Northern Nash was the favorite going into Saturday's Eastern Regional cross country championships on their home course at Red Oak Middle and there was no doubt that the Knights are the best in the East and have earned the right to run the the state championship next weekend. They win the 3A Eastern Regional Cross Country Championships.
Probably the only disappointment on the day is no Knight won the indivual title but that was not needed when all five Knight runners finished in the top 22 runners led by senior Daniel Belton who ran the 3.1 miles in 16:06. Seniors Stephen Whitehead 5th running 16:20 and Coleman Cherry 6th ran a 16:25. Two freshmen made sure the Knights brought home the biggest trophy as ninth graders Jordan Richardson 17:01 finished 17th and running fifth in 22nd was Tyric Hill.
Hoping for and outside shot to make the state championship meet both Rocky Mount Girls and Northern go home disappointed as Rocky Mount ran 6th and Northern Nash 8th but you have to finish in top four teams to qualify for the state.
Another disappointed team is Rocky Mount's Brenna Bryant-Chandler Brice who lost in the 3A doubles tennis championship semi finals to the Terry Sanford's Huda McGraw- Sophia McGraw. 6-2 - 6-1. Bryant and Brice will be back in action Monday at 4pm when they will be joined by the rest of their teammates in the third round of the 3A duels. They will take on Union Pines from Cameron.
Hunt finished the Big East boys soccer season 10-0 and the regular season champions. Fike and Southern Nash were 7-3 in conferences games finished tied for second.
Campbell won their first Big South Cross Country championship Saturday. Former Gryphon Mason Holt a junior was named to the Big South All Academic team.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Friday, October 30, 2015
Second Half Push
If you went to Rocky Mount looking for a championship quality game you didn't see it in the first half as Rocky Mount produced 3 fumbles and an interception all on the Southern Nash side of the field. The Firebirds had two fumbles and an interception. It is a wonder with the ball changing hands
That either side scored but they did and it was dead even at the half 14-14.
The Gryphons struck first when Rodquan White picking up a Firebird fumble and race 16 yards for a Gryphon touchdown. The next two scores belonged to Southern Nash 's Kendrick Bell as he scored on runs of 13 and 14 yards to give Southern Nash the lead. Rocky Mount scored just before the half 14 seconds to go on a six yard tote by Nick Bynum.
The fumbles continued in the third when Firebird quarterback Zack Foster was sacked and Gryphon Sherrod Green scooped and scored on a 68 yard fumble recovery. The Gryphons finished the 3rd quarter in fine fashion scoring on a Nick Bynum 36 yard jaunt to give the Gryphons a 28 14 third quarter lead.
The Gryphons stopped turning the ball over in the second half and Terrell Forbes joined the touchdown club with three minutes to play on a 20 yard run. Rocky Mount earns the number one seed and the Big East crown the first for Jason Battle by downing Southern Nash 35-14.
Final Fike 19 Northern Nash 6. Knights dominated first half only to lead 6-0. All Golden Demons in second half
Final Tarboro 51 Northampton 8
Final Hunt 49 Nash Central 0
Riverside Martin 66 Rocky Mount Prep 0
Final South Creek 32 North Edgecombe 14
Final SWE 49 North Johnston 0
Thank goodness for the mercy rule of running clock. Rocky Mount Academy 48 Halifax Academy 0
That either side scored but they did and it was dead even at the half 14-14.
The Gryphons struck first when Rodquan White picking up a Firebird fumble and race 16 yards for a Gryphon touchdown. The next two scores belonged to Southern Nash 's Kendrick Bell as he scored on runs of 13 and 14 yards to give Southern Nash the lead. Rocky Mount scored just before the half 14 seconds to go on a six yard tote by Nick Bynum.
The fumbles continued in the third when Firebird quarterback Zack Foster was sacked and Gryphon Sherrod Green scooped and scored on a 68 yard fumble recovery. The Gryphons finished the 3rd quarter in fine fashion scoring on a Nick Bynum 36 yard jaunt to give the Gryphons a 28 14 third quarter lead.
The Gryphons stopped turning the ball over in the second half and Terrell Forbes joined the touchdown club with three minutes to play on a 20 yard run. Rocky Mount earns the number one seed and the Big East crown the first for Jason Battle by downing Southern Nash 35-14.
Final Fike 19 Northern Nash 6. Knights dominated first half only to lead 6-0. All Golden Demons in second half
Final Tarboro 51 Northampton 8
Final Hunt 49 Nash Central 0
Riverside Martin 66 Rocky Mount Prep 0
Final South Creek 32 North Edgecombe 14
Final SWE 49 North Johnston 0
Thank goodness for the mercy rule of running clock. Rocky Mount Academy 48 Halifax Academy 0
Halloween Football
Brenna Bryant and Chandler Brice have won two doubles matches today in Burlington and have now survived to the semi-finals Of the state 3A doubles Championships Saturday morning at the Burlington Tennis Center at 9am. Rocky Mount's number two team of Fike and Thompson won their round of 16 match up but lost in the round of eight.
Did Florida State's loss hurt Clemson's chances to make the college final four. They are 3rd in the polls but seriously who is better in college football. I think Dabo is following the Bobby Bowen theory. Pour it on the whole game.
Clemson 7-0 @ NC State 5-2: I truly believe Clemson is best team in the country. One of the only ways to impress voters or the computers is win win and win big. I just hope the score is not like last year. Clemson 38 Pack 14.
Miami 4-3 @ Duke 6-1: Humm Fire your coach with a winning record. Down hill from here for
Miami. Duke's play calling very questionable at Virginia Tech but it is a road win. Duke needs to find some offense quick. Duke 26 Miami 10
Syracuse 3-4 @ Florida St 6-1: I pity Syracuse this week. Bad week to have to play FSU after they get a wake up call. FSU 45 Cuse 24
The
Georgia Tech 3-5 @ Virginia 2-5: I still think the wreck is better than their record. The Cavs play better at home. Tech 31 Virginia 27
Louisville 3-4 @ Wake Forest 3-5: If Wake can't beat State in Winston who can they beat any where. Louisville 38 Wake Forest 17
Virginia Tech 3-5 @ BC 3-5: VT looks better with a healthy QB. I think the Gobblers healthy enough to win this one. VT 20 BC 10
NC Wesleyan 2-5 @ Averitt 1-5: Battling Bishops have played much better over the last four games winning two of them. Just might make it 3 out of five Bishops 36 Averitt 24.
This morning the top two doubles teams from Rocky Mount High play in the state doubles tournament. Brenna Bryant and Chandler Brice are seeded as a number one. Eliza Fike and Mary Blair Thompson are the number two in the east.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Game Of Century Week
Had a horrible 4-4 week to drop to 58-13 on the year. North East Carolina Prep season is over and we now look at the next to last week of the high school football regular season.
SWE 8-1 @ North Johnston 5-4: The Cougars have injuries in the offensive line which is not good for a running football team. North Johnston has lost three in a row and I think the Cougars are just too powerful for them SWE 26 North Johnston 19
Rocky Mount Prep 1-6 @ Riverside Martin 6-3. Riverside is the second best team behind Tarboro in the conference. Enough said. Riverside Martin 36 RM Prep 8.
North Edgecombe 5-3 @ South Creek 6-2: the Warriors have fallen on hard times. The team from Robersonville seems to be playing better than NE right now. South Creek 30 North Edgecombe 25
Tarboro 8-1 @ Northampton County 5-4: Don't know if Tarboro has ever been to Conway before. Hard place to play out in the middle of Northampton County and where the football field is it gives you the feel you are playing in the middle of a field. Tarboro 42 Northampton 16
Rocky Mount Academy 6-3 @ Halifax Academy 2-7: Final regular season game for RMA before playoffs. This game will be a game of not getting any more injuries this close to the playoffs. Eagles 44 Halifax 6.
Nash Central 1-8 @ Hunt 6-3: Hunt has lost two conference games in a row which hasn't happened often in their history. Nash Central is floundering on defense. Hunt big 45 -14
Fike 5-4 @ Northern Nash 3-6: Northern may be good enough defensively to hold down the Golden Demons. Northern has gotten better all season on offense. Northern just might pull this one out and since the preseason coaches pick Fike first and Northern last that would be a major upset but not the way both teams are playing now. NN 27 Fike 20
Southern Nash 7-2@ Rocky Mount 7-2: I see this game coming down to Rocky Mount ability to rush the passer. Both sides should be equal running the ball. The Gryphons have been beaten in the pass game against some really good receivers. Nobody has stopped the Gryphons on offense. The Firebirds have balanced passing and running. Rocky Mount has been shaky passing the last couple of weeks.
You realize that The Firebirds have played at Fike, at Hunt and will now play at Rocky Mount. Boy talk about a tough conference schedule. Rocky Mount's two losses come from the #4 Middle Creek and #21 Rose ranked 4-A schools. Should have beat the #4 Middle Creek team. The Firebirds lost to #2 Tarboro in 1-A and a team lower than them #40 South Johnston. I like the Gryphons 28-20
The loser will not have a high seed but should get at least one home game. The winner because of the two losses could get at least two home games if they win their first playoff so a lot is on the line and it is not November yet.
SWE 8-1 @ North Johnston 5-4: The Cougars have injuries in the offensive line which is not good for a running football team. North Johnston has lost three in a row and I think the Cougars are just too powerful for them SWE 26 North Johnston 19
Rocky Mount Prep 1-6 @ Riverside Martin 6-3. Riverside is the second best team behind Tarboro in the conference. Enough said. Riverside Martin 36 RM Prep 8.
North Edgecombe 5-3 @ South Creek 6-2: the Warriors have fallen on hard times. The team from Robersonville seems to be playing better than NE right now. South Creek 30 North Edgecombe 25
Tarboro 8-1 @ Northampton County 5-4: Don't know if Tarboro has ever been to Conway before. Hard place to play out in the middle of Northampton County and where the football field is it gives you the feel you are playing in the middle of a field. Tarboro 42 Northampton 16
Rocky Mount Academy 6-3 @ Halifax Academy 2-7: Final regular season game for RMA before playoffs. This game will be a game of not getting any more injuries this close to the playoffs. Eagles 44 Halifax 6.
Nash Central 1-8 @ Hunt 6-3: Hunt has lost two conference games in a row which hasn't happened often in their history. Nash Central is floundering on defense. Hunt big 45 -14
Fike 5-4 @ Northern Nash 3-6: Northern may be good enough defensively to hold down the Golden Demons. Northern has gotten better all season on offense. Northern just might pull this one out and since the preseason coaches pick Fike first and Northern last that would be a major upset but not the way both teams are playing now. NN 27 Fike 20
Southern Nash 7-2@ Rocky Mount 7-2: I see this game coming down to Rocky Mount ability to rush the passer. Both sides should be equal running the ball. The Gryphons have been beaten in the pass game against some really good receivers. Nobody has stopped the Gryphons on offense. The Firebirds have balanced passing and running. Rocky Mount has been shaky passing the last couple of weeks.
You realize that The Firebirds have played at Fike, at Hunt and will now play at Rocky Mount. Boy talk about a tough conference schedule. Rocky Mount's two losses come from the #4 Middle Creek and #21 Rose ranked 4-A schools. Should have beat the #4 Middle Creek team. The Firebirds lost to #2 Tarboro in 1-A and a team lower than them #40 South Johnston. I like the Gryphons 28-20
The loser will not have a high seed but should get at least one home game. The winner because of the two losses could get at least two home games if they win their first playoff so a lot is on the line and it is not November yet.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Tennis Title Up For Grabs Friday/ Saturday
Friday morning at 9am at the Burlington Tennis Center two doubles teams from Rocky Mount take aim at a State championship. Rocky Mount's #1 team Brenna Bryant and Chandler Brice will square of with Ashley Robinson-Andrea Brenk from Concord. The Gryphon's #2 team Eliza Fike- Mary Blair Thompson face Ryleigh Burns- Hannah Scott of Marvin Ridge.
Should they win their Morning match and the field is reduced to 8 teams there will be a afternoon session. If you win both matches you come back Saturday morning at 9am when we are down to four to win twice again on Saturday. You must remember that there are also 8 singles matches following the same process as doubles so it will be mid afternoon both Friday and Saturday before there will be any official announcement of the winners unless you know someone on site feeding you the action.
Now the NFL:
It is a struggle this year picking NFL games. Just did get more than half right 8-6 running my year's record To 57- 48. Nothing at all to brag about. So we will try once more to act like we know what we are doing.
Dolphins 3-3 @ Patriots 6-0: Really would like to pick the fish in this one but remember this is a AFC East game in Boston. Pats 27 Dolphins 20
Lions 1-6 @ Chiefs 2-5: Here's a real high profile game that all the nation will follow. Chiefs do have some defense but no offense. Lions have neither of the above. Chiefs 23 Lions 16
Tampa 2-4 @ Falcons 6-1: Bucs are competitive and Falcons are up and down. They will be up in this one. 30-23 Falcons.
Cardinals 5-2 @ Browns 2-5: Browns will make this a game but who will quarterback? Cardinals had better keep up the pace as they had better be watching the Rams and the Seahawks on their tail. Cards 30 Browns 23
49's 2-5 @ Rams 3-3: Any body noticed that the Rams are a different team with Todd Gurley running. Rams 30 9er's16
Giant's 4-3 @ Saints 3-4: let's see who is in the lead in NFC East? Must be Giants this week so that must mean they lose. Saints 31 Giants 27
Vikings 4-2 @ Bears 2-4: can Bears slow down Peterson and I think that answer is no. 27-16 Vikes.
Chargers 2-5 @ Ravens 1-6: Philip Rivers has a chance to pass for more yardage this year in history. They have no offensive line and their defense actually steps on the field once in a while. Chargers will always be behind and with no line Rivers has to let it go as soon as he gets it and yet he completes nearly 70% to his team. Ravens 35 Chargers 31
Bengals 6-0 @ Steelers 4-3: I don't really think Steeler defense is that good. Bengals coming off bye may be fresh. Bengals 35 Steelers 20.
Titans 1-5@ Texans 2-5: Is there going to be a tie this year this might be it. If there has to be a winner I'll take Texans 3-2
Jets 4-2 @ Raiders 3-3: Raiders are on the rise. Jets are not playing New England. Oakland is alway difficult on the bay. Raiders 24 Jets 23
Seahawks 3-4 @ Cowboys 2-4: Let me tell you about the Cowboys. Any owner who backs the action of Greg a Hardy and praises him as a leader must have dementia. Cowboys are in trouble with this kind of leadership. Seahawks 27 Boys 17
Packers 6-0 @ Broncos 6-0. A couple of teams have shown teams how to slow down Aaron Rogers but Packers defense backed up Rogers. Denver's offense has not backed up the Denver defense. Packers 20 Broncos 13.
Colts 3-4 @ Panthers 6-0: Still the Panthers haven't beaten a team with a winning record. Guess what Colts have lost more than they have won. Can't blame Panthers for winning their scheduled games. Panthers 30 Colts 23
Should they win their Morning match and the field is reduced to 8 teams there will be a afternoon session. If you win both matches you come back Saturday morning at 9am when we are down to four to win twice again on Saturday. You must remember that there are also 8 singles matches following the same process as doubles so it will be mid afternoon both Friday and Saturday before there will be any official announcement of the winners unless you know someone on site feeding you the action.
Now the NFL:
It is a struggle this year picking NFL games. Just did get more than half right 8-6 running my year's record To 57- 48. Nothing at all to brag about. So we will try once more to act like we know what we are doing.
Dolphins 3-3 @ Patriots 6-0: Really would like to pick the fish in this one but remember this is a AFC East game in Boston. Pats 27 Dolphins 20
Lions 1-6 @ Chiefs 2-5: Here's a real high profile game that all the nation will follow. Chiefs do have some defense but no offense. Lions have neither of the above. Chiefs 23 Lions 16
Tampa 2-4 @ Falcons 6-1: Bucs are competitive and Falcons are up and down. They will be up in this one. 30-23 Falcons.
Cardinals 5-2 @ Browns 2-5: Browns will make this a game but who will quarterback? Cardinals had better keep up the pace as they had better be watching the Rams and the Seahawks on their tail. Cards 30 Browns 23
49's 2-5 @ Rams 3-3: Any body noticed that the Rams are a different team with Todd Gurley running. Rams 30 9er's16
Giant's 4-3 @ Saints 3-4: let's see who is in the lead in NFC East? Must be Giants this week so that must mean they lose. Saints 31 Giants 27
Vikings 4-2 @ Bears 2-4: can Bears slow down Peterson and I think that answer is no. 27-16 Vikes.
Chargers 2-5 @ Ravens 1-6: Philip Rivers has a chance to pass for more yardage this year in history. They have no offensive line and their defense actually steps on the field once in a while. Chargers will always be behind and with no line Rivers has to let it go as soon as he gets it and yet he completes nearly 70% to his team. Ravens 35 Chargers 31
Bengals 6-0 @ Steelers 4-3: I don't really think Steeler defense is that good. Bengals coming off bye may be fresh. Bengals 35 Steelers 20.
Titans 1-5@ Texans 2-5: Is there going to be a tie this year this might be it. If there has to be a winner I'll take Texans 3-2
Jets 4-2 @ Raiders 3-3: Raiders are on the rise. Jets are not playing New England. Oakland is alway difficult on the bay. Raiders 24 Jets 23
Seahawks 3-4 @ Cowboys 2-4: Let me tell you about the Cowboys. Any owner who backs the action of Greg a Hardy and praises him as a leader must have dementia. Cowboys are in trouble with this kind of leadership. Seahawks 27 Boys 17
Packers 6-0 @ Broncos 6-0. A couple of teams have shown teams how to slow down Aaron Rogers but Packers defense backed up Rogers. Denver's offense has not backed up the Denver defense. Packers 20 Broncos 13.
Colts 3-4 @ Panthers 6-0: Still the Panthers haven't beaten a team with a winning record. Guess what Colts have lost more than they have won. Can't blame Panthers for winning their scheduled games. Panthers 30 Colts 23
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Game Of The Century
This is the Big East Football. Week eleven gives us two more weeks of conference football. If this was a normal year three teams would be 2-1 in conference and the other three 1-2 and every team still have hopes of tying for first some how or other.
This is a crazy year with two weeks left only two teams can win the title. Those two are three and zero on conference. Southern Nash has wins over both Wilson County schools and rival Northern Nash. Rocky Mount has two wins over the Wilson County schools and Nash Central. Both Southern and Rocky Mount have a rival game left and against each other Friday night. The winner is the number one seed in the playoffs and another week left after this one.
Fike, Hunt and Northern Nash are 1-2 and still can get a rather good seeding with a good last two weeks. Because either Southern Nash or Rocky Mount will win Friday and remain undefeated those three have no chance left for first. What a crazy year this has become because this is not the way the last few years have been each year since the conference went to the Six schools we have now.
Rocky Mount through the years has dominated against Southern Nash when Rocky Mount was the 4-A school and Southern was smaller but the last ten years they have split 5 wins each. Both are 4-1 at home and Friday night is in Rocky Mount. There will be no need to score board watching Friday as no other game matters. This game is THE Game.
This Even Steven football against each other started in 2006 in that overtime won by Southern at Southern 21-20. The 2009 game in Rocky Mount when the Gryphons scored on a 65 yard pass in the last 25 seconds to win 24-19. This series has become about as even as any can get.
If the last ten years have been even how do they stack up this year?
Both teams are 7-2. Both have won four in a row after both had two non conference losses against very good teams. Southern Nash averages 250.8 yards per game rushing while Rocky Mount 250.00. Southern passes 120 yards per game Rocky Mount 90. The three conference games the
Firebirds are averaging 29.3 while the Gryphons 41. Defending the goal line Southern has given up 15 points while Rocky Mount 18.
The History of this league has been we need to win this game and watch the score board and see who loses. There is no need for that. This should be the biggest crowd ever at Rocky Mount's new stadium. Southern probably has the best fans when on the road as they come in droves whenever they play Rocky Mount. Here is an outdated statement. This one is for all the marbles. I wonder how many of you have ever gone home from school with every bodies marbles at recess? Somebody is going to win the whole shebang.
Thursday night college football features a game that I doubt anybody could visions this game could have playoffs implications in preseason. North Carolina 6-1 @ Pittsburgh 6-1: Carolina at times has struggled when you wonder why they are struggling. Pittsburgh struggles against everybody. Carolina 27 Pitt 24
Beating the rains Rocky Mount girls tennis team advanced to the third round of the duels beating Rockingham county 6-0. So far in the first two rounds the lady Gryphons at 12-0 in matches played. The third round is next week.
This is a crazy year with two weeks left only two teams can win the title. Those two are three and zero on conference. Southern Nash has wins over both Wilson County schools and rival Northern Nash. Rocky Mount has two wins over the Wilson County schools and Nash Central. Both Southern and Rocky Mount have a rival game left and against each other Friday night. The winner is the number one seed in the playoffs and another week left after this one.
Fike, Hunt and Northern Nash are 1-2 and still can get a rather good seeding with a good last two weeks. Because either Southern Nash or Rocky Mount will win Friday and remain undefeated those three have no chance left for first. What a crazy year this has become because this is not the way the last few years have been each year since the conference went to the Six schools we have now.
Rocky Mount through the years has dominated against Southern Nash when Rocky Mount was the 4-A school and Southern was smaller but the last ten years they have split 5 wins each. Both are 4-1 at home and Friday night is in Rocky Mount. There will be no need to score board watching Friday as no other game matters. This game is THE Game.
This Even Steven football against each other started in 2006 in that overtime won by Southern at Southern 21-20. The 2009 game in Rocky Mount when the Gryphons scored on a 65 yard pass in the last 25 seconds to win 24-19. This series has become about as even as any can get.
If the last ten years have been even how do they stack up this year?
Both teams are 7-2. Both have won four in a row after both had two non conference losses against very good teams. Southern Nash averages 250.8 yards per game rushing while Rocky Mount 250.00. Southern passes 120 yards per game Rocky Mount 90. The three conference games the
Firebirds are averaging 29.3 while the Gryphons 41. Defending the goal line Southern has given up 15 points while Rocky Mount 18.
The History of this league has been we need to win this game and watch the score board and see who loses. There is no need for that. This should be the biggest crowd ever at Rocky Mount's new stadium. Southern probably has the best fans when on the road as they come in droves whenever they play Rocky Mount. Here is an outdated statement. This one is for all the marbles. I wonder how many of you have ever gone home from school with every bodies marbles at recess? Somebody is going to win the whole shebang.
Thursday night college football features a game that I doubt anybody could visions this game could have playoffs implications in preseason. North Carolina 6-1 @ Pittsburgh 6-1: Carolina at times has struggled when you wonder why they are struggling. Pittsburgh struggles against everybody. Carolina 27 Pitt 24
Beating the rains Rocky Mount girls tennis team advanced to the third round of the duels beating Rockingham county 6-0. So far in the first two rounds the lady Gryphons at 12-0 in matches played. The third round is next week.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Are The Stars In Line For The Lady Gryphons?
It doesn't always matter how much talent you have sometimes it comes down to being good teammates. Before this year started Rocky Mount Lady Gryphons tennis team returned their top three singles players who were also the top doubles team. Insert an up and coming sophomore and if you don't look out jealousy can infect the entire team.
Coach Barry Nettercutt inserted sophomore Brenna Bryant as the Lady Gryphon number one player. That dropped Chandler Brice to the number two. It also leveled last year's number two to fall to the number three player Eliza Fike. Just maybe it would lead to the breakup of the number one doubles team of Brice and Fike. If all the changes bring on internal tensions then this year's team just might turn out to be a season of what could have been.
Even if the top three accept their new roles those posing as the 4-5-6 singles and 3rd doubles must also elevate their play in order to make the Lady Gryphons an elite team so insert as the number four singles Mary Blair Thompson a junior who also dropped a spot in the singles line up. Sarah Bland junior would ride the five singles and Grace Warren junior would anchor the 6th singles. These spots also created the third doubles team in Sarah Bland and Grace Warren.
Coaches all the time talk about senior leadership and this Lady Gryphon tennis team had great leadership all season. Brice, Fike and Thompson all took their spots gracefully. The second round of the team playoffs is Tuesday at 4pm at the Rocky Mount High court where they will meet Rockingham County 12-2. So far this season the Lady Gryphons are 13-0 as a team.
Sophomore Brenna Bryant as the one singles went 12-1 on the season. Chandler Brice stands 13-0 as the number two. Eliza Fike 9-1 as three singles 9-1. Number four singles Mary Blair Thompson 8-2, five singles Sarah Bland 10-0 and the sixth singles Grace Warren went 9-1. You add all those scores up and it comes down to a record of 70-6 record by the top six all year.
You take a coach that saw how this team could be better with changes, you add players that accepted their role as what was best for the team. Then you add what the entire team did seeing what role required of them and this team could be playing a couple weeks more in the duels.
But, there is more Nettercutt's changes the new doubles teams have been as good as the singles. The Bryant/Brice number one doubles team went 9-1 on the season. Number two duo of Fike/Thompson went 9-1 and the third team of Bland/Warren went 9-0. 27-2 to go along with 70-6 in singles. No wonder this team has a shot at a state team title but there is yet so much left to do.
This past weekend in the Eastern Regional in Wilson the number one and two doubles team went 6-0 against other doubles teams. The only loss incurred was when Bryant /Brice beat Fike /Thompson for the regional title. Finishing second both of Rocky Mount's doubles teams qualify for the doubles championship Friday at 9am at the Burlington Tennis Center.
Rocky Mount has sent teams to the singles and doubles championship before. This just may be the first time that those in the know Rocky Mount top two doubles teams have a real shot at the state title. Good luck this week Lady Gryphons.
Coach Barry Nettercutt inserted sophomore Brenna Bryant as the Lady Gryphon number one player. That dropped Chandler Brice to the number two. It also leveled last year's number two to fall to the number three player Eliza Fike. Just maybe it would lead to the breakup of the number one doubles team of Brice and Fike. If all the changes bring on internal tensions then this year's team just might turn out to be a season of what could have been.
Even if the top three accept their new roles those posing as the 4-5-6 singles and 3rd doubles must also elevate their play in order to make the Lady Gryphons an elite team so insert as the number four singles Mary Blair Thompson a junior who also dropped a spot in the singles line up. Sarah Bland junior would ride the five singles and Grace Warren junior would anchor the 6th singles. These spots also created the third doubles team in Sarah Bland and Grace Warren.
Coaches all the time talk about senior leadership and this Lady Gryphon tennis team had great leadership all season. Brice, Fike and Thompson all took their spots gracefully. The second round of the team playoffs is Tuesday at 4pm at the Rocky Mount High court where they will meet Rockingham County 12-2. So far this season the Lady Gryphons are 13-0 as a team.
Sophomore Brenna Bryant as the one singles went 12-1 on the season. Chandler Brice stands 13-0 as the number two. Eliza Fike 9-1 as three singles 9-1. Number four singles Mary Blair Thompson 8-2, five singles Sarah Bland 10-0 and the sixth singles Grace Warren went 9-1. You add all those scores up and it comes down to a record of 70-6 record by the top six all year.
You take a coach that saw how this team could be better with changes, you add players that accepted their role as what was best for the team. Then you add what the entire team did seeing what role required of them and this team could be playing a couple weeks more in the duels.
But, there is more Nettercutt's changes the new doubles teams have been as good as the singles. The Bryant/Brice number one doubles team went 9-1 on the season. Number two duo of Fike/Thompson went 9-1 and the third team of Bland/Warren went 9-0. 27-2 to go along with 70-6 in singles. No wonder this team has a shot at a state team title but there is yet so much left to do.
This past weekend in the Eastern Regional in Wilson the number one and two doubles team went 6-0 against other doubles teams. The only loss incurred was when Bryant /Brice beat Fike /Thompson for the regional title. Finishing second both of Rocky Mount's doubles teams qualify for the doubles championship Friday at 9am at the Burlington Tennis Center.
Rocky Mount has sent teams to the singles and doubles championship before. This just may be the first time that those in the know Rocky Mount top two doubles teams have a real shot at the state title. Good luck this week Lady Gryphons.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Fall Season Unsung Hero
The fall sport season is almost complete as many playoffs are now underway and today we want to look at one of those hero's that is doing an outstanding job in the sports he is coaching. Today we want to feature Jeff Dodrill the Northern Nash Cross Country coach who earlier this week added another conference title to the already full banner at Northern.
Jeff grew up in West Virginia where he lettered two years in both Cross County and basketball. His college days were spent at Fairmont State College in Fairmont West Virginia. Starting his sophomore year he walked on to the cross country team where he ran for three seasons.
1989 Jeff taught at a junior high in West Virginia and was the junior high CC coach and won the conference crown. Jeff got a job in Halifax County North Carolina starting in 1990 but began coaching at Northern Nash in 1991. He moved in 1993 over to Nash County where he taught at W.L. Green Middle and stayed there until Greene closed and transferred to Red Oak where he has been ever since.
Size is no object in running and during his life Jeff has run 25 Marathons including the Boston Marathon three times. Jeff is one of those coaches that has a special quality that can make both boys and girls want to love to run. I have a hard enough time walking 3.1 miles and even today Jeff loves to set personal best times and it has spread though out the cross country teams now for 24 years.
Those 24 years have produced girls conference championship 13 times. Twice the girls have been regional champs. 12 times the boys have hoisted conference championship banners including this year. They have been regionals champs three times and runner up once.
During his tenure he coached the indoor track team for ten years until 2003 and won the indoor state championship in 1994. Through 2004 he coach track and field in the spring for ten years and won the conference crown six times and regional champs once and runner ups once.
Jeff doesn't sit on his championships after the fall. He is athletic director at Red Oak and coached boys basketball from 2003 up until this year and oh by the way won championships five times and had an overall coaching record of 161-43. Coaching varsity CC is a taxing job alone but Jeff has coached the Red Oak middle cross country seven of the last ten years and six of those years the boys won conference and the girls were champs four times.
What is it that Jeff knows to make kids want to sweat, train and want to be champions. I think a lot of it is runners at Red Oak and Northern want to keep up the winning tradition. Jeff has that ability to make kids want to dig deep into themselves to be just a little better today over yesterday. That is a hard job to do today in a world of social media, face book, selfies.
Jeff Dodrill is one of those special people standing in the background because cross country is an unknown sport to many. Those who have ever just been around him or ever played or run for him know that he is a special person making our world just a little better. You don't win this many times in what ever sport just on luck. Jeff Dodrill has something within him that he knows what it takes to make children want to do what he ask and when they follow through with his coaching they will be a champion. Our thanks to coaches like Jeff Dodrill. He's making our kids winners.
Jeff grew up in West Virginia where he lettered two years in both Cross County and basketball. His college days were spent at Fairmont State College in Fairmont West Virginia. Starting his sophomore year he walked on to the cross country team where he ran for three seasons.
1989 Jeff taught at a junior high in West Virginia and was the junior high CC coach and won the conference crown. Jeff got a job in Halifax County North Carolina starting in 1990 but began coaching at Northern Nash in 1991. He moved in 1993 over to Nash County where he taught at W.L. Green Middle and stayed there until Greene closed and transferred to Red Oak where he has been ever since.
Size is no object in running and during his life Jeff has run 25 Marathons including the Boston Marathon three times. Jeff is one of those coaches that has a special quality that can make both boys and girls want to love to run. I have a hard enough time walking 3.1 miles and even today Jeff loves to set personal best times and it has spread though out the cross country teams now for 24 years.
Those 24 years have produced girls conference championship 13 times. Twice the girls have been regional champs. 12 times the boys have hoisted conference championship banners including this year. They have been regionals champs three times and runner up once.
During his tenure he coached the indoor track team for ten years until 2003 and won the indoor state championship in 1994. Through 2004 he coach track and field in the spring for ten years and won the conference crown six times and regional champs once and runner ups once.
Jeff doesn't sit on his championships after the fall. He is athletic director at Red Oak and coached boys basketball from 2003 up until this year and oh by the way won championships five times and had an overall coaching record of 161-43. Coaching varsity CC is a taxing job alone but Jeff has coached the Red Oak middle cross country seven of the last ten years and six of those years the boys won conference and the girls were champs four times.
What is it that Jeff knows to make kids want to sweat, train and want to be champions. I think a lot of it is runners at Red Oak and Northern want to keep up the winning tradition. Jeff has that ability to make kids want to dig deep into themselves to be just a little better today over yesterday. That is a hard job to do today in a world of social media, face book, selfies.
Jeff Dodrill is one of those special people standing in the background because cross country is an unknown sport to many. Those who have ever just been around him or ever played or run for him know that he is a special person making our world just a little better. You don't win this many times in what ever sport just on luck. Jeff Dodrill has something within him that he knows what it takes to make children want to do what he ask and when they follow through with his coaching they will be a champion. Our thanks to coaches like Jeff Dodrill. He's making our kids winners.
Friday, October 23, 2015
A Little Slap in Face
Some times a good slap in the face gets you on track. Fike popped Rocky Mount with a 14-0 lead mid way of the second quarter and then it happened. Rocky Mount scored 21 in about three minutes. Down 14 Rocky Mount drove the field and scored on a Nick Bynum 6 yard run. First play for Fike from scrimmage Sherrod Green picked up a loose ball and rambled 26 yards for a Gryphon Touchdown. A Fike punt after a three and out Nick Bynum goes 70 yards to give Rocky Mount 21-14 half time lead.
The Gryphons fumble the second half squib kick and Fike scores on a 35 yard drive. Rocky Mount proceeds to take two drives the first B J Sanders scores from 15 yards out to up the lead to 28-20 as the Gryphons respond to the Fike score. After a Fike Punt to RM four yard line the Gryphons go 96 yards using up nearly nine minutes and Nick Bynum caps off a great Gryphon come back 35-20
You know ever since the Big East voted Northern Nash last in the preseason even though Nash Central was still on a 20 something losing streak it has been a focus for Northern all year. Tonight Northern Nash takes out a full season of frustration on Nash Central and rolls. Ahead 34-0 at the half
The Knights play with the Bulldogs like a kitten plays with a ball 51-0 Northern Nash.
Southern Nash broke a 13-13 tie and scored with :26 seconds to play to beat the Hunt Warriors 20-13. This sets up a Rocky Mount Southern Nash winner take all game next week in Rocky Mount for the number one seed in a big East
Final St David's 46 RMA 22
Final SWE 35 Farmville Cent 20
Final Northampton 34 North Edgecombe 32
Final Tarboro 49 Riverside Martin 28
Final South Creek 44 Rocky Mount Prep 8
1St round of Volleyball playoffs Eastern Alamance 3-1 over Rocky Mount. Hunt plays noon Saturday , Fike 6pm Saturday night
The Gryphons fumble the second half squib kick and Fike scores on a 35 yard drive. Rocky Mount proceeds to take two drives the first B J Sanders scores from 15 yards out to up the lead to 28-20 as the Gryphons respond to the Fike score. After a Fike Punt to RM four yard line the Gryphons go 96 yards using up nearly nine minutes and Nick Bynum caps off a great Gryphon come back 35-20
You know ever since the Big East voted Northern Nash last in the preseason even though Nash Central was still on a 20 something losing streak it has been a focus for Northern all year. Tonight Northern Nash takes out a full season of frustration on Nash Central and rolls. Ahead 34-0 at the half
The Knights play with the Bulldogs like a kitten plays with a ball 51-0 Northern Nash.
Southern Nash broke a 13-13 tie and scored with :26 seconds to play to beat the Hunt Warriors 20-13. This sets up a Rocky Mount Southern Nash winner take all game next week in Rocky Mount for the number one seed in a big East
Final St David's 46 RMA 22
Final SWE 35 Farmville Cent 20
Final Northampton 34 North Edgecombe 32
Final Tarboro 49 Riverside Martin 28
Final South Creek 44 Rocky Mount Prep 8
1St round of Volleyball playoffs Eastern Alamance 3-1 over Rocky Mount. Hunt plays noon Saturday , Fike 6pm Saturday night
4th Saturday In October
Got six of eight games correct last week to make my over all college guesses 58-19 on the year.
North Carolina Wesleyan 1-5 is home for home coming. Just maybe the last two losses suffered by the Battling Bishops were improving efforts as the Bishops seem close to getting another win. I'm going with the Bishops because they are playing better and home. Bishops over Greensboro College 2-4 26-23
Clemson 6-0 @ Miami 4-2: If Tigers want any part of four team playoffs they cannot sleep on any team. Miami is good but not great. Tigers win on the conference road 30-20
NC State 4-2 @ Wake Forest 3-4: I have no reason what so ever to pick the Pack in this game. Wake's offense scored 14 on Carolina which was a big day. It is do or die for Pack. 23-14 NC State
Pitt 5-1 @ Syracuse 3-3: Pitt is having a good season going up against their top conference rival. Pitt will hang on in this one. Pitt 26 Cuse 20
Boston College 3-4 @ Louisville 2-4: BC just can't score enough points to win this one. The Ville 34 BC 14
Duke 5-1 @ Virginia Tech 3-4: despite the spread in records Tech defense will give Duke offense plenty of Trouble. The question in this one is can Va Tech score on Duke's D? Duke 17 Tech 13
Virginia 2-4 @ North Carolina 5-1: the Tar Heels have convinced me. The offense is back on track and the Heels do have a defense. The only game they have left that would be considered a tossup game is Duke. Heels will be favored in every other game. Virginia has two wins at home and this one on the road. Carolina 41 Virginia 24
Florida State 6-0 @ Georgia Tech 2-5. Noles played their best game to date last week beating the Hurricanes. GT scares me cause they look better than their record. FSU plays like last week 40-24 over the rambling wreck.
Tonight is an interesting night for Big East football. If both Rocky Mount and Southern Nash win at their Wilson County game tonight they will play for the Big East #1 seed next week. If they both lose or only one lose tonight then it becomes a mad scramble to the finish. If the one that wins tonight wins next week then they are conference champs. This is of course the Big East and football is never decided before the last game of the season is finished.
North Carolina Wesleyan 1-5 is home for home coming. Just maybe the last two losses suffered by the Battling Bishops were improving efforts as the Bishops seem close to getting another win. I'm going with the Bishops because they are playing better and home. Bishops over Greensboro College 2-4 26-23
Clemson 6-0 @ Miami 4-2: If Tigers want any part of four team playoffs they cannot sleep on any team. Miami is good but not great. Tigers win on the conference road 30-20
NC State 4-2 @ Wake Forest 3-4: I have no reason what so ever to pick the Pack in this game. Wake's offense scored 14 on Carolina which was a big day. It is do or die for Pack. 23-14 NC State
Pitt 5-1 @ Syracuse 3-3: Pitt is having a good season going up against their top conference rival. Pitt will hang on in this one. Pitt 26 Cuse 20
Boston College 3-4 @ Louisville 2-4: BC just can't score enough points to win this one. The Ville 34 BC 14
Duke 5-1 @ Virginia Tech 3-4: despite the spread in records Tech defense will give Duke offense plenty of Trouble. The question in this one is can Va Tech score on Duke's D? Duke 17 Tech 13
Virginia 2-4 @ North Carolina 5-1: the Tar Heels have convinced me. The offense is back on track and the Heels do have a defense. The only game they have left that would be considered a tossup game is Duke. Heels will be favored in every other game. Virginia has two wins at home and this one on the road. Carolina 41 Virginia 24
Florida State 6-0 @ Georgia Tech 2-5. Noles played their best game to date last week beating the Hurricanes. GT scares me cause they look better than their record. FSU plays like last week 40-24 over the rambling wreck.
Tonight is an interesting night for Big East football. If both Rocky Mount and Southern Nash win at their Wilson County game tonight they will play for the Big East #1 seed next week. If they both lose or only one lose tonight then it becomes a mad scramble to the finish. If the one that wins tonight wins next week then they are conference champs. This is of course the Big East and football is never decided before the last game of the season is finished.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
A Meaningful Week
The Big East earns three slots in the state 3A Volleyball playoffs as top seed Hunt 15-6 is seeded 6th in the East will host Jacksonville 10-7 and the 27th seed. Rocky Mount 10-12 gets a home game as the two seed from the Big East and 16th seed in the east will host 17th seed Eastern Alamance 15-7. Fike 9-9 as the Big East #3 travels to Cleveland the 11th seed 19-3. VB playoffs start Saturday
We have come to week three in conference play and all three games are important regardless of where you are in the standings. 7-0 last week on picks to run my record on high school picks to 54-9. All there games are probably six point or less difference because of where the games are.
Northern Nash 2-6 @ Nash Central 1-7: As this season started I have swayed back and forth on this game. Early on I was picking Nash Central. A month ago I thought The Knights were coming together and here we are I have swung back to the Bulldogs. I think this is a shootout and Nash Central scores more. Bulldogs 45 Knights 35
The top four teams mix it up first Southern Nash 6-2 @ Hunt 6-2. This is a Big East football game where if either were in another conference they would be on top. I like Hunt in this one totally being the home team. Hunt 35 Southern Nash 27.
Rocky Mount 6-2 @ Fike 5-3. Fike has a very wide open offense and are going to score points on any body. Their problem they are facing the best offense in the Big East and I don't think Fike can keep Rocky Mount down unless Rocky Mount keeps themselves down with penalties and turnovers.
Gryphons 45 Fike 28.
Riverside Martin 6-2 @ Tarboro 7-1: looks as if Riverside is rising and this has become a real championship quality game. I might lean toward Riverside if this game was in Williamston but it is up river in Viking Land. Tarboro 35 Riverside 27
Northampton 4-4 @ North Edgecombe 5-2: This is a must for the Warriors. Warriors 26 Northampton 20
SouthWest Edgecombe 7-1 @ Farmville 4-4: Can the Cougars rebound from their worse game under a coach named Cobb. This will be close SWE 26 Farmville 21
St David's 8-0 @ Rocky Mount Academy 6-2: I am afraid that from here on out the size of St David will be hard to conquer until some other school comes along that is in population as large as they are becoming. ST David's 54 RMA 26
South Creek 5-2 @ RM Prep 1-4: South Creek is having a good year and can't afford a stumble against Prep. 36 -14 South Creek
Village Christian 3-4 at NorthEast Carolina Prep: NCP has been close in several games. They get over the hump this week. NCP 45 VC 22
Thursday night College football finds both App St and ECU on the tube tonight. Temple 7-0 @ ECU 4-3.. Haven't heard one word about Temple being undefeated. They have two quality wins. Pirates are really good at home against team when they are the underdog. Pirates 30 Temple 20
We have come to week three in conference play and all three games are important regardless of where you are in the standings. 7-0 last week on picks to run my record on high school picks to 54-9. All there games are probably six point or less difference because of where the games are.
Northern Nash 2-6 @ Nash Central 1-7: As this season started I have swayed back and forth on this game. Early on I was picking Nash Central. A month ago I thought The Knights were coming together and here we are I have swung back to the Bulldogs. I think this is a shootout and Nash Central scores more. Bulldogs 45 Knights 35
The top four teams mix it up first Southern Nash 6-2 @ Hunt 6-2. This is a Big East football game where if either were in another conference they would be on top. I like Hunt in this one totally being the home team. Hunt 35 Southern Nash 27.
Rocky Mount 6-2 @ Fike 5-3. Fike has a very wide open offense and are going to score points on any body. Their problem they are facing the best offense in the Big East and I don't think Fike can keep Rocky Mount down unless Rocky Mount keeps themselves down with penalties and turnovers.
Gryphons 45 Fike 28.
Riverside Martin 6-2 @ Tarboro 7-1: looks as if Riverside is rising and this has become a real championship quality game. I might lean toward Riverside if this game was in Williamston but it is up river in Viking Land. Tarboro 35 Riverside 27
Northampton 4-4 @ North Edgecombe 5-2: This is a must for the Warriors. Warriors 26 Northampton 20
SouthWest Edgecombe 7-1 @ Farmville 4-4: Can the Cougars rebound from their worse game under a coach named Cobb. This will be close SWE 26 Farmville 21
St David's 8-0 @ Rocky Mount Academy 6-2: I am afraid that from here on out the size of St David will be hard to conquer until some other school comes along that is in population as large as they are becoming. ST David's 54 RMA 26
South Creek 5-2 @ RM Prep 1-4: South Creek is having a good year and can't afford a stumble against Prep. 36 -14 South Creek
Village Christian 3-4 at NorthEast Carolina Prep: NCP has been close in several games. They get over the hump this week. NCP 45 VC 22
Thursday night College football finds both App St and ECU on the tube tonight. Temple 7-0 @ ECU 4-3.. Haven't heard one word about Temple being undefeated. They have two quality wins. Pirates are really good at home against team when they are the underdog. Pirates 30 Temple 20
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Lady Gryphons Roll
Rocky Mount looked for a tough match in the opening round of the NCHSAA state 3-A playoffs when once beaten Jacksonville rolled into town. Sunset came and Rocky Mount six singles players were winners as Rocky Mount sweeps the Cardinals 6-0 to advance to round two next Tuesday. Conference number two Fike lost 1-5 at Northern Guilford. Thursday singles and doubles player begin their quest to make it to state championship weekend.
Had a rather good day compared with other weeks going 10-4 in NFL games raising picks for the year to 49- 42. Mighty hard to pick NFL when worse team in the league can win on some days.
Thursday night game Seahawks 2-4 @ 49's 2-4: Seahawks have made it to last two Super Bowls because of their defense. Russell Wilson is doing ok but no longer is backed up by a great D. Niners win 23-21.
Bills 3-3 @ Jags 1-5: Bills have a chance to get a win and since this is a bad team Bills will play to Jacksonville level but will win somehow. 27-23
Tampa 2-3 @ Washington 2-4 Washington plays well at home and right now Winston looks like a rookie
Washington 26 Buc's 17
Falcon's 5-1 @ Titans 1-4 I think New Orleans got Atlanta's attention. 31-20 Falcons
Saints 2-4 Colts 3-3: Colts win 35 -27
Vikes 3-2 @ Lions 1-5: make it two in a row for Lions 34-24
Steelers 4-2@ Chiefs 1-5: Chiefs with no running game just doesn't have the quarter back to win. Steelers 30 Chiefs 17
Browns 2-4 @ Rams 2-3:Browns are just good enough to lose. Rams 30 Browns 24
Texans 2-4 @ Dolphins 2-3 coaching change has made a difference in South Florida Fish 24 Texans 20
Jets 4-1 @ Patriots 5-0:Jets will be pesky but will not win in Foxbourgh. Pats 31 Jets 20
Raiders 2-3@ Chargers 2-4: Chargers have lost four to teams with a combined 19-5 record. Eight of their last ten against teams with losing record plus twice against Bronco's and their luck can't hold out. In order get on a run need to beat Raiders who are always a load for Chargers. Chargers 26 Raiders 23
Cowboys 2-3@ Giants 3-3 Romoless Cowboys winless again. New York 26-20 over the boys
Eagles 3-3 @ Panthers 5-0: Everyone should be proud of the play of the Panthers and Cam is playing great but keep this in mind all five wins against losing teams. Sunday night lights Cats win 27-24
Ravens 1-5 @ Cardinals4-2: Cards stung twice last two weeks but not three weeks Cards 33 Ravens 24
Had a rather good day compared with other weeks going 10-4 in NFL games raising picks for the year to 49- 42. Mighty hard to pick NFL when worse team in the league can win on some days.
Thursday night game Seahawks 2-4 @ 49's 2-4: Seahawks have made it to last two Super Bowls because of their defense. Russell Wilson is doing ok but no longer is backed up by a great D. Niners win 23-21.
Bills 3-3 @ Jags 1-5: Bills have a chance to get a win and since this is a bad team Bills will play to Jacksonville level but will win somehow. 27-23
Tampa 2-3 @ Washington 2-4 Washington plays well at home and right now Winston looks like a rookie
Washington 26 Buc's 17
Falcon's 5-1 @ Titans 1-4 I think New Orleans got Atlanta's attention. 31-20 Falcons
Saints 2-4 Colts 3-3: Colts win 35 -27
Vikes 3-2 @ Lions 1-5: make it two in a row for Lions 34-24
Steelers 4-2@ Chiefs 1-5: Chiefs with no running game just doesn't have the quarter back to win. Steelers 30 Chiefs 17
Browns 2-4 @ Rams 2-3:Browns are just good enough to lose. Rams 30 Browns 24
Texans 2-4 @ Dolphins 2-3 coaching change has made a difference in South Florida Fish 24 Texans 20
Jets 4-1 @ Patriots 5-0:Jets will be pesky but will not win in Foxbourgh. Pats 31 Jets 20
Raiders 2-3@ Chargers 2-4: Chargers have lost four to teams with a combined 19-5 record. Eight of their last ten against teams with losing record plus twice against Bronco's and their luck can't hold out. In order get on a run need to beat Raiders who are always a load for Chargers. Chargers 26 Raiders 23
Cowboys 2-3@ Giants 3-3 Romoless Cowboys winless again. New York 26-20 over the boys
Eagles 3-3 @ Panthers 5-0: Everyone should be proud of the play of the Panthers and Cam is playing great but keep this in mind all five wins against losing teams. Sunday night lights Cats win 27-24
Ravens 1-5 @ Cardinals4-2: Cards stung twice last two weeks but not three weeks Cards 33 Ravens 24
Gryphon Undefeated Girls Tennis Start Playoffs
There is one thing about playoffs in the so called minor sports that the state doesn't mess around with the seedings like they do in basketball, baseball and football. The state can make income from ticket sales of the three major sports but women's tennis let's put all the number one seeds against another number one and get this playoff over with as soon as possible.
Tennis has this strange set up that today when the playoff starts that is the day teams compete against teams and on Thursday each tennis player plays either singles or doubles working their way through the brackets.
The brackets have been release in girls tennis and undefeated Rocky Mount gets a handful right out of the gate in the duel matches. They play once beaten Jacksonville in the opening round of the playoffs Today at 4pm at Rocky Mount. Rocky Mount in the seedings process is #1 seed. Jacksonville #1 in their conference has the third best overall record in the east.
Fike who only lost to Rocky Mount during the season is 16-2 on the season as a second place team they get to travel to Northern Guilford 12-5 on the season but conference champs. Barring rain by midnight there will only be eight teams left in the duel matches in the east.
If you were not there Friday night Rocky Mount's homecoming was one of the largest crowds since the move to the new school. Public schools are fighting budget cuts from the state and even from the county. It is vital that people go to football, basketball and baseball games so the funds receive through the gate helps pay for every sport on any campus in Nash County.
I was on the far sidelines but I heard after the game that there was at least two fights in the bleachers on the Rocky Mount side. Then there was the chase. Early in the third quarter a few plays after Rocky Mount kicked off to Hunt I saw a young person running across the field an at that second I thought they were running out to pick up the kicking tee that may have been left after the kickoff.
Just about time where the tee should have been I noticed that two police officers in pursuit of this person. He ran across the field as both teams were about 30 yards down the field. Once past the bench of Hunt he cut to the right and was running down the track in front of the Hunt crowd when Athletic Director Mike Gainey called out on the PA for someone to tackle the boy.
Several people made moves but by this time the young man was out of gas and fell face first on the track where the officers handcuffed him behind the Hunt bench but totally in front of the Hunt crowd.
The referee held up the game waiting for the officers to remove the indivual. They started moving him and near the goal line still on the track they took him down again and the ref delayed the game until he was totally removed.
If you think that fights are funny or the chase was hilarious you need to think again. There were many people who were going to their first game in several years but the fights and the flight across the field they will never attend a game again. Just think of the future dollars lost from uncontrolled people who have no respect for anyone except themselves. Most folks at the game did not feel safe and will have to think hard about going to any game ever again. Now this is not a Rocky Mount problem alone.
My favorite newsman of all time was Paul Harvey. I heard him say many times self government will not work without self discipline. Our country has lost self desipline. We only care about ourselves and don't care what our actions do to others.
We must as a society that gets control of ourselves and respect others. If we don't high school sports will only be played by those who will have to pay as if they were a travel league teams. No one will be allowed to watch because security can't be controlled with idiots watching who don't respect others.
Tennis has this strange set up that today when the playoff starts that is the day teams compete against teams and on Thursday each tennis player plays either singles or doubles working their way through the brackets.
The brackets have been release in girls tennis and undefeated Rocky Mount gets a handful right out of the gate in the duel matches. They play once beaten Jacksonville in the opening round of the playoffs Today at 4pm at Rocky Mount. Rocky Mount in the seedings process is #1 seed. Jacksonville #1 in their conference has the third best overall record in the east.
Fike who only lost to Rocky Mount during the season is 16-2 on the season as a second place team they get to travel to Northern Guilford 12-5 on the season but conference champs. Barring rain by midnight there will only be eight teams left in the duel matches in the east.
If you were not there Friday night Rocky Mount's homecoming was one of the largest crowds since the move to the new school. Public schools are fighting budget cuts from the state and even from the county. It is vital that people go to football, basketball and baseball games so the funds receive through the gate helps pay for every sport on any campus in Nash County.
I was on the far sidelines but I heard after the game that there was at least two fights in the bleachers on the Rocky Mount side. Then there was the chase. Early in the third quarter a few plays after Rocky Mount kicked off to Hunt I saw a young person running across the field an at that second I thought they were running out to pick up the kicking tee that may have been left after the kickoff.
Just about time where the tee should have been I noticed that two police officers in pursuit of this person. He ran across the field as both teams were about 30 yards down the field. Once past the bench of Hunt he cut to the right and was running down the track in front of the Hunt crowd when Athletic Director Mike Gainey called out on the PA for someone to tackle the boy.
Several people made moves but by this time the young man was out of gas and fell face first on the track where the officers handcuffed him behind the Hunt bench but totally in front of the Hunt crowd.
The referee held up the game waiting for the officers to remove the indivual. They started moving him and near the goal line still on the track they took him down again and the ref delayed the game until he was totally removed.
If you think that fights are funny or the chase was hilarious you need to think again. There were many people who were going to their first game in several years but the fights and the flight across the field they will never attend a game again. Just think of the future dollars lost from uncontrolled people who have no respect for anyone except themselves. Most folks at the game did not feel safe and will have to think hard about going to any game ever again. Now this is not a Rocky Mount problem alone.
My favorite newsman of all time was Paul Harvey. I heard him say many times self government will not work without self discipline. Our country has lost self desipline. We only care about ourselves and don't care what our actions do to others.
We must as a society that gets control of ourselves and respect others. If we don't high school sports will only be played by those who will have to pay as if they were a travel league teams. No one will be allowed to watch because security can't be controlled with idiots watching who don't respect others.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Trending
It looks as if Big East football will be a four team race this season as two furlongs into the season there are two unbeaten teams Southern Nash and Rocky Mount. Two one loss teams Hunt and Fike and two without a win Northern Nash and Nash Central.
It is doubtful that either Nash Central or Northern Nash have shown to this point an ability to win all three of their remaining games. Can either cause havoc to the other four? They still have a game with each other and two games with the top contenders.
Fike has shown ability to score. If the road to a championship has to include defense it seems likely Fike would only be fifth best defense in the league. They will have to out score Rocky Mount, Northern Nash and Hunt.
Hunt had plenty of fight when Rocky Mount was on the verge of blowing the Warriors out. Their defense was a step late most of the night. There offense proved to be a quick strike when needed. They still play Nash Central, Southern Nash and Fike.
Southern Nash already has Fike and Northern Nash behind them. They face Hunt, Rocky Mount and Nash Central the rest of the way. They are consistent on both offense and defense. They can pass when needed.
Rocky Mount has moved the ball on everyone. Hunt and Rose exposed a secondary weakness. They still look like best defense in league. They still play Fike, Southern and Northern. The next two weeks will tell all for Rocky Mount.
The unbeatens still play each other and one other one loss team. It is a fight to the finish.
It is doubtful that either Nash Central or Northern Nash have shown to this point an ability to win all three of their remaining games. Can either cause havoc to the other four? They still have a game with each other and two games with the top contenders.
Fike has shown ability to score. If the road to a championship has to include defense it seems likely Fike would only be fifth best defense in the league. They will have to out score Rocky Mount, Northern Nash and Hunt.
Hunt had plenty of fight when Rocky Mount was on the verge of blowing the Warriors out. Their defense was a step late most of the night. There offense proved to be a quick strike when needed. They still play Nash Central, Southern Nash and Fike.
Southern Nash already has Fike and Northern Nash behind them. They face Hunt, Rocky Mount and Nash Central the rest of the way. They are consistent on both offense and defense. They can pass when needed.
Rocky Mount has moved the ball on everyone. Hunt and Rose exposed a secondary weakness. They still look like best defense in league. They still play Fike, Southern and Northern. The next two weeks will tell all for Rocky Mount.
The unbeatens still play each other and one other one loss team. It is a fight to the finish.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Playoff Time In Minor Sports
Football still has another three Friday nights to go so the person who only cares about the pigskin portion of high school sports would not have any idea that Volley Ball, Girls tennis, cross country and a couple more weeks Boys soccer will be deep into fall playoffs before football finishes it's regular season. The minor sports deserve coverage as much as anybody so lets take a look and what has happened this fall in those sports.
Volleyball: Hunt was king of the hill having a perfect 10-0 mark and continued that by winning both Tournament games last week. Rocky Mount and Fike tied for second at 7-3 and during the tournament Rocky Mount won the tie breaker to be seeded second when the playoffs start. The first round of the volley ball state playoffs start October 24th so the seeding will be out soon.
Tennis: Rocky Mount 10-0 was the conference team to control play winning all ten of their conference. Fike 8-2 beat everyone in the conference every time except Rocky Mount. The women's duels start October 20th. Rocky Mount girls have an excellent shot at winning the east regional.
Cross Country on the boys side has been dominated all year by Northern Nash and the Northern girls have been very good with Rocky Mount nipping at their heels. The conference championships will be held on October 21st. The teams that qualify for the regionals will be run on October 31st. Northern Boys have an excellent shot at winning the regional.
Boys soccer still has a couple of weeks to go before the regular season ends as both Hunt and Fike are still undefeated and all the rains associated with the hurricane has messed up the routine schedule.
November fourth is the first day of the state playoffs.
Football's regular season ends on November 6th. The first night of the playoffs for those who qualify will be November 13th.
Saw this on face book which is very neat. Former Gryphon wrestler and cross country runner Mason Holt who now as a junior at Campbell is a member of the Campbell cross country team and he is a top five runner every race. As a junior he has started pre Pharmacy and earlier this week the Pharmacy school gave Mason a Campbell Varsity jacket. You might ask why? Mason is the only student in the pharmacy school who is an athlete. Quite a feat. Way to go Mason!!!!
Volleyball: Hunt was king of the hill having a perfect 10-0 mark and continued that by winning both Tournament games last week. Rocky Mount and Fike tied for second at 7-3 and during the tournament Rocky Mount won the tie breaker to be seeded second when the playoffs start. The first round of the volley ball state playoffs start October 24th so the seeding will be out soon.
Tennis: Rocky Mount 10-0 was the conference team to control play winning all ten of their conference. Fike 8-2 beat everyone in the conference every time except Rocky Mount. The women's duels start October 20th. Rocky Mount girls have an excellent shot at winning the east regional.
Cross Country on the boys side has been dominated all year by Northern Nash and the Northern girls have been very good with Rocky Mount nipping at their heels. The conference championships will be held on October 21st. The teams that qualify for the regionals will be run on October 31st. Northern Boys have an excellent shot at winning the regional.
Boys soccer still has a couple of weeks to go before the regular season ends as both Hunt and Fike are still undefeated and all the rains associated with the hurricane has messed up the routine schedule.
November fourth is the first day of the state playoffs.
Football's regular season ends on November 6th. The first night of the playoffs for those who qualify will be November 13th.
Saw this on face book which is very neat. Former Gryphon wrestler and cross country runner Mason Holt who now as a junior at Campbell is a member of the Campbell cross country team and he is a top five runner every race. As a junior he has started pre Pharmacy and earlier this week the Pharmacy school gave Mason a Campbell Varsity jacket. You might ask why? Mason is the only student in the pharmacy school who is an athlete. Quite a feat. Way to go Mason!!!!
Friday, October 16, 2015
Gryphons Share First Place
It just might have been the biggest crowd to watch a Gryphon football game since the move to the new school, the home coming crowd watched at halftime as Jasmine Watson would become homecoming Queen. Everyone was told that Brandon Valantine had been named home coming king.
Come Monday both coaches will have plenty to talk about because both teams had to set some kind of record for penalties in a game by both teams. One Gryphon scoring drive they overcame three holding penalties and still scored.
The night was cool and the breath of the players huffed and puffed on each play and with the first night of a wet football because of the dew Rocky Mount scored 21 straight points in the second quarter and kept Hunt at bay and go to 2-0 in the Big East with a 35-28 win over the Wartiors.
Poor field position in the first quarter lead to Hunt's first touchdown but it was scored by a linemam. A heavy hit to the Hunt runner at the three yard line the ball rolled into the end zone and I think every player on the field had a chance to touch it but lineman Cameron Joyner came away with the ball and a Warrior Touchdown at 2:42 of the first.
The Gryphons owned the second quarter as they responded at 11:11 in the second quarter on a 32 yard Nick Bynum run. The next series B J Sanders put the Gryphons ahead to stay at 8:57 of the half after a Hunt turnover. An interception lead to a Forest Bell one yard sneak and a 6:18 the Gryphons are in control.
The Gryphons got their third turnover on the biggest hit of the season and had the ball at the 32 yard line and a chance to put the game away but fumbled the ball back to Hunt. Hunt tried a 44 yards field goal by Brian Orellana his kick hit the cross bar and the Gryphons led 21-7 at the half.
The first Hunt drive of the half resulted in a punt and the Gryphons ate up over six minutes over came three holding penalties and scored at 4:07 in the third on a Tyrell Forbes ten yard run. The Warriors did not give up.
The next four minutes Hunt threw two long passes from quarterback Jacob Wiliamson to receiver Tae Davis and at 10:55 in the fourth it's 28-21. Trying to run clock the Gryphons got two first downs after holding penalties but found themselves in a fourth and 25 got a roughing the punter penalty. B J Sanders gave the Gryphons breathing run after a 62 yard tote to give Rocky Mount a 14 point cushion at 4:46 to go in the game.
Hunt had one more gasp as they drove the field and scored at 2:32 on a ten yard run by Darius Barnes. The onside kick went to the Gryphons and on a 3rd and eight the Gryphons got a first down and Hunt had melted their time outs and the Gryphons Survive 35-28.
Others scores :
Southern Nash 42 Northern Nash 20
Fike 55 Nash Central 36
Tarboro 55 Rocky Mount Prep 8
Riverside 40 North Edgecombe 23
RMA 50 Northeast Academy 18
Washington 53 SouthWest Edgecombe 13
Come Monday both coaches will have plenty to talk about because both teams had to set some kind of record for penalties in a game by both teams. One Gryphon scoring drive they overcame three holding penalties and still scored.
The night was cool and the breath of the players huffed and puffed on each play and with the first night of a wet football because of the dew Rocky Mount scored 21 straight points in the second quarter and kept Hunt at bay and go to 2-0 in the Big East with a 35-28 win over the Wartiors.
Poor field position in the first quarter lead to Hunt's first touchdown but it was scored by a linemam. A heavy hit to the Hunt runner at the three yard line the ball rolled into the end zone and I think every player on the field had a chance to touch it but lineman Cameron Joyner came away with the ball and a Warrior Touchdown at 2:42 of the first.
The Gryphons owned the second quarter as they responded at 11:11 in the second quarter on a 32 yard Nick Bynum run. The next series B J Sanders put the Gryphons ahead to stay at 8:57 of the half after a Hunt turnover. An interception lead to a Forest Bell one yard sneak and a 6:18 the Gryphons are in control.
The Gryphons got their third turnover on the biggest hit of the season and had the ball at the 32 yard line and a chance to put the game away but fumbled the ball back to Hunt. Hunt tried a 44 yards field goal by Brian Orellana his kick hit the cross bar and the Gryphons led 21-7 at the half.
The first Hunt drive of the half resulted in a punt and the Gryphons ate up over six minutes over came three holding penalties and scored at 4:07 in the third on a Tyrell Forbes ten yard run. The Warriors did not give up.
The next four minutes Hunt threw two long passes from quarterback Jacob Wiliamson to receiver Tae Davis and at 10:55 in the fourth it's 28-21. Trying to run clock the Gryphons got two first downs after holding penalties but found themselves in a fourth and 25 got a roughing the punter penalty. B J Sanders gave the Gryphons breathing run after a 62 yard tote to give Rocky Mount a 14 point cushion at 4:46 to go in the game.
Hunt had one more gasp as they drove the field and scored at 2:32 on a ten yard run by Darius Barnes. The onside kick went to the Gryphons and on a 3rd and eight the Gryphons got a first down and Hunt had melted their time outs and the Gryphons Survive 35-28.
Others scores :
Southern Nash 42 Northern Nash 20
Fike 55 Nash Central 36
Tarboro 55 Rocky Mount Prep 8
Riverside 40 North Edgecombe 23
RMA 50 Northeast Academy 18
Washington 53 SouthWest Edgecombe 13
Saturday Football Action
Went 5-4 for the week to run my record to 52-17 on the season. By now we should all know how the teams are and how they are going to be for the rest of the season. Time to start getting almost every game right.
North Carolina Wesleyan College 1-4 @ 2-3 Methodist: I like what I saw from the Battling Bishops last week. They play like that on defense any body will have hard time beating them. NCW 26 Methodist 17
Wake Forest 3-3 @ North Carolina 5-1: Wake's defense is playing great. The question in this one is can they Slow down Carolina enough for the Wake Offense to do anything with Carolina. The answer Carolina all the way in this one 31-10
Tulsa 3-3 @ 3-3 East Carolina : ECU lost a heart breaker last week. Tulsa can put points on the board. This is a really close game. ECU Home, Pirates 44-Hurricanes 41
Virginia Tech 3-3 @ Miami 3-3: Tech found some offense for one quarter last week. Miami hung tough with FSU. Miami 27 Tech 17
Louisville 2-3 @ Florida State 5-0. I really don't think Florida State is all that good this year. Louisville could win 8 or 9 games right now. I'm taking the Ville to take down FSU. 30-26
Pitt 4-1 @ Georgia Tech 2-4. Tech loves to run but their problem is their line is terrible. Pitt is a good team that you know nothing about. Had better pay attention as Pitt pops the Techsters again for five losses in a row. 32-21.
BC 2-4 @ Clemson 5-0. The ACC's hope for national championship playoffs is Clemson. I think Tigers are on a mission. Clem 38 BC 10
Syracuse 3-2 @ Virginia 1-4. Cavs won't win many this season but Saturday they do. UVA 26 Cuse 24
North Carolina Wesleyan College 1-4 @ 2-3 Methodist: I like what I saw from the Battling Bishops last week. They play like that on defense any body will have hard time beating them. NCW 26 Methodist 17
Wake Forest 3-3 @ North Carolina 5-1: Wake's defense is playing great. The question in this one is can they Slow down Carolina enough for the Wake Offense to do anything with Carolina. The answer Carolina all the way in this one 31-10
Tulsa 3-3 @ 3-3 East Carolina : ECU lost a heart breaker last week. Tulsa can put points on the board. This is a really close game. ECU Home, Pirates 44-Hurricanes 41
Virginia Tech 3-3 @ Miami 3-3: Tech found some offense for one quarter last week. Miami hung tough with FSU. Miami 27 Tech 17
Louisville 2-3 @ Florida State 5-0. I really don't think Florida State is all that good this year. Louisville could win 8 or 9 games right now. I'm taking the Ville to take down FSU. 30-26
Pitt 4-1 @ Georgia Tech 2-4. Tech loves to run but their problem is their line is terrible. Pitt is a good team that you know nothing about. Had better pay attention as Pitt pops the Techsters again for five losses in a row. 32-21.
BC 2-4 @ Clemson 5-0. The ACC's hope for national championship playoffs is Clemson. I think Tigers are on a mission. Clem 38 BC 10
Syracuse 3-2 @ Virginia 1-4. Cavs won't win many this season but Saturday they do. UVA 26 Cuse 24
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Second Week Face Off
Half the teams in the Big East have one loss while three are sitting on top at 1-0. Two square off in Rocky Mount so with that happening that allows two without a win to meet. Last week 6-1 to run my record on the year to 47-9.
We picked this game last week but does not play until Friday. Rocky Mount Academy 5-2 @ Northeast Academy 5-3. St David's looms next week for the Eagles so this is a must win 42-14 Eagles.
North Edgecombe 5-1 @ Riverside 5-2: This just maybe the most important game either plays until they face Tarboro. This might be for second place and better seedings in playoffs. This may also be a white knuckle game going to the wire. Riverside playing great and so is North Edgecombe. Riverside 27 N Edgecombe 26
Tarboro 6-1 @ Rocky Mount Prep: This game comes down to how long does coach Craddock play his starters protecting them from injury. Game should be over by the half. Vikings 48 RMP 6
Northeast Carolina Prep 2-3 @ Kestrel Heights 5-0: Don't know much about Kestrel Heights other than they seem to win. 32-14 KH.
Fike 4-3 - 0-1 @ Nash Central 1-6 0-1. Fike is having a yo-yo season. The Bulldogs still sitting on a conference losing streak which has now reached 13. I think this game gives Fike their first conference win and keeps them in the fight. Fike 35 Nash Central 20
Northern Nash 2-5 0-1 @ Southern Nash 5-2 1-0: Northern's defense will keep them in every game. The future is bright for the Knights with only four seniors. Southern played their best game of the season at Fike and efforts like that will make Southern a hard team for anybody the rest of the way. Firebirds 32 Northern 14
Hunt 6-1 1-0 @ Rocky Mount 5-2 1-0: Hunt has rode their defense all year. They are first in defensive scoring while fourth in scoring. Rocky Mount is first in scoring and second in defense so this will be a battle of whether Rocky Mount can score enough and hold Hunt to low numbers on offense. Rocky Mount 27 Hunt 14
We picked this game last week but does not play until Friday. Rocky Mount Academy 5-2 @ Northeast Academy 5-3. St David's looms next week for the Eagles so this is a must win 42-14 Eagles.
North Edgecombe 5-1 @ Riverside 5-2: This just maybe the most important game either plays until they face Tarboro. This might be for second place and better seedings in playoffs. This may also be a white knuckle game going to the wire. Riverside playing great and so is North Edgecombe. Riverside 27 N Edgecombe 26
Tarboro 6-1 @ Rocky Mount Prep: This game comes down to how long does coach Craddock play his starters protecting them from injury. Game should be over by the half. Vikings 48 RMP 6
Northeast Carolina Prep 2-3 @ Kestrel Heights 5-0: Don't know much about Kestrel Heights other than they seem to win. 32-14 KH.
Fike 4-3 - 0-1 @ Nash Central 1-6 0-1. Fike is having a yo-yo season. The Bulldogs still sitting on a conference losing streak which has now reached 13. I think this game gives Fike their first conference win and keeps them in the fight. Fike 35 Nash Central 20
Northern Nash 2-5 0-1 @ Southern Nash 5-2 1-0: Northern's defense will keep them in every game. The future is bright for the Knights with only four seniors. Southern played their best game of the season at Fike and efforts like that will make Southern a hard team for anybody the rest of the way. Firebirds 32 Northern 14
Hunt 6-1 1-0 @ Rocky Mount 5-2 1-0: Hunt has rode their defense all year. They are first in defensive scoring while fourth in scoring. Rocky Mount is first in scoring and second in defense so this will be a battle of whether Rocky Mount can score enough and hold Hunt to low numbers on offense. Rocky Mount 27 Hunt 14
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
How Do You Play Fantasy When You Can't Pick The Games?
Anybody who can figure out the NFL can mop up either in Las Vegas or in any fantasy league. I was 7-7 for the week and so far only 39-38 for the year, pitiful. I saw one of fantasy leagues bragged in advertising they paid out over 75 million dollars. Figures show they raked in 75 million in one week in profits. There is about a 1.5 percent chance of winning while flipping a coin is close to 50. Even Black Jack you have a 42% chance of winning. Let's see if there is hope to get my picks back to 500.
Falcons 5-0 @ Saints 1-3 This is the perfect set up for the Saints. Atlanta played poorly but won. Saint played poorly and got stomped. I want to take Saints but,,,,Falcons 35 Saints 21
Redskins 2-3 @ Jets 3-1. Redskins are playing just well enough to lose. Jets coming off bye wins at home 26-23
Chiefs 1-4 @ Minnesota 2-2. Ten days ago I would have picked Chiefs. Jamal Charles out and so is Chiefs offense. Minn23 Kansas City 13
Bengals 5-0 @ Buffalo 3-2. About the sixth week you can start seeing who teams really are. If Bills are for real they have to win this game. Buff 20 Cinn 17
Arizona 4-1 @ Pittsburg 3-2: I like Zona a lot but Pittsburgh may have found out how to win with Vick. 20-17 Steelers
Bears 2-3 @ Lions 0-5. If Lions lose this game they will not win four all year. Lions 26 Bears 17
Broncos 5-0 @ Browns 2-3 Denver has no offense. They do however have one of best defenses in the league. The Browns are improved but this will be low scoring Denver 16-10
Texas @ Jacksonville. Could either of these teams beat NC State? Jacksonville 27 Texas 23
Miami 1-3 @ Nashville 1-3 Miami will be fired up in this one. Titans can't complete passes beyond five yards down field. Miami 22 Titans 13.
Carolina 4-0 @ Seattle 2-3. This could be a statement game for Carolina but this is Seattle who the Panthers can't score on. Hawks 17 Cats 14
Chargers 3-2 @ Packers 5-0 Packers don't lose at home even when Rogers throws two Picks. Packers 35 Chargers 31.
Ravens 1-4 @ 49's 1-3. I guess the question is can either one of these teams beat Duke? I doubt it. 9's 26 Ravens 23
Pats 4-0 @ Colts 2-3. This is a game only because it has to be played. Pats 50 Colts 23.
Giants 3-2 @ Eagles2-3. Does it seem to you like every time the NFC east plays each other the hot team loses. Eagles 31-Giants 23.
Falcons 5-0 @ Saints 1-3 This is the perfect set up for the Saints. Atlanta played poorly but won. Saint played poorly and got stomped. I want to take Saints but,,,,Falcons 35 Saints 21
Redskins 2-3 @ Jets 3-1. Redskins are playing just well enough to lose. Jets coming off bye wins at home 26-23
Chiefs 1-4 @ Minnesota 2-2. Ten days ago I would have picked Chiefs. Jamal Charles out and so is Chiefs offense. Minn23 Kansas City 13
Bengals 5-0 @ Buffalo 3-2. About the sixth week you can start seeing who teams really are. If Bills are for real they have to win this game. Buff 20 Cinn 17
Arizona 4-1 @ Pittsburg 3-2: I like Zona a lot but Pittsburgh may have found out how to win with Vick. 20-17 Steelers
Bears 2-3 @ Lions 0-5. If Lions lose this game they will not win four all year. Lions 26 Bears 17
Broncos 5-0 @ Browns 2-3 Denver has no offense. They do however have one of best defenses in the league. The Browns are improved but this will be low scoring Denver 16-10
Texas @ Jacksonville. Could either of these teams beat NC State? Jacksonville 27 Texas 23
Miami 1-3 @ Nashville 1-3 Miami will be fired up in this one. Titans can't complete passes beyond five yards down field. Miami 22 Titans 13.
Carolina 4-0 @ Seattle 2-3. This could be a statement game for Carolina but this is Seattle who the Panthers can't score on. Hawks 17 Cats 14
Chargers 3-2 @ Packers 5-0 Packers don't lose at home even when Rogers throws two Picks. Packers 35 Chargers 31.
Ravens 1-4 @ 49's 1-3. I guess the question is can either one of these teams beat Duke? I doubt it. 9's 26 Ravens 23
Pats 4-0 @ Colts 2-3. This is a game only because it has to be played. Pats 50 Colts 23.
Giants 3-2 @ Eagles2-3. Does it seem to you like every time the NFC east plays each other the hot team loses. Eagles 31-Giants 23.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
I See Hope
It is a wonder that anybody who is on the sidelines of any football game doesn't get wiped on on any play near the sidelines. Players come charging around the end and defenders are coming as fast trying their best to knock who ever has the ball into kingdom come.
There is one rule for the chain gang that the sideline official reminds everyone every game. Get out of the way when the play is heading your way. My days of being a brave football player ended at age 21 after knee surgery and the pain when parts of your knee go one way and other parts go the other.
Any play once the the ball is near the yardage marker and still heading my way the chain is now on the ground and I am heading toward the other side of the bench looking for protection. There was one play where a Nash Central runner jumped the bench but luckily for me I was at the other end of that same bench. There were several plays where tackles were made and as players near the sideline they get slung out of bounds and anyone in their path will go down like bowling pins.
There is one thing I like about the sidelines and that is listening to the coaches as the game progresses. You have those who are at the throats of their players the entire game. Then there is the coaches that don't seem to know what is happening as the game moves forward. If you are Nash Central Bulldog fan despite your record this year or over the past several there was some real coaching going on.
There is another aspect you also hear and it's the calls from the stands about play calling. Those that love Nash Central are very frustrated about what has happened to Bulldog football and would like to win every game right now.
Just a little scouting report. Rocky Mount was faster and stronger than the Bulldogs. Any coach who shows up in January can't make the team as strong as the other sidelines in Six months. I heard one coach tell one of the players that as soon as the season was over that they were going to get started to get as strong as the Gryphons.
Five games to go in this season Nash Central has one win and four of the remaining five they will not be favored and a toss up in the other. Just remember this getting stronger is something that has to happen off season but from what I saw Friday night they are getting the proper coaching to teach this team how to play football. Never saw where it looked as if the coaches had no idea of their mission even as the team was being dominated by the Gryphons.
Bulldog fans there is hope you need to support the efforts of the players and coaches because they are getting there !
There is one rule for the chain gang that the sideline official reminds everyone every game. Get out of the way when the play is heading your way. My days of being a brave football player ended at age 21 after knee surgery and the pain when parts of your knee go one way and other parts go the other.
Any play once the the ball is near the yardage marker and still heading my way the chain is now on the ground and I am heading toward the other side of the bench looking for protection. There was one play where a Nash Central runner jumped the bench but luckily for me I was at the other end of that same bench. There were several plays where tackles were made and as players near the sideline they get slung out of bounds and anyone in their path will go down like bowling pins.
There is one thing I like about the sidelines and that is listening to the coaches as the game progresses. You have those who are at the throats of their players the entire game. Then there is the coaches that don't seem to know what is happening as the game moves forward. If you are Nash Central Bulldog fan despite your record this year or over the past several there was some real coaching going on.
There is another aspect you also hear and it's the calls from the stands about play calling. Those that love Nash Central are very frustrated about what has happened to Bulldog football and would like to win every game right now.
Just a little scouting report. Rocky Mount was faster and stronger than the Bulldogs. Any coach who shows up in January can't make the team as strong as the other sidelines in Six months. I heard one coach tell one of the players that as soon as the season was over that they were going to get started to get as strong as the Gryphons.
Five games to go in this season Nash Central has one win and four of the remaining five they will not be favored and a toss up in the other. Just remember this getting stronger is something that has to happen off season but from what I saw Friday night they are getting the proper coaching to teach this team how to play football. Never saw where it looked as if the coaches had no idea of their mission even as the team was being dominated by the Gryphons.
Bulldog fans there is hope you need to support the efforts of the players and coaches because they are getting there !
Monday, October 12, 2015
Twin County NFL Stars Square Off
The old defensive end/linebacker Julius Peppers from Southern Nash met up and coming star Todd Gurley from Tarboro the first two running plays of the game and Gurley collected only two yards. Before the day was over Peppers had a sack and a victory and St Louis and the NFL have a new superstar in Todd Gurley.
St Louis has taken their time letting Gurley run and for the first time last week gave it to him in the fourth quarter and Todd responded. Sunday the Rams found out whether he could be a work horse and the answer is Look out NFL.
Gurley got 30 carries in work horse fashion and as all work horses he grinded out three yards per carry until he broke the big one. On the day Gurly finished with 159 yards his new career high for him. Even in high school he would looked tackled in the backfield would still make three yards and that is the Gurley the NFL saw again yesterday.
They say that the NFL is all about offense so if that is the case why is it they let the kickers kick it through the enzone on kick offs? Seems to me they should have a rule that kick offs must stay in the field of play.
If it is kicked completely through the enzone the offensive team should get it on the 40 yard line. If it hits the ground anywhere in the enzone and goes on through the enzone it should be a safety. That will force teams to have two receivers deep to protect the enzone. Any ball caught in the enzone must be returned. What I see happening teams will be forced to squib kicks aiming to about the 25 yard line which will bring back a possible kickoff return has has been removed from the game.
All football must clean up this pushing and shoving that goes on when the ball is in the air on a pass. There is so much pushing and shoving how can you tell when there is pass interference on either side.
It is hurting football.
St Louis has taken their time letting Gurley run and for the first time last week gave it to him in the fourth quarter and Todd responded. Sunday the Rams found out whether he could be a work horse and the answer is Look out NFL.
Gurley got 30 carries in work horse fashion and as all work horses he grinded out three yards per carry until he broke the big one. On the day Gurly finished with 159 yards his new career high for him. Even in high school he would looked tackled in the backfield would still make three yards and that is the Gurley the NFL saw again yesterday.
They say that the NFL is all about offense so if that is the case why is it they let the kickers kick it through the enzone on kick offs? Seems to me they should have a rule that kick offs must stay in the field of play.
If it is kicked completely through the enzone the offensive team should get it on the 40 yard line. If it hits the ground anywhere in the enzone and goes on through the enzone it should be a safety. That will force teams to have two receivers deep to protect the enzone. Any ball caught in the enzone must be returned. What I see happening teams will be forced to squib kicks aiming to about the 25 yard line which will bring back a possible kickoff return has has been removed from the game.
All football must clean up this pushing and shoving that goes on when the ball is in the air on a pass. There is so much pushing and shoving how can you tell when there is pass interference on either side.
It is hurting football.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Battling Bishops Bash Unbeaten Scots
Here comes Unbeaten Maryville to Rocky Mount to take on North Carolina Wesleyan who coming into Saturday's game had lost all four games and three of them were at home. What kind of magic could Bishop's head coach Jeff Filkovski come up with to even keep his Bishops in the game?
First let's run our lone running back Jerrel Patton the junior from Charlotte straight up the middle 34 times on every first and second down. Then on third and seven or eight let's let our quarterback senior from Currituck County Dustin Midgett pass to either Malik Adams from Selma or Devante Batey from Norfolk who will be open because Maryville will be looking for the run up the middle.
Let's add a little drizzle which was never much in fact the baseball or softball games going on across the street never stopped while the football game was going. Defense let's let Bobby Tucker a junior from Durham stand out in the secondary and let the Scots throw the ball to him three times. You add all these factors together and what do you get a dominating 24-7 win for NCW winning their first game of the season while dropping on Maryville their first loss.
Tied 7-7 at the half the Bishops started the third quarter with ten quick points and the Bishops ate up the clock to pull off a major D3 upset. The middle of the fourth quarter Bishops' punter Robbie Lanier faked I think his own teammates when on a fourth and 14 ran straight up the middle for a first down. Looking from the pressbox it looks if the Bishops' sidelines were faked as badly as Maryville.
The Battling Bishop's bop the Scots 24-7
Friday Night NC State started like a house on fire but by the end Virginia Tech had put out the fire and popped the Pack 28-13.
Wake Forest becomes the second ACC team to win a game without scoring a touchdown shutting out Boston College 3-0 in a thriller. It is the first game in 20 years since the winning team had only five first downs in the game. The Deacs stopped BC on the one yard line on the last play of the game.
Duke looks a whole lot stronger than I thought this year as they rip USMA
ECU's long ride to Utah they must have been in the same house as The Wolfpack as BYU gave the Pirates a 14 point lead but by games end the Mormans were hard to stop. The Pirates down 17 in the second half tied the game late only to give up a touchdown in the last minute. Their trip to Provo comes up short 45-38.
First let's run our lone running back Jerrel Patton the junior from Charlotte straight up the middle 34 times on every first and second down. Then on third and seven or eight let's let our quarterback senior from Currituck County Dustin Midgett pass to either Malik Adams from Selma or Devante Batey from Norfolk who will be open because Maryville will be looking for the run up the middle.
Let's add a little drizzle which was never much in fact the baseball or softball games going on across the street never stopped while the football game was going. Defense let's let Bobby Tucker a junior from Durham stand out in the secondary and let the Scots throw the ball to him three times. You add all these factors together and what do you get a dominating 24-7 win for NCW winning their first game of the season while dropping on Maryville their first loss.
Tied 7-7 at the half the Bishops started the third quarter with ten quick points and the Bishops ate up the clock to pull off a major D3 upset. The middle of the fourth quarter Bishops' punter Robbie Lanier faked I think his own teammates when on a fourth and 14 ran straight up the middle for a first down. Looking from the pressbox it looks if the Bishops' sidelines were faked as badly as Maryville.
The Battling Bishop's bop the Scots 24-7
Friday Night NC State started like a house on fire but by the end Virginia Tech had put out the fire and popped the Pack 28-13.
Wake Forest becomes the second ACC team to win a game without scoring a touchdown shutting out Boston College 3-0 in a thriller. It is the first game in 20 years since the winning team had only five first downs in the game. The Deacs stopped BC on the one yard line on the last play of the game.
Duke looks a whole lot stronger than I thought this year as they rip USMA
ECU's long ride to Utah they must have been in the same house as The Wolfpack as BYU gave the Pirates a 14 point lead but by games end the Mormans were hard to stop. The Pirates down 17 in the second half tied the game late only to give up a touchdown in the last minute. Their trip to Provo comes up short 45-38.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Off And Running
You just knew as the first conference game of the year Nash Central was going to give their supreme effort of the year. So what does Rocky Mount do cause a three and on their first drive of game and then go 71 yards on their first drive themselves the last 22 yards on a B J Sanders run and at the 9:19 mark of the first quarter was off to a 7-0 lead and never was really challenged as the Gryphons win 42-7 as both teams played subs in the fourth quarter.
The 2:07 mark saw the Gryphons score for the second time on a 40 yard Nick Bynum run to lead 14-0 at the quarter pole. Bynum would score again at the 2:18 to go in the half to give the Gryphons a 21-0 half time lead.
Would the Gryphons lose focus at half ? and the answer was no as they took the second half kickoff and drove the field and scored on a Angelo Collins 2 yard score and had a comfortable 28-0 lead at 8:11 of the third. BJ Sanders score from 14 yards away at 3:58 to send it to 35.
The Gryphon D had a good stand on a nice Bulldog drive in the early fourth quarter and held at the five yard line. Two plays later the Gryphons fumbled at the one and Miles Lane scored at 8:41 to play to prevent a shutout.
The ensuring drive the Gryphon second team took it in to cap off the scoring at 42-7 on a Tyrell Forbes 52 yard run . Chase Miller added all seven extra points and Anna Thompson added one for the Bulldogs.
Good start for the Gryphons as they go to 1-0 and host Hunt next week.
I am not shocked that Southrrn Nash went to Fike and won but to me the score is 26 -13 after leading at one point 20-0.
Hunt takes down Northern Nash 19-14
Tarboro has no problem with South Creek 35-14
Southwest Edgecombe looks like a monster 42-0 over North Pitt.
The 2:07 mark saw the Gryphons score for the second time on a 40 yard Nick Bynum run to lead 14-0 at the quarter pole. Bynum would score again at the 2:18 to go in the half to give the Gryphons a 21-0 half time lead.
Would the Gryphons lose focus at half ? and the answer was no as they took the second half kickoff and drove the field and scored on a Angelo Collins 2 yard score and had a comfortable 28-0 lead at 8:11 of the third. BJ Sanders score from 14 yards away at 3:58 to send it to 35.
The Gryphon D had a good stand on a nice Bulldog drive in the early fourth quarter and held at the five yard line. Two plays later the Gryphons fumbled at the one and Miles Lane scored at 8:41 to play to prevent a shutout.
The ensuring drive the Gryphon second team took it in to cap off the scoring at 42-7 on a Tyrell Forbes 52 yard run . Chase Miller added all seven extra points and Anna Thompson added one for the Bulldogs.
Good start for the Gryphons as they go to 1-0 and host Hunt next week.
I am not shocked that Southrrn Nash went to Fike and won but to me the score is 26 -13 after leading at one point 20-0.
Hunt takes down Northern Nash 19-14
Tarboro has no problem with South Creek 35-14
Southwest Edgecombe looks like a monster 42-0 over North Pitt.
Mostly Saturday Conference Games
Last week went 5-3 to reduce my overall college picks to 47-13. Disappointed when I found out I had left off my pick of Clemson beating Notre Dame. Try to get all the teams of interest in this week.
Friday Night Special: Remember several years ago when ECU schedule a home game on Friday night an all the high schools in Eastern North Carolina went ballistic ? State has a game Friday night but not in Raleigh. N C State 4-1 @ Virginia Tech 2-3. State lost for first time they had a tough game. Tech having trouble winning any game. Offense looks awful and Tech defense only so so. When if Tech is going to win any games the D must be stout. Pack 24 Va Tech 13
Maryville 5-0 @ N C Wesleyan 0-4. Only eight times in the history of Maryville have they started 5-0. The Battling Bishop lost a Donnie Brook last week. Bad match up for the home team Maryville 44 NC Wesleyan 26. Bad start doing my first Wesleyan game ever on PA. In fact I have never done any Bishops sporting event on the radio so the first time I do a Bishops game and pick against them.
Duke 4-1 @ United States Military Academy 1-4: Great place to play. The Army will struggle to score on the Devils. Duke 27 Army 7
ECU 3-2 @ Brigham Young 3-2: ECU has had some good wins so far. BYU has some great wins. Utah is a long ride from Greenville. This would be a look at us win if the Pirates could win this. I wish they do but I doubt it. BYU 35 ECU 31
Wake Forest 2-3 @ BC 3-2. Wake is much improved. BC going to be hard to score on. BC 21 Wake Forest 17
Miami 3-1 @ Florida St 4-0: I wish Miami had of played a better second half at Cincinnati. I don't think Florida St is a top ten team but I think they can survive this one. FSU 28 Miami 24
Georgia Tech 2-3 @ Clemson 4-0: I have picked GT three straight weeks. I'm off their band wagon. Clemson has to make sure they don't pull a ECU and lose to a team they should beat. Tigers 35 Tech 24
Virginia 1-3 @ Pitt 3-1: Wins are going to be few and far between for the Cavs. I think Pitt has a chance to be a player in the run for their division. Panthers 41 Virginia 23
Syracuse 3-1 @ South Florida 1-3: I think the Cuse is ok and SF is better than their record. This could be close. The Orange 31 The Bulls 30.
I'll be on the chains at Rocky Mount tonight to see the return of Chris Lee and Kent Cox to Rocky Mount.
Friday Night Special: Remember several years ago when ECU schedule a home game on Friday night an all the high schools in Eastern North Carolina went ballistic ? State has a game Friday night but not in Raleigh. N C State 4-1 @ Virginia Tech 2-3. State lost for first time they had a tough game. Tech having trouble winning any game. Offense looks awful and Tech defense only so so. When if Tech is going to win any games the D must be stout. Pack 24 Va Tech 13
Maryville 5-0 @ N C Wesleyan 0-4. Only eight times in the history of Maryville have they started 5-0. The Battling Bishop lost a Donnie Brook last week. Bad match up for the home team Maryville 44 NC Wesleyan 26. Bad start doing my first Wesleyan game ever on PA. In fact I have never done any Bishops sporting event on the radio so the first time I do a Bishops game and pick against them.
Duke 4-1 @ United States Military Academy 1-4: Great place to play. The Army will struggle to score on the Devils. Duke 27 Army 7
ECU 3-2 @ Brigham Young 3-2: ECU has had some good wins so far. BYU has some great wins. Utah is a long ride from Greenville. This would be a look at us win if the Pirates could win this. I wish they do but I doubt it. BYU 35 ECU 31
Wake Forest 2-3 @ BC 3-2. Wake is much improved. BC going to be hard to score on. BC 21 Wake Forest 17
Miami 3-1 @ Florida St 4-0: I wish Miami had of played a better second half at Cincinnati. I don't think Florida St is a top ten team but I think they can survive this one. FSU 28 Miami 24
Georgia Tech 2-3 @ Clemson 4-0: I have picked GT three straight weeks. I'm off their band wagon. Clemson has to make sure they don't pull a ECU and lose to a team they should beat. Tigers 35 Tech 24
Virginia 1-3 @ Pitt 3-1: Wins are going to be few and far between for the Cavs. I think Pitt has a chance to be a player in the run for their division. Panthers 41 Virginia 23
Syracuse 3-1 @ South Florida 1-3: I think the Cuse is ok and SF is better than their record. This could be close. The Orange 31 The Bulls 30.
I'll be on the chains at Rocky Mount tonight to see the return of Chris Lee and Kent Cox to Rocky Mount.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Jockeying For Position
Conference play is in full force this week and those teams that play well from now to the end will be rewarded with playoff play while those that don't do well at all will look forward to winter sports. I went 2-0 last weekend of the games that I have been able to find that were played running my high school picks for the year to 41-8.
Southern Nash 4-2 @ Fike 4-2: Best matchup of the weekend as it is the only conference game that features teams with winning records. Both these teams could be the conference champion. Fike started the season as if they didn't put 11 players on defense the first two weeks but since have put 11 out there to stop the other side. Seems to me as if the Firebirds just haven't quite found high gear on offense and have not looked like show stoppers on defense. Since first game to now Fike has shown biggest improvement. Fike 35 Southern Nash 28
Hunt 5-1 @ Northern Nash 2-4. Both teams have shown defense all season. The last two weeks the Knights have come alive on offense. Hunt's offense has been just good enough. This game will be interesting because Northern is home. Hunt will survive 21-14
Nash Central 1-5 @ Rocky Mount 4-2. Nash Central would love to end their two year plus losing streak in conference at Rocky Mount. The deeper into the season we go the Bulldog defense is being scored on more and more. So far this season no team regardless of how good they were have shut down Rocky Mount. The teams not as good as the Gryphons have been pounded by the Gryphons. Gryphons 45 Nash Central 14
SouthWest Edgecombe 6-0 @ North Pitt 2-4: Did a playoff game one year from North Pitt. The press box is located over the concession stand. They burnt the popcorn and all the smell and smoke went up in the press box. Had a hard time breathing while doing the game. If the Cougars play like the 6-0 team they have played so far they will make it hard for North Pitt to breath. SWE 42 North Pitt 13.
South Creek @ Tarboro 5-1. I doubt Tarboro is challenged through conference play forcing Coach Craddock to worry about Health both physical and mental until end of season. Tarboro 36 a South Creek 13.
Rocky Mount Prep @ North Edgecombe 4-1. Prep is improving but North Edgecombe is solid. Warriors 32 Jags 14.
Rocky Mount Academy 5-2 @ Northeast Academy. Here is something you may not know. If you head to Lasker Friday night you will be heading to the summer home of Rock and Roll singer Chris Daughtry. His grandParents have a shack just beyond the golf course that they call the Grand Old Opry. Chris has rode many a mile between their farm and the stoplight growing up on his bicycle. After finishing second on American Idle his first concert was on the baseball field at Northeast Academy.
It was free for the people of Lasker who had supported him. 5,000 people showed up including me and my family since my step mother lives in Lasker. Don't think Daughtry can help Northeast in this on. RMA 48 Northeast Academy 14.
Northeast Carolina Prep 2-3 @ Gates County 2-3: Gates' three losses have Been to good teams. It is a long ride to Gatesville. Gates 26NEC Prep 22
Southern Nash 4-2 @ Fike 4-2: Best matchup of the weekend as it is the only conference game that features teams with winning records. Both these teams could be the conference champion. Fike started the season as if they didn't put 11 players on defense the first two weeks but since have put 11 out there to stop the other side. Seems to me as if the Firebirds just haven't quite found high gear on offense and have not looked like show stoppers on defense. Since first game to now Fike has shown biggest improvement. Fike 35 Southern Nash 28
Hunt 5-1 @ Northern Nash 2-4. Both teams have shown defense all season. The last two weeks the Knights have come alive on offense. Hunt's offense has been just good enough. This game will be interesting because Northern is home. Hunt will survive 21-14
Nash Central 1-5 @ Rocky Mount 4-2. Nash Central would love to end their two year plus losing streak in conference at Rocky Mount. The deeper into the season we go the Bulldog defense is being scored on more and more. So far this season no team regardless of how good they were have shut down Rocky Mount. The teams not as good as the Gryphons have been pounded by the Gryphons. Gryphons 45 Nash Central 14
SouthWest Edgecombe 6-0 @ North Pitt 2-4: Did a playoff game one year from North Pitt. The press box is located over the concession stand. They burnt the popcorn and all the smell and smoke went up in the press box. Had a hard time breathing while doing the game. If the Cougars play like the 6-0 team they have played so far they will make it hard for North Pitt to breath. SWE 42 North Pitt 13.
South Creek @ Tarboro 5-1. I doubt Tarboro is challenged through conference play forcing Coach Craddock to worry about Health both physical and mental until end of season. Tarboro 36 a South Creek 13.
Rocky Mount Prep @ North Edgecombe 4-1. Prep is improving but North Edgecombe is solid. Warriors 32 Jags 14.
Rocky Mount Academy 5-2 @ Northeast Academy. Here is something you may not know. If you head to Lasker Friday night you will be heading to the summer home of Rock and Roll singer Chris Daughtry. His grandParents have a shack just beyond the golf course that they call the Grand Old Opry. Chris has rode many a mile between their farm and the stoplight growing up on his bicycle. After finishing second on American Idle his first concert was on the baseball field at Northeast Academy.
It was free for the people of Lasker who had supported him. 5,000 people showed up including me and my family since my step mother lives in Lasker. Don't think Daughtry can help Northeast in this on. RMA 48 Northeast Academy 14.
Northeast Carolina Prep 2-3 @ Gates County 2-3: Gates' three losses have Been to good teams. It is a long ride to Gatesville. Gates 26NEC Prep 22
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Week Five NFL
Week four went 9-6 with picks which gets me closer to 500 on year as my record inches upward to 22-25. Four teams have byes so only 14 games this week. Let's see if I can obtain 500 on year which is far shots cry from 62.5 % which I think is a must.
Colts 2-2 @ 1-3 Texans: Will luck play? Texans the stars of the summer NFL show Hard Knocks. Not sure Colts can win this game even with Luck. 26-23 Texans.
Bears 1-3 @ 1-3 Chiefs: what has happened to Chiefs? We know the Bears have Cutler and they lose road games. Chiefs 26 Bears 20
Seahawks 2-2 @ Cincinnati 4-0: just don't think Seahawks are a playoff team this year. Bengals playing good but we are all waiting for the big drop off. Cincy wins to go to 5-0. 27-17.
Redskins 2-2 @ Atlanta 4-0: I think Atlanta is for real and Redskins play better at home Atlanta 36 Skins 28
Jacksonville 1-3 @ Tampa 1-3: this is battle for the best team in Florida. If you add Miami all three teams are 1-3. The big question will be will there be anyone at game. Bucs 27 Jax20
Browns 1-3 @ Ravens 1-3: Another game of the week here. Ravens need to win a few to get into playoff contention 20-10 Ravens.
Rams 2-2 @ Packers 4-0. So far Rams up and down. Todd Gurley showed last week that he even believes now his knee is fine. So can Todd Gurley Rush enough to off set Aaron Rogers? 23-17 Packers..
News Orleans 1-3 @ Philly 1-3. Is everyone in NFL 1-3. Don't think either team is very good but one must win. Philly 26-24
Bills 2-2 @ Titans 1-2. Sure looks as Bills play better on the road. Titans not bad with Mariota at QB . Nashville 23 Bills 21
Cardinals 3-1 @ Lions 0-4. Cardinals will be spitting nails after loss to Rams. Lions will be on the verge of giving up on year. However after getting bad call and Lose in Seattle. It will be Lions spitting more nails. Lions 23 Cards 21.
Pats 3-0 @ Cowboys 2-2. Three months ago would Pats be 2-2 with Brady suspended. Now they will be 4-0 as Boys are suffering with two stars sidelined. New England 38 Cowboys 26
Denver 4-0 at Oakland 2-2: I think Denver has great defense and they totally have to win with D. Oakland is going be a bad road game for all visitors this year. Raider Nations 23 Broncs 17
San Fran 1-3 @ Giants 2-2: does it seem to you every year at the midway point the Giants are 2-6 or 6-2. Giants will be halfway to six 26-17.
Steelers 2-2 @ Chargers 2-2. No Big Ben for Steelers no wide receivers for Philip. Antonio Gates is back and Pr knows how to find him near goal line. SD 27 Steelers 23.
Colts 2-2 @ 1-3 Texans: Will luck play? Texans the stars of the summer NFL show Hard Knocks. Not sure Colts can win this game even with Luck. 26-23 Texans.
Bears 1-3 @ 1-3 Chiefs: what has happened to Chiefs? We know the Bears have Cutler and they lose road games. Chiefs 26 Bears 20
Seahawks 2-2 @ Cincinnati 4-0: just don't think Seahawks are a playoff team this year. Bengals playing good but we are all waiting for the big drop off. Cincy wins to go to 5-0. 27-17.
Redskins 2-2 @ Atlanta 4-0: I think Atlanta is for real and Redskins play better at home Atlanta 36 Skins 28
Jacksonville 1-3 @ Tampa 1-3: this is battle for the best team in Florida. If you add Miami all three teams are 1-3. The big question will be will there be anyone at game. Bucs 27 Jax20
Browns 1-3 @ Ravens 1-3: Another game of the week here. Ravens need to win a few to get into playoff contention 20-10 Ravens.
Rams 2-2 @ Packers 4-0. So far Rams up and down. Todd Gurley showed last week that he even believes now his knee is fine. So can Todd Gurley Rush enough to off set Aaron Rogers? 23-17 Packers..
News Orleans 1-3 @ Philly 1-3. Is everyone in NFL 1-3. Don't think either team is very good but one must win. Philly 26-24
Bills 2-2 @ Titans 1-2. Sure looks as Bills play better on the road. Titans not bad with Mariota at QB . Nashville 23 Bills 21
Cardinals 3-1 @ Lions 0-4. Cardinals will be spitting nails after loss to Rams. Lions will be on the verge of giving up on year. However after getting bad call and Lose in Seattle. It will be Lions spitting more nails. Lions 23 Cards 21.
Pats 3-0 @ Cowboys 2-2. Three months ago would Pats be 2-2 with Brady suspended. Now they will be 4-0 as Boys are suffering with two stars sidelined. New England 38 Cowboys 26
Denver 4-0 at Oakland 2-2: I think Denver has great defense and they totally have to win with D. Oakland is going be a bad road game for all visitors this year. Raider Nations 23 Broncs 17
San Fran 1-3 @ Giants 2-2: does it seem to you every year at the midway point the Giants are 2-6 or 6-2. Giants will be halfway to six 26-17.
Steelers 2-2 @ Chargers 2-2. No Big Ben for Steelers no wide receivers for Philip. Antonio Gates is back and Pr knows how to find him near goal line. SD 27 Steelers 23.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Shrine Roster Slim On Big East Players
Wide receiver Tahj Deans of Southern Nash is the only player from the Big East selected to play in the 2015 Shrine Bowl football at Wofford College on December 21st. Deans has 174 yards receiving so far this season. Deans would hope the Shrine Bowl is one week after his Firebird team would have played in the state championship on December 14th.
We are approaching the first conference game which means we are halfway with the football season. Even though no conference games played so far here are the leaders in several categories. The top scoring team in the league is Rocky Mount averaging 39.9 points per game second is Southern Nash at 32.5
Best defensive team Hunt holding teams to 13.3 points. Second to Hunt is Rocky Mount at 18.5 despite having given up 61 to Rose. Leading passer in the league is Zach Foster of Southern Nash averaging 140 yards. Second is Forest Bell of Rocky Mount is averaging 92 yards per game.
Leading Big East rusher is Darius Barnes from Hunt rushing for 707 yards in six games. AJ Hines Of Fike has rushed for 538 yards. The top receiver is Shakuan Daniels of Fike who has 212 yards. Second is Nadir Thompson of Southern Nash Only one yard behind with 211.
The leading scorer in the league is AJ Hines of Fike scoring 86 points. Second is Nadir Thompson of Southern Nash scoring 58. The best ball hawk in the league intercepting passes Jerod Wright Of Southern Nash with four and four others are tied with two.
The leading tackler in the league is Kenny Johnson of Fike with 52 tacklers. Second is Gase West of Fike with 48. The conference sack leader is Southern Nash's Demetrius Perry with five and Sherrod Green of Rocky Mount with four.
We are approaching the first conference game which means we are halfway with the football season. Even though no conference games played so far here are the leaders in several categories. The top scoring team in the league is Rocky Mount averaging 39.9 points per game second is Southern Nash at 32.5
Best defensive team Hunt holding teams to 13.3 points. Second to Hunt is Rocky Mount at 18.5 despite having given up 61 to Rose. Leading passer in the league is Zach Foster of Southern Nash averaging 140 yards. Second is Forest Bell of Rocky Mount is averaging 92 yards per game.
Leading Big East rusher is Darius Barnes from Hunt rushing for 707 yards in six games. AJ Hines Of Fike has rushed for 538 yards. The top receiver is Shakuan Daniels of Fike who has 212 yards. Second is Nadir Thompson of Southern Nash Only one yard behind with 211.
The leading scorer in the league is AJ Hines of Fike scoring 86 points. Second is Nadir Thompson of Southern Nash scoring 58. The best ball hawk in the league intercepting passes Jerod Wright Of Southern Nash with four and four others are tied with two.
The leading tackler in the league is Kenny Johnson of Fike with 52 tacklers. Second is Gase West of Fike with 48. The conference sack leader is Southern Nash's Demetrius Perry with five and Sherrod Green of Rocky Mount with four.
Monday, October 5, 2015
How Times Have Changed
Watching the NFL pre game show yesterday there was a segment on the Carolina Panthers were on their buses going from the hotel to Tampa Stadium and several players were twitting pictures and recording messages. What a different world we live in.
During my youth you were told that once school ended on Friday you needed to get your game face on. If we were playing and away game and the bus was leaving at say 4:30 you better be on the bus at 4:15 with your mouth shut. The entire ride the only noise was coaches talking among themselves about preparations for the game. Afterwards if we lost there had better not be any noise coming home. If we won you could make all the noise you wanted. We have so many modern conveniences that make our life better but I don't know if they actually do
Hello NFL meet Todd Gurley. All preseason the Rams head coach preached that they we going to be sure Todd Gurley was completely healthy before they placed him in a game. Last week Gurley got his first taste on six carries he ran for 9 yards a very unimpressive 1.5 yards per carry.. Half time on Sunday against maybe the best defense in football Gurley had four carries for two yards. That's 10 carries for 11 yards on the year.
You know they play 60 minutes in the NFL and the second 30 minutes belonged to Todd Gurley. He got 15 carries in the second half and ran for 144. One went for 52 yards which was on the drive in which St Louis won the game. Two games and one one hundred yard game.
You all know my favorite player in the NFL is Philip Rivers. Four games into the NFL season the Chargers have already started nine different linemen and yesterday the Chargers had two wide receivers in which the second and third string tight ends had to move to wide receivers for the chargers to finish the game. All Rivers did is torch Cleveland for 358 yards and three touchdowns
Saturday Carolina won their game at Georgia Tech by coming back from 21 points behind which is their biggest comeback in history.. As Carolina was running out the clock they kept running their quarterback. They have one of the best running backs in the league and yet they risk their quarterback to injury late in the game. Sometimes I think coaches do too much coaching and not enough let's just play.
Duke wins a game without scoring a touchdown and Boston College does and loses, go figure. Duke's D is good. Their offense is not.
ECU did a good job of not living off a great win a week ago and turn around and lose the next week. SMU is pretty good.
Wake proved yesterday they are not going to be a push over to anybody. FSU is going to have a hard time winning the ACC this year.
NC State found out that beating four patsies was not enough to get them prepared for the rigors of conference play.. Once they got use to the level that any team needs to win in D 1 football they got the game under control but already put themselves in a hole that they never played their way out of.
During my youth you were told that once school ended on Friday you needed to get your game face on. If we were playing and away game and the bus was leaving at say 4:30 you better be on the bus at 4:15 with your mouth shut. The entire ride the only noise was coaches talking among themselves about preparations for the game. Afterwards if we lost there had better not be any noise coming home. If we won you could make all the noise you wanted. We have so many modern conveniences that make our life better but I don't know if they actually do
Hello NFL meet Todd Gurley. All preseason the Rams head coach preached that they we going to be sure Todd Gurley was completely healthy before they placed him in a game. Last week Gurley got his first taste on six carries he ran for 9 yards a very unimpressive 1.5 yards per carry.. Half time on Sunday against maybe the best defense in football Gurley had four carries for two yards. That's 10 carries for 11 yards on the year.
You know they play 60 minutes in the NFL and the second 30 minutes belonged to Todd Gurley. He got 15 carries in the second half and ran for 144. One went for 52 yards which was on the drive in which St Louis won the game. Two games and one one hundred yard game.
You all know my favorite player in the NFL is Philip Rivers. Four games into the NFL season the Chargers have already started nine different linemen and yesterday the Chargers had two wide receivers in which the second and third string tight ends had to move to wide receivers for the chargers to finish the game. All Rivers did is torch Cleveland for 358 yards and three touchdowns
Saturday Carolina won their game at Georgia Tech by coming back from 21 points behind which is their biggest comeback in history.. As Carolina was running out the clock they kept running their quarterback. They have one of the best running backs in the league and yet they risk their quarterback to injury late in the game. Sometimes I think coaches do too much coaching and not enough let's just play.
Duke wins a game without scoring a touchdown and Boston College does and loses, go figure. Duke's D is good. Their offense is not.
ECU did a good job of not living off a great win a week ago and turn around and lose the next week. SMU is pretty good.
Wake proved yesterday they are not going to be a push over to anybody. FSU is going to have a hard time winning the ACC this year.
NC State found out that beating four patsies was not enough to get them prepared for the rigors of conference play.. Once they got use to the level that any team needs to win in D 1 football they got the game under control but already put themselves in a hole that they never played their way out of.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Conference Play Begins Friday
Nash Central started the year with two major streaks going that they would like to see disappear. The football program had sunk so low that they had lost 25 straight games and part of those 25 12 were conference games. So for the Bulldogs went through two straight years without a win.
The management at Nash Central went looking and they settled on Chris Lee a former BW Holt disciple from the six years Holt was at Rocky Mount. Craving to prove his worth as a head coach Lee left at the end of first semester 08/09 and moved up the road to Louisburg to be head football coach.
While coaching under Holt Lee was the head JV coach in charge of offense while Kent Cox took the defense. That combo went 48-3 in their six years leading the Rocky Mount JV program. Lee had no idea that by the end of the school year in 09 that Holt would leave Rocky Mount and if he was still on the Gryphon staff just maybe he would have been named the head coach of the Gryphons then. Lee has proven himself as a head coach in Louisburg while Cox moved to the Gryphon baseball program after the departure of Pat Smith.
January of this year Chris Lee came to Nash Central as head coach. Rumors were floating around in February that Lee wanted Cox to join him on Carriage Road. Rumors roared all baseball season and spilled into summer baseball before the word that Cox was heading to the Bulldogs.
Of the two streaks sticking in the gut of Bulldogs they took care of the losing streak which had reached 25 before victory. Everyone says lookout for those Bulldogs. The next four games have not brought victory for the Bulldogs so still staring them in the face is the 12 game conference losing streak.
How much do the stars line up when Chris Lee's first chance to break the conference losing streak comes against a school that helped get him a head coaching job? How much do you think Kent Cox wants to beat the team in which he has spent most of his adult life. Those two coaches will have their
Bulldogs wired to a level they have not seen at Nash Central maybe ever in the short history of the school.
Rocky Mount has shown they could be one of the best teams in Big East or even all of the east in the 3-A football. They need to understand the Nash Central team that they will play Friday this is their game of the year. If Rocky Mount wants to play the game of the year later in the year they can not let the Bulldogs stay in this game.
Jason Battle needs to make his Gryphons think this is their game of the year. It will be if they lose Friday because they will have fallen to the bottom. It is hard in the Big East to climb out of a hole created by losing to the team you were suppose to beat. The Big East there simply are not many games where you are favored. Most games each week are pick'em. You had better win all the games you are suppose to win. Should be a tremdous crowd on hand Friday night.
The management at Nash Central went looking and they settled on Chris Lee a former BW Holt disciple from the six years Holt was at Rocky Mount. Craving to prove his worth as a head coach Lee left at the end of first semester 08/09 and moved up the road to Louisburg to be head football coach.
While coaching under Holt Lee was the head JV coach in charge of offense while Kent Cox took the defense. That combo went 48-3 in their six years leading the Rocky Mount JV program. Lee had no idea that by the end of the school year in 09 that Holt would leave Rocky Mount and if he was still on the Gryphon staff just maybe he would have been named the head coach of the Gryphons then. Lee has proven himself as a head coach in Louisburg while Cox moved to the Gryphon baseball program after the departure of Pat Smith.
January of this year Chris Lee came to Nash Central as head coach. Rumors were floating around in February that Lee wanted Cox to join him on Carriage Road. Rumors roared all baseball season and spilled into summer baseball before the word that Cox was heading to the Bulldogs.
Of the two streaks sticking in the gut of Bulldogs they took care of the losing streak which had reached 25 before victory. Everyone says lookout for those Bulldogs. The next four games have not brought victory for the Bulldogs so still staring them in the face is the 12 game conference losing streak.
How much do the stars line up when Chris Lee's first chance to break the conference losing streak comes against a school that helped get him a head coaching job? How much do you think Kent Cox wants to beat the team in which he has spent most of his adult life. Those two coaches will have their
Bulldogs wired to a level they have not seen at Nash Central maybe ever in the short history of the school.
Rocky Mount has shown they could be one of the best teams in Big East or even all of the east in the 3-A football. They need to understand the Nash Central team that they will play Friday this is their game of the year. If Rocky Mount wants to play the game of the year later in the year they can not let the Bulldogs stay in this game.
Jason Battle needs to make his Gryphons think this is their game of the year. It will be if they lose Friday because they will have fallen to the bottom. It is hard in the Big East to climb out of a hole created by losing to the team you were suppose to beat. The Big East there simply are not many games where you are favored. Most games each week are pick'em. You had better win all the games you are suppose to win. Should be a tremdous crowd on hand Friday night.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Who Knew?
All of the public high school conferences were off this week but who knew everyone else would be off too? The Rocky Mount Academy game has been postponed until Monday night. I would assume all the others will play Monday that is of course assuming the rain stops by then.
The Major League Baseball season ends this weekend and the weather looks like those teams trying to either be the 1st wild card or second will probably be playing double headers on the east coast to get the entire season in. Even the NASCAR race in Dover had the qualifying rained out yesterday.
State, Duke And Wake all play home today. Wonder how much money will be spent repairing the fields Next week?
The big NFL brew-ha this week has been the statement made by Cam Newton that Ed Hoculi the referee told him he had not been in the NFL long enough to get a roughing call on a play Sunday. You would think as many cameras at every NFL game somebody heard or at least picked up enough sound somebody could decipher what was said.
I have a feeling something was said about not getting a call but I doubt Hoculi said that exact words. As loud as a NFL game is I find it hard to believe that Cam heard exactly what he said. I think to this point Cam has shown maturity in his growth as a quarterback and leader of the Panthers. I do how ever believe telling the news media in an after game press conference about a conversation shows Cam still needs some growing to do.
Heard on Mike and Mike yesterday that Cam since he has been in the NFL has had only three roughing the quarterback penalties while he has had 30 personal fouls penalties called on people tackling him which since he has been In the league no other QB has had 30.
If you are not in church Sunday there will be and NFL game Sunday Morning. The Dolphins and Jets. Had better be glad they are in London because both Miami or New York might be flooded.
The Major League Baseball season ends this weekend and the weather looks like those teams trying to either be the 1st wild card or second will probably be playing double headers on the east coast to get the entire season in. Even the NASCAR race in Dover had the qualifying rained out yesterday.
State, Duke And Wake all play home today. Wonder how much money will be spent repairing the fields Next week?
The big NFL brew-ha this week has been the statement made by Cam Newton that Ed Hoculi the referee told him he had not been in the NFL long enough to get a roughing call on a play Sunday. You would think as many cameras at every NFL game somebody heard or at least picked up enough sound somebody could decipher what was said.
I have a feeling something was said about not getting a call but I doubt Hoculi said that exact words. As loud as a NFL game is I find it hard to believe that Cam heard exactly what he said. I think to this point Cam has shown maturity in his growth as a quarterback and leader of the Panthers. I do how ever believe telling the news media in an after game press conference about a conversation shows Cam still needs some growing to do.
Heard on Mike and Mike yesterday that Cam since he has been in the NFL has had only three roughing the quarterback penalties while he has had 30 personal fouls penalties called on people tackling him which since he has been In the league no other QB has had 30.
If you are not in church Sunday there will be and NFL game Sunday Morning. The Dolphins and Jets. Had better be glad they are in London because both Miami or New York might be flooded.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Bowl Bids Up For Sale
This week is the first week of full fledged conference action and if you are interested in being in the final four in the playoffs you had better at least win your division. Last week went 5-3 reducing my record to 42-10.
Louisville 1-3 @ NC State 4-0. All the experts are doing whatever it takes to shun State's 4-0 start. We will find out Saturday at 12:30 as State opens conference play hosting Louisville. The Ville struggling to find an acceptable quarterback. Pack almost won this one last year in Louisville. Pack may be most improved team in the country despite winning 8 games last year. Pack 27 Louisville 20.
North Carolina 3-1 @ Georgia Tech 2-2: I just don't see Carolina going to Atlanta and winning this game. Tech Can't be as bad as last two weeks losing on the road. I am not real keen on Carolina 's quarterback. Could be high scoring game. GT 31 Carolina 27
BC 3-1 @ Duke 3-1: is Duke playing all their games this year at home? Should be low scoring game but Duke I now believe defense is better than last but their problem is the offense. Duke 16 Boston College 10
ECU 2-2 @ SMU 1-3: The Pirates need to not have a let down like they did last year after big wins. Pirates 27 SMU 24
Florida State 3-0 @ Wake Forest 2-2: this is not a Florida State team that will make final four. Wake is improved and this game will be closer than most think. FSU 35 Wake 24
Miami 3-0 @ Cincinnati 2-2: Should be a nail biter but this will be the game to determine whether Miami is a serious contender for ACC title. MI 33 Cinn. 27
Pitt 2-1 @ Virginia Tech 2-2. Pitt just may go into Blacksburg and win.
North Carolina Wesleyan 0-3 @ Huntindon 2-2: The Bishops lost all three of their home games to start the season. Saturday first road game for Wesleyan. They will be 0-4 before help is on the way. I will be on PA for rest of the home games so I will do best I can coaching from press box. Huntington 27 NCW 20
Louisville 1-3 @ NC State 4-0. All the experts are doing whatever it takes to shun State's 4-0 start. We will find out Saturday at 12:30 as State opens conference play hosting Louisville. The Ville struggling to find an acceptable quarterback. Pack almost won this one last year in Louisville. Pack may be most improved team in the country despite winning 8 games last year. Pack 27 Louisville 20.
North Carolina 3-1 @ Georgia Tech 2-2: I just don't see Carolina going to Atlanta and winning this game. Tech Can't be as bad as last two weeks losing on the road. I am not real keen on Carolina 's quarterback. Could be high scoring game. GT 31 Carolina 27
BC 3-1 @ Duke 3-1: is Duke playing all their games this year at home? Should be low scoring game but Duke I now believe defense is better than last but their problem is the offense. Duke 16 Boston College 10
ECU 2-2 @ SMU 1-3: The Pirates need to not have a let down like they did last year after big wins. Pirates 27 SMU 24
Florida State 3-0 @ Wake Forest 2-2: this is not a Florida State team that will make final four. Wake is improved and this game will be closer than most think. FSU 35 Wake 24
Miami 3-0 @ Cincinnati 2-2: Should be a nail biter but this will be the game to determine whether Miami is a serious contender for ACC title. MI 33 Cinn. 27
Pitt 2-1 @ Virginia Tech 2-2. Pitt just may go into Blacksburg and win.
North Carolina Wesleyan 0-3 @ Huntindon 2-2: The Bishops lost all three of their home games to start the season. Saturday first road game for Wesleyan. They will be 0-4 before help is on the way. I will be on PA for rest of the home games so I will do best I can coaching from press box. Huntington 27 NCW 20
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Off Week - Slim Schedule
Only three Local games in the area Friday night As all the public schools are off. Went 7-2 in games last weekend to up my year's record to 39-8
SouthEast Halifax 1-4 at Rocky Mount Prep 1-2: talk about a hard game to predict! I think SE Halifax takes this one in another high scoring game SEHalifax 45 Prep 38
Kestrel Heights 6-0 at NE Carolina Prep 2-2. Should be all KH. 44-14
RMA 5-1 at Southampton Academy 4-0. All nine wins between the two teams have been bottom feeders. This starts the run as seedings for the playoffs start and both these teams should finish high enough to host at least one home game. Whether they get two or more will be in the hands of the winner. Southampton 38 RMA 35
Preseason the coaches voted Fike first, Southern Nash Second, Rocky Mount and Hunt third, Nash Central fifth and Northern Nash last. Let's look and see where they probably will be after the first six non conference games.
Fike 4-2 Lost the first two games and looked as if they didn't have any defense. The last four weeks they found it. Will be in the fight for first till the end.
Southern Nash 4-2. Their power game does not look like the Firebirds of the past. Defense maybe not quite as good either. Probably sink to the 3rd/4th area but this is Big East and they could be in the Hunt right to the end.
Rocky Mount 4-2. Who else can claim their two losses are Middle Creek and Rose and four solid wins. Forest Bell as Gryphon quarterback could be best leader in Big East. Gryphons will be in first place fight right to the end
Hunt 4-2. They are not blowing people out but they probably have best defense in league. Think by the end will be in the middle.
Nash Central 2-4 picked to win one conference game and break conference losing streak that goes back to 2012. Offense improved but where is the D? Think they will finish last which will be a major disappointment.
Northern Nash 2-4. First four games looked awful but have found offense the last two weeks. They seem to be improving. They will finish fifth or sneak in to the 3/4/5 slot.
Looks to me Fike and Rocky Mount are the top two but remember this is the Big East.
SouthEast Halifax 1-4 at Rocky Mount Prep 1-2: talk about a hard game to predict! I think SE Halifax takes this one in another high scoring game SEHalifax 45 Prep 38
Kestrel Heights 6-0 at NE Carolina Prep 2-2. Should be all KH. 44-14
RMA 5-1 at Southampton Academy 4-0. All nine wins between the two teams have been bottom feeders. This starts the run as seedings for the playoffs start and both these teams should finish high enough to host at least one home game. Whether they get two or more will be in the hands of the winner. Southampton 38 RMA 35
Preseason the coaches voted Fike first, Southern Nash Second, Rocky Mount and Hunt third, Nash Central fifth and Northern Nash last. Let's look and see where they probably will be after the first six non conference games.
Fike 4-2 Lost the first two games and looked as if they didn't have any defense. The last four weeks they found it. Will be in the fight for first till the end.
Southern Nash 4-2. Their power game does not look like the Firebirds of the past. Defense maybe not quite as good either. Probably sink to the 3rd/4th area but this is Big East and they could be in the Hunt right to the end.
Rocky Mount 4-2. Who else can claim their two losses are Middle Creek and Rose and four solid wins. Forest Bell as Gryphon quarterback could be best leader in Big East. Gryphons will be in first place fight right to the end
Hunt 4-2. They are not blowing people out but they probably have best defense in league. Think by the end will be in the middle.
Nash Central 2-4 picked to win one conference game and break conference losing streak that goes back to 2012. Offense improved but where is the D? Think they will finish last which will be a major disappointment.
Northern Nash 2-4. First four games looked awful but have found offense the last two weeks. They seem to be improving. They will finish fifth or sneak in to the 3/4/5 slot.
Looks to me Fike and Rocky Mount are the top two but remember this is the Big East.
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