of McDonald's All Americans. They do have the best of the best but no longer are all their bench player just as good as the starter.
Television where every network carries basketball and every conference has every game on TV those second team bench warmers no longer sit on the Duke Bench but are going to The Butlers of the world. The days of non conference 100-52 scores are now replaced with 90-76 scores.
If healthy Carolina will be playing late March or early April. Marcus Paige has to be one of the healthy ones. The Rocky Mount Gryphons demonstrated what any team can do that is very good and healthy during the playoffs.
Duke has shown when they are healthy they can be very good. Even limited with injuries they have fought hard and with their coaching if they are healthy in March they could be a factor. Their problem how long is Jefferson going to be out. If they dig a hole early in conference play they might get a very low seed and have to play the entire NCAA tournament against heavy weights and that is hard to win six in a row. If there has ever been a coach that can reinvent a team in the middle of the season Coach K is the man. If I am a Duke fan I fear for the day when K calls it quits. It is a lot sooner than Dukies want.
NC State has played several games this season that all they wanted to do was shoot. Their losses can be attributed to the lack of defense. Like everyone one else injuries have hit the Pack. The lack of defense in several games has shown a major hole for the Wolfpack. Who is going to score besides Cat? The best way to score is fast breaks points off steals which will require defense.
Abu, Anya and Freeman all can play defense and rebound but five points a game from each is not enough. There have been too many times already this year that Barber was the only player on the floor who could score.
The good thing about college basketball is it is only December and plenty of time to develope into another sweet 16 season. All three Triangle teams are capable to make Sweet 16 or better. Injuries must heal and no injuries that takes player out for the season will help all of them.
Television where every network carries basketball and every conference has every game on TV those second team bench warmers no longer sit on the Duke Bench but are going to The Butlers of the world. The days of non conference 100-52 scores are now replaced with 90-76 scores.
If healthy Carolina will be playing late March or early April. Marcus Paige has to be one of the healthy ones. The Rocky Mount Gryphons demonstrated what any team can do that is very good and healthy during the playoffs.
Duke has shown when they are healthy they can be very good. Even limited with injuries they have fought hard and with their coaching if they are healthy in March they could be a factor. Their problem how long is Jefferson going to be out. If they dig a hole early in conference play they might get a very low seed and have to play the entire NCAA tournament against heavy weights and that is hard to win six in a row. If there has ever been a coach that can reinvent a team in the middle of the season Coach K is the man. If I am a Duke fan I fear for the day when K calls it quits. It is a lot sooner than Dukies want.
NC State has played several games this season that all they wanted to do was shoot. Their losses can be attributed to the lack of defense. Like everyone one else injuries have hit the Pack. The lack of defense in several games has shown a major hole for the Wolfpack. Who is going to score besides Cat? The best way to score is fast breaks points off steals which will require defense.
Abu, Anya and Freeman all can play defense and rebound but five points a game from each is not enough. There have been too many times already this year that Barber was the only player on the floor who could score.
The good thing about college basketball is it is only December and plenty of time to develope into another sweet 16 season. All three Triangle teams are capable to make Sweet 16 or better. Injuries must heal and no injuries that takes player out for the season will help all of them.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Girls Look Like Same Old Same Old
Where the boys look as if there is a new leader of the pack the Girls look as if it is either Northern or Rocky Mount what's new?
So far this season the Lady Birds of Southern Nash are winless to go along with a season last year that a zero remained in the win column all year the Lady Birds are trying to break a 32 game losing streak. Will be hard to do only scoring 18 points per game when rest of the league gets forty or more every night.
Hunt right now is winless in eight tries but they are competitive scoring 38 per night. They are led in scoring Kayla Kent leading the way for the Warriors at 12.5 per game.
The top four so far are looking as if they are all prepared to make playoff runs. Fike has played ten games and have won eight times. They are led by 5'9" Dijah Horne who scores at 13.9 clip. Fike has a real shot to be in the conference race to the end.
Nash Central 7-1 is led by Robbi Allen the dynamic sophomore who is the Lady Bulldogs leading scorer 14.6, rebounder 7.1 and assist maker at 3.1. I think this year will be summed up by how Robbi goes so goes the Lady Bull Dogs. They have a shot to be in the conference race to the end.
Northern Nash considering they have lost the last two Big East players of the year to be off to a 10-2 season is a real great beginning. So far scoring at 47 points a game is down over what the Lady Knights fans are use too. Kayla Tucker leads the way gathering 11.7 points per game. The Knights need others to try to break double digits scoring mark. The Knights will be in the conference crown talk right down to the end.
The Lady Gryphons are world famous for the Pam Gainey defense. You don't play if you can't play D. This team on the offensive in is led by Keyanna Spivey scoring 17.3 and rebounding at 9.3 caroms per game. Michelle Gainey hits double digits at 10.7 and 3.3 assists per game. The Lady Gryphons need others to step up their scoring. They stand 7-2 and score at a pace of 47 per game. If the Lady Gryphons play defense every night they will be in the hunt right to the end of conference play.
Looks like a four team fight so nobody needs to falter to either Southern Nash or Hunt at anytime during the season.
So far this season the Lady Birds of Southern Nash are winless to go along with a season last year that a zero remained in the win column all year the Lady Birds are trying to break a 32 game losing streak. Will be hard to do only scoring 18 points per game when rest of the league gets forty or more every night.
Hunt right now is winless in eight tries but they are competitive scoring 38 per night. They are led in scoring Kayla Kent leading the way for the Warriors at 12.5 per game.
The top four so far are looking as if they are all prepared to make playoff runs. Fike has played ten games and have won eight times. They are led by 5'9" Dijah Horne who scores at 13.9 clip. Fike has a real shot to be in the conference race to the end.
Nash Central 7-1 is led by Robbi Allen the dynamic sophomore who is the Lady Bulldogs leading scorer 14.6, rebounder 7.1 and assist maker at 3.1. I think this year will be summed up by how Robbi goes so goes the Lady Bull Dogs. They have a shot to be in the conference race to the end.
Northern Nash considering they have lost the last two Big East players of the year to be off to a 10-2 season is a real great beginning. So far scoring at 47 points a game is down over what the Lady Knights fans are use too. Kayla Tucker leads the way gathering 11.7 points per game. The Knights need others to try to break double digits scoring mark. The Knights will be in the conference crown talk right down to the end.
The Lady Gryphons are world famous for the Pam Gainey defense. You don't play if you can't play D. This team on the offensive in is led by Keyanna Spivey scoring 17.3 and rebounding at 9.3 caroms per game. Michelle Gainey hits double digits at 10.7 and 3.3 assists per game. The Lady Gryphons need others to step up their scoring. They stand 7-2 and score at a pace of 47 per game. If the Lady Gryphons play defense every night they will be in the hunt right to the end of conference play.
Looks like a four team fight so nobody needs to falter to either Southern Nash or Hunt at anytime during the season.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
ONE VOICE The Legacy Continues
Those that were there Thursday night in the Black Box Theatre at Rocky Mount High School saw maybe the best show ever in the history of the IB Students talents on display which I believe started in 2009.
The IB program has chosen a project to support with the funds raised from the talent show and when IB student Holly Fryar contracted cancer the program focused on the Holly Project. At least 42 performers took to the stage Thursday night.
Two past performers MC'd the event. Ashtyn Coates who is now a Sophomore at NC State and Morgan Doughtie a Senior at Campbell while introducing the next act fed everyone information about Pediatric Cancer and info on the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center in Chapel Hill.
Leo Jaffe started the night off with a solo on the Cello of Jean Baptiste Bre'val's "Sonata in C Major".
Zaria Pollard sang "I Believe I Can Fly" by R Kelly
Trey Tomlin dazzled us with his animation dance to "Billy's First Wonder" by Thriftworks.
Ben Boudreaux came back after graduating in 2009 to sing and play the guitar with his own original composition of "Stay With You".
The Rocky Mount High School Band Ensemble was loud and proud as they performed "All these Bands". The ensemble had 24 performer playing and dancing.
Mary Blair Thompson sang "Part Of Your World by Alan Menken from the Little Mermaid.
Lauren Medlin played the Keyboard "Clair De Lune" by Claude Debussy
Kaitlyn Reda home from New York City sang "Children Will Listen". From into the woods.
Alexis McCowen gave us a Ballet Point Dance to Miriah Carey's "Hero".
Morgan Doughtie sang the Stephen Swarts song from Wicked " For Good".
Zachary Richardson played keyboards to the Edward McDowell's "Sea Pieces".
The trio of Desmond Mercer, Steven Wass and Jacques Richardson sang "The Man Who Can't be Moved" by the script & Afire Love by Ed Sheeran.
Serena Daisimer played " Great Smokey Mountains" by David Carr on the Keyboard.
Brian Battle sang Rihanna 's "Take A Bow"
Cassidy and Ashtyn Coates sang a duet of Carrie Underwood's "See You Again".
Alex Rivers on leave from the military did an animated dance to "Stay With Me"by Mendum
And the nights entertainment concluded with Tyron Taylor's original poem on how to Spell strong. H-O-L-L-
One Voice raised nearly $2,500 for the Holly Project. Why would so many return for this one night. If ever there was an indivual who made a lasting impression to all who crossed her path it was Holly Fryar. She may be gone but not forgotten.
The IB program has chosen a project to support with the funds raised from the talent show and when IB student Holly Fryar contracted cancer the program focused on the Holly Project. At least 42 performers took to the stage Thursday night.
Two past performers MC'd the event. Ashtyn Coates who is now a Sophomore at NC State and Morgan Doughtie a Senior at Campbell while introducing the next act fed everyone information about Pediatric Cancer and info on the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center in Chapel Hill.
Leo Jaffe started the night off with a solo on the Cello of Jean Baptiste Bre'val's "Sonata in C Major".
Zaria Pollard sang "I Believe I Can Fly" by R Kelly
Trey Tomlin dazzled us with his animation dance to "Billy's First Wonder" by Thriftworks.
Ben Boudreaux came back after graduating in 2009 to sing and play the guitar with his own original composition of "Stay With You".
The Rocky Mount High School Band Ensemble was loud and proud as they performed "All these Bands". The ensemble had 24 performer playing and dancing.
Mary Blair Thompson sang "Part Of Your World by Alan Menken from the Little Mermaid.
Lauren Medlin played the Keyboard "Clair De Lune" by Claude Debussy
Kaitlyn Reda home from New York City sang "Children Will Listen". From into the woods.
Alexis McCowen gave us a Ballet Point Dance to Miriah Carey's "Hero".
Morgan Doughtie sang the Stephen Swarts song from Wicked " For Good".
Zachary Richardson played keyboards to the Edward McDowell's "Sea Pieces".
The trio of Desmond Mercer, Steven Wass and Jacques Richardson sang "The Man Who Can't be Moved" by the script & Afire Love by Ed Sheeran.
Serena Daisimer played " Great Smokey Mountains" by David Carr on the Keyboard.
Brian Battle sang Rihanna 's "Take A Bow"
Cassidy and Ashtyn Coates sang a duet of Carrie Underwood's "See You Again".
Alex Rivers on leave from the military did an animated dance to "Stay With Me"by Mendum
And the nights entertainment concluded with Tyron Taylor's original poem on how to Spell strong. H-O-L-L-
One Voice raised nearly $2,500 for the Holly Project. Why would so many return for this one night. If ever there was an indivual who made a lasting impression to all who crossed her path it was Holly Fryar. She may be gone but not forgotten.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Changing Of The Guard
Ever since 2001 the first time Mike Gainey took a Gryphon basketball team to the Regionals the Rocky Mount Gryphons have been a team to reckon with in eastern North Carolina basketball. There are questions if the success of the football team can be blamed for the 0-9 start? Maybe, but probably the biggest of all reasons is this team is not very tall.
The defense has not been good enough to provide Points as other teams have in the past. So far the Gryphons have only been able to produce 41 points every time out while they have been torched for 61 points per game. Yes maybe the influx of football players will help but I doubt they can make that much difference in order words this looks like a down year for the Gryphons.
Northern Nash under second year coach Henry Drake is primed to take Rocky Mount's place. Last year the Knight took great steps getting back and if this year's start 10-2 is any indication the Knights expect to be In the running for conference and sectional contention.
No problem putting the ball in the hole for the Knights as they are producing 68 points every time out. They are lead by Darius Spradley leading the scoring parade at 17.9 points per game. Raymond Bullock III is pulling down 6.7 rebounds. Spradley not only scores but he leads the team with 2.7 assists per game.
Northern winning the Nash County Tournament and in the process thrashed the Gryphons and I am sure that every team in the league will try to get their licks in on the Gryphons while they can. Wouldn't you?
Southern Nash head to Christmas at 5-3 and they are led by the double double man Marquise Wright averaging 19.6 and he pulls down 11.9 rebounds. Southern Also gave Rocky Mount a good licking .
Nash Central has started 2-6 but one of the best thing for this team as they know how to put the ball in the hole averaging 67 points per game. Their problem is they are giving up 70.
Wilson's two members of the Big East Fike is 6-5 scoring 51 points points per game while Hunt is 3-5 but they are putting 65 on the scoreboard eve
The defense has not been good enough to provide Points as other teams have in the past. So far the Gryphons have only been able to produce 41 points every time out while they have been torched for 61 points per game. Yes maybe the influx of football players will help but I doubt they can make that much difference in order words this looks like a down year for the Gryphons.
Northern Nash under second year coach Henry Drake is primed to take Rocky Mount's place. Last year the Knight took great steps getting back and if this year's start 10-2 is any indication the Knights expect to be In the running for conference and sectional contention.
No problem putting the ball in the hole for the Knights as they are producing 68 points every time out. They are lead by Darius Spradley leading the scoring parade at 17.9 points per game. Raymond Bullock III is pulling down 6.7 rebounds. Spradley not only scores but he leads the team with 2.7 assists per game.
Northern winning the Nash County Tournament and in the process thrashed the Gryphons and I am sure that every team in the league will try to get their licks in on the Gryphons while they can. Wouldn't you?
Southern Nash head to Christmas at 5-3 and they are led by the double double man Marquise Wright averaging 19.6 and he pulls down 11.9 rebounds. Southern Also gave Rocky Mount a good licking .
Nash Central has started 2-6 but one of the best thing for this team as they know how to put the ball in the hole averaging 67 points per game. Their problem is they are giving up 70.
Wilson's two members of the Big East Fike is 6-5 scoring 51 points points per game while Hunt is 3-5 but they are putting 65 on the scoreboard eve
Friday, December 18, 2015
Northern Claims County Title
Northern Nash backed up their good start to the 2015/2016 basketball season by winning the Nash County Christmas Tournament with a 74-70 victory over Nash Central. Darius Spradley earns the MVP of the tournament. Northern Nash wins for the 10th time this season which is more wins than all three other public schools in Nash County combined.
The championship night of the Nash County Christmas Tournament started with the boys consolation game and the home standing Firebirds got a sweet one beating Rocky Mount 61-48. The Firebirds are 5-3 while Rocky Mount is 0 for the season 0-9.
As promised yesterday Tom Suiter gave the 3A State Champions the Rocky Mount Gryphons the trophy for winning the WRAL TV Fabulous 15 which is considered the top football team in the Big Five's viewing area. If you failed to see it you can go to highschoolot.com to see the news item.
The NCHSAA has released their first draft of the prospective realignment coming up in 2017. The Big East will lose Nash Central who is falling to 2-A while Franklinton will take their place. Northern Nash, Rocky Mount, Southern Nash, Fike and Hunt will all remain.
So off to 2A goes Nash Central where they will join what has been called the Eastern Plains. Beddingfield, Bunn, Nash Central, North Johnston, North Pitt and SouthWest Edgecombe will comprise the conference.
The new local 1A conference will have eight teams which I think eight is the perfect size for a high school conference. Tarboro, Weldon, SE Halifax, Rocky Mount Prep, NW Halifax, North Edgecombe and Kipp Pride.
Now that football is complete the fall standing are in in the Wells Fargo Cup. Championships in football, women's tennis and women's cross country help propel Rocky Mount to 68.5 points. Hunt gained 68 points followed by Fike 61, Southern Nash 56.5, Northern Nash 49 and Nash Central 42.
The championship night of the Nash County Christmas Tournament started with the boys consolation game and the home standing Firebirds got a sweet one beating Rocky Mount 61-48. The Firebirds are 5-3 while Rocky Mount is 0 for the season 0-9.
As promised yesterday Tom Suiter gave the 3A State Champions the Rocky Mount Gryphons the trophy for winning the WRAL TV Fabulous 15 which is considered the top football team in the Big Five's viewing area. If you failed to see it you can go to highschoolot.com to see the news item.
The NCHSAA has released their first draft of the prospective realignment coming up in 2017. The Big East will lose Nash Central who is falling to 2-A while Franklinton will take their place. Northern Nash, Rocky Mount, Southern Nash, Fike and Hunt will all remain.
So off to 2A goes Nash Central where they will join what has been called the Eastern Plains. Beddingfield, Bunn, Nash Central, North Johnston, North Pitt and SouthWest Edgecombe will comprise the conference.
The new local 1A conference will have eight teams which I think eight is the perfect size for a high school conference. Tarboro, Weldon, SE Halifax, Rocky Mount Prep, NW Halifax, North Edgecombe and Kipp Pride.
Now that football is complete the fall standing are in in the Wells Fargo Cup. Championships in football, women's tennis and women's cross country help propel Rocky Mount to 68.5 points. Hunt gained 68 points followed by Fike 61, Southern Nash 56.5, Northern Nash 49 and Nash Central 42.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Tom Suiter Was In Town
Tom Suiter from WRAL TV was in Rocky Mount on Wednesday and any time he is in town it must be good. You need to watch the 6:22 sports Thursday night on the Big Five to find out why he was here. A hint for you. Last week Rocky Mount was number two in the Fabulous 15. The number one team was Southern Durham. Guess who is number one this week.
Wednesday night Northern Nash boys beat Rocky Mount 76-58 to move on to the championship game of the Nash County Christmas Tournament. Thursday's triple header starts at five with southern Nash and Rocky Mount in the boys consolation game. The double header championships games will feature Rocky Mount and Nash Central girls and the boys will be Northern Nash and Nash Central.
I have either been real bad picking NFL games or lately real good but last week average at best going 8-8. Runs my record for the year to 119-89.
Todd Gurley is prime time tonight and Gurley needs 25 yards to hit 1000 for the season. Tampa Bay is in St Louis and this is tough one to call but we will go with Rams 26-24
Jets at Dallas: Saturday night special I like Jets to stay alive for a playoff spot. 26-20
KC at Baltimore: KC is playing well needs to keep winning to secure wild card. KC 31 Ravens 20
Houston at Indy : the winner might win AFC South at least this week. Indy at Jo e 23-20
Atlanta at Jacksonville. Another loss for the birds. Jax 26 Falcons 23
Chicago at Minnesota: have you noticed there are a lot of up and down teams. Vikes win at home 30-23
Tennessee at New England: Pats win but not by much: 30-27
Carolina at Giants: if Panthers lose it is this game. Starting to save those bumped up for playoffs. Come on Panther fans Super Bowl is goal not undefeated season. Panthers win any way. 35 27
Buffaloe at Washington: I think Skins win at home. Washington 27 Buff 20
Green Bay at Oakland: interesting game. Packers win 23-17
Cleveland at Seattle: not much of a game. The 12th man all the way 30-13.
Denver at Pitt. Denver can't score enough points to win this one. 27-13 Big Ben.
Miami at San Diego: Chargers out score Dolphins 13-10
Cincinnati at San Fransico. Cincy needs this one to try to keep in race for bye. Cincy 23 SF 21
Arizona at Philadelphia: this could be a tough game for Zona but both these teams still in hunt for playoff. Cards 31 Philly 23
Detroit at New Orleans: might be highest scoring game of weekend. Saints 38 Detroit 28
Wednesday night Northern Nash boys beat Rocky Mount 76-58 to move on to the championship game of the Nash County Christmas Tournament. Thursday's triple header starts at five with southern Nash and Rocky Mount in the boys consolation game. The double header championships games will feature Rocky Mount and Nash Central girls and the boys will be Northern Nash and Nash Central.
I have either been real bad picking NFL games or lately real good but last week average at best going 8-8. Runs my record for the year to 119-89.
Todd Gurley is prime time tonight and Gurley needs 25 yards to hit 1000 for the season. Tampa Bay is in St Louis and this is tough one to call but we will go with Rams 26-24
Jets at Dallas: Saturday night special I like Jets to stay alive for a playoff spot. 26-20
KC at Baltimore: KC is playing well needs to keep winning to secure wild card. KC 31 Ravens 20
Houston at Indy : the winner might win AFC South at least this week. Indy at Jo e 23-20
Atlanta at Jacksonville. Another loss for the birds. Jax 26 Falcons 23
Chicago at Minnesota: have you noticed there are a lot of up and down teams. Vikes win at home 30-23
Tennessee at New England: Pats win but not by much: 30-27
Carolina at Giants: if Panthers lose it is this game. Starting to save those bumped up for playoffs. Come on Panther fans Super Bowl is goal not undefeated season. Panthers win any way. 35 27
Buffaloe at Washington: I think Skins win at home. Washington 27 Buff 20
Green Bay at Oakland: interesting game. Packers win 23-17
Cleveland at Seattle: not much of a game. The 12th man all the way 30-13.
Denver at Pitt. Denver can't score enough points to win this one. 27-13 Big Ben.
Miami at San Diego: Chargers out score Dolphins 13-10
Cincinnati at San Fransico. Cincy needs this one to try to keep in race for bye. Cincy 23 SF 21
Arizona at Philadelphia: this could be a tough game for Zona but both these teams still in hunt for playoff. Cards 31 Philly 23
Detroit at New Orleans: might be highest scoring game of weekend. Saints 38 Detroit 28
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Nobody Could Expected This
The opening game of the Nash County Christmas Tournament started out with Northern Nash girls 9-1 and Rocky Mount girls 5-2 taking on each other for the first of at least three matches this year. Was it great defense or was it poor offense? It seemed as if both sides were playing each other in a telephone booth as the defense on both sides were defeating the other sides offense.
Both teams came in averaging nearly fifty points each but tonight putting both scores together was hard to hit 50. The first game of this year's Nash County Tournament goes to Rocky Mount as they had just a little more offense and the Lady Gryphon defense carries the day. Final Rocky Mount Girls 35 Northern Nash 23. Now I know you are asking is that score right?
Just a couple more comments about Friday Night's football game and every team needs luck on your side. South Point won the toss and elected to defer or receive at the second half kickoff. That gave Rocky Mount the choice which goal they wanted to kick from.
The wind was blowing about five to six miles and hour and for those Gryphons fans at the game it was going right to left or toward the east goal. That gave Chase Miller a little extra on his 35 yard extra point which he had no trouble making.
The Final play of the regulation the South Point kicker was kicking into that wind and this was already an extremely long kick which was wide left. Suppose Miller is kicking the 35 yard extra point the other way. Would the Gryphons be state champs into the wind
Sunday night I filled in for Wes Bradshaw who had the audacity to go on a cruise while Rocky Mount was winning the football championship. I was helping Edward Green on the All New Sports Show. During the first segment when we talked about the football game I made a statement that I thought Rocky Mount was the only school in the state to win state Championships in Baseball, football and basketball in the last ten years.
Josh Walfish reporter for the Rocky Mount Telegram home watching the show who at 8:30 was going to be a call in guest to talk about the game heard me make that statement and while waiting to be on the show went on line and verified that I was correct. Thanks for watching and especially for finding the answer so quick Josh. Way to go Gryphons four state champions in last seven year in all three major sports.
As you know these days if you win a state championship in anything we all got to have that ring right? Basketball is not all that hard there is including managers, coaches and players about 20 rings to buy. Football brings on a different story as there will be about 60. Just guess how much one cost and multiply by 60. If you would like to help the Champion Gryphons receive rings send your donations to Rocky Mount High School tag it rings. Every dollar counts.
Both teams came in averaging nearly fifty points each but tonight putting both scores together was hard to hit 50. The first game of this year's Nash County Tournament goes to Rocky Mount as they had just a little more offense and the Lady Gryphon defense carries the day. Final Rocky Mount Girls 35 Northern Nash 23. Now I know you are asking is that score right?
Just a couple more comments about Friday Night's football game and every team needs luck on your side. South Point won the toss and elected to defer or receive at the second half kickoff. That gave Rocky Mount the choice which goal they wanted to kick from.
The wind was blowing about five to six miles and hour and for those Gryphons fans at the game it was going right to left or toward the east goal. That gave Chase Miller a little extra on his 35 yard extra point which he had no trouble making.
The Final play of the regulation the South Point kicker was kicking into that wind and this was already an extremely long kick which was wide left. Suppose Miller is kicking the 35 yard extra point the other way. Would the Gryphons be state champs into the wind
Sunday night I filled in for Wes Bradshaw who had the audacity to go on a cruise while Rocky Mount was winning the football championship. I was helping Edward Green on the All New Sports Show. During the first segment when we talked about the football game I made a statement that I thought Rocky Mount was the only school in the state to win state Championships in Baseball, football and basketball in the last ten years.
Josh Walfish reporter for the Rocky Mount Telegram home watching the show who at 8:30 was going to be a call in guest to talk about the game heard me make that statement and while waiting to be on the show went on line and verified that I was correct. Thanks for watching and especially for finding the answer so quick Josh. Way to go Gryphons four state champions in last seven year in all three major sports.
As you know these days if you win a state championship in anything we all got to have that ring right? Basketball is not all that hard there is including managers, coaches and players about 20 rings to buy. Football brings on a different story as there will be about 60. Just guess how much one cost and multiply by 60. If you would like to help the Champion Gryphons receive rings send your donations to Rocky Mount High School tag it rings. Every dollar counts.
Time To Turn To Basketball
Now that football is over and basketball season is well underway it is already time for the Nash county Christmas Tournament this year being held at Southern Nash gets underway tonight at 5:pm.
First game of the night features the Lady Knights of Northern Nash 9-1 on the season with leading the way so far Kayla Tucker a 5' 8" senior who is averaging 14.9 points per game. They will meet the Lady Gryphons who so far this season are 5-2 and are lead by Keyanna a Spivey who is bringing down 17.9 points per game. So far this season the Lady Knights are averaging 47 points per game while Rocky Mount is scoring 48.
The second game of the night at 6:30 will be the host Lady Birds of Southern Nash. I think we all know that the girls basketball program at Southern is pretty low right now as they stand at 0-6 and I have been so focused on football do I remember they were winless last season? Caitland Batchlor is the leading scorer for a team averaging 18 points per game. Sitting on the other bench will be Nash Central right now 5-0 on the young season. They are lead by Robbi Allen scoring 14.7 points per game. She is a sophomore.
The night cap will feature the host boys team Southern Nash Firebirds standing at 4-2 to this point. They are led by 6' 2" senior Marquise Wright. So far this season Southern is averaging 56 points per outing. They will meet Nash Central who are 1-5. Their leader is Montre' Cash coming in at 9.3 per game.
Wednesday Night the 8:pm the night cap will featured the up and coming Knights of Northern Nash who are 8-2 led by Darius Spragley coming in at 18.6 points per game. Thus far this season the Knights are scoring at 67 points per game. Rocky Mount on the other side is showing the effects of football. They are 0-7 and are only scoring 44 per game. They are led by Enanual Spruill who scores at 9.3 per game.
The first game Wednesday will be the consolation game of the girl losers on Tuesday. The first game Thursday is the boys consolation followed by the girls championship game followed by the boys championship game.
First game of the night features the Lady Knights of Northern Nash 9-1 on the season with leading the way so far Kayla Tucker a 5' 8" senior who is averaging 14.9 points per game. They will meet the Lady Gryphons who so far this season are 5-2 and are lead by Keyanna a Spivey who is bringing down 17.9 points per game. So far this season the Lady Knights are averaging 47 points per game while Rocky Mount is scoring 48.
The second game of the night at 6:30 will be the host Lady Birds of Southern Nash. I think we all know that the girls basketball program at Southern is pretty low right now as they stand at 0-6 and I have been so focused on football do I remember they were winless last season? Caitland Batchlor is the leading scorer for a team averaging 18 points per game. Sitting on the other bench will be Nash Central right now 5-0 on the young season. They are lead by Robbi Allen scoring 14.7 points per game. She is a sophomore.
The night cap will feature the host boys team Southern Nash Firebirds standing at 4-2 to this point. They are led by 6' 2" senior Marquise Wright. So far this season Southern is averaging 56 points per outing. They will meet Nash Central who are 1-5. Their leader is Montre' Cash coming in at 9.3 per game.
Wednesday Night the 8:pm the night cap will featured the up and coming Knights of Northern Nash who are 8-2 led by Darius Spragley coming in at 18.6 points per game. Thus far this season the Knights are scoring at 67 points per game. Rocky Mount on the other side is showing the effects of football. They are 0-7 and are only scoring 44 per game. They are led by Enanual Spruill who scores at 9.3 per game.
The first game Wednesday will be the consolation game of the girl losers on Tuesday. The first game Thursday is the boys consolation followed by the girls championship game followed by the boys championship game.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Reflections From Kenan
Friday night's state championship game was the first time in my adult life that I was not in a press box during the game. I had a pass but daughter Morgan was home from college and wanted to go to the game. I knew I would be high up on the opposite side of the stadium so I sat with her which lasted about five minutes before she started socializing. Her brother Brooks did met us there and he didn't abandon me. Morgan returned at the end of regulation figuring if she wasn't there with me when the game ended she would get left in Chapel Hill.
First off let's give South Point their due. They lost three games this year. Shelby who won the 2-AA state Title. Crest who won the 3AA title and to Rocky Mount the 3A champions. South Point is such a good team it takes champions to beat them.
I don't know what the official starting position on every drive was but the Gryphons my guess was their own 22 yard line and while South Point was their 41. Both teams move the ball but the extra 20 yards for us more than them was big in this game.
Rocky Mount made 8-14 third downs and made 3-5 fourth downs.
There were no turnovers by either side. This in itself is a testament to how equal these teams were. They probably could have kept playing to midnight and the score would have been 35-35.
If made the 44 yard attempted field goal by the South Point kicker to win the game would have been the third longest in NC state championship history. The Monroe kicker Saturday made a 47 yarder which is the longest ever.
Just before the half the Gryphons elected to score a touchdown over trying to make a field goal. If made with a 10-7 lead there would have been no overtime.
Even though they seemed awful. From the aftermath I think the refs were better than they looked.
They did miss on the Pass interference call on the Gryphons. The replay screen showed the ball was tipped which negates any pass interference. The Red Raiders scored on the next play to take the lead in third quarter.
The face mask penalty was the correct call when we did not get automatic first down.
Two plays more than any other should live forever in Gryphon Football Lore
Third and 18 from our own 29 yard line. Down 21-14 with 6 minutes to go the Gryphons can not give up the ball this late in the game they may not get it back. Forest Bell falls back to pass, nobody open anywhere. He takes off running finding himself making ten yards and five yards ahead is a South Point approaching tackler who if he tackles Bell they will be short by at least three yards and have to punt. Bell fakes a pass 15 yards beyond the line when he still needs three more yards for a first and getting the tackler to jump in the air to bat the ball down and Bell proceeded to run around the tackler who is in the air and Bell continues to get five more yards and a first down. Without this play the Gryphons lose. This play will forever be call "the Juke".
The unsung Hero of the game was kicker Chase Miller. If he fails to make that 35 yard extra point we lose
The defensive hit of the game came during overtime when The South Point quarterback Diontre King on a third and seven, King kept the ball and broke across the line of scrimmage and may be heading for a touchdown in the left corner until number 44 Sherrod Green met him head on at the four and that as far as he goes.
Have you ever seen an illegal procedure on a kick off. We had two on one kickoff. From what I understand Chase moved the ball after the referee blew the whistle to put the ball in play. The second one is we kicked it before the ref blew his whistle the second time
This is third time in five years the play by play announcer for UNC sports at Dean Dome and Kenan called us the Griffins. It took a third quarter tweet to the NCHSAA up in the press box by Morgan Doughtie to please tell the announcer we are the Gryphons.
I thought the directions near the stadium were poor. They should have had direction for the visitors and directions for where the home team should park. Many people from both sides parked on wrong side and had to make a pretty good hike to get to their gate to enter.
While sitting in the stands it looked to me that both stands had equal amount of support on both sides.
And I thought about five thousand fans each. Watching the highlites on every place I could highlites the Rocky Mount side had more at least a thousand more. I wish I knew what the official attendance was.
The last seven games the Gryphons were behind at some point in five games. The third round game an the fifth were behind in fourth quarter. Both of those games they won it on
their last offensive play of the game
The Gryphons were 14-2 on the year tying for the most win in a season with 2008 when they were 14-1.
Jason Battle has been the coach of the Gryphons for four years now. His overall record now stands at 36-14 and a State Championship
The celebration in the gym at 1:30 in the morning with all those crazy Happy Gryphon fans was great. Just goes to show good things can happen after 11pm if you make it happen
The ride home from Chapel Hill I drove and dictated my blog to Morgan who looked up the stats used on My after game post. She took photos all during the game including the in the gym celebrations. I have to thank her for her effort getting the blog on line as soon as possible Friday with all the photos added. Love ya Girl Friend.
First off let's give South Point their due. They lost three games this year. Shelby who won the 2-AA state Title. Crest who won the 3AA title and to Rocky Mount the 3A champions. South Point is such a good team it takes champions to beat them.
I don't know what the official starting position on every drive was but the Gryphons my guess was their own 22 yard line and while South Point was their 41. Both teams move the ball but the extra 20 yards for us more than them was big in this game.
Rocky Mount made 8-14 third downs and made 3-5 fourth downs.
There were no turnovers by either side. This in itself is a testament to how equal these teams were. They probably could have kept playing to midnight and the score would have been 35-35.
If made the 44 yard attempted field goal by the South Point kicker to win the game would have been the third longest in NC state championship history. The Monroe kicker Saturday made a 47 yarder which is the longest ever.
Just before the half the Gryphons elected to score a touchdown over trying to make a field goal. If made with a 10-7 lead there would have been no overtime.
Even though they seemed awful. From the aftermath I think the refs were better than they looked.
They did miss on the Pass interference call on the Gryphons. The replay screen showed the ball was tipped which negates any pass interference. The Red Raiders scored on the next play to take the lead in third quarter.
The face mask penalty was the correct call when we did not get automatic first down.
Two plays more than any other should live forever in Gryphon Football Lore
Third and 18 from our own 29 yard line. Down 21-14 with 6 minutes to go the Gryphons can not give up the ball this late in the game they may not get it back. Forest Bell falls back to pass, nobody open anywhere. He takes off running finding himself making ten yards and five yards ahead is a South Point approaching tackler who if he tackles Bell they will be short by at least three yards and have to punt. Bell fakes a pass 15 yards beyond the line when he still needs three more yards for a first and getting the tackler to jump in the air to bat the ball down and Bell proceeded to run around the tackler who is in the air and Bell continues to get five more yards and a first down. Without this play the Gryphons lose. This play will forever be call "the Juke".
The unsung Hero of the game was kicker Chase Miller. If he fails to make that 35 yard extra point we lose
The defensive hit of the game came during overtime when The South Point quarterback Diontre King on a third and seven, King kept the ball and broke across the line of scrimmage and may be heading for a touchdown in the left corner until number 44 Sherrod Green met him head on at the four and that as far as he goes.
Have you ever seen an illegal procedure on a kick off. We had two on one kickoff. From what I understand Chase moved the ball after the referee blew the whistle to put the ball in play. The second one is we kicked it before the ref blew his whistle the second time
This is third time in five years the play by play announcer for UNC sports at Dean Dome and Kenan called us the Griffins. It took a third quarter tweet to the NCHSAA up in the press box by Morgan Doughtie to please tell the announcer we are the Gryphons.
I thought the directions near the stadium were poor. They should have had direction for the visitors and directions for where the home team should park. Many people from both sides parked on wrong side and had to make a pretty good hike to get to their gate to enter.
While sitting in the stands it looked to me that both stands had equal amount of support on both sides.
And I thought about five thousand fans each. Watching the highlites on every place I could highlites the Rocky Mount side had more at least a thousand more. I wish I knew what the official attendance was.
The last seven games the Gryphons were behind at some point in five games. The third round game an the fifth were behind in fourth quarter. Both of those games they won it on
their last offensive play of the game
The Gryphons were 14-2 on the year tying for the most win in a season with 2008 when they were 14-1.
Jason Battle has been the coach of the Gryphons for four years now. His overall record now stands at 36-14 and a State Championship
The celebration in the gym at 1:30 in the morning with all those crazy Happy Gryphon fans was great. Just goes to show good things can happen after 11pm if you make it happen
The ride home from Chapel Hill I drove and dictated my blog to Morgan who looked up the stats used on My after game post. She took photos all during the game including the in the gym celebrations. I have to thank her for her effort getting the blog on line as soon as possible Friday with all the photos added. Love ya Girl Friend.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Sports Does It Again
There are those in this world who oppose any type of competitive sports saying that the winner take all mentality destroys our youth. Sports much like fishing or any other activity where you can forget the world for a moment brings to many that I can forget my problem for just a moment while watching sports activity.
2010 the Rocky Mount area was hit with economic depression. Many business in the area either closed their doors or made severe cutbacks which harmed people in the area. Along comes a basketball team who in mid January looked to be heading no where much like our economy was then. Something happened to that team and the last few weeks of the regular season and all of the playoffs every piece fitted into place and the Gryphons won a state championship.
There was a brief period of time following that team we could forget our problems and focus on that team and what they were doing for us forgetting our problems following them. Oddly enough the final victim in that championship run was South Point.
Fast forward five years to 2015. Today Rocky Mount makes headlines for drive by shootings and murders including one of the Gryphon J V players number 9 Lavontae Brown. Rocky Mount is no worse in violent crime than anyone else but the City on the Rise has cornered the market on making headlines all across the state when it does happen.
This Gryphon team gave us notice pitching a shutout opening night and taking what all the media in Raleigh called the best 4A team in the state Middle Creek to the wire in the second game of the season at Middle Creek. They followed that putting 75 on Hertford County who made it to the second round in the 2A playoffs.
They were handed a drubbing in the Greenville Rose game and had everyone asking could we stop anybody who could pass. What we did not see for the rest of the season was a six feet three division one receiver.
Friday night displayed across the bench of the Gryphons was a gold number nine worn by Lavontae Brown. Yes this team has been effected as much as anyone else from all the violence that makes all the headlines.
It started about the Hunt game and down 14 to Fike this team started making Gryphon Nation feel there was something to be proud of Rocky Mount for. As each comeback led to victory today the head line reads. Rocky Mount High School 3A state champions. Once again sports has interrupted our depression of 2010 and our sorrow for those lost by death and those lost from human dignity
who think guns make them powerful. I wonder if most of those who live by the gun had of played sports growing up would they be like they are now.
All across North Carolina people hear Rocky Mount State Champions those are the kind of headline that make it look like Rocky Mount is on the rise again.
This Thursday night in the Black Box Theater at Rocky Mount High School the One Voice, A Legacy Continues will don the stage at the Black Box. In the past it has been just the I B kids at Rocky Mount putting their talents on display and each year monies raised were given to a worthy cause.. During the battle of Holly Fryar with cancer all funds have gone to the Lineburger Cancer Center at UNC Hospital but as Holly Fryar's Legacy has grown the monies raised will go to the Holly
Project at UNC .The monies will go to the families in need while their child fights cancer. Show time is 7pm .
2010 the Rocky Mount area was hit with economic depression. Many business in the area either closed their doors or made severe cutbacks which harmed people in the area. Along comes a basketball team who in mid January looked to be heading no where much like our economy was then. Something happened to that team and the last few weeks of the regular season and all of the playoffs every piece fitted into place and the Gryphons won a state championship.
There was a brief period of time following that team we could forget our problems and focus on that team and what they were doing for us forgetting our problems following them. Oddly enough the final victim in that championship run was South Point.
Fast forward five years to 2015. Today Rocky Mount makes headlines for drive by shootings and murders including one of the Gryphon J V players number 9 Lavontae Brown. Rocky Mount is no worse in violent crime than anyone else but the City on the Rise has cornered the market on making headlines all across the state when it does happen.
This Gryphon team gave us notice pitching a shutout opening night and taking what all the media in Raleigh called the best 4A team in the state Middle Creek to the wire in the second game of the season at Middle Creek. They followed that putting 75 on Hertford County who made it to the second round in the 2A playoffs.
They were handed a drubbing in the Greenville Rose game and had everyone asking could we stop anybody who could pass. What we did not see for the rest of the season was a six feet three division one receiver.
Friday night displayed across the bench of the Gryphons was a gold number nine worn by Lavontae Brown. Yes this team has been effected as much as anyone else from all the violence that makes all the headlines.
It started about the Hunt game and down 14 to Fike this team started making Gryphon Nation feel there was something to be proud of Rocky Mount for. As each comeback led to victory today the head line reads. Rocky Mount High School 3A state champions. Once again sports has interrupted our depression of 2010 and our sorrow for those lost by death and those lost from human dignity
who think guns make them powerful. I wonder if most of those who live by the gun had of played sports growing up would they be like they are now.
All across North Carolina people hear Rocky Mount State Champions those are the kind of headline that make it look like Rocky Mount is on the rise again.
This Thursday night in the Black Box Theater at Rocky Mount High School the One Voice, A Legacy Continues will don the stage at the Black Box. In the past it has been just the I B kids at Rocky Mount putting their talents on display and each year monies raised were given to a worthy cause.. During the battle of Holly Fryar with cancer all funds have gone to the Lineburger Cancer Center at UNC Hospital but as Holly Fryar's Legacy has grown the monies raised will go to the Holly
Project at UNC .The monies will go to the families in need while their child fights cancer. Show time is 7pm .
Friday, December 11, 2015
Gryphons Win Overtime Thriller
Once again the Gryphons come from behind trailing 21-14 in the 4th quarter. The Gryphons scored with 3:06 to play to cut the lead to 21-20, this may of been the play of the game. Chase Milller the Gryphon extra point kicker had to try a 35 yard extra point attempt after the Gryphons got a personal foul penalty after the touchdown. Miller puts it down right down the middle which causes the Gryphons to tie the game.
The Gryphons survive a 45 yard field goal attempt on the last play of the game by South Point which was wide left. In overtime the Gryphons elected to play defense. The Gryphons defense did its job forcing the Red Raiders to attempt a field goal attempt which again was wide left. Once the Gryphons got the ball, two running plays by Nick Bynum got the ball to the 4 yard line, electing to kick to win the game, Jason Battle elects to kick the field goal on 3rd down and the Rocky Mount Gryphons are STATE CHAMPIONS 24-21 in OT!
BJ Sanders excites the Gryphon crowd with an 81 yard kickoff on the opening play of the game. South Point proved to be a worthy opponent as quarterback Diontre King and full-back Ryland Etherton were problems all night for the Gryphons. When it looked like they only got 2 yards they actually got 5. Etherton scored on a 2 yard run to tie the game at 7 at the end of the 1st quarter.
Both sides moved the ball in the 2nd quarter and the Gryphons made it to the one yard line with 3 seconds to go in the half. Electing to go for a touchdown the Gryphons were stuffed at the line of scrimmage and the half ended 7-7.
The Red Raiders got the ball first in the second half and the Gryphons held and taking the ball on their own 19 yard line and marched down the field. Nick Bynum scores from 15 yards out to give the Gryphons the lead. Not done yet though, South Point comes back. first by a 5 yard run by Etherton, then King breaks a 27-yard touchdown run with 10:35 left.
Then it was time for Gryphon magic. The Gryphons drove the field and scored with 3:06 left in the 4th quarter. The big play of the drive was a 3rd and 18 run by quarterback Forrest Bell that kept the drive alive for the Gryphons.
Detrele Revis was named the Defensive player of the game.
Nick Bynum was named the Offensive player of the game.
Forrest Bell was named your State Championship MVP!
Forrest Bell was 15-21 for 210 yards, also rushed 7 times for 33 yards. Rocky Mount had 345 total yards to South Points 291. All but 12 yards were on the ground for South Point.
ROCKY MOUNT WINS ITS FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN 52 YEARS! It's 3rd overall. It is the 13th team State Championship for Rocky Mount High School. For Jason Battle, it is his first State Championship in football. Once the team receives their rings, Battles ring will join the other 3 rings that Battle already owns as an assistant coach on the 2008 State Championship Baseball team. He also owns two State Championship basketball rings from 2010 and 2012! He still has a thumb to go.
FINAL SCORE: YOUR STATE CHAMPIONS 24, South Point 21!
For those of you who did not make the trip, about 5,000 faithful did. There were many fans from surrounding schools, surrounding county's, alumni and just plain Gryphon lovers that came to show support. South Point also had a great crowd. But everyone can agree that they watched one whale of a football game!
The Gryphons survive a 45 yard field goal attempt on the last play of the game by South Point which was wide left. In overtime the Gryphons elected to play defense. The Gryphons defense did its job forcing the Red Raiders to attempt a field goal attempt which again was wide left. Once the Gryphons got the ball, two running plays by Nick Bynum got the ball to the 4 yard line, electing to kick to win the game, Jason Battle elects to kick the field goal on 3rd down and the Rocky Mount Gryphons are STATE CHAMPIONS 24-21 in OT!
BJ Sanders excites the Gryphon crowd with an 81 yard kickoff on the opening play of the game. South Point proved to be a worthy opponent as quarterback Diontre King and full-back Ryland Etherton were problems all night for the Gryphons. When it looked like they only got 2 yards they actually got 5. Etherton scored on a 2 yard run to tie the game at 7 at the end of the 1st quarter.
Both sides moved the ball in the 2nd quarter and the Gryphons made it to the one yard line with 3 seconds to go in the half. Electing to go for a touchdown the Gryphons were stuffed at the line of scrimmage and the half ended 7-7.
The Red Raiders got the ball first in the second half and the Gryphons held and taking the ball on their own 19 yard line and marched down the field. Nick Bynum scores from 15 yards out to give the Gryphons the lead. Not done yet though, South Point comes back. first by a 5 yard run by Etherton, then King breaks a 27-yard touchdown run with 10:35 left.
Then it was time for Gryphon magic. The Gryphons drove the field and scored with 3:06 left in the 4th quarter. The big play of the drive was a 3rd and 18 run by quarterback Forrest Bell that kept the drive alive for the Gryphons.
Detrele Revis was named the Defensive player of the game.
Nick Bynum was named the Offensive player of the game.
Forrest Bell was named your State Championship MVP!
Forrest Bell was 15-21 for 210 yards, also rushed 7 times for 33 yards. Rocky Mount had 345 total yards to South Points 291. All but 12 yards were on the ground for South Point.
ROCKY MOUNT WINS ITS FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN 52 YEARS! It's 3rd overall. It is the 13th team State Championship for Rocky Mount High School. For Jason Battle, it is his first State Championship in football. Once the team receives their rings, Battles ring will join the other 3 rings that Battle already owns as an assistant coach on the 2008 State Championship Baseball team. He also owns two State Championship basketball rings from 2010 and 2012! He still has a thumb to go.
FINAL SCORE: YOUR STATE CHAMPIONS 24, South Point 21!
For those of you who did not make the trip, about 5,000 faithful did. There were many fans from surrounding schools, surrounding county's, alumni and just plain Gryphon lovers that came to show support. South Point also had a great crowd. But everyone can agree that they watched one whale of a football game!
Time To Bring Home A Ship
OTW to see the Gryphons play with youngest daughter Morgan!
When entering the stadium you can not carry any of the following items into the stadium. Coolers, thermos bottles, and no outside food. If you are making signs they can be no bigger than 8.5 inches but 11 inches. No flag poles, sticks or umbrellas, No Full Face paint. No electronics noise makers, no pyrotechnics exploding devices of any kind and no dangerous noise makers.
What does tonight's game mean?
South Point is 3-0-1 in state championship games.
They are 2-0 in games played in Chapel Hill
Bringing back bad memories. I saw South Point win their first title in 1979. Those days the east champ hosted the odd years and South Point came to Ahoskie. Bus loads arrived from Belmont at 4pm. 7:00pm their side which held 800 was completely filled.
Their star player was a quarterback named Jeff Williams who many times while going back to pass and Ahoskie had good coverage would tuck the ball and run. South Point won 34-13. Williams signed with Clemson and as a freshmen hurt his knee in August drills and never did much for the Tigers
It is the sixth time Rocky Mount High has played in a state championship game 1940, 1947, 1962, 1963 and 1977.
They are 2-3 all time
0-1 all time as the Gryphons
A win tonight would be the 3rd state championship in football.
It would be the 13th team state championship title in school history.
It would be the 4th state title since the Gryphons went 3-A In 2005.
It would mean that Rocky Mount had won state titles in all three major sports since going 3A.
It is the first state championship football game for Rocky Mount since the NCHSAA went to playing title games on college campus's.
Rocky Mount is the last of the eight local teams from our area alive on championship weekend.
Those staying home can watch live streaming of the game on twcsportschannel.com. Click on NCHSAA. Tonight that's the only game to see.
Weather forecast calls for about 65 at kickoff and 55 near 10pm. No rain in the forecast
Be safe traveling to the game. Cheer loud. Remember no one is allowed on the field during the trophy presentation.
Hope we all have a loud and proud trip home.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOGRYPHONS
Thursday, December 10, 2015
No Longer In The Shadow
Days that are sunny and walking along I cast a shadow. I look over to see my father walking beside me. I look body shape wise just like him. I might be eight inches taller than he was but casting a shadow he is the same size of me.
Day one of the rein of Jason Battle once he was hired as head football coach of the Rocky Mount Gryphons there was a shadow of BW Holt. He was not the coach that replaced Holt but like all coaches who follow the legend they are suppose to be just as good right off the bat.
Fans have expected Holt's shadow to make victories in bunches like he produced in his six year run. Dickie Schock could only take three years living down the legend. They say all things happen for a reason. The second coach after B W Holt was Jason Battle.
Four years down the road from day one Battle's Gryphons have won eight games three times. It took year three to get the first playoff win. It took year four to finally win a Regional title something the shadow never did. Regardless of the results Friday The new shadow is that of Jason Battle. One game to go his four year tenure stands at 35-14. Battle will be taking the Gryphons to the Big Dance the shadow of B W Holt never did.
It is time for the big one. Rocky Mount has not played in a state championship game since 1977. This will be their first appearance since the state playoffs have been move to college campus's. I have picked the Gryphons all four playoff games. Each step they have scored 28 or more. I see no reason they can't score 28 or more again unless they put the ball on the ground. They must play a perfect game having every chance when they have the ball score
South Point will be no pushover. The Gryphons must not get caught up in playing in a stadium that holds 60,000 and you watch the scoreboard and high lights more than South Point. Rocky Mount has won two basketball titles in Chapel Hill in the last five years. The last three titles won by the Gryphons two basketball and a baseball title were all won on even years this century. 2008, 2010, and 2012. We are a year late in winning a title in 2014. They could get their title in Chapel Hill and third all time in football if they play better than they have played in any game this year.. Gryphons 31 Red Raiders 21.
Time is short for getting tickets from Rocky Mount High School for 9$. Bus seats are filling up for 25 $ to ride the bus. If you are driving the Gryphons are the visitors in this game and must enter at Gate 3 which is off Stadium drive which is a left turn off highway 54 near the stadium.
If you love to take your radio while watching the game. 99.3fm, 96.5fm and 620am will all in the Chapel Hill area broadcasting the game live on radio. I have not heard of any local station that will carry the game. Live streaming can be seen if you go to twcsportschannel.com and click on the NCHSAA logo and the only game going on Friday is in Chapel Hill.
Day one of the rein of Jason Battle once he was hired as head football coach of the Rocky Mount Gryphons there was a shadow of BW Holt. He was not the coach that replaced Holt but like all coaches who follow the legend they are suppose to be just as good right off the bat.
Fans have expected Holt's shadow to make victories in bunches like he produced in his six year run. Dickie Schock could only take three years living down the legend. They say all things happen for a reason. The second coach after B W Holt was Jason Battle.
Four years down the road from day one Battle's Gryphons have won eight games three times. It took year three to get the first playoff win. It took year four to finally win a Regional title something the shadow never did. Regardless of the results Friday The new shadow is that of Jason Battle. One game to go his four year tenure stands at 35-14. Battle will be taking the Gryphons to the Big Dance the shadow of B W Holt never did.
It is time for the big one. Rocky Mount has not played in a state championship game since 1977. This will be their first appearance since the state playoffs have been move to college campus's. I have picked the Gryphons all four playoff games. Each step they have scored 28 or more. I see no reason they can't score 28 or more again unless they put the ball on the ground. They must play a perfect game having every chance when they have the ball score
South Point will be no pushover. The Gryphons must not get caught up in playing in a stadium that holds 60,000 and you watch the scoreboard and high lights more than South Point. Rocky Mount has won two basketball titles in Chapel Hill in the last five years. The last three titles won by the Gryphons two basketball and a baseball title were all won on even years this century. 2008, 2010, and 2012. We are a year late in winning a title in 2014. They could get their title in Chapel Hill and third all time in football if they play better than they have played in any game this year.. Gryphons 31 Red Raiders 21.
Time is short for getting tickets from Rocky Mount High School for 9$. Bus seats are filling up for 25 $ to ride the bus. If you are driving the Gryphons are the visitors in this game and must enter at Gate 3 which is off Stadium drive which is a left turn off highway 54 near the stadium.
If you love to take your radio while watching the game. 99.3fm, 96.5fm and 620am will all in the Chapel Hill area broadcasting the game live on radio. I have not heard of any local station that will carry the game. Live streaming can be seen if you go to twcsportschannel.com and click on the NCHSAA logo and the only game going on Friday is in Chapel Hill.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Panthers The Beast of NFL
State Championship Football tickets are on sale at the office at Rocky Mount High School Now. The tickets are 9 dollars. If you wait to buy them at Kenan Stadium they will be 10 dollars. There is still time to reserve your seat to ride a bus to Chapel Hill Friday sponsored by the Gryphon booster club to see The Gryphons play. The ride is $25.00 per seat.
Entry into Kenan Stadium will be through Gate 3 for all Gryphon Fans with pre purchased tickets as the Gryphons will be the visiting team which is off of Stadium Drive which is a left turn off Highway 54 near the stadium. The Gryphons will sit in North sideline.
Can't go but you want to watch the Gryphons?. Time Warner Cable has the TV broadcasting rights but since they are not 100% in every cable system in North Carolina they must provide availability to all in NC. If you go on line to TWCsportschannel.com and click on the NCHSAA logo Friday the Rocky Mount /South Point will be the only choice to click on.
The Carolina Panthers survived a real test from the New Orleans Saints. Four more games to perfection. The winners of the NFL South for the third straight year. Had another good week going 11-5 first time this year having gotten over ten correct two weeks in a row. Total for the season has risen to 111-81.
Falcons 6-6 @ Panthers 12-0: Falcons won their first six and now lost six in a row. Panthers need to make sure they stay healthy. Panthers 34 Falcons 26
Vikings 8-4 @ Arizona 10-2: One week Vikes look great, next week like rest of NFL. Zona at home will be tough to beat when they are home. Cardinals 26 Vikes 20
Bills 6-6 @ Eagles 5-7. This is a pick'em. Neither one is very good. Eagles 28 Bills 23
Seattle 7-5 @ Ravens 4-8: Just maybe the hottest team is Seattle. Ravens like most other teams beat down with injuries.
49er's 4-8 @ Browns 2-10: Browns probably worse team in NFL. SF 23-17
Titans 3-9 @ Jets 7-5: Jets still fighting for playoffs. Jets Win 27-22.
Lions 4-8 @ Rams: Lions playing better Rams struggling from poor quarterback play. Lions 27-17
Steelers 7-5 @ Bengals 10-2: Steelers need to win while Bengals still playing for the AFC bye. Bengals 35 Steelers 31.
Colts 6-6 @ Jaguars 4-8: Colts still fighting with the Texans for playoff spot. Can't afford to lose this one. Colts 27 Jags 24
Chargers 3-9 @ Chiefs 7-5. Chargers have one healthy offensive player Philip Rivers. Chiefs drubbed Chargers two weeks ago in San Diego. Chiefs 36 Chargers 20
Redskins 6-6 @ Bears: Redskins on the road. Bears win. 30-23
Cowboys 3-9 @ Packers 8-4: Any score Packers want to win by. Packers 33-Cowboys 16
Patroits 10-2 @ Texans 6-6: Pats are like so many NFL teams beat up. Injuries are the biggest problem NFL has going right now. Pats 27 Texans 20
Giants 5-7 @ Dolphins 5-7: Still alive Giants need a win. Dolphins will survive. Dolphins 21 Giants 20.
Saints 4-8 @ Tampa 6-6: Saints have no defense. Tampa still in playoff hunt. 31-28
Raiders 5-7 @ Broncos 10-2: this will be close game cause Bronc's don't score much. Denver 20 Oakland 17
Entry into Kenan Stadium will be through Gate 3 for all Gryphon Fans with pre purchased tickets as the Gryphons will be the visiting team which is off of Stadium Drive which is a left turn off Highway 54 near the stadium. The Gryphons will sit in North sideline.
Can't go but you want to watch the Gryphons?. Time Warner Cable has the TV broadcasting rights but since they are not 100% in every cable system in North Carolina they must provide availability to all in NC. If you go on line to TWCsportschannel.com and click on the NCHSAA logo Friday the Rocky Mount /South Point will be the only choice to click on.
The Carolina Panthers survived a real test from the New Orleans Saints. Four more games to perfection. The winners of the NFL South for the third straight year. Had another good week going 11-5 first time this year having gotten over ten correct two weeks in a row. Total for the season has risen to 111-81.
Falcons 6-6 @ Panthers 12-0: Falcons won their first six and now lost six in a row. Panthers need to make sure they stay healthy. Panthers 34 Falcons 26
Vikings 8-4 @ Arizona 10-2: One week Vikes look great, next week like rest of NFL. Zona at home will be tough to beat when they are home. Cardinals 26 Vikes 20
Bills 6-6 @ Eagles 5-7. This is a pick'em. Neither one is very good. Eagles 28 Bills 23
Seattle 7-5 @ Ravens 4-8: Just maybe the hottest team is Seattle. Ravens like most other teams beat down with injuries.
49er's 4-8 @ Browns 2-10: Browns probably worse team in NFL. SF 23-17
Titans 3-9 @ Jets 7-5: Jets still fighting for playoffs. Jets Win 27-22.
Lions 4-8 @ Rams: Lions playing better Rams struggling from poor quarterback play. Lions 27-17
Steelers 7-5 @ Bengals 10-2: Steelers need to win while Bengals still playing for the AFC bye. Bengals 35 Steelers 31.
Colts 6-6 @ Jaguars 4-8: Colts still fighting with the Texans for playoff spot. Can't afford to lose this one. Colts 27 Jags 24
Chargers 3-9 @ Chiefs 7-5. Chargers have one healthy offensive player Philip Rivers. Chiefs drubbed Chargers two weeks ago in San Diego. Chiefs 36 Chargers 20
Redskins 6-6 @ Bears: Redskins on the road. Bears win. 30-23
Cowboys 3-9 @ Packers 8-4: Any score Packers want to win by. Packers 33-Cowboys 16
Patroits 10-2 @ Texans 6-6: Pats are like so many NFL teams beat up. Injuries are the biggest problem NFL has going right now. Pats 27 Texans 20
Giants 5-7 @ Dolphins 5-7: Still alive Giants need a win. Dolphins will survive. Dolphins 21 Giants 20.
Saints 4-8 @ Tampa 6-6: Saints have no defense. Tampa still in playoff hunt. 31-28
Raiders 5-7 @ Broncos 10-2: this will be close game cause Bronc's don't score much. Denver 20 Oakland 17
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Those Unimpressive Gryphons
TICKET INFORMATION:
Tickets are on sale in the office of Rocky Mount High School for the 3A championship football game in which the Rocky Mount High Gryphons will be playing the Red Raiders of South Point at 7:30 in Kenan Stadium on the campus of the University of North Carolina. Bought in advance tickets are nine dollars while waiting to buying your ticket at the Kenan Stadium gates will be ten dollars.
The Gryphon Booster Club is booking buses for fans who don't want to fight the Friday night traffic to get to Chapdl Hill. The bus cost is 25 dollars per seat. Book as soon as possible. Today would be great.
Rocky Mount is the visiting team and all fans should enter through gate 3 which can be accessed from Stadium drive. Once near the stadium Stadium drive is a left turn off Highway 54. Good luck with parking!.
All of the messages boards throughout the playoff everyone has thought that Rocky Mount was fast but that wasn't enough to win the next game. After every game in these playoffs fans and players from those that have gone down to defeat to the Gryphons are impressed with the tenacity of the defense. The Rocky Mount D doesn't look like much in the first quarter but by games end after the defense has swarmed all over you and knocked the day lights out of you for four quarters they realize boy they are good.
A big question mark for the Gryphons will be the availability of Sherrod Green who was helped off the field with about 3 minutes left. This team has had limited injuries all season but this could be a big one on the most important night.
Against Eastern Alamance the swarming defense caused the the Eagles quarterback to make throws which had no chance except two were returned by the Gryphons for touchdowns. The Gryphons got off the bus in Mebane ready to play. They will need to do the same in Chapel Hill. They do not need to fall behind and have to try to keep and option team at bay from that point on.
Through 15 games the Gryphons have rushed for 4200 yards on the season or about 280 per game. Has anybody noticed that the rushing average had gone up during the four playoff games compared to the season ending average of 238 per game. Forest Bell has a quarterback rating over 100 while compiling just over 1500 yards passing or about 100 yards per game. So far in these playoff games the passing game has opened up the defense to allow the Gryphon offense run almost at will.
This game is in no way a game where we will do to South Point what we did in the first half to Eastern Alamance. Remember the Gryphon D gave up yardage but came up with many defensive plays when it had too like the goal line stand before the half.
Most of the teams that play control football like we have faced with teams that relied on short passes or teams like SouthWest Edgecombe who love to get four yards a play running. It is really difficult for any team to take 14 plays on a drive against a very good defense with out making a mistake a fumble or penalty. This week we will not be playing a team that wants to keep it away from you. They want you to have to make decisions on who to tackle. And if you miss they will put six on the board.
Tickets are on sale in the office of Rocky Mount High School for the 3A championship football game in which the Rocky Mount High Gryphons will be playing the Red Raiders of South Point at 7:30 in Kenan Stadium on the campus of the University of North Carolina. Bought in advance tickets are nine dollars while waiting to buying your ticket at the Kenan Stadium gates will be ten dollars.
The Gryphon Booster Club is booking buses for fans who don't want to fight the Friday night traffic to get to Chapdl Hill. The bus cost is 25 dollars per seat. Book as soon as possible. Today would be great.
Rocky Mount is the visiting team and all fans should enter through gate 3 which can be accessed from Stadium drive. Once near the stadium Stadium drive is a left turn off Highway 54. Good luck with parking!.
All of the messages boards throughout the playoff everyone has thought that Rocky Mount was fast but that wasn't enough to win the next game. After every game in these playoffs fans and players from those that have gone down to defeat to the Gryphons are impressed with the tenacity of the defense. The Rocky Mount D doesn't look like much in the first quarter but by games end after the defense has swarmed all over you and knocked the day lights out of you for four quarters they realize boy they are good.
A big question mark for the Gryphons will be the availability of Sherrod Green who was helped off the field with about 3 minutes left. This team has had limited injuries all season but this could be a big one on the most important night.
Against Eastern Alamance the swarming defense caused the the Eagles quarterback to make throws which had no chance except two were returned by the Gryphons for touchdowns. The Gryphons got off the bus in Mebane ready to play. They will need to do the same in Chapel Hill. They do not need to fall behind and have to try to keep and option team at bay from that point on.
Through 15 games the Gryphons have rushed for 4200 yards on the season or about 280 per game. Has anybody noticed that the rushing average had gone up during the four playoff games compared to the season ending average of 238 per game. Forest Bell has a quarterback rating over 100 while compiling just over 1500 yards passing or about 100 yards per game. So far in these playoff games the passing game has opened up the defense to allow the Gryphon offense run almost at will.
This game is in no way a game where we will do to South Point what we did in the first half to Eastern Alamance. Remember the Gryphon D gave up yardage but came up with many defensive plays when it had too like the goal line stand before the half.
Most of the teams that play control football like we have faced with teams that relied on short passes or teams like SouthWest Edgecombe who love to get four yards a play running. It is really difficult for any team to take 14 plays on a drive against a very good defense with out making a mistake a fumble or penalty. This week we will not be playing a team that wants to keep it away from you. They want you to have to make decisions on who to tackle. And if you miss they will put six on the board.
Monday, December 7, 2015
What to Expect From The South Point Red Raiders
TICKET INFORMATION:
Tickets to the 3-A state championship game Friday Night in Kenan Stadium are on sale in the office of Rocky Mount High School for $9. If you wait to buy at the gate the tickets will be selling for $10.
If you are interested in riding buses, the Gryphon booster club is sponsoring buses for $25 per person. This does not include the game ticket they must be bought separately .
Seems as if all the Gryphons have seen the entire playoffs is the so call West Coast offense passing the ball to backs in the backfield and screens to the wide outs. If you are tired of all of that there is good news as the Red Raiders are and option running team. When I say running they have run for over 4400 yards this season and only 500 passing. They have completed only 38 passes all season.
They are led by their option running quarterback number 7 Dion King who has rushed for almost 1600 yards. Their fullback number 32 Ryland Etherton is almost at 2000 for the season. Simple offense on the option Rocky Mount will have to tackle the fullback on every Play. Then play the outside looking on the quarterback keepers. King and Etherton have made 3500 of the Red Raiders 4400 rushing yards.
What has to impress you that just maybe the two best teams in 3-A are matched up in the finals. South Point is 13-2 just like the Gryphons. Their two losses are to Crest playing in the 4-A state championship game Against Rose and Shelby playing in the 2-A finals against Kinston. Rocky Mount lost to Rose still playing and Middle Creek who just lost for the first time last Friday. So these two are truly great teams as they have only lost to other great teams.
South Point is a member of the Big South 2-A/3-A. They have won four state titles in football compared to the Gryphons 2. They have won 12 games in a row while Rocky Mount is up to 10 in a row. South Point is in Belmont just south of Charlotte. South Point and Rocky Mount are known to each other. They met in 2010 in Chapel Hill and Rocky Mount won the basketball title.
The Red Raiders run for 294 yards per game. They complete only 3 of 9 passes for about 40 yards a game. This game lies in the hands of the Gryphon defense. If the Gryphon defensive speed can stop the run there's a good chance the Gryphons can win. Boy won't this be a change not having to stop the short passing game.
Tickets to the 3-A state championship game Friday Night in Kenan Stadium are on sale in the office of Rocky Mount High School for $9. If you wait to buy at the gate the tickets will be selling for $10.
If you are interested in riding buses, the Gryphon booster club is sponsoring buses for $25 per person. This does not include the game ticket they must be bought separately .
Seems as if all the Gryphons have seen the entire playoffs is the so call West Coast offense passing the ball to backs in the backfield and screens to the wide outs. If you are tired of all of that there is good news as the Red Raiders are and option running team. When I say running they have run for over 4400 yards this season and only 500 passing. They have completed only 38 passes all season.
They are led by their option running quarterback number 7 Dion King who has rushed for almost 1600 yards. Their fullback number 32 Ryland Etherton is almost at 2000 for the season. Simple offense on the option Rocky Mount will have to tackle the fullback on every Play. Then play the outside looking on the quarterback keepers. King and Etherton have made 3500 of the Red Raiders 4400 rushing yards.
What has to impress you that just maybe the two best teams in 3-A are matched up in the finals. South Point is 13-2 just like the Gryphons. Their two losses are to Crest playing in the 4-A state championship game Against Rose and Shelby playing in the 2-A finals against Kinston. Rocky Mount lost to Rose still playing and Middle Creek who just lost for the first time last Friday. So these two are truly great teams as they have only lost to other great teams.
South Point is a member of the Big South 2-A/3-A. They have won four state titles in football compared to the Gryphons 2. They have won 12 games in a row while Rocky Mount is up to 10 in a row. South Point is in Belmont just south of Charlotte. South Point and Rocky Mount are known to each other. They met in 2010 in Chapel Hill and Rocky Mount won the basketball title.
The Red Raiders run for 294 yards per game. They complete only 3 of 9 passes for about 40 yards a game. This game lies in the hands of the Gryphon defense. If the Gryphon defensive speed can stop the run there's a good chance the Gryphons can win. Boy won't this be a change not having to stop the short passing game.
Sunday, December 6, 2015
A World Of Difference
During my 16 years doing local sports in Rocky Mount the walking encyclopedia of Gryphon Sports was Charles Alston. There were about three years that Charles rode with me to every Gryphon game and he and I would argue about Rocky Mount being the smallest 4-A school that they needed to be in 3-A. Charles thought you had nothing to Brag about if you were 3-A state champions.
Once realignment came about and in 2008 when the Gryphons won the baseball championship I ask Charles how he felt only being a 3-A champion. Of course Charle's answer was "Hard to tell any difference". I can only tell you that Rocky Mount High school has won two football titles and they won them back to back in 1962 and 1963. If I remember Charles told me the last time the Gryphons even played in the state championship game in football was 1980. I no longer have the Gryphon encyclopedia standing by with all the answers.
Friday night December the 11th the Gryphons will try to win their third state title and their first as a 3-A school. It will also be the third anniversary of the death of the Gryphons history encyclopedia
Charles Alston. Every year when teams take the field they need good players, a healthy season and it doesn't hurt to have an omen on your side. Charles will be watching.
It has been close to ten years since Rocky Mount was demoted to 3-A in Charles' eyes. They have won two basketball and a baseball title. Both basketball and football they have played in multiple regionals. I don't care how big you are if you have 500 less students that other members of your conference it is hard to compete day in and day out. Even a two hundred difference and you can use Nash Central as the example of having a hard time competing.
I wasn't there at Eastern Alamance as I was doing PA at Wesleyan. I have however done a SouthWest Edgecombe / EA playoff game there around 2006 or so. All the people with lawn chairs and the field being encircle with fans made for a really nice atmosphere for a high school football game. The field was muddy but other than that a great place to watch high school football.
You know Chapel Hill was the site of both basketball titles in 2010 and 2012. There is something about Chapel Hill and the Gryphons. Both Basketball titles we estimate between 5 to 7 thousand fans supported the Gryphons. Kenan Stadium can dwarf seven thousand people making the place look empty. Be there!!!
I think one of the best coaching moves of the weekend turned sour on SouthWest Edgecombe. Trailing 22-21 in overtime Jonathan Cobb chose to go for a two point conversion to win the game. They came up six inches short. There are many Cougar fans today asking why not kick and play on. Just look at the Bunn/Clinton game to get your answer. Under the same circumstance Clinton's kicker missed the tying score.
Cobb put the responsibility squarely on his shoulder and took the pressure off his players. If for no other reason he probably felt this was his best chance to win because SWE led almost the entire game but late Kinston had the momentum on their side. Not only that but the Cougars go for many two pointers all during the season.
What can happen on a extra point kick? A bad snap, poor hold, a kicker slip or even a shanked kick. I would rather have a coach trying to win Any day.
Once realignment came about and in 2008 when the Gryphons won the baseball championship I ask Charles how he felt only being a 3-A champion. Of course Charle's answer was "Hard to tell any difference". I can only tell you that Rocky Mount High school has won two football titles and they won them back to back in 1962 and 1963. If I remember Charles told me the last time the Gryphons even played in the state championship game in football was 1980. I no longer have the Gryphon encyclopedia standing by with all the answers.
Friday night December the 11th the Gryphons will try to win their third state title and their first as a 3-A school. It will also be the third anniversary of the death of the Gryphons history encyclopedia
Charles Alston. Every year when teams take the field they need good players, a healthy season and it doesn't hurt to have an omen on your side. Charles will be watching.
It has been close to ten years since Rocky Mount was demoted to 3-A in Charles' eyes. They have won two basketball and a baseball title. Both basketball and football they have played in multiple regionals. I don't care how big you are if you have 500 less students that other members of your conference it is hard to compete day in and day out. Even a two hundred difference and you can use Nash Central as the example of having a hard time competing.
I wasn't there at Eastern Alamance as I was doing PA at Wesleyan. I have however done a SouthWest Edgecombe / EA playoff game there around 2006 or so. All the people with lawn chairs and the field being encircle with fans made for a really nice atmosphere for a high school football game. The field was muddy but other than that a great place to watch high school football.
You know Chapel Hill was the site of both basketball titles in 2010 and 2012. There is something about Chapel Hill and the Gryphons. Both Basketball titles we estimate between 5 to 7 thousand fans supported the Gryphons. Kenan Stadium can dwarf seven thousand people making the place look empty. Be there!!!
I think one of the best coaching moves of the weekend turned sour on SouthWest Edgecombe. Trailing 22-21 in overtime Jonathan Cobb chose to go for a two point conversion to win the game. They came up six inches short. There are many Cougar fans today asking why not kick and play on. Just look at the Bunn/Clinton game to get your answer. Under the same circumstance Clinton's kicker missed the tying score.
Cobb put the responsibility squarely on his shoulder and took the pressure off his players. If for no other reason he probably felt this was his best chance to win because SWE led almost the entire game but late Kinston had the momentum on their side. Not only that but the Cougars go for many two pointers all during the season.
What can happen on a extra point kick? A bad snap, poor hold, a kicker slip or even a shanked kick. I would rather have a coach trying to win Any day.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Gryphons Still Have A Game To Play
When I made my pick of Rocky Mount beating Eastern Alamance this week I did so base on Eastern Alamance thought the team they had to beat to win the state championship was Southern Alamance.
They did that last week. My thinking was EA would not respect the Gryphons.
Tonight Rocky Mount goes to Eastern Alamance and lays a whipping on the home team leading 28-0 at the half and coast to a 42-21 victory over Eastern Alamance and will now play for the 3-A state championship next Friday night at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill at 7:30. The Gryphons have not won a football Title since 1963.
Rocky Mount won the toss and drove down to near the twenty before EA stop them. The Gryphon D force a punt and the Gryphons March done the field. They scored on a 16 yard run with 4:59 by Tyrell Forbes. EA march down the field but were forced to kick a field goal which was blocked by Gryphons. Then B J Sanders from the Gryphons 6 yard line broke a 59 yard run. Tyrell Forbes put it in the enzone from 24 yards out.
Rob White picked East Alamance quarterback John Lamonte and took it 85 yards to the house and after Chase Millers kick the Gryphons led 21-0 with 6:44 in the second Q. Then with 4:44 to play in the quarter Nick Bynum took it 44 yards and after a great stop by the defense made a goal line stand just before half the Gryphons led 28-0.
Alamance was held to a three out and out on the first drive of second half but on Rocky Mount's first procession they fumbled giving EA the ball near the 50. On a 4th and ten with 6:44 to play in the third John Lamont hit a 15 yard touchdown strike to get EA on the board at 28-7. K K Edwards caught a 39 yard pass from Forest Bell and B J Sanders took it the two yards to get 35 on the board for the Gryphons.
EA's John Lamont who ran many quarterback draws scored on a two yard run with 11:15 to go in the game. After Rocky Mount failed on a fourth down Lamont led EA back down the field to make it 35-21. Rocky Mount once again moved the ball but missed on a fourth down run but Alex Henderson put the icing on the cake for Gryphons with a 66 yard pick six. Detrelle Revis got another pick with 90 seconds to go and the Gryphons celebrate.
Many people in the area listened on the internet to Burlington radio and they said 800 people bought tickets from Rocky Mount. To tell you how good the announcers were they kept saying legend B W Holt was calling the plays for the Gryphons. Regardless of whether they knew who was coaching Rocky Mount or not I can tell them this. Jason Battle is carrying the Rocky Mount Gryphons to a place Holt never did. To a state championship game. They will play South Point who beat Kings
Mountain in the Western regional Title 29-7.
The news is heart breaking in Kinston. SouthWest Edgecombe tie 15-15 at the end regulation gave up a score to trail 22-15 scored themselves but went for a two point conversion and missed by less than 6 inches and lose 22-21.
They did that last week. My thinking was EA would not respect the Gryphons.
Tonight Rocky Mount goes to Eastern Alamance and lays a whipping on the home team leading 28-0 at the half and coast to a 42-21 victory over Eastern Alamance and will now play for the 3-A state championship next Friday night at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill at 7:30. The Gryphons have not won a football Title since 1963.
Rocky Mount won the toss and drove down to near the twenty before EA stop them. The Gryphon D force a punt and the Gryphons March done the field. They scored on a 16 yard run with 4:59 by Tyrell Forbes. EA march down the field but were forced to kick a field goal which was blocked by Gryphons. Then B J Sanders from the Gryphons 6 yard line broke a 59 yard run. Tyrell Forbes put it in the enzone from 24 yards out.
Rob White picked East Alamance quarterback John Lamonte and took it 85 yards to the house and after Chase Millers kick the Gryphons led 21-0 with 6:44 in the second Q. Then with 4:44 to play in the quarter Nick Bynum took it 44 yards and after a great stop by the defense made a goal line stand just before half the Gryphons led 28-0.
Alamance was held to a three out and out on the first drive of second half but on Rocky Mount's first procession they fumbled giving EA the ball near the 50. On a 4th and ten with 6:44 to play in the third John Lamont hit a 15 yard touchdown strike to get EA on the board at 28-7. K K Edwards caught a 39 yard pass from Forest Bell and B J Sanders took it the two yards to get 35 on the board for the Gryphons.
EA's John Lamont who ran many quarterback draws scored on a two yard run with 11:15 to go in the game. After Rocky Mount failed on a fourth down Lamont led EA back down the field to make it 35-21. Rocky Mount once again moved the ball but missed on a fourth down run but Alex Henderson put the icing on the cake for Gryphons with a 66 yard pick six. Detrelle Revis got another pick with 90 seconds to go and the Gryphons celebrate.
Many people in the area listened on the internet to Burlington radio and they said 800 people bought tickets from Rocky Mount. To tell you how good the announcers were they kept saying legend B W Holt was calling the plays for the Gryphons. Regardless of whether they knew who was coaching Rocky Mount or not I can tell them this. Jason Battle is carrying the Rocky Mount Gryphons to a place Holt never did. To a state championship game. They will play South Point who beat Kings
Mountain in the Western regional Title 29-7.
The news is heart breaking in Kinston. SouthWest Edgecombe tie 15-15 at the end regulation gave up a score to trail 22-15 scored themselves but went for a two point conversion and missed by less than 6 inches and lose 22-21.
Carolina Has A shot
Twelve wins in a row. Right now there is probably no team in college football playing any better Than the Tar Heels. The biggest dig any body can put up against the Tar Heels is there is not a win against a top 25 team. It is not their fault one team backed out of a scheduled game forcing the Heels to play two division 2 teams. Their biggest flub was opening night against South Carolina and at the time everyone thought that was not that bad of a loss until the Gamecocks decided to be one of the worse teams in the SEC.
Carolina has done all this with Chapel Hill still under a cloud which brought scholarship reduction and coach Larry Fedora has done what ever the company spill has been without complaint. There is no doubt that every year Fedora has been at Carolina they have been able to put points on the board. Some games they just could not score enough.
I spoke about three weeks ago that Clemson would now go on cruise control after they captured their division. Their offense has not as they have kept right on scoring. The defense is the one on cruise control and the question has to be asked. Can the defense pick up the pace? They remind me of the long distance runner who hangs back until it's the right time to motor pass those he was following. Can the Tiger defense pick it up and slow Carolina down any?
I think this is the first sellout of the ACC Championship game. It is a perfect combination of teams two of the closes teams to Charlotte. I suspect there will be more orange there due to the fact Clemson knew they were playing there two weeks before Carolina did.
If you are John Swofford a Carolina Grad an ACC Commissioner who are you pulling for. Clemson wins and they make the final four and the playoffs. Carolina wins and the ACC loses all the money earned if your conference plays in the playoffs and wins the championship. There is just not enough dominoes left that can fall the Tar Heel way to get them in.
I think this game comes down to the best defense that takes the field. Here is a fact they may shock you. There is only one team in the RPI top 20 that has a strength of schedules in the top 40. Alabama is 7th while no other team in SOS is in the top 40 in strength of schedule. Clemson is 70th while Carolina is 90th. The loser probably scores at least 35. Somewhere Clemson will get the Carolina quarterback to fumble and that will be the difference. Clemson 45 Carolina 38
Carolina has done all this with Chapel Hill still under a cloud which brought scholarship reduction and coach Larry Fedora has done what ever the company spill has been without complaint. There is no doubt that every year Fedora has been at Carolina they have been able to put points on the board. Some games they just could not score enough.
I spoke about three weeks ago that Clemson would now go on cruise control after they captured their division. Their offense has not as they have kept right on scoring. The defense is the one on cruise control and the question has to be asked. Can the defense pick up the pace? They remind me of the long distance runner who hangs back until it's the right time to motor pass those he was following. Can the Tiger defense pick it up and slow Carolina down any?
I think this is the first sellout of the ACC Championship game. It is a perfect combination of teams two of the closes teams to Charlotte. I suspect there will be more orange there due to the fact Clemson knew they were playing there two weeks before Carolina did.
If you are John Swofford a Carolina Grad an ACC Commissioner who are you pulling for. Clemson wins and they make the final four and the playoffs. Carolina wins and the ACC loses all the money earned if your conference plays in the playoffs and wins the championship. There is just not enough dominoes left that can fall the Tar Heel way to get them in.
I think this game comes down to the best defense that takes the field. Here is a fact they may shock you. There is only one team in the RPI top 20 that has a strength of schedules in the top 40. Alabama is 7th while no other team in SOS is in the top 40 in strength of schedule. Clemson is 70th while Carolina is 90th. The loser probably scores at least 35. Somewhere Clemson will get the Carolina quarterback to fumble and that will be the difference. Clemson 45 Carolina 38
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Same As Last Week
If you are wondering what the Gryphons will be facing this Friday all you need to do if you were in attendance Friday night against Morehead expect more of the same. The Eagles of Eastern Alamance run out of the shotgun and they too will have a running quarterback and they will throw to their backs. In the past the Gryphons have had trouble with running quarterbacks from Alamance County. They are much bigger on the line than Morehead.
Oddly enough the Eagles average 203 yards per game passing and that is what the Gryphons gave up to Morehead. They rush the ball for 250 yards per game and their quarterback John Lamont averages 140 yards per game. The Eagles average per catch 13.7 while 7.1 per run
Eastern Alamance front line compares to Hertford County but the offensive formation for The Eagles is more on speed over power. The key Friday will be can the Gryphon defense be able to penetrate past the big front to cause havoc in the back field.
You would have to think Eastern Alamance has to worry about stopping the Gryphons just like Rocky Mount is worried about them. The Gryphons are averaging 98 yards per game through the air to help supplement the 278 yards per game on the ground. Every catch for the Gryphons has gone for 19.7 yards per catch. Every time the Gryphons run the football they got 6.7 yards per play.
This is for the Eastern 3A State Championship. This game is a toss-up and the team that does what they do best better than the other will win. Turnovers could make the score lopsided
If one has three or more while the other team holds on all game with no turnovers.
As many times in the past ten years we have had a playoff game in Alamance County this is our first trip to Mebane. I assume you can choose what way you prefer to get past Raleigh and Durham. Friday Mebane is having their Christmas Parade. I would suggest you leave early. On a Friday afternoon if you take I-40 you know traffic could be bumper to bumper and if there is a wreck could br stopped altogether. Even going 98-I-85 around Durham could be as bad. The it would be wise to find out from somebody how to avoid the parade in Mebane.
Big disappointment as I have too much on my plate Friday. I have signed on as the PA man at North Carolina Wesleyan and will be doing the Roger Taylor tournament Friday night at Wesleyan.
The four local teams that played last week I went 3-1 to push my record for the year to 92-18. We are down to two and both are on the road. I went with all four home team's last week. This week I'm picking both road teams SouthWest Edgecombe and Rocky Mount. SWE 38 Kinston 27. Rocky Mount 28 East Alamance 26.
Oddly enough the Eagles average 203 yards per game passing and that is what the Gryphons gave up to Morehead. They rush the ball for 250 yards per game and their quarterback John Lamont averages 140 yards per game. The Eagles average per catch 13.7 while 7.1 per run
Eastern Alamance front line compares to Hertford County but the offensive formation for The Eagles is more on speed over power. The key Friday will be can the Gryphon defense be able to penetrate past the big front to cause havoc in the back field.
You would have to think Eastern Alamance has to worry about stopping the Gryphons just like Rocky Mount is worried about them. The Gryphons are averaging 98 yards per game through the air to help supplement the 278 yards per game on the ground. Every catch for the Gryphons has gone for 19.7 yards per catch. Every time the Gryphons run the football they got 6.7 yards per play.
This is for the Eastern 3A State Championship. This game is a toss-up and the team that does what they do best better than the other will win. Turnovers could make the score lopsided
If one has three or more while the other team holds on all game with no turnovers.
As many times in the past ten years we have had a playoff game in Alamance County this is our first trip to Mebane. I assume you can choose what way you prefer to get past Raleigh and Durham. Friday Mebane is having their Christmas Parade. I would suggest you leave early. On a Friday afternoon if you take I-40 you know traffic could be bumper to bumper and if there is a wreck could br stopped altogether. Even going 98-I-85 around Durham could be as bad. The it would be wise to find out from somebody how to avoid the parade in Mebane.
Big disappointment as I have too much on my plate Friday. I have signed on as the PA man at North Carolina Wesleyan and will be doing the Roger Taylor tournament Friday night at Wesleyan.
The four local teams that played last week I went 3-1 to push my record for the year to 92-18. We are down to two and both are on the road. I went with all four home team's last week. This week I'm picking both road teams SouthWest Edgecombe and Rocky Mount. SWE 38 Kinston 27. Rocky Mount 28 East Alamance 26.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Down The Stretch In The NFL
Had one of my best weeks picking NFL games going 14-2 and I surely need to get off average. Runs my record for the year to 100-75.
Packers 7-4 @ Lions 4-7: Something is wrong with the Packers. Aaron Rogers is not the Super Duper Aaron Rogers . All of a sudden Detroit playing like everyone though Detroit was going to be this year. Lions 27 Green Bay 24
Jets 6-5 @ Giants 5-6: Long road trip for Jets. Giants when they are bad they are bad. Rest of the time they are lucky. Jets 26 Giants 20
Cardinals 9-2 @ Rams 4-7: quarterback issues for the Rams has been their down fall. This will be close in St Louis. Cards 30 Rams 20
Falcons 6-5 @Bucs 5-6: Falcons have lost five in a row. To me at this point Tampa is surprise team of the NFL. Tampa takes this one 30 -27
Seahawks 6-5 @ Vikings 8-3: I just don't think the Seattle defense is Super Bowl quality this year. Vikings are a team on the rise. Vikes 31- Seattle 26
49er's 3-8 @ Bears 5-6: Bears started slow but have improved under John Fox. 49ers. have not improved. Bears 26 SF 17
Jags 4-7 @ Titans 2-9: I think Jags are improving Jags 30 Titans 26
Texans 6-5 @ Bills 5-6: right when it looks as if Bills are on the verge they falter. T J Yates has Texans rolling. That being said Bills win 23-21
Ravens 4-7 @ Dolphins 4-7: This is one of those tough picks. Dolphins win at home. 31-30
Bengals 9-2 @ Browns 2-9: Hard to pick Browns for the rest of this season. Bengals 27 Browns 10
Broncos 9-2 @ Chargers 3-8: I have had a hard time picking Chargers all year. Last week picked Jags and Rivers throws four touchdowns and crosses 40,000 yards passing the fourth youngest quarterback to hit that's figure and 11th all time in touch down tosses. If I want Chargers to really win pick Denver Denver 30 Chargers 23
Chiefs 6-5 @ Raiders 5-6: just might be for wild card spot. Chiefs 26 Raiders 23
Eagles 4-7 @ Patriots 10-1: bad week having to play New England. I don't think Pats will play in AFC title game. They will beat Eagles though. 27-26
Panthers 11-0 @ Saints 4-7: if the Panthers lose during regular season this is it if Brees goes crazy. He will have to be crazy in order to score enough to win. Panthers 37 Saints 24
Colts 6-5 @ Steelers 6-5: interesting game just can't see Colts winning in the steel city Steelers 26 Colt 23
Cowboys 3-8 @ Redskins 5-6: Too bad Redskins can't play them all at home. Dallas is done without or with Romo. Redskins 28 Boys 20"
Packers 7-4 @ Lions 4-7: Something is wrong with the Packers. Aaron Rogers is not the Super Duper Aaron Rogers . All of a sudden Detroit playing like everyone though Detroit was going to be this year. Lions 27 Green Bay 24
Jets 6-5 @ Giants 5-6: Long road trip for Jets. Giants when they are bad they are bad. Rest of the time they are lucky. Jets 26 Giants 20
Cardinals 9-2 @ Rams 4-7: quarterback issues for the Rams has been their down fall. This will be close in St Louis. Cards 30 Rams 20
Falcons 6-5 @Bucs 5-6: Falcons have lost five in a row. To me at this point Tampa is surprise team of the NFL. Tampa takes this one 30 -27
Seahawks 6-5 @ Vikings 8-3: I just don't think the Seattle defense is Super Bowl quality this year. Vikings are a team on the rise. Vikes 31- Seattle 26
49er's 3-8 @ Bears 5-6: Bears started slow but have improved under John Fox. 49ers. have not improved. Bears 26 SF 17
Jags 4-7 @ Titans 2-9: I think Jags are improving Jags 30 Titans 26
Texans 6-5 @ Bills 5-6: right when it looks as if Bills are on the verge they falter. T J Yates has Texans rolling. That being said Bills win 23-21
Ravens 4-7 @ Dolphins 4-7: This is one of those tough picks. Dolphins win at home. 31-30
Bengals 9-2 @ Browns 2-9: Hard to pick Browns for the rest of this season. Bengals 27 Browns 10
Broncos 9-2 @ Chargers 3-8: I have had a hard time picking Chargers all year. Last week picked Jags and Rivers throws four touchdowns and crosses 40,000 yards passing the fourth youngest quarterback to hit that's figure and 11th all time in touch down tosses. If I want Chargers to really win pick Denver Denver 30 Chargers 23
Chiefs 6-5 @ Raiders 5-6: just might be for wild card spot. Chiefs 26 Raiders 23
Eagles 4-7 @ Patriots 10-1: bad week having to play New England. I don't think Pats will play in AFC title game. They will beat Eagles though. 27-26
Panthers 11-0 @ Saints 4-7: if the Panthers lose during regular season this is it if Brees goes crazy. He will have to be crazy in order to score enough to win. Panthers 37 Saints 24
Colts 6-5 @ Steelers 6-5: interesting game just can't see Colts winning in the steel city Steelers 26 Colt 23
Cowboys 3-8 @ Redskins 5-6: Too bad Redskins can't play them all at home. Dallas is done without or with Romo. Redskins 28 Boys 20"
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
The Forgotten Sport
It is very good whenever your team plays football in to December and the entire community can go whole hog crazy for football. There was a time once conflict occurred between schools in the football and teams trying to get the basketball season that those playing football postponed basketball and waited for the football players to join the basketball team. Depending how long you lasted in the football playoffs you might wind up playing two conference games a week in January plus a makeup non conference game and that eliminates practice time and rest during the important time of the year. It has been a while since Rocky Mount has been this far into December and at least three football players will play basketball. Let's take our first look at how basketball has started in the area.
Rocky Mount has played three games going into tonight and all three have been 4A schools Rose, Knightdale and South Central. All three games have been losses. Tonight they travel to Hertford County which will not be easy without the full squad because of football.
One thing forgotten whenever the football playoff delayed boys games the girls had to wait since they play the same schedule as the boys most of the time. The Lady Gryphons have played three 4A schools and since they are not short of football players they have managed to win two of three. The lost came to Knightdale.
Northern Nash Boys have five games under their belts and they lost opening night to East Wake. They have since run off four straight wins beating Southern Wayne, Conley, Smithfield Selma and Washington.
The Northern Nash girls have followed the same path as the boys. They lost opening night and have reeled off four straight wins since. One of those four was win number 500 for Grover Battle.
Southern Nash has played only one game so far and it was a win over Corinth Holders. The girls were not as fortunate as they were beaten by CH.
Basketball years ago started December 1st. That way it avoided splitting Thanksgiving break and then another break at Christmas. We are suppose to live in a modern world. It is time for all schools to go to year round. It can't be done half the system in year round and the other half the old fashion.
Rocky Mount has played three games going into tonight and all three have been 4A schools Rose, Knightdale and South Central. All three games have been losses. Tonight they travel to Hertford County which will not be easy without the full squad because of football.
One thing forgotten whenever the football playoff delayed boys games the girls had to wait since they play the same schedule as the boys most of the time. The Lady Gryphons have played three 4A schools and since they are not short of football players they have managed to win two of three. The lost came to Knightdale.
Northern Nash Boys have five games under their belts and they lost opening night to East Wake. They have since run off four straight wins beating Southern Wayne, Conley, Smithfield Selma and Washington.
The Northern Nash girls have followed the same path as the boys. They lost opening night and have reeled off four straight wins since. One of those four was win number 500 for Grover Battle.
Southern Nash has played only one game so far and it was a win over Corinth Holders. The girls were not as fortunate as they were beaten by CH.
Basketball years ago started December 1st. That way it avoided splitting Thanksgiving break and then another break at Christmas. We are suppose to live in a modern world. It is time for all schools to go to year round. It can't be done half the system in year round and the other half the old fashion.
Monday, November 30, 2015
The Journey Is Only Part Of The Way Done.
The Rocky Mount Gryphons have played the first three weeks of the playoffs all at home and there is still two more weeks for who ever survives next week. Simply too many games. Just suppose you were Morehead who had played the first three on the road and if they had beat the Gryphons would have played one more before Chapel Hill.
The Gryphons displayed their entire game plan in all three. Let's pound pound pound and see how things look in the fourth quarter. Morehead deployed the passing game designed to give their backs the ball outside the tackle box area because of their thirty rushing attempts only ten snaps went to the backs for eight yards. The quarterback had twenty carries for ninety yards.
Many of those tosses by the Panthers the Gryphons had men in place to make defensive plays but it was hard to stop them when many times they went for it on fourth down. Hard to believe the stats that the Gryphons held them to 204 yards on only 29 pass attempts. Seemed like they passed a lot more.
The trio of Gryphon backs with the most carries over the playoff Haul have done the job which has to give the Gryphon blockers credit that on the final offensive play the Gryphons run up the middle practically untouched. There are times when you need to loosen up eight men in the box Forest Bell was perfect passing the ball. The Gryphons averaged 9.3 yards per play on 48 plays. The defense held the Panthers to 302 yards on 59 plays or right at five yards per play. Morehead wanted to control the ball and they did but they could not stop the Gryphons when their defense was on the field.
It was the largest crowd at the new school's football field. I do have to question where the Rocky Mount band was? The Morehead crowd was their early except for their band that didn't arrive until middle of the second quarter. The Gryphon crowd didn't get seated until the end of the first quarter. The Panther cheerleader were the best we have seen all year. They cheered base on what was happening and they had the crowd cheering with them. Once the band got there they never stopped playing.
This third round game shows you how some where you have to play defense. Morehead gave up 35 points two games in a row and they just could not score enough points to keep winning. This was the best game I've seen in a while. The next question for the Gryphons is can they keep out scoring further foes for two more weeks?
This Monday in order to be State Champions in football the Gryphons need two wins in eleven days as the 3A championship is Friday night in Chapel Hill at 7:30pm. Ooh so close.
The Gryphons displayed their entire game plan in all three. Let's pound pound pound and see how things look in the fourth quarter. Morehead deployed the passing game designed to give their backs the ball outside the tackle box area because of their thirty rushing attempts only ten snaps went to the backs for eight yards. The quarterback had twenty carries for ninety yards.
Many of those tosses by the Panthers the Gryphons had men in place to make defensive plays but it was hard to stop them when many times they went for it on fourth down. Hard to believe the stats that the Gryphons held them to 204 yards on only 29 pass attempts. Seemed like they passed a lot more.
The trio of Gryphon backs with the most carries over the playoff Haul have done the job which has to give the Gryphon blockers credit that on the final offensive play the Gryphons run up the middle practically untouched. There are times when you need to loosen up eight men in the box Forest Bell was perfect passing the ball. The Gryphons averaged 9.3 yards per play on 48 plays. The defense held the Panthers to 302 yards on 59 plays or right at five yards per play. Morehead wanted to control the ball and they did but they could not stop the Gryphons when their defense was on the field.
It was the largest crowd at the new school's football field. I do have to question where the Rocky Mount band was? The Morehead crowd was their early except for their band that didn't arrive until middle of the second quarter. The Gryphon crowd didn't get seated until the end of the first quarter. The Panther cheerleader were the best we have seen all year. They cheered base on what was happening and they had the crowd cheering with them. Once the band got there they never stopped playing.
This third round game shows you how some where you have to play defense. Morehead gave up 35 points two games in a row and they just could not score enough points to keep winning. This was the best game I've seen in a while. The next question for the Gryphons is can they keep out scoring further foes for two more weeks?
This Monday in order to be State Champions in football the Gryphons need two wins in eleven days as the 3A championship is Friday night in Chapel Hill at 7:30pm. Ooh so close.
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