The Rocky Mount Gryphons have played the first three weeks of the playoffs all at home and there is still two more weeks for who ever survives next week. Simply too many games. Just suppose you were Morehead who had played the first three on the road and if they had beat the Gryphons would have played one more before Chapel Hill.
The Gryphons displayed their entire game plan in all three. Let's pound pound pound and see how things look in the fourth quarter. Morehead deployed the passing game designed to give their backs the ball outside the tackle box area because of their thirty rushing attempts only ten snaps went to the backs for eight yards. The quarterback had twenty carries for ninety yards.
Many of those tosses by the Panthers the Gryphons had men in place to make defensive plays but it was hard to stop them when many times they went for it on fourth down. Hard to believe the stats that the Gryphons held them to 204 yards on only 29 pass attempts. Seemed like they passed a lot more.
The trio of Gryphon backs with the most carries over the playoff Haul have done the job which has to give the Gryphon blockers credit that on the final offensive play the Gryphons run up the middle practically untouched. There are times when you need to loosen up eight men in the box Forest Bell was perfect passing the ball. The Gryphons averaged 9.3 yards per play on 48 plays. The defense held the Panthers to 302 yards on 59 plays or right at five yards per play. Morehead wanted to control the ball and they did but they could not stop the Gryphons when their defense was on the field.
It was the largest crowd at the new school's football field. I do have to question where the Rocky Mount band was? The Morehead crowd was their early except for their band that didn't arrive until middle of the second quarter. The Gryphon crowd didn't get seated until the end of the first quarter. The Panther cheerleader were the best we have seen all year. They cheered base on what was happening and they had the crowd cheering with them. Once the band got there they never stopped playing.
This third round game shows you how some where you have to play defense. Morehead gave up 35 points two games in a row and they just could not score enough points to keep winning. This was the best game I've seen in a while. The next question for the Gryphons is can they keep out scoring further foes for two more weeks?
This Monday in order to be State Champions in football the Gryphons need two wins in eleven days as the 3A championship is Friday night in Chapel Hill at 7:30pm. Ooh so close.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Battle Reaches Milestone
The football playoffs with so many local teams playing has taken up a whole lot of space over the first three weeks of November in this blog. Recently the Lady Knights were winners and on that night was the 500th win for Grover Battle.
Two things that mark greatness in coaches is state championships and Grover Battle has one at Northern Nash. The other is winning 500 or more games during their coaching career. You must remember that in high school twenty to twenty five games is about all teams play every year so it is not like colleges when they may play 30 or more every year.
There is a banner hanging in the gym at Northern for one of their legendary coaches Bill Ennis. It is time to make room for one more.
Carmen Richardson sophomore guard for Queens University in Charlotte and former Lady Gryphon was named the Astro Turf South Atlantic player of the week on November 23rd after scoring 44 points in two games. She gathered 12 rebounds and 5 assists.
This was a very good year for Kyle Holland who quarterbacked the Eagles of Rocky Mount Academy. During the season he was honored by Tom Suitor and WRAL TV as The extra Effort award winner and last Sunday he was recognized by the Carolina Panthers and the U S Air Force as a Community Captain.
In order to qualify to be a Community Captain you must do more than excel on the football field but have at least a 3.0 grade point average and do community service work in your community. Congratulations to Kyle
Wes Bradshaw gave me a heads up this week that I needed to check out the Winter League baseball. Former Gryphon Brian Goodwin who finished the baseball season in AA baseball which from the Washington Nationals expectations of Brian last season was a major disappointment. Brian is playing Winter Ball in Venesuela.
This week has just started the second half of the season which runs through December 29th. The first half Goodwin hit 289 with 2 homers, a triple and five doubles.
If you recall at the beginning of the 2014 season Brian was scheduled to be the starting center fielder for the Nationals in 2015. A poor first half of the season Goodwin was hitting a mere 229 when a shoulder injury ended his season and it also ended his dream of playing in Washington in 2015.
Another slow start had Goodwin demoted from AAA to AA and demoted as the Nationals top prospect to the mid 20's. This either shows the Nationals haven't given up on Goodwin if they haven't it would show injuries are the poor performance by Goodwin or they are advertising him as trade bait. The Nationals have several players who have announced they were trying free agency and if the Nationals don't resign most of them the Nationals will have several holes to fill which could be done by their farm system or trading farm system players for top of the line players from other teams or signing free agents.
Two things that mark greatness in coaches is state championships and Grover Battle has one at Northern Nash. The other is winning 500 or more games during their coaching career. You must remember that in high school twenty to twenty five games is about all teams play every year so it is not like colleges when they may play 30 or more every year.
There is a banner hanging in the gym at Northern for one of their legendary coaches Bill Ennis. It is time to make room for one more.
Carmen Richardson sophomore guard for Queens University in Charlotte and former Lady Gryphon was named the Astro Turf South Atlantic player of the week on November 23rd after scoring 44 points in two games. She gathered 12 rebounds and 5 assists.
This was a very good year for Kyle Holland who quarterbacked the Eagles of Rocky Mount Academy. During the season he was honored by Tom Suitor and WRAL TV as The extra Effort award winner and last Sunday he was recognized by the Carolina Panthers and the U S Air Force as a Community Captain.
In order to qualify to be a Community Captain you must do more than excel on the football field but have at least a 3.0 grade point average and do community service work in your community. Congratulations to Kyle
Wes Bradshaw gave me a heads up this week that I needed to check out the Winter League baseball. Former Gryphon Brian Goodwin who finished the baseball season in AA baseball which from the Washington Nationals expectations of Brian last season was a major disappointment. Brian is playing Winter Ball in Venesuela.
This week has just started the second half of the season which runs through December 29th. The first half Goodwin hit 289 with 2 homers, a triple and five doubles.
If you recall at the beginning of the 2014 season Brian was scheduled to be the starting center fielder for the Nationals in 2015. A poor first half of the season Goodwin was hitting a mere 229 when a shoulder injury ended his season and it also ended his dream of playing in Washington in 2015.
Another slow start had Goodwin demoted from AAA to AA and demoted as the Nationals top prospect to the mid 20's. This either shows the Nationals haven't given up on Goodwin if they haven't it would show injuries are the poor performance by Goodwin or they are advertising him as trade bait. The Nationals have several players who have announced they were trying free agency and if the Nationals don't resign most of them the Nationals will have several holes to fill which could be done by their farm system or trading farm system players for top of the line players from other teams or signing free agents.
Friday, November 27, 2015
4th Quarter Grit
If you were not there you missed the best game played at Rocky Mount since the Eastern Final loss to West Craven 22-19 In 2008 but this game was better than that because this game came down to who had the ball last. Rocky Mount only had seven possessions in the game and they scored five times. Morehead had a 78 yard kickoff return and they recover a pooch kick after Rocky Mount failed to catch.
Morehead had 8 processions and Rocky Mount stopped them twice on an opening drive interception and held them to a field goal on another and one more fourth quarter stop which was good enough to win the third round playoff game and advance to the Eastern Finals for the first time since 2008 with a 35-31 come from behind win.
The Panthers took the opening kickoff and use a short passing game and moved down the field and kept the clock moving until they threw the ball for the first time down field got picked off By Gryphon Detrell Revis. Rocky Mount wasted little time marching down the field and got a 31 yard rumble from Nick Bynum an a pat from Chase Miller and the led 7-0 with 4:06 to play in the first quarter.
The lead was short lived as Judakiss Jumper fielded the kickoff and proceeded to run 78 yards untouched for the tying TD. The Gryphons got timely completions but the main bulk of yardage once again came from the running backs and the Gryphons regained the lead at 11:35 of the second quarter on a ten yard touchdown. The Gryphons got sneaky and out of the extra point set threw a two point conversion making it 15-7.
It was Moreheads ball and here they go throwing many passes to their backs and quarterback Will Dabbs running from the shotgun moved down the field and scored on a eight yard pass Dabbs to broadnax making it 15-13. The Gryphon two pointer force the Panthers to try one which the Gryphons snuffed out.
The first time the Panthers stopped the Gryphons was the Gryphons 3rd drive of the half and punted. The Panthers took advantage scoring with 25 seconds on a Daunte King one yard plunge and a two pointer to give Morehead a 21-15 half time lead.
The second half pooch kick was recovered by Morehead and they didn't take long before they scored on a Will Dabbs sneak and with 8:19 left in the third quarter the Gryphons found themselves down 15-28.
It took less than two minutes for the Gryphons to pound the football for a touchdown when Nick Bynum from 22 yards out and the Miller extra point cut the lead to 28-22 with 7:08 in the third. From this point on either the Gryphons slow down the Panthers or this season is over and they did just enough.
Using a controlled passing game the Gryphons stop Morehead to a field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter so they were killing the clock at 11:45 to play in the game it is now 31-22. By this point in the game Rocky Mount was pounding the football at will and scored with 9:15 to play on a 29 yard run from Tyrell Forbes but the extra point hit the right bar and the score is 31-28
The Panthers once again moved the ball down the field and face 4th six at the a Rocky Mount 13 had to go for a touchdown because a field goal would be one point short if the Gryphons scored another touchdown. The Gryphons got their best pass rush of the game forcing a quick pass and an incompletions.
Four minutes the Gryphons rammed it down the field and scored with 44 seconds left but a wide receiver was in motion taking away the touchdown. Trying to be as dramatic as possible the Gryphons waited until four seconds to play and Nick Bynum scored standing up to send the Gryphons back to Eastern Alamance a 26-20 overtime winner over Southern Guilford.
The Gryphon stands were three quarters full and there was maybe 25 more people that could have found a seat on the Morehead side. The crowd was great and they got their money's worth.
Tarboro loses 21-14 to James Kenan
SouthWest Edgecombe romps 56-14 over Fairmont
Southside beat North Edgecombe 36-24
Morehead had 8 processions and Rocky Mount stopped them twice on an opening drive interception and held them to a field goal on another and one more fourth quarter stop which was good enough to win the third round playoff game and advance to the Eastern Finals for the first time since 2008 with a 35-31 come from behind win.
The Panthers took the opening kickoff and use a short passing game and moved down the field and kept the clock moving until they threw the ball for the first time down field got picked off By Gryphon Detrell Revis. Rocky Mount wasted little time marching down the field and got a 31 yard rumble from Nick Bynum an a pat from Chase Miller and the led 7-0 with 4:06 to play in the first quarter.
The lead was short lived as Judakiss Jumper fielded the kickoff and proceeded to run 78 yards untouched for the tying TD. The Gryphons got timely completions but the main bulk of yardage once again came from the running backs and the Gryphons regained the lead at 11:35 of the second quarter on a ten yard touchdown. The Gryphons got sneaky and out of the extra point set threw a two point conversion making it 15-7.
It was Moreheads ball and here they go throwing many passes to their backs and quarterback Will Dabbs running from the shotgun moved down the field and scored on a eight yard pass Dabbs to broadnax making it 15-13. The Gryphon two pointer force the Panthers to try one which the Gryphons snuffed out.
The first time the Panthers stopped the Gryphons was the Gryphons 3rd drive of the half and punted. The Panthers took advantage scoring with 25 seconds on a Daunte King one yard plunge and a two pointer to give Morehead a 21-15 half time lead.
The second half pooch kick was recovered by Morehead and they didn't take long before they scored on a Will Dabbs sneak and with 8:19 left in the third quarter the Gryphons found themselves down 15-28.
It took less than two minutes for the Gryphons to pound the football for a touchdown when Nick Bynum from 22 yards out and the Miller extra point cut the lead to 28-22 with 7:08 in the third. From this point on either the Gryphons slow down the Panthers or this season is over and they did just enough.
Using a controlled passing game the Gryphons stop Morehead to a field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter so they were killing the clock at 11:45 to play in the game it is now 31-22. By this point in the game Rocky Mount was pounding the football at will and scored with 9:15 to play on a 29 yard run from Tyrell Forbes but the extra point hit the right bar and the score is 31-28
The Panthers once again moved the ball down the field and face 4th six at the a Rocky Mount 13 had to go for a touchdown because a field goal would be one point short if the Gryphons scored another touchdown. The Gryphons got their best pass rush of the game forcing a quick pass and an incompletions.
Four minutes the Gryphons rammed it down the field and scored with 44 seconds left but a wide receiver was in motion taking away the touchdown. Trying to be as dramatic as possible the Gryphons waited until four seconds to play and Nick Bynum scored standing up to send the Gryphons back to Eastern Alamance a 26-20 overtime winner over Southern Guilford.
The Gryphon stands were three quarters full and there was maybe 25 more people that could have found a seat on the Morehead side. The crowd was great and they got their money's worth.
Tarboro loses 21-14 to James Kenan
SouthWest Edgecombe romps 56-14 over Fairmont
Southside beat North Edgecombe 36-24
Final Week Regular Season College Football
Went 8-1 last week running college picks for year to 86-23. Wish pro picks were like this. Just about every game this week is a traditional rival game that means so much for which ever side you pull for. Just might keep a coach on the job by beating that one game that if you won only one game every year this has to be the one.
Miami 7-4 @ Pittsburgh 8-3: A win by Pitt and they will have the surprise season over all others. Nobody expected the Panthers to be this good. Take away the Duke gift this year a complete disappointment for the Canes. Pitt 30 Miami 24
Florida St 9-2 @ Florida 10-1: Florida can still get into the playoffs. FSU could fall out of a top tier bowl with a loss. This would be a boost for ACC but Gators win. 27-23
Georgia 8-3 @ Georgia Tech 3-8: Both coaches on the hot seat. Could be fatal for Mark Reicht should Tech win, doubt it. Georgia 36 GT 21
Clemson 11-0 @ South Carolina 3-8: All Clemson needs is a win. In order to be seeded number one Clemsom may need a slaughter for style points. Close game Clemson will drop to three or four. Clemson 35 South Carolina 10
Duke 6-5 @ Wake Forest 3-8: I think with the offense Duke has just shows you how good coach Cut
and his staff are. Wake's rebuilding is at least another year away. Wake's D will keep this a low scoring game. Duke 24 Wake 14
BC 3-8 @ Syracuse 3-8: Coaching change coming at the Cuse. BC has been competitive in just about all games. Will the Orange try to win one for the coach or or BC play as the better team. BC 23. Syracuse 17
Louisville 6-5 @ Kentucky 5-6: The Ville is a perfect example of not having a quarterback can ruin a season. Other than Alabama there is no other SEC football team the Wildcats would rather beat. The Cards 34 Kentucky 26
Virginia Tech 5-6 @ Virginia 4-3: Both these teams may have new coaches next year. You know all Bowls and TV networks want a Gobbler win so Beamer ball just might be in their bowl. Gobblers win not have to wait to see if a team with losing record get in they win their 6th. Tech 27 Thomas Jefferson 23.
North Carolina 11-0 @ North Carolina State 7-4: This just maybe the most important game ever for the Tar Heels. They may be 14th in Bowl playoff but stranger things have happened. Two more victories the Heels could make the playoffs but not if they lose in Raleigh. The Pack's goal this year was nine wins which is Still possible. I know this is going to stir Tar Heel Nation but State has played the top two teams in the ACC and after this game they will have played the top three in ACC Carolina none of top teams. Pack 30 Carolina 26.
Miami 7-4 @ Pittsburgh 8-3: A win by Pitt and they will have the surprise season over all others. Nobody expected the Panthers to be this good. Take away the Duke gift this year a complete disappointment for the Canes. Pitt 30 Miami 24
Florida St 9-2 @ Florida 10-1: Florida can still get into the playoffs. FSU could fall out of a top tier bowl with a loss. This would be a boost for ACC but Gators win. 27-23
Georgia 8-3 @ Georgia Tech 3-8: Both coaches on the hot seat. Could be fatal for Mark Reicht should Tech win, doubt it. Georgia 36 GT 21
Clemson 11-0 @ South Carolina 3-8: All Clemson needs is a win. In order to be seeded number one Clemsom may need a slaughter for style points. Close game Clemson will drop to three or four. Clemson 35 South Carolina 10
Duke 6-5 @ Wake Forest 3-8: I think with the offense Duke has just shows you how good coach Cut
and his staff are. Wake's rebuilding is at least another year away. Wake's D will keep this a low scoring game. Duke 24 Wake 14
BC 3-8 @ Syracuse 3-8: Coaching change coming at the Cuse. BC has been competitive in just about all games. Will the Orange try to win one for the coach or or BC play as the better team. BC 23. Syracuse 17
Louisville 6-5 @ Kentucky 5-6: The Ville is a perfect example of not having a quarterback can ruin a season. Other than Alabama there is no other SEC football team the Wildcats would rather beat. The Cards 34 Kentucky 26
Virginia Tech 5-6 @ Virginia 4-3: Both these teams may have new coaches next year. You know all Bowls and TV networks want a Gobbler win so Beamer ball just might be in their bowl. Gobblers win not have to wait to see if a team with losing record get in they win their 6th. Tech 27 Thomas Jefferson 23.
North Carolina 11-0 @ North Carolina State 7-4: This just maybe the most important game ever for the Tar Heels. They may be 14th in Bowl playoff but stranger things have happened. Two more victories the Heels could make the playoffs but not if they lose in Raleigh. The Pack's goal this year was nine wins which is Still possible. I know this is going to stir Tar Heel Nation but State has played the top two teams in the ACC and after this game they will have played the top three in ACC Carolina none of top teams. Pack 30 Carolina 26.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
A Time For Thanksgiving
We the people of the United States have so much to be Thankful. Those considered in poverty in this country have no popped bellies like you see in third world countries when ribs are visibly seen over the poaching belly.
Today we go to Grand Ma's house and get to eat turkey, ham, collards, sweet potatoes and plenty of stuffing and gravely. Then we recline to watch football and which I believe for the first time the unbeaten Carolina Panthers take part on one of the three TV games against the team if you listen to their fans will not lose another game this year because Tony Romo is back for Dallas.
We have four high school teams who by the time you read this probably have already finished their Turkey Day work to prepare for their Friday night playoff game in the third round of the state playoffs. last week got all eight playoff games right giving me a 89-17 record for the year.
North Edgecombe 7-5 4th place Twin Rivers @ Southside 11-1 2nd place Coastal Plains. Common opponents Riverside Martin. NE lost 22-40. Southside 46-42... Northampton NE lost 32-34 Southside won 40-36. North Edgecombe averaged 32 points per game, Southside 42. The defense the Warriors gave up 23 plus while the Seahawks 16.
The Warriors are almost healthy and this game has the making of a real doozy. The tilt toward the winner is Southside is home. Southside 36 North Edgecombe 32
James Kenan 12-1 Tied first in Carolina 1A with Lakewood @ Tarboro champion of Twin Rivers 1A 12-1. Common opponents Riverside Martin. Tarboro 49-28 JK 47-14. Lakewood 37-7 Tarboro, James Kenan 35-6. Tarboro averaged. 41 points JK 44. Points allowed Tarboro 14 James Kenan 10.
This is a state championship quality game. The winner has every chance to win it all in two weeks. Once again I'll take the home team. Tarboro 24 James Kenan 21.
Fairmont 11-2 champion of Three Rivers 2A/1A @ SouthWest Edgecombe 12-1 champion of Eastern Plains 2-A. No common opponents. Cougars averaged 36 points per game, Fairmont 42. SWE yielded 15 points on defense every time out while Fairmont 19.
Over riding issue for me in this game is Fairmont plays in a split league and some are 1-A schools inflating Fairmont 's numbers. Once again I will go with the home team. The Cougars will advance SWE 38 Fairmont 24.
Morehead 10-3 3rd place Mid State 3A @ Rocky Mount 11-2 champions of the Big East. One common opponent Williams. RM 24 Williams 13. Morehead 42 Williams 15 at Williams. The Gryphons average 36 per outing while Morehead 31. The tackling side Rocky Mount gives up 18 while the Panthers 25.
This game will not be decided until the 4th quarter. The Panthers are one of the hottest teams at this point in time. Just like the others two home local teams Gryphons will be hard to beat at home. Need a full house in attendance. I think this one will be in fourth quarter before Gryphon gets control. Rocky Mount 31 Morehead 23.
So I'm taking all the home team's Friday but let me tell you. The Cougars have the best chance to advance while both Tarboro and Rocky Mount have their work cut out for themselves. North Edgecombe has a shot. All four could lose and all four could win. The best place to be Friday is in one of our four teams still alive and cheer hard.
Today we go to Grand Ma's house and get to eat turkey, ham, collards, sweet potatoes and plenty of stuffing and gravely. Then we recline to watch football and which I believe for the first time the unbeaten Carolina Panthers take part on one of the three TV games against the team if you listen to their fans will not lose another game this year because Tony Romo is back for Dallas.
We have four high school teams who by the time you read this probably have already finished their Turkey Day work to prepare for their Friday night playoff game in the third round of the state playoffs. last week got all eight playoff games right giving me a 89-17 record for the year.
North Edgecombe 7-5 4th place Twin Rivers @ Southside 11-1 2nd place Coastal Plains. Common opponents Riverside Martin. NE lost 22-40. Southside 46-42... Northampton NE lost 32-34 Southside won 40-36. North Edgecombe averaged 32 points per game, Southside 42. The defense the Warriors gave up 23 plus while the Seahawks 16.
The Warriors are almost healthy and this game has the making of a real doozy. The tilt toward the winner is Southside is home. Southside 36 North Edgecombe 32
James Kenan 12-1 Tied first in Carolina 1A with Lakewood @ Tarboro champion of Twin Rivers 1A 12-1. Common opponents Riverside Martin. Tarboro 49-28 JK 47-14. Lakewood 37-7 Tarboro, James Kenan 35-6. Tarboro averaged. 41 points JK 44. Points allowed Tarboro 14 James Kenan 10.
This is a state championship quality game. The winner has every chance to win it all in two weeks. Once again I'll take the home team. Tarboro 24 James Kenan 21.
Fairmont 11-2 champion of Three Rivers 2A/1A @ SouthWest Edgecombe 12-1 champion of Eastern Plains 2-A. No common opponents. Cougars averaged 36 points per game, Fairmont 42. SWE yielded 15 points on defense every time out while Fairmont 19.
Over riding issue for me in this game is Fairmont plays in a split league and some are 1-A schools inflating Fairmont 's numbers. Once again I will go with the home team. The Cougars will advance SWE 38 Fairmont 24.
Morehead 10-3 3rd place Mid State 3A @ Rocky Mount 11-2 champions of the Big East. One common opponent Williams. RM 24 Williams 13. Morehead 42 Williams 15 at Williams. The Gryphons average 36 per outing while Morehead 31. The tackling side Rocky Mount gives up 18 while the Panthers 25.
This game will not be decided until the 4th quarter. The Panthers are one of the hottest teams at this point in time. Just like the others two home local teams Gryphons will be hard to beat at home. Need a full house in attendance. I think this one will be in fourth quarter before Gryphon gets control. Rocky Mount 31 Morehead 23.
So I'm taking all the home team's Friday but let me tell you. The Cougars have the best chance to advance while both Tarboro and Rocky Mount have their work cut out for themselves. North Edgecombe has a shot. All four could lose and all four could win. The best place to be Friday is in one of our four teams still alive and cheer hard.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Another Week Of NFL Agony Guessing
Another struggle to pick games last week going 8-6 to run my record for the season 86- 73. Between refs getting calls wrong and half the the teams in the NFL with their rosters on IR hard to get any rhythm picking games. Thursday Turkey triple header is first on tap.
Eagles 4-6 @ Lions 3-7: Lions finally have some mo and they are playing a team full of defections. This one should be close. Lions 31 Eagles 27
Carolina 10-0 @ Cowboys 3-7: Perfect time to get knocked off. Short week Cowboys on Thanksgiving in Dallas. Romo the Cowboy fans hero back for his second game. The Panther D has been great. Cam's improved play has come because he is not putting the ball in risk. I know it would be great not going undefeated because the streak gets more pressurized every week. This has all the signs for a Cowboy win but the Panthers make it another week 27-24.
Bears 4-6 @ Packers 7-3: There's something wrong with Packers. They need this one for any home field in playoffs. Bears improved but not enough to win in Green Bay. Packers 27 Bears 20.
Saints 4-6 @ Texans 5-5. T J Yates has made a difference for the Texans. The Saints have no defense but Houston does. Texans 27 Saints 23
Rams 4-6 @ Bengals 8-2: One lost has made 2 in a row for Bengals. It will not go to three. Cincy 23 St. Louis 17
Vikings 7-3 @ Falcons 6-4: Falcons are in free fall. Vikings are better than they showed against Green Bay. Vikes 27 Falcons 17
Giants 5-5 @ Washington 4-6: The leader in the NFC east are Eagles and Giants and after Redskins win could be three way tie. If Dallas beats Panthers they could be just one game back. Remember Redskins home so they will play great. Washington 31 NewYork 27
Bills 5-5 @ Colts 5-5: Bills another team you never know which team shows up. Colts look the same. I don't know who to pick here. Home team is my pick. Indy 23 Bills 16
Raiders 4-6 @. Titans 2-8: Raiders have hit a rut after showing a big push Titans never got any flow. Raiders get back on the winning track. 36-28
Chargers 2-8 @ Jags 4-6: Chargers don't have a healthy receiver who can catch a ball five yards beyond line of scrimmage. I don't see Chargers winning another game this year. Jacksonville 24 Chargers 20
Dolphins 4-6 @ Jets 5-5: Here is another game against two teams going no where. One has to win. Jets 23 Dolphins 21
Cards 8-2 @ 49's 3-7 : This is probably lopsided game of week. Cardinals 31 San Fran 13.
Steelers 6-4 @ Seattle 5-5: Seattle D just not the the Super Bowl caliber of the last two years. Pitts D best thing the Steelers got going. Hawks in a close one 23-21
Patriots 10-0 @ Broncos 8-2: Denver D will be a test for a New England offense that some how or other wiggles off the hook. Denver has better offense with Manning on sideline. I like the Denver D in this one. Pats bite the dust for the first time. Denver 23 NE 17
Ravens 3-7 @ Browns 2-8. Seems Monday Night Football has really had some stinkers this year. Here's another one. Browns will win with who ever quarterbacks. Ravens will lose with who ever quarterbacks. 26-23
Eagles 4-6 @ Lions 3-7: Lions finally have some mo and they are playing a team full of defections. This one should be close. Lions 31 Eagles 27
Carolina 10-0 @ Cowboys 3-7: Perfect time to get knocked off. Short week Cowboys on Thanksgiving in Dallas. Romo the Cowboy fans hero back for his second game. The Panther D has been great. Cam's improved play has come because he is not putting the ball in risk. I know it would be great not going undefeated because the streak gets more pressurized every week. This has all the signs for a Cowboy win but the Panthers make it another week 27-24.
Bears 4-6 @ Packers 7-3: There's something wrong with Packers. They need this one for any home field in playoffs. Bears improved but not enough to win in Green Bay. Packers 27 Bears 20.
Saints 4-6 @ Texans 5-5. T J Yates has made a difference for the Texans. The Saints have no defense but Houston does. Texans 27 Saints 23
Rams 4-6 @ Bengals 8-2: One lost has made 2 in a row for Bengals. It will not go to three. Cincy 23 St. Louis 17
Vikings 7-3 @ Falcons 6-4: Falcons are in free fall. Vikings are better than they showed against Green Bay. Vikes 27 Falcons 17
Giants 5-5 @ Washington 4-6: The leader in the NFC east are Eagles and Giants and after Redskins win could be three way tie. If Dallas beats Panthers they could be just one game back. Remember Redskins home so they will play great. Washington 31 NewYork 27
Bills 5-5 @ Colts 5-5: Bills another team you never know which team shows up. Colts look the same. I don't know who to pick here. Home team is my pick. Indy 23 Bills 16
Raiders 4-6 @. Titans 2-8: Raiders have hit a rut after showing a big push Titans never got any flow. Raiders get back on the winning track. 36-28
Chargers 2-8 @ Jags 4-6: Chargers don't have a healthy receiver who can catch a ball five yards beyond line of scrimmage. I don't see Chargers winning another game this year. Jacksonville 24 Chargers 20
Dolphins 4-6 @ Jets 5-5: Here is another game against two teams going no where. One has to win. Jets 23 Dolphins 21
Cards 8-2 @ 49's 3-7 : This is probably lopsided game of week. Cardinals 31 San Fran 13.
Steelers 6-4 @ Seattle 5-5: Seattle D just not the the Super Bowl caliber of the last two years. Pitts D best thing the Steelers got going. Hawks in a close one 23-21
Patriots 10-0 @ Broncos 8-2: Denver D will be a test for a New England offense that some how or other wiggles off the hook. Denver has better offense with Manning on sideline. I like the Denver D in this one. Pats bite the dust for the first time. Denver 23 NE 17
Ravens 3-7 @ Browns 2-8. Seems Monday Night Football has really had some stinkers this year. Here's another one. Browns will win with who ever quarterbacks. Ravens will lose with who ever quarterbacks. 26-23
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Four Locals Still Alive
First round of the playoffs all eight local teams from the three county area all won going 8-0 for the first week. The second round the list was chopped in half as we send four teams to a Thanksgiving Day Practice and a Friday night third round. Three of the four will play on the home turf and at this time of year you need anything to help and when even teams tangle the home turf can be the turning point for victory.
North Edgecombe the 11th seed has the worse record still standing 7-5 so they are the only team dodging pot holes as they visit Southside 11-1 and the number two seed in Chocowinity. Round four matchup for the NE/Southside winner is the winner of the top seed Plymouth 11-2 hosting South Creek 9-3 the fourth seed
Tarboro 8-0 at home this year and they are always a hard out whoever the team is when the game is on Viking Turf. Tarboro is the two seed in 1AA and James Kenan number three 12-1. This will be a monster game. When ever two conference champions collide at this stage the luck of the year when one conference has the seedings priority over the other is huge. Awaiting for the winner the Wallace Rose Hill 12-1- East Carteret 11-2 winner. WRH is the top seed and will host round four if they win. The Tarboro-James Kenan winner can only host if East Carteret is a winner next week. All four teams left are conference champions.
SouthWest Edgecombe 12-1 the number two seed in 2-A will host Fairmont 11-2 the three seed. This is another matchup of conference champions. Next week the winner will be facing the Kinston 13-0 the top seed or Elizabeth City Northeastern 11-2 the fourth seed who is another conference champion. All four teams left alive in this bracket are a conference champion. The Cougars are familiar with Kinston but Northeastern is more familiar with Rocky Mount and Northern Nash who both had to make the long trips to Elizabeth City when they were conference members and Northern still plays the Eagles in non conference games.
Rocky Mount the two seed in 3-A 11-2 will host Morehead from Eden a ten seed with a 10-3 record. The Gryphons had better not think avoiding Havelock is an automatic ride into the fourth round. Morehead scored at will against the Havelock Rams. The winner will match up with the top seed Eastern Alamance 13-0 or Southern Guilford 11-2. Looking back this century in the high school playoffs it seems as if we do well against so called east of Raleigh teams but that I - 85 corridor has bitten us just about every time. The next two games if the Gryphons survive this week both games will feature I-85 teams.
I hope you Gryphon fans realize that having their top two teams alive the Mid East just might be the best 3-A league in football this year. The Gryphons are the only Big East team left so that should tell you Morehead will be no patsie as that Mid State number three team.
So all eight local teams won opening night of the playoffs. Half lost in round two. Will half lose again in round three or for that matter will all four win their games or will they all lose???
North Edgecombe the 11th seed has the worse record still standing 7-5 so they are the only team dodging pot holes as they visit Southside 11-1 and the number two seed in Chocowinity. Round four matchup for the NE/Southside winner is the winner of the top seed Plymouth 11-2 hosting South Creek 9-3 the fourth seed
Tarboro 8-0 at home this year and they are always a hard out whoever the team is when the game is on Viking Turf. Tarboro is the two seed in 1AA and James Kenan number three 12-1. This will be a monster game. When ever two conference champions collide at this stage the luck of the year when one conference has the seedings priority over the other is huge. Awaiting for the winner the Wallace Rose Hill 12-1- East Carteret 11-2 winner. WRH is the top seed and will host round four if they win. The Tarboro-James Kenan winner can only host if East Carteret is a winner next week. All four teams left are conference champions.
SouthWest Edgecombe 12-1 the number two seed in 2-A will host Fairmont 11-2 the three seed. This is another matchup of conference champions. Next week the winner will be facing the Kinston 13-0 the top seed or Elizabeth City Northeastern 11-2 the fourth seed who is another conference champion. All four teams left alive in this bracket are a conference champion. The Cougars are familiar with Kinston but Northeastern is more familiar with Rocky Mount and Northern Nash who both had to make the long trips to Elizabeth City when they were conference members and Northern still plays the Eagles in non conference games.
Rocky Mount the two seed in 3-A 11-2 will host Morehead from Eden a ten seed with a 10-3 record. The Gryphons had better not think avoiding Havelock is an automatic ride into the fourth round. Morehead scored at will against the Havelock Rams. The winner will match up with the top seed Eastern Alamance 13-0 or Southern Guilford 11-2. Looking back this century in the high school playoffs it seems as if we do well against so called east of Raleigh teams but that I - 85 corridor has bitten us just about every time. The next two games if the Gryphons survive this week both games will feature I-85 teams.
I hope you Gryphon fans realize that having their top two teams alive the Mid East just might be the best 3-A league in football this year. The Gryphons are the only Big East team left so that should tell you Morehead will be no patsie as that Mid State number three team.
So all eight local teams won opening night of the playoffs. Half lost in round two. Will half lose again in round three or for that matter will all four win their games or will they all lose???
Monday, November 23, 2015
Home For The Turkey Holiday
The Gryphons had their hands full of South Johnston Trojans for the better part of the round two playoff game. The Gryphons needed a better start in Round two and for the most part they did. South Johnston with the control passing game kept the ball away from Rocky Mount and the Trojans had the ball for eight minutes in the first quarter.. Rocky Mount being a pound-pound-pound team I was worried that South Johnston would not crack late because of the control passes. Even having the ball for four minutes the Gryphons scored.
Somewhere South Johnson hit the long pass in the second quarter and from that point for a while they tried to hit the home run and the Gryphons picked off three passes. So many times you hit a long pass or in basketball you hit a three and you forget about what was working. I think South Johnston fell into that trap.
The Gryphons scared me to death on the on side kicks that South Johnston deployed. We were willing to wait for the ball to cross the ten yard marker and it almost got us on the one they fielded a yard early. If any one else tries that we have to be more aggressive going after the ball. If I was looking at film and saw how willing we were to wait for the ball to come to us I would try it too. The risk is of course that you give a really good offensive team the ball near the fifty when you don't get the on side.
Talking about a huge risk was the fourth down fake punt from the Gryphon 32 yard line. When a play like that doesn't work everyone on the Rocky Mount stands is hollering what are you doing? South Johnston all night kept talking punt block and on the first punt came close. Down 24-14 the Trojans needed a big play in the third quarter so Jason Battle caught SJ in an all out punt block. If the pass was completed it was a 68 yard romp because the only person who could have stopped the touchdown was the punt receiver and Rocky Mount had the whole team set to block. That's one of those plays if it works you are a genius when it doesn't everyone is scratching their head saying what are you doing??
One of the officials pulled a calf muscle about three minutes into the game and the others rotated into a four man crew. I thought they did a poor job as there were two face mask penalties called on the offenses during the game. One they marked it off from the spot and the other from the line of scrimmage. Both should have been from the line of scrimmage. The pass interferences on the Gryphons sidelines was poor but they missed one on the SJ side.
I thought this crew waited to long to blow the whistle after forward progress was made. I noticed one of our blockers kept blocking to the whistle well after forward progress was stopped and a Trojan player hit him and drew a penalty. Then another both players were called but the flag was thrown before the whistle sounded. Now that over half the teams were knocked out last week there should have been a better crew at a second round game.
Despite the pressure from the Trojans the Gryphons still controlled the game in the second half which has become a very good habit to have. Over the last five games Rocky Mount has scored 93 points in the second half while giving up 32. 18 of the 32 points have come when the second team defense was in mop up mode.
We have reached the round that you can play great and still lose because the other sideline is good too. Don't care who you are if your team is playing Turkey Friday night you have every reason to be proud. The crowd was not all that great, it was ok but there should have been more there. I realize it had a chill in the air but I think people stayed away because of the safety factor. The Gryphons have been seven years since they have gone this deep into the playoffs. This team deserves your support.
This Gryphon team standing in line for the National Anthem does not look all that impressive. I am reminded from a quote from Pete Rose in the 1972 World series having to face Jim "Catfish" Hunter. In the on deck circle watching him pitch I should get four hits today but after going 0-4 that man can pitch. These Gryphons can play some football.
Somewhere South Johnson hit the long pass in the second quarter and from that point for a while they tried to hit the home run and the Gryphons picked off three passes. So many times you hit a long pass or in basketball you hit a three and you forget about what was working. I think South Johnston fell into that trap.
The Gryphons scared me to death on the on side kicks that South Johnston deployed. We were willing to wait for the ball to cross the ten yard marker and it almost got us on the one they fielded a yard early. If any one else tries that we have to be more aggressive going after the ball. If I was looking at film and saw how willing we were to wait for the ball to come to us I would try it too. The risk is of course that you give a really good offensive team the ball near the fifty when you don't get the on side.
Talking about a huge risk was the fourth down fake punt from the Gryphon 32 yard line. When a play like that doesn't work everyone on the Rocky Mount stands is hollering what are you doing? South Johnston all night kept talking punt block and on the first punt came close. Down 24-14 the Trojans needed a big play in the third quarter so Jason Battle caught SJ in an all out punt block. If the pass was completed it was a 68 yard romp because the only person who could have stopped the touchdown was the punt receiver and Rocky Mount had the whole team set to block. That's one of those plays if it works you are a genius when it doesn't everyone is scratching their head saying what are you doing??
One of the officials pulled a calf muscle about three minutes into the game and the others rotated into a four man crew. I thought they did a poor job as there were two face mask penalties called on the offenses during the game. One they marked it off from the spot and the other from the line of scrimmage. Both should have been from the line of scrimmage. The pass interferences on the Gryphons sidelines was poor but they missed one on the SJ side.
I thought this crew waited to long to blow the whistle after forward progress was made. I noticed one of our blockers kept blocking to the whistle well after forward progress was stopped and a Trojan player hit him and drew a penalty. Then another both players were called but the flag was thrown before the whistle sounded. Now that over half the teams were knocked out last week there should have been a better crew at a second round game.
Despite the pressure from the Trojans the Gryphons still controlled the game in the second half which has become a very good habit to have. Over the last five games Rocky Mount has scored 93 points in the second half while giving up 32. 18 of the 32 points have come when the second team defense was in mop up mode.
We have reached the round that you can play great and still lose because the other sideline is good too. Don't care who you are if your team is playing Turkey Friday night you have every reason to be proud. The crowd was not all that great, it was ok but there should have been more there. I realize it had a chill in the air but I think people stayed away because of the safety factor. The Gryphons have been seven years since they have gone this deep into the playoffs. This team deserves your support.
This Gryphon team standing in line for the National Anthem does not look all that impressive. I am reminded from a quote from Pete Rose in the 1972 World series having to face Jim "Catfish" Hunter. In the on deck circle watching him pitch I should get four hits today but after going 0-4 that man can pitch. These Gryphons can play some football.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
The Holly Project Christmas Ornament
Holly Fryar has been gone from us for less than six months. The Doughtie family misses her everyday as she was an important part of our life over the last five years. She was an outstanding young lady who during her bad days thought more of others than herself.
The Fryar family started the Holly Project as a way to help others during their stay at The UNC Lineberger Cancer Center in Chapel Hill. During Holly's life those that who knew her contributed enough money that one of the infusion rooms is named Pediatric Infusion Station in Honor of Holly Caroline Fryar.
Even though Holly is no longer with us Holly lives effecting the lives of others who are going through the same fight that Holly did. This Christmas season the Holly Project is selling a Christmas ornament which you can see above. The back of the ornament has a quote from Holly. " I really just want to help people, and that's the basis for my everything right now. I want to show others that they're not alone."
The ornament is on sale for Ten Dollars. All proceeds from this sale will go to the Holly Project and these funds will be given to families in need of funds for travel back and forth to the Cancer Center food and lodging . This is for families with kids in the Lineberger Cancer Center not adults.
Public sale is at Bailey's, Amy's Hallmark, Lily Lane Boutique, Pat Doughtie's Facebook page as well as many others. If paying by check make sure the check is made out to UNC Lineberger/The Holly Project.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Turkey Friday Football At Home
The Rocky Mount Gryphons will be home Friday night in the 3rd round of the State 3A playoffs after they beat South Johnston 34-20 and in Havelock Eden Morehead up set Havelock 42-35 creating a home game for The Gryphons.
The South Johnston Trojans moved the opening kickoff using a short passing game worked the ball Near the 50 when they fumbled. The first play the Gryphons fumbled it right back and S J the proceeded to move the ball where they tried a field goal which was wide left.
The Gryphons move from the 20 and steadily moved down the field and Nick Bynum scooted the last thirty five for six and Chase Miller added the point so at 2.35 of the first the Gryphons never trailed but SJ gave the Gryphons a tussle for three quarters.
The next Gryphon drive stalled and Chase Miller put a 25 yard field goal through the uprights to give the Gryphons a 10- 0 lead at 9:25 of the second quarter. The Trojans responded and got a 4 yard run from Caleb Robinson with 4:26 in the half and Yovani Herrera added the point to make it 10-7 at the half.
The Gryphons stormed out of the locker room but instead of pounding the ball down field had tosses from Forest Bell who has looked good passing the last two weeks..JaClayton Freeman took to the enzone to give the Gryphons A 17-7 lead only 66 seconds into the third quarter.
The Trojans quickly retaliated on a 12 yard run from quarterback Deparis Patterson to cut the lead to 17-14. The Gryphons now Have some offensive momentum and drove the field BJ Sanders scored on a four yard off tackle run at the 5:14 of the third to move the lead to 24 14. Looks like we are headed for a shootout but the Gryphons will have none of that.
The Gryphons got some breathing room at 4:49 as Bynum crosses the goal line from 9 yards out. The next series the Trojans threw a pick and the Gryphons added three from Chase Miller who had and outstanding night with two field goals and four pat' s giving the Gryphons 34 points After the kick off South Johnson starting at the 10 yard line and now facing the Gryphon second team Kavonte Johnson broke the first play for 90 yards to give us the Final. 34-20.
This was a tough game as SJ was a good team even when it was 34-14 the game was closer than the score. Half of our other locals lose but the good news is in Edgecombe County
Tarboro 37 Lakewood 7
North Edgecombe 34 Weldon 24
SouthWest Edgecombe 41 East Bladen 21
Wilson County was 0-3
Terry Sanford 17 Hunt 3
Southern Guilford 45 Fike 0
Clinton 43 Beddingfield 27
For the night I was 8-0 on my picks
The South Johnston Trojans moved the opening kickoff using a short passing game worked the ball Near the 50 when they fumbled. The first play the Gryphons fumbled it right back and S J the proceeded to move the ball where they tried a field goal which was wide left.
The Gryphons move from the 20 and steadily moved down the field and Nick Bynum scooted the last thirty five for six and Chase Miller added the point so at 2.35 of the first the Gryphons never trailed but SJ gave the Gryphons a tussle for three quarters.
The next Gryphon drive stalled and Chase Miller put a 25 yard field goal through the uprights to give the Gryphons a 10- 0 lead at 9:25 of the second quarter. The Trojans responded and got a 4 yard run from Caleb Robinson with 4:26 in the half and Yovani Herrera added the point to make it 10-7 at the half.
The Gryphons stormed out of the locker room but instead of pounding the ball down field had tosses from Forest Bell who has looked good passing the last two weeks..JaClayton Freeman took to the enzone to give the Gryphons A 17-7 lead only 66 seconds into the third quarter.
The Trojans quickly retaliated on a 12 yard run from quarterback Deparis Patterson to cut the lead to 17-14. The Gryphons now Have some offensive momentum and drove the field BJ Sanders scored on a four yard off tackle run at the 5:14 of the third to move the lead to 24 14. Looks like we are headed for a shootout but the Gryphons will have none of that.
The Gryphons got some breathing room at 4:49 as Bynum crosses the goal line from 9 yards out. The next series the Trojans threw a pick and the Gryphons added three from Chase Miller who had and outstanding night with two field goals and four pat' s giving the Gryphons 34 points After the kick off South Johnson starting at the 10 yard line and now facing the Gryphon second team Kavonte Johnson broke the first play for 90 yards to give us the Final. 34-20.
This was a tough game as SJ was a good team even when it was 34-14 the game was closer than the score. Half of our other locals lose but the good news is in Edgecombe County
Tarboro 37 Lakewood 7
North Edgecombe 34 Weldon 24
SouthWest Edgecombe 41 East Bladen 21
Wilson County was 0-3
Terry Sanford 17 Hunt 3
Southern Guilford 45 Fike 0
Clinton 43 Beddingfield 27
For the night I was 8-0 on my picks
Thursday, November 19, 2015
College Football Nearly Over
Had and 8-0 record last week to jump to 78-22 on picks. Carolina has by far superseded I think everyone expectations now having won nine in a row. More and more the Tar Heels look like some competition for Clemson.
North Carolina 9-1 @ Virginia Tech 5-5: Last game for Beamer Ball in Lane Stadium. I suspect the Gobblers play out of their minds but Tech can't score enough to win this game. Carolina 38 Tech 23.
ECU played last night Thursday afternoon moved my ECU pick to Thursday's blog
Wake Forest 3-7 @ Clemson 10-0: Wake didn't play that badly at Notre Dame. I think Clemson is on cruise control until ACC championship game. Clemson 35-10.
Duke 6-4 @ Virginia 3-7: Duke's not being able to score has caught up with them. Virginia can score but Duke's D may bring home this one for Duke. Duke 24 Virginia 23
Louisville 6-4 @ Pittsburgh 7-3: This might be the best game of the ACC weekend. Louisville never has quite got going this year. Pitt has been better than anyone thought. Pitt 26 Louisville 24
Notre Dame 9-1 @ BC 3-7: BC can't score. Notre Dame is no where near top four team in the country. If there is ever a chance Irish football becomes a full fledge member of ACC they cannot make the college playoffs. Looks like we must rely on Stanford because BC scares but loses 24-16.
Chattanooga 8-2 @ Florida State 8-2: Noles better be ready 36-24
Georgia Tech 3-7 @ Miami 6-4: I just don't know the mental state of Miami right now. Tech could win this one. Miami 27 GT 21
Syracuse 3-7 @ N C State 6-4: The Pack had better not thinking about the Tar Heels. State 27 Cuse 20.
North Carolina 9-1 @ Virginia Tech 5-5: Last game for Beamer Ball in Lane Stadium. I suspect the Gobblers play out of their minds but Tech can't score enough to win this game. Carolina 38 Tech 23.
ECU played last night Thursday afternoon moved my ECU pick to Thursday's blog
Wake Forest 3-7 @ Clemson 10-0: Wake didn't play that badly at Notre Dame. I think Clemson is on cruise control until ACC championship game. Clemson 35-10.
Duke 6-4 @ Virginia 3-7: Duke's not being able to score has caught up with them. Virginia can score but Duke's D may bring home this one for Duke. Duke 24 Virginia 23
Louisville 6-4 @ Pittsburgh 7-3: This might be the best game of the ACC weekend. Louisville never has quite got going this year. Pitt has been better than anyone thought. Pitt 26 Louisville 24
Notre Dame 9-1 @ BC 3-7: BC can't score. Notre Dame is no where near top four team in the country. If there is ever a chance Irish football becomes a full fledge member of ACC they cannot make the college playoffs. Looks like we must rely on Stanford because BC scares but loses 24-16.
Chattanooga 8-2 @ Florida State 8-2: Noles better be ready 36-24
Georgia Tech 3-7 @ Miami 6-4: I just don't know the mental state of Miami right now. Tech could win this one. Miami 27 GT 21
Syracuse 3-7 @ N C State 6-4: The Pack had better not thinking about the Tar Heels. State 27 Cuse 20.
Round Two
I Don't know if it has ever happened before that every public high school in all three local counties that took part in the first round of the state playoffs were all winners in the first round. It may have happened years ago when maybe only one or two teams were the only teams playing but since the playoffs have many teams from each conference in these times it is hard not to have one local team matched up in the first round with another local team. My record for the week was 6-2 now standing at 81-17. I don't mind picking a local team to lose and they prove me wrong.
North Edgecombe 6-5 @ Weldon 6-5: These two have already played once with the Warriors winning. NE is more healthy now than in the last five weeks. Warriors 33 Chargers 23
Lakewood 9-3@ Tarboro 11-1: Lakewood has a nice club. Tarboro has as good of team as any in 2A. The Vikings are at home and Jeff Craddock teams don't like losing at home. Vikings 42-14
Beddingfield 7-5 @ Clinton 9-2: Interesting game as Clinton has a history much like Tarboro has that the town is devoted to Clinton Football. They probably have not faced an offense like the Bruins. This could be a shootout but Clinton will survive. Clinton 35 Beddingfield 28.
East Bladen 10-2 at SouthWest Edgecombe 11-1:Any body noticed that the level of competition has gone up. Glad to see the return of Travon Martin paying divides for the Cougars. It helps in this game that it will be played in Pinetops. SWE 34 East Bladen 26.
Fike 7-5 @ Southern Guilford 10-2: Fike's defense must be stout in this one to stay in this game. This will be game that if Fike struggles on offense this could get out of hand. S Guilford 35 Fike 20
Hunt 9-3 @ Terry Sanford 11-1: I don't know why Hunt has struggled on offense as they have an outstanding defense. The only comparison game between those two is Just last week's game Hunt besting Lee County. Terry Sanford scored 28 and won at Lee County Hunts scores 7 at home against Lee. Terry Sanford 24 Hunt 10
Southern Nash 9-3 @ Eastern Alamance 12-0: if any team wins any state championship they will have to best somebody better at least once to the title. The Firebirds are capable. I want to pick SN but can't quite do it. EA 36 Southern Nash 32
South Johnston 8-4 @ Rocky Mount 10-2: SJ beat Southern Nash by one at SJ. Rocky Mount had better be wide awake from the start. If they are they will take care of business. Rocky Mount 35 South Johnston 21.
If what I am predicting comes true half of the locals go down Friday.
There is local college football tonight.
ECU 4-6 @ University Of Central Florida: Pressure packed game for ECU. Been on a downer lately. Don't know if I can trust them beating anybody. This would be embarrassing loss. Pirates 38-UCF 28
North Edgecombe 6-5 @ Weldon 6-5: These two have already played once with the Warriors winning. NE is more healthy now than in the last five weeks. Warriors 33 Chargers 23
Lakewood 9-3@ Tarboro 11-1: Lakewood has a nice club. Tarboro has as good of team as any in 2A. The Vikings are at home and Jeff Craddock teams don't like losing at home. Vikings 42-14
Beddingfield 7-5 @ Clinton 9-2: Interesting game as Clinton has a history much like Tarboro has that the town is devoted to Clinton Football. They probably have not faced an offense like the Bruins. This could be a shootout but Clinton will survive. Clinton 35 Beddingfield 28.
East Bladen 10-2 at SouthWest Edgecombe 11-1:Any body noticed that the level of competition has gone up. Glad to see the return of Travon Martin paying divides for the Cougars. It helps in this game that it will be played in Pinetops. SWE 34 East Bladen 26.
Fike 7-5 @ Southern Guilford 10-2: Fike's defense must be stout in this one to stay in this game. This will be game that if Fike struggles on offense this could get out of hand. S Guilford 35 Fike 20
Hunt 9-3 @ Terry Sanford 11-1: I don't know why Hunt has struggled on offense as they have an outstanding defense. The only comparison game between those two is Just last week's game Hunt besting Lee County. Terry Sanford scored 28 and won at Lee County Hunts scores 7 at home against Lee. Terry Sanford 24 Hunt 10
Southern Nash 9-3 @ Eastern Alamance 12-0: if any team wins any state championship they will have to best somebody better at least once to the title. The Firebirds are capable. I want to pick SN but can't quite do it. EA 36 Southern Nash 32
South Johnston 8-4 @ Rocky Mount 10-2: SJ beat Southern Nash by one at SJ. Rocky Mount had better be wide awake from the start. If they are they will take care of business. Rocky Mount 35 South Johnston 21.
If what I am predicting comes true half of the locals go down Friday.
There is local college football tonight.
ECU 4-6 @ University Of Central Florida: Pressure packed game for ECU. Been on a downer lately. Don't know if I can trust them beating anybody. This would be embarrassing loss. Pirates 38-UCF 28
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Darts Didn't Work
Might remember on my picks last week the darts picked the Lions but I changed that. If I had of stuck with the darts I would have been 4-9 but finished 3-10 for the second straight losing week. Record swoons to 78-67. Is there any team that is healthy?
Thursday night football begins in Jacksonville. Two really great teams on national TV. Titans 2-7@ Jags 3-6. The Jags have been getting better as the season goes toward. I'll take the home team Jax 26 Titans 21
Raiders 4-5@ Lions 2-7: Raiders keep teasing me but now Lions have a winning streak of one they might make it two. Lions 30 Raiders 27
Colts 4-5 @ Falcons 6-3: Both teams heading in wrong directions but Falcons just might eek this one out at home. Falcons 27 Colts 16
Rams 4-5 @ Ravens 2-7: Ram lose QB and last week lost defense. Ravens are not very good. Rams 21 Ravens 17
Buc's 4-5 @ Eagles 4-5: I think Eagles will win to stay in the NFC East race. Eagles 27 Tampa 21
Bronc's 7-2 @ Bears 4-5: No Peyton may be a good thing. Just don't think Cutler can do much with Denver D Denver 23 Bears 17
Jets 5-4 @ Texans 3-7 Jets are still playoff alive they can't afford to lose 28-17 Jets
Redskins 4-5 @ Panthers 9-0: Redskins are great at home and are different team on road. Panthers will go to double digits with no losses. 31-17
Cowboys 2-7 @ Dolphins 4-5: Everybody thinks Romo coming back will lead to seven wins in a row. He needs at least a week to get into playing shape. Fish 24-20
Chiefs 4-5 @ Chargers 2-7: Chargers have a week off to heal yet every player injured is on injured reserve so the only good thing for the the practice squad players had a week to practice. KC 26 Chargers 23
Packers 6-3 @ Vikings 7-2: you realize if Vikes win they have a two game lead in the division. I think they will. Packers lose four in a row. 31-23
49's 3-6 @ Seahawks 4-5: Hawks on verge on not making playoffs. If they are to make Super Bowl run it better start now. Hawks 26 9's 17
Bengals 9-0 @ Cardinals 7-2: Bengals bite the dust for the first time and now the Cardinals give them a second. Panther fans prepare for an NFC championship battle with the Cards. Cards 23 Bengals 17
Bills 5-4 @ Pats 9-0: I just don't think New England is best team in NFL. I don't think Bills can beat them however. NE 26 Bills 23
Thursday night football begins in Jacksonville. Two really great teams on national TV. Titans 2-7@ Jags 3-6. The Jags have been getting better as the season goes toward. I'll take the home team Jax 26 Titans 21
Raiders 4-5@ Lions 2-7: Raiders keep teasing me but now Lions have a winning streak of one they might make it two. Lions 30 Raiders 27
Colts 4-5 @ Falcons 6-3: Both teams heading in wrong directions but Falcons just might eek this one out at home. Falcons 27 Colts 16
Rams 4-5 @ Ravens 2-7: Ram lose QB and last week lost defense. Ravens are not very good. Rams 21 Ravens 17
Buc's 4-5 @ Eagles 4-5: I think Eagles will win to stay in the NFC East race. Eagles 27 Tampa 21
Bronc's 7-2 @ Bears 4-5: No Peyton may be a good thing. Just don't think Cutler can do much with Denver D Denver 23 Bears 17
Jets 5-4 @ Texans 3-7 Jets are still playoff alive they can't afford to lose 28-17 Jets
Redskins 4-5 @ Panthers 9-0: Redskins are great at home and are different team on road. Panthers will go to double digits with no losses. 31-17
Cowboys 2-7 @ Dolphins 4-5: Everybody thinks Romo coming back will lead to seven wins in a row. He needs at least a week to get into playing shape. Fish 24-20
Chiefs 4-5 @ Chargers 2-7: Chargers have a week off to heal yet every player injured is on injured reserve so the only good thing for the the practice squad players had a week to practice. KC 26 Chargers 23
Packers 6-3 @ Vikings 7-2: you realize if Vikes win they have a two game lead in the division. I think they will. Packers lose four in a row. 31-23
49's 3-6 @ Seahawks 4-5: Hawks on verge on not making playoffs. If they are to make Super Bowl run it better start now. Hawks 26 9's 17
Bengals 9-0 @ Cardinals 7-2: Bengals bite the dust for the first time and now the Cardinals give them a second. Panther fans prepare for an NFC championship battle with the Cards. Cards 23 Bengals 17
Bills 5-4 @ Pats 9-0: I just don't think New England is best team in NFL. I don't think Bills can beat them however. NE 26 Bills 23
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Realignment Fight Begins
The NCHSAA has made it official as they have drawn boundaries based on school population creating the top twenty per cent in size to be 4A schools. That will create 71 teams in the state to call themselves 4A. The 3A level will consist of 114 teams which will be thirty percent of all schools. I have tried to divide the 3A schools into the east and west putting 57 teams in the east.
I think one of the main priorities has to be eliminating split conferences where half the teams are 3-A the other half 2-A. This creates confusion when the playoffs start. I think the perfect conference has to have eight teams. If 57 teams are in the east looks as if six conferences could have eight teams and one nine. The only problem too many teams stuck out alone and too many school in same region.
The Big East could have some new members but who. According to the numbers Nash Central would be the fourth biggest 2-A school. Heard rumors that they may ask to play up to 3A since word is all four Nash County schools could see realignment again to try to keep them all equal before the NCHSAA realignment goes forward. Cardinal Gibbons asked to play up in 4A and if they ask no reason Nash Central couldn't since they are right on the split line. They would be the smallest in the conference as they are now.
Hunt has 1395, Rocky Mount 1281, Fike 1270, Southern Nash 1128, Northern Nash 1110 and Nash Central 1017. Here is a real crisis. Greenville Rose will now be 3A and DH Conley 1628 is 3A. Their numbers just don't match up with the Big East numbers. Other possibilities Eastern Wayne 1041, Southern Wayne 1100, CB Aycock 1270. Their numbers compare to the Big East. There's even more East Wake 1417 and Franklinton 1120 are stuck east and north of Raleigh without much company. Where do they go?
It will be neccessary more than likly to add teams. The compact not much travel will be lost if Nash Central leaves and say the three Wayne County schools join. A nine team conference is not bad if the Bulldogs stay but even using I-795 Southern Wayne is more than a hour ride. I have heard Rose has already asked to join. If the Big East schools can say yes or no I hope Rose and Conley are voted no. They are too big compared to all the other options. I guess the final say on realignment comes from Chapel Hill but if the Big East must grow. Let's keep teams close in size to what we are now where every game is competitive. I hope Nash Central stays and the Wayne County schools are added.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Gryphons Need Better Starts
Four straight games now Rocky Mount has found themselves down in one game in the third quarter two others in the second quarter and during the first playoff game found themselves trailing after Williams opening drive. The deeper the Gryphons go this trait must stop. The only good news from these four come backs is the Gryphons out scored the team's they trailed to 118-27 once the Gryphons got going.
The second round they are matched up against South Johnston a team with a 8-4 record. These two met in the second round in the 2009 playoffs at South Johnston with S J winning 36-18. This is not a team to take lightly since they own a victory over Southern Nash.
A respectable crowd was on hand in the first round but this could possibly be the last home game of the season win or lose. The RM /SJ winner is matched up in the third round with the winner of the Havelock 12-0 - Morehead 9-3 winner. If Havelock wins then the Rocky Mount/ South Johnston winner travels to the home of Cherry Point Marine Corp Air Station. In order for the Gryphons to host the third round they must beat South Johnston and Havelock lose and the Gryphons would host Morehead.
One of the best parts to this Gryphon team is their aggressive play both on offense and defense. They are not overly big on either side of the ball. On offense the backs love to put their heads down and try to run over the defense when necessary. Over the course of a game this Gryphon team can become a load by games end. The line is better that what you think and by the fourth quarter they are a load for anybody.
The defense is quick but anyone who has watched this Gryphon team knows the further the game goes the harder they hit. Their quickness is their best attribute which means they are in position to deliver blows head on instead of having to grab. We have all seen some body jarring tackles made when delivering a blow.
This special team group has scored on both kickoffs and punts and there has been a time or two a hard block was called a clip because the person hit was flattened and the ref throwing the flag thought that had to be a clip. Having to kickoff or punt they have delivered hits that could make ESPN highlights. They have also gotten a fumble or two so the Gryphon special teams had done their share to make this team 10-2.
Do you realize that six teams that the Gryphons played during this season have made it to the second round. This team has one victory in the playoffs. In order to get two or more this team has to come out of the gate a lot quicker than they have over the last month. The deeper the playoffs the harder the comeback. Come on Gryphons let's get out of the gate as if this game was a sprint not a mile run.
The second round they are matched up against South Johnston a team with a 8-4 record. These two met in the second round in the 2009 playoffs at South Johnston with S J winning 36-18. This is not a team to take lightly since they own a victory over Southern Nash.
A respectable crowd was on hand in the first round but this could possibly be the last home game of the season win or lose. The RM /SJ winner is matched up in the third round with the winner of the Havelock 12-0 - Morehead 9-3 winner. If Havelock wins then the Rocky Mount/ South Johnston winner travels to the home of Cherry Point Marine Corp Air Station. In order for the Gryphons to host the third round they must beat South Johnston and Havelock lose and the Gryphons would host Morehead.
One of the best parts to this Gryphon team is their aggressive play both on offense and defense. They are not overly big on either side of the ball. On offense the backs love to put their heads down and try to run over the defense when necessary. Over the course of a game this Gryphon team can become a load by games end. The line is better that what you think and by the fourth quarter they are a load for anybody.
The defense is quick but anyone who has watched this Gryphon team knows the further the game goes the harder they hit. Their quickness is their best attribute which means they are in position to deliver blows head on instead of having to grab. We have all seen some body jarring tackles made when delivering a blow.
This special team group has scored on both kickoffs and punts and there has been a time or two a hard block was called a clip because the person hit was flattened and the ref throwing the flag thought that had to be a clip. Having to kickoff or punt they have delivered hits that could make ESPN highlights. They have also gotten a fumble or two so the Gryphon special teams had done their share to make this team 10-2.
Do you realize that six teams that the Gryphons played during this season have made it to the second round. This team has one victory in the playoffs. In order to get two or more this team has to come out of the gate a lot quicker than they have over the last month. The deeper the playoffs the harder the comeback. Come on Gryphons let's get out of the gate as if this game was a sprint not a mile run.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Area girls impress In College
This area has both boys and girls college players through out the region in all sports. Friday night the college basketball season started and three area girls shined for their teams.
Gardner Webb traveled to Chapel Hill to open the season against the Lady Tar Heels and former Big East Player of the year Aluxus Hill sophomore from Northern Nash played 28 minutes and contributed 10 points including a free throw that gave the Running Bulldogs the lead at 63-62 with 58 seconds to go in the game. GW scores a layup at the buzzer to stun Carolina 66-65.
Since Gardner Webb moved up to Division one basketball in 2000 it is their first victory ever over an ACC team. Hill made four of her 10 shots on the night. Hill dueled against Carolina guard Jamie Cherry who in her career at West Craven knocked Hill and Northern Nash along with Rocky Mount out of the state playoffs during her high school career.
J'Kyra Brown the redshirt sophomore from Rocky Mount played her first game at the University of Virginia. Brown coming off the bench saw the court for 17 minutes and scored 10 points in the third quarter as UVA open their season at Middle Tennessee State. The big third quarter by Brown gave the Cavaliers cushion that they needed to hold off Middle Tennessee State 70-66. You can go on the UVA women's web site and hear an interview with JB following Friday night's game.
Former Gryphon Carmen Richardson a Sophomore at Queens College played 39 of the 40 minutes leading Queens College to a 75-62 victory over Barton college. Richardson had 20 points and six assists in the game.
Former Gryphon basketball player at Rocky Mount Dante Battle who transferred to N C Wesleyan broke his wrist the first week of practice and is out of action until at least November 30th when his next doctor visit is. The Battling Bishops opened their season today at High Point University.
Friday was the first time that the women's college game started playing four ten minute quarters instead of two 20 minute halves. It does make sense as it is the same amount of time. It will be interesting to see how the flow is during TV games as the normal flow for TV time outs is the first dead ball after the clock goes under 16,12,8 and 4 minutes. During NCAA tournament play the dead ball time outs are 15-10-5.
We have so many players both boys and girls playing college and professional sports that it is hard to keep up with all of them. If you know of one please let me know if I need to pay attention to whom it may be. These three that I covered today are easy to get their numbers off the internet but there are so many from the area it takes time to cover them all.
The Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan College finished their football season Saturday beating Ferrum 42-33. The Bishops started the season at 0-4 including the first three at home but won five of their last six games games to finish at 5-5 on the season. It is the sixth time in the 12 year history of Battling Bishops football that they have won at least five games and the four game win streak is the second longest win streak in Bishops history behind only the seven in a row in 2007 which was their most wins in a season with 9.
Gardner Webb traveled to Chapel Hill to open the season against the Lady Tar Heels and former Big East Player of the year Aluxus Hill sophomore from Northern Nash played 28 minutes and contributed 10 points including a free throw that gave the Running Bulldogs the lead at 63-62 with 58 seconds to go in the game. GW scores a layup at the buzzer to stun Carolina 66-65.
Since Gardner Webb moved up to Division one basketball in 2000 it is their first victory ever over an ACC team. Hill made four of her 10 shots on the night. Hill dueled against Carolina guard Jamie Cherry who in her career at West Craven knocked Hill and Northern Nash along with Rocky Mount out of the state playoffs during her high school career.
J'Kyra Brown the redshirt sophomore from Rocky Mount played her first game at the University of Virginia. Brown coming off the bench saw the court for 17 minutes and scored 10 points in the third quarter as UVA open their season at Middle Tennessee State. The big third quarter by Brown gave the Cavaliers cushion that they needed to hold off Middle Tennessee State 70-66. You can go on the UVA women's web site and hear an interview with JB following Friday night's game.
Former Gryphon Carmen Richardson a Sophomore at Queens College played 39 of the 40 minutes leading Queens College to a 75-62 victory over Barton college. Richardson had 20 points and six assists in the game.
Former Gryphon basketball player at Rocky Mount Dante Battle who transferred to N C Wesleyan broke his wrist the first week of practice and is out of action until at least November 30th when his next doctor visit is. The Battling Bishops opened their season today at High Point University.
Friday was the first time that the women's college game started playing four ten minute quarters instead of two 20 minute halves. It does make sense as it is the same amount of time. It will be interesting to see how the flow is during TV games as the normal flow for TV time outs is the first dead ball after the clock goes under 16,12,8 and 4 minutes. During NCAA tournament play the dead ball time outs are 15-10-5.
We have so many players both boys and girls playing college and professional sports that it is hard to keep up with all of them. If you know of one please let me know if I need to pay attention to whom it may be. These three that I covered today are easy to get their numbers off the internet but there are so many from the area it takes time to cover them all.
The Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan College finished their football season Saturday beating Ferrum 42-33. The Bishops started the season at 0-4 including the first three at home but won five of their last six games games to finish at 5-5 on the season. It is the sixth time in the 12 year history of Battling Bishops football that they have won at least five games and the four game win streak is the second longest win streak in Bishops history behind only the seven in a row in 2007 which was their most wins in a season with 9.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Big East Sweeps First Round Games
Four Big East teams made it to the state 3-A playoffs and all four will play second round games next week..
It seems Rocky Mount needs a good slap in the face early in every game in order to wake them up. Last week Northern lead at the half 6-0. The Gryphons were down 14-7 in the second quarter to Southern Nash. Even before that down 14-0 in the second quarter to Fike.
Tonight Walter Williams took the opening kick off and drove the field and scored when Isaiah Coleman normally the Bulldog Tailback was moved to quarterback scored on a 14 yard run to give Williams a 7-0 lead at the 6:29 mark in the first. The Williams coaches felt that they needed more offense in order to beat the Gryphons so Coleman became a running quarterback and on the first drive it worked.
The Gryphons responded And scored on a 15 yard pass from Forest Bell to Jaclayton Freeman with 2:52 to go in the first and Chase Miller tied it 7-7. The Gryphon defense took control and at the7:37 mark of the half BJ Sanders scored on a 15 yard run to give the Gryphons the lead for good at 14-7.
The second half Williams did not make a first down until one minute remained in the game but by that time Gryphons scores of a two yard quarterback sneak and a Terrell Forbes eight yard run with 10:52 left and the second team finished the game. Under a minute to play Williams scored but the extra point fail and a final of 28-13.
Next week the Gryphons face South Johnston who was a 21-6 winner over Eastern Wayne.
Southern Nash scored with under a minute to play went for the two point conversion and make it as the Firebirds steal one in Vanceboro beating Western Alamance 22-21
Hunt scored but one touch down but that was all they needed beating Lee County 7-3
Fike traveled toTopsoil and controlled the game winning 28-8
Tarboro had no problem with Heide Trask winning 55-7
Southwest Edgecombe no problem besting FarmVille for the second time this year 42-3
The real unset of the night hobbled North Edgecombe went to Pamlico and come home a winner 44-20.
Beddingfield took down South Granville 35-14.
What a great night for every team in the playoffs from Nash -Wilson -Edgecombe County as all eight teams advanced to next week.
The CIAA has released their all CIAA all conference team and Nick Hahula a 2009 graduate of Rocky Mount high school has been named the CIAA special teams player of the year. Hahula made 6 of 11 field goals for the Hawks of Chowan. He made 25 of his 27 extra points. He punted for the Hawks 51 times averaging 36.13 yards per punt. Of those 51 punts 20 were inside the the 20 yard line.
You may recall Hahula was a full back /kicker on the 2008 Gryphon football team that won their first 14 games before they were beaten by West Craven in the Eastern Regional.. During that season Gryphon opponents only return a punt for a total of one yard all season and many of his kickoffs were in the end zone so their foes mostly started on the 20 yard line.
It seems Rocky Mount needs a good slap in the face early in every game in order to wake them up. Last week Northern lead at the half 6-0. The Gryphons were down 14-7 in the second quarter to Southern Nash. Even before that down 14-0 in the second quarter to Fike.
Tonight Walter Williams took the opening kick off and drove the field and scored when Isaiah Coleman normally the Bulldog Tailback was moved to quarterback scored on a 14 yard run to give Williams a 7-0 lead at the 6:29 mark in the first. The Williams coaches felt that they needed more offense in order to beat the Gryphons so Coleman became a running quarterback and on the first drive it worked.
The Gryphons responded And scored on a 15 yard pass from Forest Bell to Jaclayton Freeman with 2:52 to go in the first and Chase Miller tied it 7-7. The Gryphon defense took control and at the7:37 mark of the half BJ Sanders scored on a 15 yard run to give the Gryphons the lead for good at 14-7.
The second half Williams did not make a first down until one minute remained in the game but by that time Gryphons scores of a two yard quarterback sneak and a Terrell Forbes eight yard run with 10:52 left and the second team finished the game. Under a minute to play Williams scored but the extra point fail and a final of 28-13.
Next week the Gryphons face South Johnston who was a 21-6 winner over Eastern Wayne.
Southern Nash scored with under a minute to play went for the two point conversion and make it as the Firebirds steal one in Vanceboro beating Western Alamance 22-21
Hunt scored but one touch down but that was all they needed beating Lee County 7-3
Fike traveled toTopsoil and controlled the game winning 28-8
Tarboro had no problem with Heide Trask winning 55-7
Southwest Edgecombe no problem besting FarmVille for the second time this year 42-3
The real unset of the night hobbled North Edgecombe went to Pamlico and come home a winner 44-20.
Beddingfield took down South Granville 35-14.
What a great night for every team in the playoffs from Nash -Wilson -Edgecombe County as all eight teams advanced to next week.
The CIAA has released their all CIAA all conference team and Nick Hahula a 2009 graduate of Rocky Mount high school has been named the CIAA special teams player of the year. Hahula made 6 of 11 field goals for the Hawks of Chowan. He made 25 of his 27 extra points. He punted for the Hawks 51 times averaging 36.13 yards per punt. Of those 51 punts 20 were inside the the 20 yard line.
You may recall Hahula was a full back /kicker on the 2008 Gryphon football team that won their first 14 games before they were beaten by West Craven in the Eastern Regional.. During that season Gryphon opponents only return a punt for a total of one yard all season and many of his kickoffs were in the end zone so their foes mostly started on the 20 yard line.
Senior Day At Wesleyan
The Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan College will play their final game of the season Saturday and there is a chance after starting losing the first three games of the season at home has a chance to finish the season at 5-5.
Ferrum 2-7 @ NCW 4-5: Back in the days of Junior College football and doing play by play at Chowan, Ferrum and Chown were football powers. Days gone by Ferrum sits 2-7 and have given up tons of points. Anybody noticed that since I was in the press box doing PA the Bishops have been rolling. I'll be there Saturday so that should produce a Battling Bishops victory. 38-22 NCW
North Carolina State 6-3 2-3 @ Florida State 7-2 5-2: Been targeting this game as a Pack win but I finally saw a dangerous Noles team last Saturday for the first time this year. FSU26 Pack 23
Miami 6-3 3-2 @ North Carolina 8-1 5-0. This is the best team Carolina may meet until Clemson. Remember Clemson beat Miami by 58. Carolina 35 Miami 27.
Virginia Tech 4-5 2-3 @ Georgia Tech 3-6 1-5: Beamer Ball at this point is better than Johnson Ball.
Gobblers 26-RamblingWreck 21
Clemson 9-0 6-0 @ Syracuse 3-6 1-4: I think at the start the Tigers will be flat but by the middle of the second quarter it will be all Clemson. 45-14
Wake Forest 3-6 1-5 @ Notre Dame 8-1: Bad day for the Demon Deacons on national TV. Irish 54 Deacs 14.
Pitt 6-3 4-1 @ Duke 6-2 3-2: This may surprise most but I'm picking Pitt. Panthers 26 Duke 14.
Virginia 3-6 2-3@ Louisville 5-4 4-2: Louisville has been coming on. Probably too much for Virginia. Louisville 42- UVA 24
Ferrum 2-7 @ NCW 4-5: Back in the days of Junior College football and doing play by play at Chowan, Ferrum and Chown were football powers. Days gone by Ferrum sits 2-7 and have given up tons of points. Anybody noticed that since I was in the press box doing PA the Bishops have been rolling. I'll be there Saturday so that should produce a Battling Bishops victory. 38-22 NCW
North Carolina State 6-3 2-3 @ Florida State 7-2 5-2: Been targeting this game as a Pack win but I finally saw a dangerous Noles team last Saturday for the first time this year. FSU26 Pack 23
Miami 6-3 3-2 @ North Carolina 8-1 5-0. This is the best team Carolina may meet until Clemson. Remember Clemson beat Miami by 58. Carolina 35 Miami 27.
Virginia Tech 4-5 2-3 @ Georgia Tech 3-6 1-5: Beamer Ball at this point is better than Johnson Ball.
Gobblers 26-RamblingWreck 21
Clemson 9-0 6-0 @ Syracuse 3-6 1-4: I think at the start the Tigers will be flat but by the middle of the second quarter it will be all Clemson. 45-14
Wake Forest 3-6 1-5 @ Notre Dame 8-1: Bad day for the Demon Deacons on national TV. Irish 54 Deacs 14.
Pitt 6-3 4-1 @ Duke 6-2 3-2: This may surprise most but I'm picking Pitt. Panthers 26 Duke 14.
Virginia 3-6 2-3@ Louisville 5-4 4-2: Louisville has been coming on. Probably too much for Virginia. Louisville 42- UVA 24
Thursday, November 12, 2015
First Round Of The Playoffs
Had a very good final week of the high school regular season and eight man playoffs going 10-1 running my record for the year to 75-15. Lot of locals in action Friday so we need to get going.
3A
Walter Williams 5-6 @ Rocky Mount 9-2: The last home Rocky Mount playoff game was Jason Battle's first playoff game as Rocky Mount coach and the Gryphons laid and egg. They have taken advancing steps winning on road last year. This Gryphons team handled tragedy and Northern all the same day. Gryphons will advance 35-14 at home.
Southern Nash 8-3 @ West Craven 9-1: What a first round game for a team that finished second in conference play. This should be a knock down and drag out affair. I just can't make up my mind in this one. Havelock is the only team to beat the Eagles. West Craven 28-26.
Fike 6-5 @ Topsoil 5-6: this is a real chance for Fike if the play some defense. Fike 35 Topsail 28.
3AA
Lee County 8-3 @ Hunt 8-3: if the Big East is to say this was a great playoff for the conference Hunt has to win this game. Hunt 31- Lee County 23.
2A
Farmville Central 5-6 @ SouthWest Edgecombe 10-1. Ridiculous two conference members have to play first round. SWE won the first time they will win the second time around 42-14.
South Granville 4-7 @ Beddingffield 6-5: Beddingfield holds serve. 32-13
1AA
Hiede Trask 2-9 @ Tarboro 10-1: Trask coming all the way from Rocky Point to get pummeled
Vikings 48 Trask 6
1A
North Edgecombe 5-5 @ Pamlico 5-5: Did a playoff game between NE and Pamlico way back in 1999 on WHIG. Small Pressbox and stood on top in the pouring rain in second half. Love to do stats during game but paper was so wet could not. If I remember this was a third round game after the Warriors won the title in 98? This year Warriors are beat up. Expect same results as 99. Pamlico 28 Warriors 19.
3A
Walter Williams 5-6 @ Rocky Mount 9-2: The last home Rocky Mount playoff game was Jason Battle's first playoff game as Rocky Mount coach and the Gryphons laid and egg. They have taken advancing steps winning on road last year. This Gryphons team handled tragedy and Northern all the same day. Gryphons will advance 35-14 at home.
Southern Nash 8-3 @ West Craven 9-1: What a first round game for a team that finished second in conference play. This should be a knock down and drag out affair. I just can't make up my mind in this one. Havelock is the only team to beat the Eagles. West Craven 28-26.
Fike 6-5 @ Topsoil 5-6: this is a real chance for Fike if the play some defense. Fike 35 Topsail 28.
3AA
Lee County 8-3 @ Hunt 8-3: if the Big East is to say this was a great playoff for the conference Hunt has to win this game. Hunt 31- Lee County 23.
2A
Farmville Central 5-6 @ SouthWest Edgecombe 10-1. Ridiculous two conference members have to play first round. SWE won the first time they will win the second time around 42-14.
South Granville 4-7 @ Beddingffield 6-5: Beddingfield holds serve. 32-13
1AA
Hiede Trask 2-9 @ Tarboro 10-1: Trask coming all the way from Rocky Point to get pummeled
Vikings 48 Trask 6
1A
North Edgecombe 5-5 @ Pamlico 5-5: Did a playoff game between NE and Pamlico way back in 1999 on WHIG. Small Pressbox and stood on top in the pouring rain in second half. Love to do stats during game but paper was so wet could not. If I remember this was a third round game after the Warriors won the title in 98? This year Warriors are beat up. Expect same results as 99. Pamlico 28 Warriors 19.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Another Weekend Of NFL Guesses
This is the year of the injury in the NFL. Teams that can not put their best players on the field each week simply produces teams playing great one week and awful the next. Last week had a great 12-2 record while this past weekend back to a meek 6-7 run my record for the year to 75-57 I have a dart board set up and this week will pick the games throwing darts.
Bills 4-4@ Jets 5-3: The Darts say Jets by a field goal. 26-23
Lions 1-7 @ Packer 6-2: The darts say Lions but this shows me darts can pick either. Packer 38 Lions 28.
Panthers 8-0 @ Titans 2-6: Do I think Panthers will run the table? Just hope they don't stumble to an easy win. Panthers 26 Titans 23
Bears 3-5 @ Rams 4-4: If I Was the Panthers or Packers I would not want to play Rams in playoffs. Rams 26 Bears 17
Saints 4-5 @ Redskins 3-5: Saints play terrible on the road and if the Skins win it has to be at home. Skins 35 Saints 31
How are the darts doing so far? Miami 3-5 @ Eagles 4-4: I think the positives from Miami's coaching change has worn off. I think Eagles can still win 10. If they do this is one of them. Eagles 38 Dolphins 28
Browns 2-7 @ Steelers 5-4: Big Ben is out but Steeler D will control who ever quarterbacks the Browns. Steelers 27 Browns 17
Jags 2-6 @ Ravens 2-6: This is one of those games if you live in Baltimore and want to go to an NFL game I am sure the Internet is loaded with people trying to unload tickets.
Vikings 6-2@ Raiders 4-4: Here are two teams that nobody want to play in playoffs. Carr might be on the way to super stardom. Bridge water and Vikes D are rising. The darts take the home team Raiders 34 Vikes 31
Pats 8-0 @ Giants 5-4: The Giants always play Pats as well as anybody. The dart landed right on the metal divider so tie goes to home team.. Giants 26-23
Chiefs 3-5 @ Bronco's 7-1: Bronc's just don't give the darts a reason to pick them to win Super Board but they say Denver wins this week. 27-14 Denver
Cardinals 6-2 @ Seahawks 4-4: This is Seahawks last shot if they lose. Cardinals don't seem as good as last year. I think Hawks will be hard to beat in Seattle. Hawks 24 Cardinals 20
Texans 3-5 @ Bengals 8-0. The darts say this is a miss match but Bengals will toi for most of the game with Houston 28-17 Cincy.
Bills 4-4@ Jets 5-3: The Darts say Jets by a field goal. 26-23
Lions 1-7 @ Packer 6-2: The darts say Lions but this shows me darts can pick either. Packer 38 Lions 28.
Panthers 8-0 @ Titans 2-6: Do I think Panthers will run the table? Just hope they don't stumble to an easy win. Panthers 26 Titans 23
Bears 3-5 @ Rams 4-4: If I Was the Panthers or Packers I would not want to play Rams in playoffs. Rams 26 Bears 17
Saints 4-5 @ Redskins 3-5: Saints play terrible on the road and if the Skins win it has to be at home. Skins 35 Saints 31
How are the darts doing so far? Miami 3-5 @ Eagles 4-4: I think the positives from Miami's coaching change has worn off. I think Eagles can still win 10. If they do this is one of them. Eagles 38 Dolphins 28
Browns 2-7 @ Steelers 5-4: Big Ben is out but Steeler D will control who ever quarterbacks the Browns. Steelers 27 Browns 17
Jags 2-6 @ Ravens 2-6: This is one of those games if you live in Baltimore and want to go to an NFL game I am sure the Internet is loaded with people trying to unload tickets.
Vikings 6-2@ Raiders 4-4: Here are two teams that nobody want to play in playoffs. Carr might be on the way to super stardom. Bridge water and Vikes D are rising. The darts take the home team Raiders 34 Vikes 31
Pats 8-0 @ Giants 5-4: The Giants always play Pats as well as anybody. The dart landed right on the metal divider so tie goes to home team.. Giants 26-23
Chiefs 3-5 @ Bronco's 7-1: Bronc's just don't give the darts a reason to pick them to win Super Board but they say Denver wins this week. 27-14 Denver
Cardinals 6-2 @ Seahawks 4-4: This is Seahawks last shot if they lose. Cardinals don't seem as good as last year. I think Hawks will be hard to beat in Seattle. Hawks 24 Cardinals 20
Texans 3-5 @ Bengals 8-0. The darts say this is a miss match but Bengals will toi for most of the game with Houston 28-17 Cincy.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Great Day For Chamber Of Commerce
Friday afternoon at Legion Field there was a baseball tournament going on that had just started when shots rang out just a block away. The Rocky Mount police advised all there and mostly players and family members to get into the dugouts until the situation was under control.
Now the next time the possibility of those teams looking to come to Rocky Mount to play baseball is never. Just in the last three months two football players have been shot in drive by shootings. One the SouthWest Edgecombe player survived only recently being able to return to action for the Cougars.
Those visiting Rocky Mount heard that the JV Gryphon football player did not survive. My wife Pat and I while living in Fayetteville in 1994 were in a restaurant on a Friday night and about half mile in another eating establishment a Fort Bragg soldier shot and killed eight with an AK-47. After thinking it could have been us it wasn't long before we moved. I doubt you will ever see those visitors here in Rocky Mount again.
I feel safe living here in Rocky Mount after our police chief told us all last week there was no gang activity in Rocky Mount and there was no need to join a coalition to work combating gangs in Rocky Mount.
If we are going to stop all of these killings first of all the officials whether it's the mayor, city council or police chief have got to want it stopped. Apparently nobody wants to stop it. The most important people who need to help stop all this violence is the people who live in the combat zone.
You can no longer peep through the curtains looking out on the street corner and when shots go off close the curtain and act as if you didn't see anything. I Understand the retaliation for being the person who turned in the guilty but you can call crime stoppers and no one knows who called.
I have a great idea. Let's build a 58 million dollar convention center that no one will ever go to because they will not feel safe to want to come to Rocky Mount. We as citizens must demand that our town officials do something besides look like buffoons. They are really doing a good job looking like they could care less.
Now the next time the possibility of those teams looking to come to Rocky Mount to play baseball is never. Just in the last three months two football players have been shot in drive by shootings. One the SouthWest Edgecombe player survived only recently being able to return to action for the Cougars.
Those visiting Rocky Mount heard that the JV Gryphon football player did not survive. My wife Pat and I while living in Fayetteville in 1994 were in a restaurant on a Friday night and about half mile in another eating establishment a Fort Bragg soldier shot and killed eight with an AK-47. After thinking it could have been us it wasn't long before we moved. I doubt you will ever see those visitors here in Rocky Mount again.
I feel safe living here in Rocky Mount after our police chief told us all last week there was no gang activity in Rocky Mount and there was no need to join a coalition to work combating gangs in Rocky Mount.
If we are going to stop all of these killings first of all the officials whether it's the mayor, city council or police chief have got to want it stopped. Apparently nobody wants to stop it. The most important people who need to help stop all this violence is the people who live in the combat zone.
You can no longer peep through the curtains looking out on the street corner and when shots go off close the curtain and act as if you didn't see anything. I Understand the retaliation for being the person who turned in the guilty but you can call crime stoppers and no one knows who called.
I have a great idea. Let's build a 58 million dollar convention center that no one will ever go to because they will not feel safe to want to come to Rocky Mount. We as citizens must demand that our town officials do something besides look like buffoons. They are really doing a good job looking like they could care less.
The Future Is Now
Once the playoffs start for every team there is only one in every bracket that will win every game. That sudden loss ends it quickly for those that lose. We have seen how true this is with the undefeated Lady Gryphon tennis team losing in the third round this week for their only loss of the season.
Any team like the Rocky Mount Gryphon football team who is rolling heading into the tournament thinks they can win it all and the way they are playing right now there should be no one who says they can't. Since only one team will win it all, there are more teams who think they can win it all but when they don't the end comes quickly.
This Gryphon team at 9-2 is better than their record. They lost to one of the best 4-A schools in the state by a field goal. Middle Creek according to the average daily attendance has 2268 students. That is almost twice as Rocky Mount 1281. You would think with more than 500 more boys in school Middle Creek should be unstoppable playing a school the size of Rocky Mount.
So from game one Rocky Mount showed everyone that they didn't care how big of a school you are we can beat you and they almost did. Take away the Rose game Rocky Mount has played as good as anybody anywhere in this state.
We have so much access today. You can see the highlights of every game on You Tube. Several have been live over the internet or taped and replayed on WHIG TV. Rocky Mount has a backfield full of backs that don't fall down when they see you coming. Very few times this year does one man bring down any one of them. Nick Bynum, B J Sanders and Terrell Forbes has all had highlight runs with people trying to hang on. He may not be the all Conference quarterback but there is no better quarterback in the Big East as far as being a field general and knowing how to direct the team than Forest Bell. If the Gryphons go far they will need to complete some passes which for the last three weeks has not been clicking.
The defense has two studs in Sherrod Green and Artavious Richardson but have you watched this defense lately. This team has speed to get into the backfield before the handoff or pass. I have heard this many times standing on the sidelines on the chain crew whether it was a coach or player but the Gryphon defense gets folks attention by the getting after you with the defense and their aggressive hard hitting they are playing.
He hasn't been used a lot this season but Chase Miller might be a vital player with a field goal late in a tight game down the road. The reason has hasn't been needed is because the Gryphons score when they get close but now in the playoffs a 45 yard field goal is not out of reason.
This team has won six straight games which is the longest streak since the 14 in a row in 2008. That team in 08 lost in the Eastern finals. This team has a chance but there are so many teams just as good, Havelock and Eastern Alamance are undefeated. A cart load of teams only have one loss. I have said this many times "nothing could be finer than Thanksgiving Friday football." If this Gryphon team gets that far and are still alive there is two weeks after that. The road to a championship is long ways away and defeat is like a lightning bolt. SUDDEN!
Any team like the Rocky Mount Gryphon football team who is rolling heading into the tournament thinks they can win it all and the way they are playing right now there should be no one who says they can't. Since only one team will win it all, there are more teams who think they can win it all but when they don't the end comes quickly.
This Gryphon team at 9-2 is better than their record. They lost to one of the best 4-A schools in the state by a field goal. Middle Creek according to the average daily attendance has 2268 students. That is almost twice as Rocky Mount 1281. You would think with more than 500 more boys in school Middle Creek should be unstoppable playing a school the size of Rocky Mount.
So from game one Rocky Mount showed everyone that they didn't care how big of a school you are we can beat you and they almost did. Take away the Rose game Rocky Mount has played as good as anybody anywhere in this state.
We have so much access today. You can see the highlights of every game on You Tube. Several have been live over the internet or taped and replayed on WHIG TV. Rocky Mount has a backfield full of backs that don't fall down when they see you coming. Very few times this year does one man bring down any one of them. Nick Bynum, B J Sanders and Terrell Forbes has all had highlight runs with people trying to hang on. He may not be the all Conference quarterback but there is no better quarterback in the Big East as far as being a field general and knowing how to direct the team than Forest Bell. If the Gryphons go far they will need to complete some passes which for the last three weeks has not been clicking.
The defense has two studs in Sherrod Green and Artavious Richardson but have you watched this defense lately. This team has speed to get into the backfield before the handoff or pass. I have heard this many times standing on the sidelines on the chain crew whether it was a coach or player but the Gryphon defense gets folks attention by the getting after you with the defense and their aggressive hard hitting they are playing.
He hasn't been used a lot this season but Chase Miller might be a vital player with a field goal late in a tight game down the road. The reason has hasn't been needed is because the Gryphons score when they get close but now in the playoffs a 45 yard field goal is not out of reason.
This team has won six straight games which is the longest streak since the 14 in a row in 2008. That team in 08 lost in the Eastern finals. This team has a chance but there are so many teams just as good, Havelock and Eastern Alamance are undefeated. A cart load of teams only have one loss. I have said this many times "nothing could be finer than Thanksgiving Friday football." If this Gryphon team gets that far and are still alive there is two weeks after that. The road to a championship is long ways away and defeat is like a lightning bolt. SUDDEN!
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Northern Finishes Third In Cross Country
The State Cross Country Championships were held in Kernersville an if you are familiar with the topography of that area of the state is considered much higher elevation Than the Rocky Mount area.
Because of some non flat running most runners from the flat lands times are slower during the state championships while those teams from the west, it doesn't effect. Today the Eastern champions Northern Nash has finished third in the state scoring 114 points. The defending Champions Weddington took top honors.
The top Knight Runner was Daniel Belton who finished 6th with a time of 16:47. Finishing 11th overall was Coleman Cherry in a time of 16:58. Steven Whitehead finished 15th running a time of 17:12. Jordan Richardson finished 45th running 17:48 and Northern the fifth runner scoring points was Tyric Hill who finished 79th.
The Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan won their third game in a row besting Lagrange Georgia 48-31.They finish their season next Saturday at home in Bishop Stadium at 1pm.
The girls state cross country championships the only local girl runner was Rocky Mount's was Mary McCall Leland. Leland made it to the state after finishing 12th best overall last week in the Eastern Regional and in Kernersville she finished 80th running a time of 22:35.
Southern Nash lost to Lee County 9-0 in the second round of the boys soccer. Hunt's second round match moved to Monday.
The seedings are out for the football playoffs:
Rocky Mount 9-2 is seeded third in 3A. According to the average daily attendance Rocky Mount with 1281 students is the first team in 3A where the last school in 3AA is 1284. The Gryphons will host Walter Williams 5-6 from Burlington.
Southern Nash 8-3 is seeded ninth in 3A and will hit the road going to West Craven 9-1. Fike 6 -5 is seeded 12th travels to Topsail 5-6. Hunt 8th seed 8-3 the 4th Big East in the playoffs is playing in the 3AA will host Lee County 8-3.
You know the NCHSAA has to have some type controversy and it has happened to SouthWest Edgecombe 10-1. They are in the 2A level and are seeded number two and will host conference foe Farmville Central 5-6. Beddingfield 6-5 lost to SWE Friday night will play as the number five seed and host South Granville 4-7.
Tarboro 10-1 will be the second seed in 1AA will host Hiede Trask 2-9. North Edgecombe 5-5 1A loser of four straight will be seeded 11th and head to Pamlico 5-5.
Because of some non flat running most runners from the flat lands times are slower during the state championships while those teams from the west, it doesn't effect. Today the Eastern champions Northern Nash has finished third in the state scoring 114 points. The defending Champions Weddington took top honors.
The top Knight Runner was Daniel Belton who finished 6th with a time of 16:47. Finishing 11th overall was Coleman Cherry in a time of 16:58. Steven Whitehead finished 15th running a time of 17:12. Jordan Richardson finished 45th running 17:48 and Northern the fifth runner scoring points was Tyric Hill who finished 79th.
The Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan won their third game in a row besting Lagrange Georgia 48-31.They finish their season next Saturday at home in Bishop Stadium at 1pm.
The girls state cross country championships the only local girl runner was Rocky Mount's was Mary McCall Leland. Leland made it to the state after finishing 12th best overall last week in the Eastern Regional and in Kernersville she finished 80th running a time of 22:35.
Southern Nash lost to Lee County 9-0 in the second round of the boys soccer. Hunt's second round match moved to Monday.
The seedings are out for the football playoffs:
Rocky Mount 9-2 is seeded third in 3A. According to the average daily attendance Rocky Mount with 1281 students is the first team in 3A where the last school in 3AA is 1284. The Gryphons will host Walter Williams 5-6 from Burlington.
Southern Nash 8-3 is seeded ninth in 3A and will hit the road going to West Craven 9-1. Fike 6 -5 is seeded 12th travels to Topsail 5-6. Hunt 8th seed 8-3 the 4th Big East in the playoffs is playing in the 3AA will host Lee County 8-3.
You know the NCHSAA has to have some type controversy and it has happened to SouthWest Edgecombe 10-1. They are in the 2A level and are seeded number two and will host conference foe Farmville Central 5-6. Beddingfield 6-5 lost to SWE Friday night will play as the number five seed and host South Granville 4-7.
Tarboro 10-1 will be the second seed in 1AA will host Hiede Trask 2-9. North Edgecombe 5-5 1A loser of four straight will be seeded 11th and head to Pamlico 5-5.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Rocky Mount Survives Northern Scare
Before school ended Friday the Rocky Mount football team was rocked with the news that a JV football teammate Lavontae Brown who wore number 9 was gunned down on the streets of Rocky Mount.
Once arriving at Northern a little later than normal because the football lights at Northern would not come on until about 6:45 the Gryphons ran into maybe the best defense they faced all year. Northern went toe to toe with the Gryphons until a punt blocked by Northern and a recovery of the block in the enzone gave Northern a 6-0 half time lead. Northern tried to fake Rocky Mount out on a reverse on a fake extra point but the Gryphons held.
The second play of the third quarter the Gryphons got a 56 yard touch down run from B J Sanders but the missed the extra point when kicker Chase Miller slipped just about time he made contact with the ball and we had a 6-6 ball game.
It took until 11:16 of the fourth quarter before Nick Bynum scored for the Gryphons from 14 yards out and their first lead of the night at 13-6. Just two minutes later after a botched punt gave the Gryphons the ball on the six yard line and Sherrod Green score to up the lead to 20-6.
Rocky Mount was on cruise control until a fumble gave Northern the ball at the Gryphon 46 and Knights Quarterback Christian Daniels found Raymond Bullock on a 23 yard pass with 3:25 to play. The Knights defense stopped Rocky Mount and forced a punt and with just over two minutes to go put everyone on their feet. Almost sacked Daniels ran 38 yards to give the home crowd hope but four incomplete passes and Rocky Mount goes unbeaten in the Big East and now wait for the bracket announcement around three pm Saturday afternoon.
Rocky Mount Academy lost at Parrott Academy 44-14 in the first round of the eight man playoffs
Other eight man scores. St David's 64 Cary Christian 24
Northeast Academy 58 Community Christian 22
Southampton 50 Lawrence Academy 0
Hunt 52 Fike 20
Tarboro 60 North Edgecombe 14
Southern Nash 56 Nash Central 19
SouthWest Edgecombe 42- Beddingfield 21
Northampton 42 Rocky Mount Prep 21
Once arriving at Northern a little later than normal because the football lights at Northern would not come on until about 6:45 the Gryphons ran into maybe the best defense they faced all year. Northern went toe to toe with the Gryphons until a punt blocked by Northern and a recovery of the block in the enzone gave Northern a 6-0 half time lead. Northern tried to fake Rocky Mount out on a reverse on a fake extra point but the Gryphons held.
The second play of the third quarter the Gryphons got a 56 yard touch down run from B J Sanders but the missed the extra point when kicker Chase Miller slipped just about time he made contact with the ball and we had a 6-6 ball game.
It took until 11:16 of the fourth quarter before Nick Bynum scored for the Gryphons from 14 yards out and their first lead of the night at 13-6. Just two minutes later after a botched punt gave the Gryphons the ball on the six yard line and Sherrod Green score to up the lead to 20-6.
Rocky Mount was on cruise control until a fumble gave Northern the ball at the Gryphon 46 and Knights Quarterback Christian Daniels found Raymond Bullock on a 23 yard pass with 3:25 to play. The Knights defense stopped Rocky Mount and forced a punt and with just over two minutes to go put everyone on their feet. Almost sacked Daniels ran 38 yards to give the home crowd hope but four incomplete passes and Rocky Mount goes unbeaten in the Big East and now wait for the bracket announcement around three pm Saturday afternoon.
Rocky Mount Academy lost at Parrott Academy 44-14 in the first round of the eight man playoffs
Other eight man scores. St David's 64 Cary Christian 24
Northeast Academy 58 Community Christian 22
Southampton 50 Lawrence Academy 0
Hunt 52 Fike 20
Tarboro 60 North Edgecombe 14
Southern Nash 56 Nash Central 19
SouthWest Edgecombe 42- Beddingfield 21
Northampton 42 Rocky Mount Prep 21
Duke-Carolina A Meaningful Football Game
Had a 5-2 record last week on the college football picks to run my record for the year to 63-21. The head line game this week happens in Chapel Hill. It's Duke-Carolina and it is not basketball.
Duke 6-2- 3-1@ North Carolina 7-1-4-0: North Carolina has won seven in a row since the opening game lost to South Carolina. Their defense is so improved that with the schedule left they could go 11-1. During the Fedora era the offense has never been an issue. Duke under Coach Cut has gone from a team that can't win a game in a year to three straight years they are going bowling.
I don't believe Duke is as good this year as last. They have struggled on offense while the defense has kept them in every game. Carolina defense will keep the Devils in check. I doubt Duke's D can hold Carolina down enough to win this one. Carolina 34 Duke 16
USF 4-4- 2-2 @ ECU 4-5 2-3: Pirates have fallen on hard times the last few weeks. This one will be close but Pirates get to 500. ECU 30- USF 21
Virginia 3-5- 2-2@ Miami 5-4- 2-2: I kind of would like to see Miami give their victory over Duke back so since they will not I hope UVA wins but I ain't that crazy. Miami 27-Virginia 17
North Carolina Wesleyan 3-5@ Lagrange 2-5: How bout those Battling Bishops. They have become and offensive juggernaut. They head to Southern Georgia this weekend and will come back home with a V. NCW 38 Lagrange 32
Notre Dame 7-1 @ Pitt 6-2-4-1: Pitt has always played the The Irish tough. Just don't think the Panthers are quite good enough. ND 27 Pitt 24
NC State 5-3-1-3 @ Boston Colege 3-5-0-6: The Pack has to win this game. They started this year with a boat load of Running backs but they are hurting there right now. Pack will survive somehow or other. 31-17
Syracuse 3-5-1-3 @ Louisville 4-4-3-2: I think Louisville gets on a roll. Cards 35 Syracuse 22
Florida St 6-1-5-1-@ Clemson 8-0-5-0: These two are the best two in the ACC but for the first time maybe ever Clemson is the best team. They are really good players on both side of the ball. This just plain and simple is not a typical Florida St team. They don't seem to have the fire as other teams have had in the past. Clemson 38 FSU 28.
Duke 6-2- 3-1@ North Carolina 7-1-4-0: North Carolina has won seven in a row since the opening game lost to South Carolina. Their defense is so improved that with the schedule left they could go 11-1. During the Fedora era the offense has never been an issue. Duke under Coach Cut has gone from a team that can't win a game in a year to three straight years they are going bowling.
I don't believe Duke is as good this year as last. They have struggled on offense while the defense has kept them in every game. Carolina defense will keep the Devils in check. I doubt Duke's D can hold Carolina down enough to win this one. Carolina 34 Duke 16
USF 4-4- 2-2 @ ECU 4-5 2-3: Pirates have fallen on hard times the last few weeks. This one will be close but Pirates get to 500. ECU 30- USF 21
Virginia 3-5- 2-2@ Miami 5-4- 2-2: I kind of would like to see Miami give their victory over Duke back so since they will not I hope UVA wins but I ain't that crazy. Miami 27-Virginia 17
North Carolina Wesleyan 3-5@ Lagrange 2-5: How bout those Battling Bishops. They have become and offensive juggernaut. They head to Southern Georgia this weekend and will come back home with a V. NCW 38 Lagrange 32
Notre Dame 7-1 @ Pitt 6-2-4-1: Pitt has always played the The Irish tough. Just don't think the Panthers are quite good enough. ND 27 Pitt 24
NC State 5-3-1-3 @ Boston Colege 3-5-0-6: The Pack has to win this game. They started this year with a boat load of Running backs but they are hurting there right now. Pack will survive somehow or other. 31-17
Syracuse 3-5-1-3 @ Louisville 4-4-3-2: I think Louisville gets on a roll. Cards 35 Syracuse 22
Florida St 6-1-5-1-@ Clemson 8-0-5-0: These two are the best two in the ACC but for the first time maybe ever Clemson is the best team. They are really good players on both side of the ball. This just plain and simple is not a typical Florida St team. They don't seem to have the fire as other teams have had in the past. Clemson 38 FSU 28.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
First Loss Ends Season
This past weekend at the singles and doubles championship the Rocky Mount Gryphons two Lady Gryphons doubles teams watched the doubles team from Union Pines win the state championship. Wednesday the entire Union Pines team showed up in the early afternoon to the Gryphon Tennis courts and before dark Union Pines gives Rocky Mount their first loss on the season 5-1. Senior Chandler Brice playing her final high school match was the only winner of a point for the Lady Gryphons. The Gryphon season ends with a 14-1 record.
The final week of the high school football season is upon us and in the Two Rivers and the Big East the champions are already known. The Eastern Plains is another story. Last week went 7-1 to boost my overall picks to 65-14. We will start out with the only game that has an impact on the a conference championship.
Beddingfield 6-4 4-0 @ SouthWest Edgecombe 9-1 3-1: If Beddingfield wins they are the Eastern Plains champions. A lost and a possible three way tie including Washington who lost to Beddingfield but beat SWE. The Cougars have rolled since their lone loss. This by far hardest game to pick this week. The Bruins losses are to no light weights. Bruins 26 SWE 22
Rocky Mount Prep 1-7 @ Northampton 5-5: this might be a fairly close game Northampton 26 Prep 14.
Eight man playoffs begin and I don't understand why some teams played five conference games and others played 10.
RMA 7-3 @ Arendell Parrott 9-1: They started the season and it was the first game for Terrell Hudgins as the new head coach at RMA. I am sure ten games in Hudgins feels he can call a better game now over then. I am sure he can but Parrott will win. 38-26
Other Eight man picks:
Cary Christian 3-7 @ St David's 10-0. St Davids plays Parrott -RMA winner next week. St Davids 65-0
Lawrence Academy 4-6 @ Southampton Academy 8-2. SA 38-13
Community Christian 6-4 @ Northeast Academy: NE won last week at CC 52-40. This one is in Lasker NE 54 Community Christian 36
Tarboro 9-1 @ North Edgecombe 5-4: The Warriors have lost 3 in a row. It comes down to how much Tarboro wants 48-6 Vikes
Rocky Mount 8-2 @ Northern Nash 3-7: Perfect game for Northern. Rocky Mount fat and happy and Northern still has playoff implications. 28-7 Gryphons.
Nash Central 1-9 @ Southern Nash 7-3: The Firebirds need to forget the Rocky Mount game. If they do 48-6 Firebirds.
Hunt 7-3 @ Fike 6-4: I think Hunt has been the most steady team of these two. Hunt 28 Fike 24
The final week of the high school football season is upon us and in the Two Rivers and the Big East the champions are already known. The Eastern Plains is another story. Last week went 7-1 to boost my overall picks to 65-14. We will start out with the only game that has an impact on the a conference championship.
Beddingfield 6-4 4-0 @ SouthWest Edgecombe 9-1 3-1: If Beddingfield wins they are the Eastern Plains champions. A lost and a possible three way tie including Washington who lost to Beddingfield but beat SWE. The Cougars have rolled since their lone loss. This by far hardest game to pick this week. The Bruins losses are to no light weights. Bruins 26 SWE 22
Rocky Mount Prep 1-7 @ Northampton 5-5: this might be a fairly close game Northampton 26 Prep 14.
Eight man playoffs begin and I don't understand why some teams played five conference games and others played 10.
RMA 7-3 @ Arendell Parrott 9-1: They started the season and it was the first game for Terrell Hudgins as the new head coach at RMA. I am sure ten games in Hudgins feels he can call a better game now over then. I am sure he can but Parrott will win. 38-26
Other Eight man picks:
Cary Christian 3-7 @ St David's 10-0. St Davids plays Parrott -RMA winner next week. St Davids 65-0
Lawrence Academy 4-6 @ Southampton Academy 8-2. SA 38-13
Community Christian 6-4 @ Northeast Academy: NE won last week at CC 52-40. This one is in Lasker NE 54 Community Christian 36
Tarboro 9-1 @ North Edgecombe 5-4: The Warriors have lost 3 in a row. It comes down to how much Tarboro wants 48-6 Vikes
Rocky Mount 8-2 @ Northern Nash 3-7: Perfect game for Northern. Rocky Mount fat and happy and Northern still has playoff implications. 28-7 Gryphons.
Nash Central 1-9 @ Southern Nash 7-3: The Firebirds need to forget the Rocky Mount game. If they do 48-6 Firebirds.
Hunt 7-3 @ Fike 6-4: I think Hunt has been the most steady team of these two. Hunt 28 Fike 24
Halfway In The NFL
Maybe today? Rocky Mount's girls tennis team washed out in the third round of the state duel tennis championship on Tuesday. The schedule calls for the Eastern Finals today so a victory today and a match tomorrow.
Now the NFL: Had the type week expect to have every week but it hasn't happened. Went 12-2 to shoot my picks up to 69-50
Thursday football features the battle of Ohio. Cleveland 2-6@ Cincinnati 7-0: The Browns seem to play just good enough to lose. Cincy showed they might be on a different level last week. Bengals 27 Browns 20
Packers 6-1 @ Panthers 7-0: Aaron Rogers hasn't play very well against good defenses. Panthers I believe qualify for a good defense. Packers last two games have given up 500 yards to Chargers and Broncos. I find it hard to believe I'm picking the Panthers. 26-23.
Titans 1-6@ Saints 4-4: You noticed Saints are on a roll. Saints 42- 17
Dolphins 3-4@ Bills: 3-4: Looks to me fish are on the way up while Bill Cody has been over rated because of their coach. Miami 27 Bills 20
Redskins 3-4@Patroits 7-0. Do you remember the last time these two played. Brady ahead by 50 passed from one the yard line to win by 50plus. This year the Redskins get revenge they only lose by 30 45-14
Rams 3-4 @ Vikings 5-2: This might be best game of the weekend as Todd Gurley meets the master Adrian Peterson. I think Rams defense can help them win this game 30-27
Jags 2-5 @ Jets 4-3: Jets-Jets-Jets 23-17
Giants 4-4 @ Bucs 3-4: Anybody noticed but Bucs have a good D. Bucs kick butt 24-23
Falcons 6-2 @ 49's2-6: Falcons have a better record that what they truly are. 9'ers will win 27-23
Bronco's 7-0 @ Colts 3-5. 14 points for the Colts will not be enough. Denver 31-14.
Eagles 3-4 @ Cowboys 2-5: Boys need this one to stay close. Eagles win 31-17
Raiders 4-3 @ Steelers 4-4: One of the things I hate about the NFL is when a player passes and gets ok to play like Big Ben did he is out of shape and needed a week or two to get in playing. He played like he had never been on the field before. Doubt he will be good enough again this week against one of the rising teams in NFL Oakland. Raiders 26 Pitt 20.
Monday night football has a reunion of two good friends Philip Rivers and Jay Cutler. Chicago 2-5@ Chargers 2-6. Rivers may throw for 500 yards. 26-20 a Chargers.
Now the NFL: Had the type week expect to have every week but it hasn't happened. Went 12-2 to shoot my picks up to 69-50
Thursday football features the battle of Ohio. Cleveland 2-6@ Cincinnati 7-0: The Browns seem to play just good enough to lose. Cincy showed they might be on a different level last week. Bengals 27 Browns 20
Packers 6-1 @ Panthers 7-0: Aaron Rogers hasn't play very well against good defenses. Panthers I believe qualify for a good defense. Packers last two games have given up 500 yards to Chargers and Broncos. I find it hard to believe I'm picking the Panthers. 26-23.
Titans 1-6@ Saints 4-4: You noticed Saints are on a roll. Saints 42- 17
Dolphins 3-4@ Bills: 3-4: Looks to me fish are on the way up while Bill Cody has been over rated because of their coach. Miami 27 Bills 20
Redskins 3-4@Patroits 7-0. Do you remember the last time these two played. Brady ahead by 50 passed from one the yard line to win by 50plus. This year the Redskins get revenge they only lose by 30 45-14
Rams 3-4 @ Vikings 5-2: This might be best game of the weekend as Todd Gurley meets the master Adrian Peterson. I think Rams defense can help them win this game 30-27
Jags 2-5 @ Jets 4-3: Jets-Jets-Jets 23-17
Giants 4-4 @ Bucs 3-4: Anybody noticed but Bucs have a good D. Bucs kick butt 24-23
Falcons 6-2 @ 49's2-6: Falcons have a better record that what they truly are. 9'ers will win 27-23
Bronco's 7-0 @ Colts 3-5. 14 points for the Colts will not be enough. Denver 31-14.
Eagles 3-4 @ Cowboys 2-5: Boys need this one to stay close. Eagles win 31-17
Raiders 4-3 @ Steelers 4-4: One of the things I hate about the NFL is when a player passes and gets ok to play like Big Ben did he is out of shape and needed a week or two to get in playing. He played like he had never been on the field before. Doubt he will be good enough again this week against one of the rising teams in NFL Oakland. Raiders 26 Pitt 20.
Monday night football has a reunion of two good friends Philip Rivers and Jay Cutler. Chicago 2-5@ Chargers 2-6. Rivers may throw for 500 yards. 26-20 a Chargers.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Washed Out Try Again Tuesday Maybe Wednesday
The 3rd round of the 3-A duel girls tennis got washed out on Monday. Weather forecast doesn't look to be much better for Tuesday. If they are washed out Tuesday they of course will play Wednesday weather permitting. If that happens and the Lady Gryphons win they would turn around play again Thursday in the eastern Finals. If they win that the duel state championship us Saturday. It is a possibility that who ever plays in the duel state championship they just might play three straight days to win it all due to the weather.
The State Playoffs begin on Wednesday in the boys soccer. The Big East has all three of their teams that won more than they lost in conference play have made the tournament. The Top seed in the Big East Hunt who lost but one game all year while winning 21 are the top seed in the east and they will play the last team in the eastern bracket West Brunswick.
Now as always there has to be some kind of Tom Foolery. Southern Nash and Fike both finished 7-3 in the league which tied for second. Southern Nash gets the number 14 seed and Fike gets the 19th seed which pairs them in the opening round. Just seems to me one of those teams could be shifted just one seed to at least keep them from playing in the opening round.
Any time you are in a tournament and keep winning there is always a chance you will meet another conference member some where down the road. This truly is unacceptable for a conference member to play someone from your own conference in the first round especially when you tied with them in record. This is a matter of those at the state level being lazy an accepting what ever the computer spits out.
Did you know Monday was the first day of high school winter sports practice. Basketball can play their first game on November 16th.
Even though he sat out the first ten quarters of the NFL season Todd Gurley is fifth in rushing with 575 yards on 94 rushes. Sunday he had his longest run for a touchdown going 71 yards If Gurley stays healthy he will be rookie of the year in the NFL. He trails Atlanta's Devonta Freeman by only 134 yards. The top ten rushers in the league all are averaging between 4 to 4.7 yards per carry. Todd is averaging 6.1 per tote
The State Playoffs begin on Wednesday in the boys soccer. The Big East has all three of their teams that won more than they lost in conference play have made the tournament. The Top seed in the Big East Hunt who lost but one game all year while winning 21 are the top seed in the east and they will play the last team in the eastern bracket West Brunswick.
Now as always there has to be some kind of Tom Foolery. Southern Nash and Fike both finished 7-3 in the league which tied for second. Southern Nash gets the number 14 seed and Fike gets the 19th seed which pairs them in the opening round. Just seems to me one of those teams could be shifted just one seed to at least keep them from playing in the opening round.
Any time you are in a tournament and keep winning there is always a chance you will meet another conference member some where down the road. This truly is unacceptable for a conference member to play someone from your own conference in the first round especially when you tied with them in record. This is a matter of those at the state level being lazy an accepting what ever the computer spits out.
Did you know Monday was the first day of high school winter sports practice. Basketball can play their first game on November 16th.
Even though he sat out the first ten quarters of the NFL season Todd Gurley is fifth in rushing with 575 yards on 94 rushes. Sunday he had his longest run for a touchdown going 71 yards If Gurley stays healthy he will be rookie of the year in the NFL. He trails Atlanta's Devonta Freeman by only 134 yards. The top ten rushers in the league all are averaging between 4 to 4.7 yards per carry. Todd is averaging 6.1 per tote
Monday, November 2, 2015
Gryphons Grew on the sidelines And And On The Field
When I was a high school disc jockey soon to be the greatest disc jockey alive in my mind there were many things that I had to learn. I use to tape every game, every shift I worked as a jock and would go back an listen to each just like a coach looks at film. I am embarrassed to listen to what I thought at the time was a super star disc jockey in the making.
Jason Battle has just won his first Big East football title and he too had to learn some things in order that this Gryphon team could grow to champions. How many sideline penalties in his previous years has the coaching staff gotten which also led to penalties on the field.
This year I don't recall one on the coaches and only a couple by them on the team and those weren't so called mouthing off personal fouls but late hit etc. This entire team grew in maturity together. Yes there are a couple of stud players on this team but for the most part this is a team loaded with gritty team players doing their job.
They have been battle tested. A big lead melted to a touchdown against Hunt but a big fourth quarter. Down 14 nothing in the first half to Fike only to win going away. Then down to Southern mostly because of failure to hold on to the ball they dominate Southern Nash when they had too. Last year with the heat on somebody was getting a penalty.
Jason Battle and his staff some changes made this year have seen this team respond to their better coaching. High school football is 80 per cent coaching and this year's Gryphon team has responded with a championship with a chance for more.
This afternoon the Lady a Gryphon Tennis team plays at home at 4 pm in the 3rd round of the state 3A duels.
Jason Battle has just won his first Big East football title and he too had to learn some things in order that this Gryphon team could grow to champions. How many sideline penalties in his previous years has the coaching staff gotten which also led to penalties on the field.
This year I don't recall one on the coaches and only a couple by them on the team and those weren't so called mouthing off personal fouls but late hit etc. This entire team grew in maturity together. Yes there are a couple of stud players on this team but for the most part this is a team loaded with gritty team players doing their job.
They have been battle tested. A big lead melted to a touchdown against Hunt but a big fourth quarter. Down 14 nothing in the first half to Fike only to win going away. Then down to Southern mostly because of failure to hold on to the ball they dominate Southern Nash when they had too. Last year with the heat on somebody was getting a penalty.
Jason Battle and his staff some changes made this year have seen this team respond to their better coaching. High school football is 80 per cent coaching and this year's Gryphon team has responded with a championship with a chance for more.
This afternoon the Lady a Gryphon Tennis team plays at home at 4 pm in the 3rd round of the state 3A duels.
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