You have to give the Eagles of RMA a lot of credit having had two games forfeited and a week off so they haven't played a game in a month. Tonight they traveled to Kinston to take on Arendell Parrott the defending state champs who will be a test for a team that hasn't played in a month.
When the mud had been slopped through the Eagles of Rocky Mount Academy score a touchdown in each of the first three quarters to take a 20 to zero lead and just maybe not playing in a month shows up in the fourth quarter as Parrott puts on a 4th quarter rally scoring twice on passes to cut the lead to 20-12. But when needed The Eagles put on a drive and get a field goal late and hold off Parrott 23-12. The Eagles are 6-0 and 2-0 in conference.
Saturday North Carolina Wesleyan Battling Bishops will have their second home game of the season. It is mighty hard to have any better first two home games as the Bishops will have. Their opener they played the top team in all Division three football in Mount Union. Today they will play the team favored to win the conference USA South Huntingdon.
So far this season Huntingdon has a 3-0 record. They just might not have a very good defense because in their three games to date they are giving up almost 34 points per game. The problem the Bishops face is Huntingdon is scoring 55 per contest. The game starts at 1pm at the sports complex.
A couple weeks back many high school teams had to alter their schedules to try to beat the tropical storm that passed. Tarboro and Northern Nash were rained out on Friday night and decided to play ten days later causing three games in eight days for both.
Hunt had their game washed out on that Friday and washed out again that Monday. Instead of trying to deal with a three games in eight days deal Hunt and Corinth Holders chose to play this past Wednesday. Both were off scheduled to be off tonight and wanted to play Wednesday night to give their players some time off before conference play starts next week. Rained out, let's try again Thursday rained out again. So both teams were forced to either cancell all together or play Friday which was suppose to be and off night. Sorry rained out again. They will try again at 6:30 Monday.
Just how much practice can any team have when you want to practice Monday and Tuesday for a Wednesday night game. I am sure they didn't practice Wednesdsy, Thursday or Friday because they thought they were playing that night until cancelled. Hunt plays Monday and can not start to get ready for Northern Nash until Tuesday.
Other Action
Northeast Carolina Prep at Pamlico postponed
Rocky Mount Prep 28 SE Halifax 20 2ot
Friday, September 30, 2016
Big Four Match Up
One third of the college football season is in the books and each and every week more and more conferences games occur. Running out of gimme games. Last week went 6-2 to push my college picks to 39-14. We start this week in Raleigh.
Wake Forest 4-0 @ NC State 2-1: Besides Notre Dame being 1-3 the surprise team of the year is Wake Forest. The big question is how strong is their schedule with Duke being one of the wins who by the way beat Notre Dame in South Bend. Dave Doeren job is in serious trouble If the Pack fails to win this one. State 34 Wake 24
Huntingdon 3-0 @ North Carolina Wesleyan 1-2: Huntingdon voted as pre season favorites and the Battling Bishops third. Hard way to start conference play against top seed. Expect high scoring game Huntingdon 35 Bishops 27
UCF 2-2 @ ECU 2-2: If the Pirates don't buckle their chin straps before the game they could get clipped in this one. Since opening night the Pirates have not played well and they had better in this one ECU 36 UCF 32
North Carolina 3-1 @ Florida State 3-1. This game might have 100 points scored in this one. The big question is can the Heels defense hold the Noles under 50. Seminoles 52 Carolina 37
Miami 3-0 @ Georgia Tech 3-1: I think we will find out in this one whether Miami is a player or a pretender in this game. Canes 38 Tech 24
Louisville 4-0 @ Clemson 4-0: This just might be the game of the year in the ACC. If two ACC teams were to make it to the playoffs these would be the two. However being in same division means one will not make it to the ACC championship game which is now set for Orlando. The Tigers win at home 42-38.
Virginia 1-3 @ Duke 2-2: Duke won where few others do. Looked like they were going to be blown out and yet they win in South Bend. Duke 40 Virginia 20
Marshall 1-2 @ Pitt 2-2: Pitt is a team that if you have them on the schedule for rest of the year you had better look out. Pitt 45 Marshall 24
Notre Dame 1-3 @ Syracuse 2-2: This will be the kind of game that tells us whether the Fighting Irish are this bad or not. If they struggle in this one they are bad. Irish should win this one easily. ND 38 Cuse 21
Buffalo 1-2 @ Boston College 2-2: BC has won twice against weaklings. They should get another BC 31 Buffalo 24.
Georgia State 0-3 @ App St 2-2: The Mounties truly need this one. App 42 GS 21
Wake Forest 4-0 @ NC State 2-1: Besides Notre Dame being 1-3 the surprise team of the year is Wake Forest. The big question is how strong is their schedule with Duke being one of the wins who by the way beat Notre Dame in South Bend. Dave Doeren job is in serious trouble If the Pack fails to win this one. State 34 Wake 24
Huntingdon 3-0 @ North Carolina Wesleyan 1-2: Huntingdon voted as pre season favorites and the Battling Bishops third. Hard way to start conference play against top seed. Expect high scoring game Huntingdon 35 Bishops 27
UCF 2-2 @ ECU 2-2: If the Pirates don't buckle their chin straps before the game they could get clipped in this one. Since opening night the Pirates have not played well and they had better in this one ECU 36 UCF 32
North Carolina 3-1 @ Florida State 3-1. This game might have 100 points scored in this one. The big question is can the Heels defense hold the Noles under 50. Seminoles 52 Carolina 37
Miami 3-0 @ Georgia Tech 3-1: I think we will find out in this one whether Miami is a player or a pretender in this game. Canes 38 Tech 24
Louisville 4-0 @ Clemson 4-0: This just might be the game of the year in the ACC. If two ACC teams were to make it to the playoffs these would be the two. However being in same division means one will not make it to the ACC championship game which is now set for Orlando. The Tigers win at home 42-38.
Virginia 1-3 @ Duke 2-2: Duke won where few others do. Looked like they were going to be blown out and yet they win in South Bend. Duke 40 Virginia 20
Marshall 1-2 @ Pitt 2-2: Pitt is a team that if you have them on the schedule for rest of the year you had better look out. Pitt 45 Marshall 24
Notre Dame 1-3 @ Syracuse 2-2: This will be the kind of game that tells us whether the Fighting Irish are this bad or not. If they struggle in this one they are bad. Irish should win this one easily. ND 38 Cuse 21
Buffalo 1-2 @ Boston College 2-2: BC has won twice against weaklings. They should get another BC 31 Buffalo 24.
Georgia State 0-3 @ App St 2-2: The Mounties truly need this one. App 42 GS 21
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Week Off For Most
Most every one has the week off as they prepare for conference play that starts next week. We already made this pick a couple weeks back.
RMA 5-0 at Parrott Academy 2-2: I worry it has been a month since the Eagles have put on the pads against any one else. They will have rust everywhere while Parrott has already played a meaty schedule already. I think Eagles are better despite layoff RMA 38 Parrott 28
Rocky Mount Prep 2-3 at SouthEast Halifax 2-2: This one is possible for the Jags. I doubt they win on the road. SE Halifax 26 RM Prep 24
North East Carolina a Prep 0-5 at Pamlico 0-5: Here's a game I doubt there will be any TV stations covering this one unless they need to get some football coverage for Friday night. Pamlico 27 NEC Prep 20.
There is one thing about college sports that when ever a player comes along and plays for us then we claim him as ours for the rest of their life. Every now and then one comes along who changes the world and since he crossed our state he is one of us. Arnold Palmer went to Wake Forest when the college was actually in Wake Forest. Sunday night the golfer who transform professional golf from the rich man's game to every man's game died at the age of 87.
He came along for golf just when TV was a baby and needed some type of sports for the weekends. Palmer was a go for broke player that when the TV camera came on he charged up every one sitting home and golf has never left TV. In fact as Palmer approached 50 the Seniors Tour was born just so the TV world would still be able to watch Arnold Palmer.
Heard this as all the Sports channels having been talking Palmer for most of the week and this will explain why Arnold Palmer became Arnold Palmer. Andy North who was walking with Palmer's senior group while playing on the senior tour had a second shot over water into a par five in which Palmer had no chance to make it over the water. He went for it any way and of course hit it in the water. While walking towards the water North asked Palmer why he even tried such a shot. Palmer's reply "The fans didn't come to see me lay up"
Like all athletes age wins out and another great golfer came along named Jack Nicklaus to replace him on the golf tour but because Palmer had a vision Palmer went into golf design, TV ads, and he never forgot where he came from. A couple of years ago on the golf channel it was reported that Palmer wrote a personal note back to everyone that had ever written to him ask for a picture or autograph even if they failed to send him a stamp they got their request. Palmer spent of his own money 125,000 dollars a year on postage to fans.
Even today he is in the top ten in money making at the age of 87. Just two years ago when I had the privilege to go to the practice round at the Masters I was able to get about 20 feet of him as he sat on the veranda and I felt like I was near royalty.
Tiger Woods had a chance to replace him as the most impactful golfer ever but his off the course values have sent him into obscurity. The world has lost a great embassador. Golf has lost the most impactful person in the history of golf. The state of North Carolina has lost a piece of their pride. We all lost Arnold Palmer THE KING!
RMA 5-0 at Parrott Academy 2-2: I worry it has been a month since the Eagles have put on the pads against any one else. They will have rust everywhere while Parrott has already played a meaty schedule already. I think Eagles are better despite layoff RMA 38 Parrott 28
Rocky Mount Prep 2-3 at SouthEast Halifax 2-2: This one is possible for the Jags. I doubt they win on the road. SE Halifax 26 RM Prep 24
North East Carolina a Prep 0-5 at Pamlico 0-5: Here's a game I doubt there will be any TV stations covering this one unless they need to get some football coverage for Friday night. Pamlico 27 NEC Prep 20.
There is one thing about college sports that when ever a player comes along and plays for us then we claim him as ours for the rest of their life. Every now and then one comes along who changes the world and since he crossed our state he is one of us. Arnold Palmer went to Wake Forest when the college was actually in Wake Forest. Sunday night the golfer who transform professional golf from the rich man's game to every man's game died at the age of 87.
He came along for golf just when TV was a baby and needed some type of sports for the weekends. Palmer was a go for broke player that when the TV camera came on he charged up every one sitting home and golf has never left TV. In fact as Palmer approached 50 the Seniors Tour was born just so the TV world would still be able to watch Arnold Palmer.
Heard this as all the Sports channels having been talking Palmer for most of the week and this will explain why Arnold Palmer became Arnold Palmer. Andy North who was walking with Palmer's senior group while playing on the senior tour had a second shot over water into a par five in which Palmer had no chance to make it over the water. He went for it any way and of course hit it in the water. While walking towards the water North asked Palmer why he even tried such a shot. Palmer's reply "The fans didn't come to see me lay up"
Like all athletes age wins out and another great golfer came along named Jack Nicklaus to replace him on the golf tour but because Palmer had a vision Palmer went into golf design, TV ads, and he never forgot where he came from. A couple of years ago on the golf channel it was reported that Palmer wrote a personal note back to everyone that had ever written to him ask for a picture or autograph even if they failed to send him a stamp they got their request. Palmer spent of his own money 125,000 dollars a year on postage to fans.
Even today he is in the top ten in money making at the age of 87. Just two years ago when I had the privilege to go to the practice round at the Masters I was able to get about 20 feet of him as he sat on the veranda and I felt like I was near royalty.
Tiger Woods had a chance to replace him as the most impactful golfer ever but his off the course values have sent him into obscurity. The world has lost a great embassador. Golf has lost the most impactful person in the history of golf. The state of North Carolina has lost a piece of their pride. We all lost Arnold Palmer THE KING!
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Week Four Of NFL
Before we get into the NFL upcoming games need to predict a high school game on tap tonight. That's right Tonight. It is one of those make up games between Hunt 2-3 and Corinth Holders 0-5. Both want to hold on to being off this Friday night to give their players more than a week off before the conference wars start. Hunt has new coach and so far the results are not Hunt like but they are playing Holders who is 0- for the season to date. I think Hunt evens their slate at 3-3 which will send every Big East team into conference play next week without a tem with a losing record Hunt 26 Corinth Holders 20
Now the NFL, Had another fair week going 11-5 to run my guess record so far in the NFL to 32-16. Would love to up my percentage to 3 out of 4 right each week but this is the NFL.
Miami 1-2 @ Cincinnati 1-2: Hard to believe the Bengals 1-2 so this would be a good game to get back to even. Bengals 30- Dolphins 23
Colts 1-2 @ Jags 0-3: I think Jags are better than 0-3 then why are they 0-3? I like the Cats over the horses in this one 30-27.
Browns 0-3 at Redskins 1-2: There is always a team from the NFC East that pulls away from everyone else because East teams all go 3-3 against each other. The difference year after year is the team that wins games against other NFL teams. If that team that pulls away from the others is going to be Redskins they can't lose this game. Skins 36 Browns 28
Titans 1-2 @ Texans 2-1: Texans have had 10 days to steam over getting shut out in New England. They should rebound over a lesser opponent. Houston 26 Titans 20
Seahawks 2-1 @ Jets 2-1: The Jets coach publicly scorched his team for their effort in KC. Hawks probably will play without Russell Wilson. Hawks don't score much on the road anyway and won't in New York either Jets 23- Seahawks 10
Bills 1-2 @ New England 3-0: Last game with out Brady as the Pats stay perfect who needs him. It's the coach not the quarterback in New England. NE 30 Bills 16
Panthers 1-2 @ Falcons 2-1: Panthers having that season all Super Bowl losers have playing decent but not winning. They will get Falcons this week though Cam and Company 27 Birds 24.
Raiders 2-1 @ Ravens 2-1: This is a hard pick both teams very similar. I'll go with the home team. Raven 23 Raiders 20
Lions 1-2 @ Bears 0-3: Another game between two teams that when ever they play great they can beat anybody but just when especially playing each other. Lions 19 Bears 17
Bronco's 3-0 @ Buc's 1-2: It would not shock me if Tampa wins this one but the Wild Horses defense pulls this one out. Den 26 Tampa 20
Rams 2-1 @ Cardinals 1-2: Rams are hard to best when Todd Gurley runs the way ne did last week. Probably can's score enough to win this one. Cards 23 Rams 17
Saints 1-2 @ Chargers 1-2: Drew Brees returns to San Diego for the first since the Chargers let him go in early 06. They met each other in London in what was classified as a Charger home game in 2008 and once in New Orleans with Saints winning both. Charger injury list is growing again this year. Last year it was offensive linemen this year it's both play makers and secondary people. Will be high scoring Chargers 36 Saints 33
Cowboys 2-1 at SF 1-2: Cowboys are the best team but remember they play in NFC East and team in the East lose these kind of games SF 26 Boys 22
Chiefs 1-2 at Steelers 2-1: Both teams laid eggs last week. Doubt if Steelers will lose at home Pitt 23 KC 17
Giants 2-1 @ Vikes: Anybody who watched the Vikes defense destroy the Panther line like the Vikings did last Sunday can't pick anybody else in this one Manning will throw three picks. Vikes 26 Giants 17
Now the NFL, Had another fair week going 11-5 to run my guess record so far in the NFL to 32-16. Would love to up my percentage to 3 out of 4 right each week but this is the NFL.
Miami 1-2 @ Cincinnati 1-2: Hard to believe the Bengals 1-2 so this would be a good game to get back to even. Bengals 30- Dolphins 23
Colts 1-2 @ Jags 0-3: I think Jags are better than 0-3 then why are they 0-3? I like the Cats over the horses in this one 30-27.
Browns 0-3 at Redskins 1-2: There is always a team from the NFC East that pulls away from everyone else because East teams all go 3-3 against each other. The difference year after year is the team that wins games against other NFL teams. If that team that pulls away from the others is going to be Redskins they can't lose this game. Skins 36 Browns 28
Titans 1-2 @ Texans 2-1: Texans have had 10 days to steam over getting shut out in New England. They should rebound over a lesser opponent. Houston 26 Titans 20
Seahawks 2-1 @ Jets 2-1: The Jets coach publicly scorched his team for their effort in KC. Hawks probably will play without Russell Wilson. Hawks don't score much on the road anyway and won't in New York either Jets 23- Seahawks 10
Bills 1-2 @ New England 3-0: Last game with out Brady as the Pats stay perfect who needs him. It's the coach not the quarterback in New England. NE 30 Bills 16
Panthers 1-2 @ Falcons 2-1: Panthers having that season all Super Bowl losers have playing decent but not winning. They will get Falcons this week though Cam and Company 27 Birds 24.
Raiders 2-1 @ Ravens 2-1: This is a hard pick both teams very similar. I'll go with the home team. Raven 23 Raiders 20
Lions 1-2 @ Bears 0-3: Another game between two teams that when ever they play great they can beat anybody but just when especially playing each other. Lions 19 Bears 17
Bronco's 3-0 @ Buc's 1-2: It would not shock me if Tampa wins this one but the Wild Horses defense pulls this one out. Den 26 Tampa 20
Rams 2-1 @ Cardinals 1-2: Rams are hard to best when Todd Gurley runs the way ne did last week. Probably can's score enough to win this one. Cards 23 Rams 17
Saints 1-2 @ Chargers 1-2: Drew Brees returns to San Diego for the first since the Chargers let him go in early 06. They met each other in London in what was classified as a Charger home game in 2008 and once in New Orleans with Saints winning both. Charger injury list is growing again this year. Last year it was offensive linemen this year it's both play makers and secondary people. Will be high scoring Chargers 36 Saints 33
Cowboys 2-1 at SF 1-2: Cowboys are the best team but remember they play in NFC East and team in the East lose these kind of games SF 26 Boys 22
Chiefs 1-2 at Steelers 2-1: Both teams laid eggs last week. Doubt if Steelers will lose at home Pitt 23 KC 17
Giants 2-1 @ Vikes: Anybody who watched the Vikes defense destroy the Panther line like the Vikings did last Sunday can't pick anybody else in this one Manning will throw three picks. Vikes 26 Giants 17
It Still Will Take Some Luck
We have reached the halfway point in the 2016 high school football season and for those fans that pull for the Blue and Gold of Rocky Mount this season to some extent is following a path much like the 2015 season which lead to the Gryphons winning their first football title in 43 years.
For just a moment let us look back and see how being good or even very good is not good enough. Just ask Eastern Alamance from last year what being good ended for them. The Gryphons started by trouncing Southern Granville last season and make it a little worse this year with a shutout. Middle Creek still remains undefeated but the Gryphons scored 25 points on the Mustangs an in their other five games have given up only 31 other points.
The scores were not as impressive as last year in the Hertford County and Edenton games. Sherrod Greene suited up for the first time this season and got about a quarter on the field in the HC game. The Gryphons hit the road for the first time to Edenton and for the first time against a team they should beat the Gryphons put themselves in a jam and trailed in the third quarter. Just maybe the first sign this Gryphon team was beginning to get it together was they controlled the last 18 minutes of the game and that is the only L on the Aces Ledger.
A complete turn a round with a 40 point loss to Rose at Home last year and a 66 point outburst and holding Rose to 41. Ok after seeing the Conley score maybe scoring 66 on Rose is not much of a deal this season but holding them to 41 might be a great defensive effort. Hoke County was completely stifled by the Gryphon defense.
How close did they come to not winning the conference last season. They trailed in four of five conference games. It did not hurt a bit that the two biggest conference games last year were at home. Remember the biggest lucky break of the playoffs was the Rams of Havelock losing in the second round and the Gryphons getting their third straight home game. They needed that third home game cause it took the last play of the game to beat Eden Morehead a team that we were able to see was worthy in beating Havelock.
How close did the Gryphons come to finishing second in the State Championship game. It took a third and 15 scramble by Forest Bell in the fourth quarter to keep a drive alive. It took a 38 yard extra point from Chase Miller to get the game to overtime. It took a defensive hit on third down in overtime from Sherrod Green after the South Point quarterback broke around end at the five yard line to set up a extra point field goal that South Point Missed.
So despite how great the Gryphons look at this point three conference games are on the road. What at this point the biggest of them all will be at Southern Nash. So far this season the six Gryphon foes to date have a combined 20-14 record. Take away the Gryphons 5-1 record they are 19-9 against everyone else. The five conference games this season as we look down the road everyone in the conference is 20-9.
If the Gryphons are to repeat as conference champions this season it would seem this year's road is tougher because more are on the road and there does not seem to be a automatic win anywhere.
Congrats to Sherrod Green as the awards keep rolling in for the Gryphon Linebacker. Not only has he committed to the Gamecocks of South Carolina but yesterday he was picked to play in the 2016 Shrine Bowl game on the North Carolina team that takes on South Carolina the next weekend after State Championship weekend.
If you go on the NCHSAA website you will see an article about sportsmanship featuring Rocky Mount High and their JV soccer goalie Lucas Martinez. Nice read about an injury that occurred to a C B Aycock player during a recent soccer game at Rocky Mount concerning the actions of Martinez and the medical staff at RMHS. Well worth your time. NCHSAA.org
For just a moment let us look back and see how being good or even very good is not good enough. Just ask Eastern Alamance from last year what being good ended for them. The Gryphons started by trouncing Southern Granville last season and make it a little worse this year with a shutout. Middle Creek still remains undefeated but the Gryphons scored 25 points on the Mustangs an in their other five games have given up only 31 other points.
The scores were not as impressive as last year in the Hertford County and Edenton games. Sherrod Greene suited up for the first time this season and got about a quarter on the field in the HC game. The Gryphons hit the road for the first time to Edenton and for the first time against a team they should beat the Gryphons put themselves in a jam and trailed in the third quarter. Just maybe the first sign this Gryphon team was beginning to get it together was they controlled the last 18 minutes of the game and that is the only L on the Aces Ledger.
A complete turn a round with a 40 point loss to Rose at Home last year and a 66 point outburst and holding Rose to 41. Ok after seeing the Conley score maybe scoring 66 on Rose is not much of a deal this season but holding them to 41 might be a great defensive effort. Hoke County was completely stifled by the Gryphon defense.
How close did they come to not winning the conference last season. They trailed in four of five conference games. It did not hurt a bit that the two biggest conference games last year were at home. Remember the biggest lucky break of the playoffs was the Rams of Havelock losing in the second round and the Gryphons getting their third straight home game. They needed that third home game cause it took the last play of the game to beat Eden Morehead a team that we were able to see was worthy in beating Havelock.
How close did the Gryphons come to finishing second in the State Championship game. It took a third and 15 scramble by Forest Bell in the fourth quarter to keep a drive alive. It took a 38 yard extra point from Chase Miller to get the game to overtime. It took a defensive hit on third down in overtime from Sherrod Green after the South Point quarterback broke around end at the five yard line to set up a extra point field goal that South Point Missed.
So despite how great the Gryphons look at this point three conference games are on the road. What at this point the biggest of them all will be at Southern Nash. So far this season the six Gryphon foes to date have a combined 20-14 record. Take away the Gryphons 5-1 record they are 19-9 against everyone else. The five conference games this season as we look down the road everyone in the conference is 20-9.
If the Gryphons are to repeat as conference champions this season it would seem this year's road is tougher because more are on the road and there does not seem to be a automatic win anywhere.
Congrats to Sherrod Green as the awards keep rolling in for the Gryphon Linebacker. Not only has he committed to the Gamecocks of South Carolina but yesterday he was picked to play in the 2016 Shrine Bowl game on the North Carolina team that takes on South Carolina the next weekend after State Championship weekend.
If you go on the NCHSAA website you will see an article about sportsmanship featuring Rocky Mount High and their JV soccer goalie Lucas Martinez. Nice read about an injury that occurred to a C B Aycock player during a recent soccer game at Rocky Mount concerning the actions of Martinez and the medical staff at RMHS. Well worth your time. NCHSAA.org
Monday, September 26, 2016
Let's Evaluate The Season
Just how can you judge one team's first half of the season over another when not one team played the exact same non conference schedule as the other. Let's try to see if we can figure out how to see who has done well so far and how does it relate to what we can expect next week when conference play starts.
As they say this is not scientific but let's give every team credit of four points whenever a team on their schedule is classified 4A and multiply by that teams number of wins. 3A three points, 2A two points and 1A one point. Example several teams in the Big East played Tarboro a 1A school who has won four games so far this season. Any team that played Tarboro win or lose gets four points. Let's give this thing a try.
Northern Nash 4-2: has played 3A Corinth Holders 0-5 zero points, Northeastern 2A 3-1 6 points, Laney 4A and 4-2 16 points, Tarboro 4-2 4 Points, Goldsboro 0-6 2A zero points and finally Smithfield Selma 0-6 3A zero points. Total points Northern Nash 26
Hunt 2-3: Opened the season against 4A Lumberton 2-4 8 points, Hertford County 2A 2-3 4 points, Northeastern 2A 3-1 6 points, Currituck 2-A 2-3 4 points, Beddingfield 3-3 6 points Total Points Hunt 30
Nash Central 4-2: started their season with Tarboro 1A 4-2 4 points, Smithfield Selma 0-6 zero points, North Johnston 2A 4-2 8 points, SouthWest Edgecombe 2A 1-5 2 points, Beddingfield 2A 3-3 6 points, Bunn 5-1 2A 10 points. Total Points Nash Central 30
Fike 4-2: First game of the year Fike started with Bunn 2A 4-2 8 points, East Wake 4A 2-4 8 points, Kinston 2A 3-2 6 points, Beddingfield 2A 3-3 6 points, South Granville 2A 4-2 8 points, Corinth Holders 3A 0-6 zero points. Total Points Fike 36
Southern Nash 6-0: Firebirds opened with 3A Northwood 2-3 6 points, Bedfingfield 2A 3-3 6 points, Bunn 2A 5-1 10 points, South Johnston 2-3 3A 6 points, Tarboro, 4-2 1A 4 points and Ayden Grifton 2A 3-3 6 points. Total Points Southern Nash 38
Rocky Mount 5-1: Began the season with South Granville 2A 4-2 8 points, Middle Creek 6-0 24 points, Hertford County 2A 2-3 4 points, Edenton Holmes 2A 5-1 10 points, Rose 4A 2-3 8 points, Hoke County 1-5 4 points. Total Points Rocky Mount 58
So if this formula is any where close to being correct Rocky Mount will win the Big East due to this point having played the toughest schedule and a 5-1 record to boot. Southern Nash will edge out Fike for second. Nash Central and Hunt will be in a tussle for fourth and despite their 4-2 record Northern will finish last.
The points are close enough from second to sixth that one fumble, one injury can change a game and with it the outcome of the season. If this points system is any where close the Gryphons will win their second straight conference title. Five of the six conference teams have already won four games so it will only take one conference win to make it to the playoffs. Is it possible that this league will have more than one team playing Thanksgiving weekend.
As they say this is not scientific but let's give every team credit of four points whenever a team on their schedule is classified 4A and multiply by that teams number of wins. 3A three points, 2A two points and 1A one point. Example several teams in the Big East played Tarboro a 1A school who has won four games so far this season. Any team that played Tarboro win or lose gets four points. Let's give this thing a try.
Northern Nash 4-2: has played 3A Corinth Holders 0-5 zero points, Northeastern 2A 3-1 6 points, Laney 4A and 4-2 16 points, Tarboro 4-2 4 Points, Goldsboro 0-6 2A zero points and finally Smithfield Selma 0-6 3A zero points. Total points Northern Nash 26
Hunt 2-3: Opened the season against 4A Lumberton 2-4 8 points, Hertford County 2A 2-3 4 points, Northeastern 2A 3-1 6 points, Currituck 2-A 2-3 4 points, Beddingfield 3-3 6 points Total Points Hunt 30
Nash Central 4-2: started their season with Tarboro 1A 4-2 4 points, Smithfield Selma 0-6 zero points, North Johnston 2A 4-2 8 points, SouthWest Edgecombe 2A 1-5 2 points, Beddingfield 2A 3-3 6 points, Bunn 5-1 2A 10 points. Total Points Nash Central 30
Fike 4-2: First game of the year Fike started with Bunn 2A 4-2 8 points, East Wake 4A 2-4 8 points, Kinston 2A 3-2 6 points, Beddingfield 2A 3-3 6 points, South Granville 2A 4-2 8 points, Corinth Holders 3A 0-6 zero points. Total Points Fike 36
Southern Nash 6-0: Firebirds opened with 3A Northwood 2-3 6 points, Bedfingfield 2A 3-3 6 points, Bunn 2A 5-1 10 points, South Johnston 2-3 3A 6 points, Tarboro, 4-2 1A 4 points and Ayden Grifton 2A 3-3 6 points. Total Points Southern Nash 38
Rocky Mount 5-1: Began the season with South Granville 2A 4-2 8 points, Middle Creek 6-0 24 points, Hertford County 2A 2-3 4 points, Edenton Holmes 2A 5-1 10 points, Rose 4A 2-3 8 points, Hoke County 1-5 4 points. Total Points Rocky Mount 58
So if this formula is any where close to being correct Rocky Mount will win the Big East due to this point having played the toughest schedule and a 5-1 record to boot. Southern Nash will edge out Fike for second. Nash Central and Hunt will be in a tussle for fourth and despite their 4-2 record Northern will finish last.
The points are close enough from second to sixth that one fumble, one injury can change a game and with it the outcome of the season. If this points system is any where close the Gryphons will win their second straight conference title. Five of the six conference teams have already won four games so it will only take one conference win to make it to the playoffs. Is it possible that this league will have more than one team playing Thanksgiving weekend.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Safety Should Be Top Priority In Sports
Football is a violent game and as technology becomes greater and players become bigger and faster keeping the game safe becomes more difficult. There is plenty of evidence that as we learn more rules are changed to protect. The helmet is obvious today in every sport. Baseball players never had helmets until a player for the Boston Red Sox Tony Conignario was beaned and he tried to play but never recovered from the hit. When hockey went to helmets it started out the older player did not have to wear helmets but it was required for rookies and over 15 years or so every player now wears helmets. Football started out with the rubber helmet, then a helmet with a single bar across you nose and now days they wear visors making you look like you were in the movie Star Wars.
Back in the 60's they started putting warnings on cigarettes, seat belts in cars, all of them as we began to learn more about safety had a place to improve life. So football has tried to come up with rules to make the game as safe as possible. Just recently they have come up with a rule called Targeting. The NFL say over the last five years have fined players who hit players that were defenseless for going for the head. That of course is for defensive players tackling the ball carrier but it is no penalty if the ball carrier lowers his head while trying to run over you. That ball carrier can get hurt that way too.
Everyday most of us get up and either go to school or go to work and just about every one of us fudges on the speed limit up to the point where we will not get a speeding ticket. There is of course that gray area about what's legal and what's not. Last weekend one of our local college football players Houshun Gaines from Nash Central received a penalty for Targeting while blocking on a punt return for Virginia Tech.
Everyone may remember the Catfishing incident that Gaines had while he was being recruited in college. He has been suspended from the Tech football team since his arrival in Blacksburg. I am sure if you did not watch the game and saw the block live on TV you probably have been on Utube and seen it.
If there is any penalty in football and when the ref announces that the play is under review and it takes three or four minutes to decide looking at 1000 replays then that play is one that you can not call Targeting. One replay should show you the answer. Having been taught light years ago how to block and all the replays that I have seen this was a perfect block.
Gaines led with his shoulder and hit the chaser on defense perfectly. Yes it caught the kid as he was turning as they say from the blind side. Those blocks like this one when they crowd sees it sends a AHHHH through the crowd. I don't know how he could block any better.
Because the hit was in the shoulder area of the player being blocked and after an extended time reviewing the play targeting was called and Gaines was tossed out of the game which still had eight minutes to play.
There is a fine line between perfect and illegal in this case. I know all of the sports world is running scared these days because of concussions and there are times that the law has to go too far to protect the innocent.
Football because of all types of injury and because of the high cost of insurance coverage will one day be the flag football variety because insurance is going to be the death nail to football. I predict within 50 years soccer will be number one in this country but lookout soccer. Helmets are on the way.
Back in the 60's they started putting warnings on cigarettes, seat belts in cars, all of them as we began to learn more about safety had a place to improve life. So football has tried to come up with rules to make the game as safe as possible. Just recently they have come up with a rule called Targeting. The NFL say over the last five years have fined players who hit players that were defenseless for going for the head. That of course is for defensive players tackling the ball carrier but it is no penalty if the ball carrier lowers his head while trying to run over you. That ball carrier can get hurt that way too.
Everyday most of us get up and either go to school or go to work and just about every one of us fudges on the speed limit up to the point where we will not get a speeding ticket. There is of course that gray area about what's legal and what's not. Last weekend one of our local college football players Houshun Gaines from Nash Central received a penalty for Targeting while blocking on a punt return for Virginia Tech.
Everyone may remember the Catfishing incident that Gaines had while he was being recruited in college. He has been suspended from the Tech football team since his arrival in Blacksburg. I am sure if you did not watch the game and saw the block live on TV you probably have been on Utube and seen it.
If there is any penalty in football and when the ref announces that the play is under review and it takes three or four minutes to decide looking at 1000 replays then that play is one that you can not call Targeting. One replay should show you the answer. Having been taught light years ago how to block and all the replays that I have seen this was a perfect block.
Gaines led with his shoulder and hit the chaser on defense perfectly. Yes it caught the kid as he was turning as they say from the blind side. Those blocks like this one when they crowd sees it sends a AHHHH through the crowd. I don't know how he could block any better.
Because the hit was in the shoulder area of the player being blocked and after an extended time reviewing the play targeting was called and Gaines was tossed out of the game which still had eight minutes to play.
There is a fine line between perfect and illegal in this case. I know all of the sports world is running scared these days because of concussions and there are times that the law has to go too far to protect the innocent.
Football because of all types of injury and because of the high cost of insurance coverage will one day be the flag football variety because insurance is going to be the death nail to football. I predict within 50 years soccer will be number one in this country but lookout soccer. Helmets are on the way.
Friday, September 23, 2016
Score Doesn't Show Let Down, Play Does
You could just about expect the Gryphons coming off one of their most impressive victories against Greenville Rose to be some what flat against Hoke County a team just 1-4. The Gryphons stopped Hoke cold their first two tries with the ball and the second resulted in a shanked punt which the Gryphons punched it in with passes and scored on a BJ Sanders one yard run. Chase Miller made it 7-0..
There is no doubt the Gryphons have play makers and Detrell Revis for the second game in a row scores a touchdown. Last week a punt return tonight a pick six returned 60 yards to make it 14-0 in first quarter.
The theme of the first half will go down as mistake city as Rocky Mount loses three fumbles and interception and three of the four are inside the Hoke 20. One on the one yard line but the Gryphon D gets a team tackle for a safety and a second quarter 16-0 lead. The only time Hoke crossed the 50 was when they recovered a Gryphon fumble. Hoke had no offense what so ever and the score could easily had the clock running in second quarter had the Gryphons held on to the ball. Just before the half second team QB Shabios Lynch made at 23-0 at the half.
The bright spot of the game thus far for Hoke County is it is homecoming but they must kick off to the Gryphons to start the second half. The Gryphons are putting the game into clock running mode and move the ball to the Hoke 28 when on a tackle two Hoke players go down and one requires a stretcher. All players go to one knee as the dangers of the game of football are front and center as an abulance is needed for the Hoke player.
Return to play Chase Miller misses a 36 yard field goal but the D who has not allowed a first down all night gets the ball back and B J Sanders scores for the second time and the lead grows to 31-0 on a two point conversion and the rest if this game belongs to the second team.
Hoke begins the 4th quarter scoring on a double reverse fourth down 60 yard pass but an official lost the ball on third down blew the whistle and didn't see Rocky Mount running for a touchdown. Hoke tried on side kick but the Gryphons took two plays to score and up the lead to 38-7 on runs by B J Sanders.
Rocky Mount completely manhandled Hoke giving up one first down. 38-7 final.
Other scores
Rose 77 Conley 67 the highest scoring game in NCHSAA history
Northern Nash 33 Smithfield Selma 7
Tarboro 20 SouthWest Edgecombe 0
Southern Nash 42 Ayden Grifton 14
North Edgecombe 44 Kipp Pride 0
North Raleigh Christian Academy 44 NorthEast Carolina Prep 8
Beddingfield 19 Hunt 18
Bunn 52 Nash County 36
Fike 22 Corinth Holders 20
There is no doubt the Gryphons have play makers and Detrell Revis for the second game in a row scores a touchdown. Last week a punt return tonight a pick six returned 60 yards to make it 14-0 in first quarter.
The theme of the first half will go down as mistake city as Rocky Mount loses three fumbles and interception and three of the four are inside the Hoke 20. One on the one yard line but the Gryphon D gets a team tackle for a safety and a second quarter 16-0 lead. The only time Hoke crossed the 50 was when they recovered a Gryphon fumble. Hoke had no offense what so ever and the score could easily had the clock running in second quarter had the Gryphons held on to the ball. Just before the half second team QB Shabios Lynch made at 23-0 at the half.
The bright spot of the game thus far for Hoke County is it is homecoming but they must kick off to the Gryphons to start the second half. The Gryphons are putting the game into clock running mode and move the ball to the Hoke 28 when on a tackle two Hoke players go down and one requires a stretcher. All players go to one knee as the dangers of the game of football are front and center as an abulance is needed for the Hoke player.
Return to play Chase Miller misses a 36 yard field goal but the D who has not allowed a first down all night gets the ball back and B J Sanders scores for the second time and the lead grows to 31-0 on a two point conversion and the rest if this game belongs to the second team.
Hoke begins the 4th quarter scoring on a double reverse fourth down 60 yard pass but an official lost the ball on third down blew the whistle and didn't see Rocky Mount running for a touchdown. Hoke tried on side kick but the Gryphons took two plays to score and up the lead to 38-7 on runs by B J Sanders.
Rocky Mount completely manhandled Hoke giving up one first down. 38-7 final.
Other scores
Rose 77 Conley 67 the highest scoring game in NCHSAA history
Northern Nash 33 Smithfield Selma 7
Tarboro 20 SouthWest Edgecombe 0
Southern Nash 42 Ayden Grifton 14
North Edgecombe 44 Kipp Pride 0
North Raleigh Christian Academy 44 NorthEast Carolina Prep 8
Beddingfield 19 Hunt 18
Bunn 52 Nash County 36
Fike 22 Corinth Holders 20
Picked The Louisville Victory
I have to be one of the few people in the country that saw Louisville had any chance against Florida State. As great as that pick was still have one of my worse weeks ever picking college games going 10-6. This week the Wolfpack and the Battling Bishops take the week off while the ACC begins some intermingling with conference games.
ECU 2-1 @ Virginia Tech 2-1: I don't think the Pirates played well in either game so far against State or South Carolina. Tech is still poor on offense but fairly good on defense. I think the Pirates could win this one but need to quit the turnovers in the red one. Virgiia Tech 26 ECU 23
Pittsburgh 2-1 at Carolina 2-1: I really like the Panthers butI find it hard to believe they can stop the Tar Heels. North Carolina 38 Pitt 28
Duke 1-2 at Notre Dame 1-2. Duke leads the nation in turnovers and I see no way at all Duke can stay in this one. The Irish 48 Duke 17
Wake Forest 3-0 at Indiana 2-0: Wake has lost their QB this week which makes this an interesting game. The Deacs by far have been the biggest surprise this year. Who knows how good Indiana is. Deac 27 Hoosiers 23
Florida State 2-1 at South Florida 3-0: The Noles have never been manhandled the way Louisville destroyed them. This game will give us a real look at the heart of this team. South Florida will not be an easy out at home. FSU 33 South Florida 27
Central Michigan 3-0 at UVA 0-3: Has anybody noticed that the Central Michigan's of the world no longer lose 48-0 to the Power Five. This will be no contest as the Cavs lose their fourth in four tries.
Wagner 2-0 at Boston College 1-2: Wagner has yet to play a team anybody has ever heard of and Boston College has. BC 30 Wagner 17
App State 1-2 at Akron 2-1: The Zips will be a handful for the Mounties. If APP has any fall out from the lashing given to them by Miami for most of the game and are not ready they could fall in this one. App St 28 Akron 24
ECU 2-1 @ Virginia Tech 2-1: I don't think the Pirates played well in either game so far against State or South Carolina. Tech is still poor on offense but fairly good on defense. I think the Pirates could win this one but need to quit the turnovers in the red one. Virgiia Tech 26 ECU 23
Pittsburgh 2-1 at Carolina 2-1: I really like the Panthers butI find it hard to believe they can stop the Tar Heels. North Carolina 38 Pitt 28
Duke 1-2 at Notre Dame 1-2. Duke leads the nation in turnovers and I see no way at all Duke can stay in this one. The Irish 48 Duke 17
Wake Forest 3-0 at Indiana 2-0: Wake has lost their QB this week which makes this an interesting game. The Deacs by far have been the biggest surprise this year. Who knows how good Indiana is. Deac 27 Hoosiers 23
Florida State 2-1 at South Florida 3-0: The Noles have never been manhandled the way Louisville destroyed them. This game will give us a real look at the heart of this team. South Florida will not be an easy out at home. FSU 33 South Florida 27
Central Michigan 3-0 at UVA 0-3: Has anybody noticed that the Central Michigan's of the world no longer lose 48-0 to the Power Five. This will be no contest as the Cavs lose their fourth in four tries.
Wagner 2-0 at Boston College 1-2: Wagner has yet to play a team anybody has ever heard of and Boston College has. BC 30 Wagner 17
App State 1-2 at Akron 2-1: The Zips will be a handful for the Mounties. If APP has any fall out from the lashing given to them by Miami for most of the game and are not ready they could fall in this one. App St 28 Akron 24
Thursday, September 22, 2016
One More Chance to Improve
Almost every local team gets a week off next week to heal bumps and bruises and in some cases give broken bones another week to heal. Including RMA five schools who play football in Nash County are a combined 21-4. Kinda hard to get much better. Last week went 8-1 on the picks to run my record for the year thus far to 35-9.
We will start with RMA as they begin their serious part of their schedule. I am concerned with the last two weeks the Eagles never getting on the field because of forfeits from teams with enough injuries to not field teams. Their may be rust and now is not time to need 3 in 1 oil.
RMA 5-0 @ Arendell Parrott Academy 2-2: Parrott's season has already met up with some of the other powerhouses of the conference. This will not be an easy one for the Eagles. RMA 38 Parrott 28
Rocky Mount 4-1 @ Hoke County 1-4: One thing the Gryphons had better not be doing is feeling good about themselves after their 66 on Greenville Rose. Hoke has been competitive against all five of their 4A opponents. Rocky Mount 35 Hoke 24
Southern Nash 5-0 @ Ayden Grifton 3-2: This should be a game in which the Firebirds if they play up to their standards should push victory six without a loss. A great way to head into conference play. Firebirds 33 Ayden Grifton 13
Nash Central 4-1 @ Bunn 4-1: If the Bulldogs can win this one there will be no doubt the Nash Central Bulldogs are for real. I find no disgrace even in a close loss for a team still learning how to win. The Wildcats are no patsie. Bunn 30 Nash Central 27
Northern Nash 3-2 @ Smithfield Selma 0-5: Doubt SSS scores much in this one unless the Knights give one away on a turnover. Northern Nash 34 Smithfield Selma 6
Rocky Mount Prep is off this week and if you noticed that there will not be a home football game in Nash County Friday night.
North Edgecombe 4-0 @ Kipp Pride 4-0: That's right Kipp Pride us 4-0. This will be a closer game than any since Pride has been playing football but the Warriors are still the better team. North Edgecombe 33 Pride 13.
SouthWest Edgecombe 1-4 at Tarboro 3-2: The Cougars finally won their first and Tarboro's second half at Southern Nash they seemed disoriented. It was their third game in eight days. After the pounding they got at Northern Nash I doubt they put pads on all week preparing for Southern and yet led in fourth quarter. The Vikings have had a week of practice this week. Vikings 26 Cougars 13.
Northeast Carolina Prep 0-4 @ North Raleigh Christian Academy 1-2. I have no idea how strong NRCA schedule is. NCP I think has played better competition so I'll take NCP 23 NRCA 13
We will start with RMA as they begin their serious part of their schedule. I am concerned with the last two weeks the Eagles never getting on the field because of forfeits from teams with enough injuries to not field teams. Their may be rust and now is not time to need 3 in 1 oil.
RMA 5-0 @ Arendell Parrott Academy 2-2: Parrott's season has already met up with some of the other powerhouses of the conference. This will not be an easy one for the Eagles. RMA 38 Parrott 28
Rocky Mount 4-1 @ Hoke County 1-4: One thing the Gryphons had better not be doing is feeling good about themselves after their 66 on Greenville Rose. Hoke has been competitive against all five of their 4A opponents. Rocky Mount 35 Hoke 24
Southern Nash 5-0 @ Ayden Grifton 3-2: This should be a game in which the Firebirds if they play up to their standards should push victory six without a loss. A great way to head into conference play. Firebirds 33 Ayden Grifton 13
Nash Central 4-1 @ Bunn 4-1: If the Bulldogs can win this one there will be no doubt the Nash Central Bulldogs are for real. I find no disgrace even in a close loss for a team still learning how to win. The Wildcats are no patsie. Bunn 30 Nash Central 27
Northern Nash 3-2 @ Smithfield Selma 0-5: Doubt SSS scores much in this one unless the Knights give one away on a turnover. Northern Nash 34 Smithfield Selma 6
Rocky Mount Prep is off this week and if you noticed that there will not be a home football game in Nash County Friday night.
North Edgecombe 4-0 @ Kipp Pride 4-0: That's right Kipp Pride us 4-0. This will be a closer game than any since Pride has been playing football but the Warriors are still the better team. North Edgecombe 33 Pride 13.
SouthWest Edgecombe 1-4 at Tarboro 3-2: The Cougars finally won their first and Tarboro's second half at Southern Nash they seemed disoriented. It was their third game in eight days. After the pounding they got at Northern Nash I doubt they put pads on all week preparing for Southern and yet led in fourth quarter. The Vikings have had a week of practice this week. Vikings 26 Cougars 13.
Northeast Carolina Prep 0-4 @ North Raleigh Christian Academy 1-2. I have no idea how strong NRCA schedule is. NCP I think has played better competition so I'll take NCP 23 NRCA 13
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Week Three NFL Guesses
Have had a much better start to the 2016 picks over last year where I was under 500 after two weeks. Last week's 10-6 and even better this week at 11-5 to give me a two week total of 21-11 Onward we go!
Houston 2-0 at New England 2-0: Jacoby Brissette gets his first NFL start at quarterback with Brady out suspended and Jimmy G out with a shoulder. I said this already this year that I hoped New England went 4-0 during Brady's absence just to show every one Brady is not as vital to Pats as believed. They are 2-0 with out him and during the knee injury year were 11-5 without him. Pats 24 Texans 20
Cardinals 1-1 at Bills 0-2: Another nail in the coffin for changing coaches Cardinals 26 Bills 16
Raiders 1-1 at Titans 1-1: I like this years Raiders and don't care much for Nashville Raiders 30 Titans 26
Redskins 0-2 @ Giants 2-0: This is the kind of game the Giants lose but not this year Skins are toast. Giants 23 Skins 16
Browns 0-2 at Dolphins 0-2: One of the great matchups of the year. Fish 23 Browns 20
Ravens 2-0 at Jags 0-2: Most of the time when a team gets crushed like the Jags did in San Diego they have a better game next week. They had better. Jags 26 Ravens 23
Lions 1-1 at Packers 1-1: Lions are always unpredictable while the Packers days of glory are slipping. Pack 27 Lions 23
Bronco's 2-0 at Bengals 1-1: This is a must for Bengals! Cats 23 Denver 20
Vikings 2-0 at Panthers 1-1: Talk about a big game but Vikings D will be a challenge for Cam and Company. Panther 23 Vikes 17
Rams 1-1 at Tampa 1-1: Tampa won't score many in this one. The question is will Rams score more. Rams 16 Tampa 13
49'ers 1-1 at Seattle 1-1: Does it always seem the Seahawks start slow so the time to get them is early in season. Seattle 23 SF 19
Jets 1-1 at Chiefs 1-1: Chiefs are almost 0-2 but a 21 point comeback saved their butt with San Diego. I think Jets may give New England run for their money this year. Jets 23 Chiefs 21
Chargers 1-1 at Colts 0-2: So far Charger line is healthy and with protection Philip River passer rating is 120. Andrew Luck is the most over rated quarterback in the history of football. Chargers 30 Colts 26
Steelers 2-0 At Eagles 2-0: Don't know whether the Steelers can score enough to win this game. Eagles 23 Steelers 17
Bears 2-0 at Cowboys 1-1: Boys will win in Big D 33 Bears 17
Falcons 1-1 at Saints 0-2: Saints in a lot of trouble if they can't get 20 off the Giants. Falcons 26 Saints 17
College Football has the ACC in the spotlight Thursday night. Clemson 3-0 travels to Georgia Tech 3-0. After the scare Louisville has given the entire ACC Clemson had better win this one if they still have any hopes of making the final four football playoff.
Houston 2-0 at New England 2-0: Jacoby Brissette gets his first NFL start at quarterback with Brady out suspended and Jimmy G out with a shoulder. I said this already this year that I hoped New England went 4-0 during Brady's absence just to show every one Brady is not as vital to Pats as believed. They are 2-0 with out him and during the knee injury year were 11-5 without him. Pats 24 Texans 20
Cardinals 1-1 at Bills 0-2: Another nail in the coffin for changing coaches Cardinals 26 Bills 16
Raiders 1-1 at Titans 1-1: I like this years Raiders and don't care much for Nashville Raiders 30 Titans 26
Redskins 0-2 @ Giants 2-0: This is the kind of game the Giants lose but not this year Skins are toast. Giants 23 Skins 16
Browns 0-2 at Dolphins 0-2: One of the great matchups of the year. Fish 23 Browns 20
Ravens 2-0 at Jags 0-2: Most of the time when a team gets crushed like the Jags did in San Diego they have a better game next week. They had better. Jags 26 Ravens 23
Lions 1-1 at Packers 1-1: Lions are always unpredictable while the Packers days of glory are slipping. Pack 27 Lions 23
Bronco's 2-0 at Bengals 1-1: This is a must for Bengals! Cats 23 Denver 20
Vikings 2-0 at Panthers 1-1: Talk about a big game but Vikings D will be a challenge for Cam and Company. Panther 23 Vikes 17
Rams 1-1 at Tampa 1-1: Tampa won't score many in this one. The question is will Rams score more. Rams 16 Tampa 13
49'ers 1-1 at Seattle 1-1: Does it always seem the Seahawks start slow so the time to get them is early in season. Seattle 23 SF 19
Jets 1-1 at Chiefs 1-1: Chiefs are almost 0-2 but a 21 point comeback saved their butt with San Diego. I think Jets may give New England run for their money this year. Jets 23 Chiefs 21
Chargers 1-1 at Colts 0-2: So far Charger line is healthy and with protection Philip River passer rating is 120. Andrew Luck is the most over rated quarterback in the history of football. Chargers 30 Colts 26
Steelers 2-0 At Eagles 2-0: Don't know whether the Steelers can score enough to win this game. Eagles 23 Steelers 17
Bears 2-0 at Cowboys 1-1: Boys will win in Big D 33 Bears 17
Falcons 1-1 at Saints 0-2: Saints in a lot of trouble if they can't get 20 off the Giants. Falcons 26 Saints 17
College Football has the ACC in the spotlight Thursday night. Clemson 3-0 travels to Georgia Tech 3-0. After the scare Louisville has given the entire ACC Clemson had better win this one if they still have any hopes of making the final four football playoff.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Nash County Football Riding High
I wonder when was the last time that all for Nash County High Schools had winning records near the half way point in any season. Combined all four are 16-4 with two weeks to go before conference play starts. Southern Nash 5-0, Rocky Mount 4-1, Nash Central 4-1 and Northern Nash 3-2.
Last year at this time after the Gryphons had suffered an embarrassing 40 point loss to Rose in Rocky Mount many including myself felt Rose ran the score up keeping their first team in the game and throwing three touchdown passes in fourth quarter. There is no doubt the Gryphons had marked that game on their schedule. Friday for the first time the Gryphon offense looked like the playoff team of last year.
Seeing what Rose can do on offense they are still loaded with talent but injuries are playing a major role in their 1-3 start. They both ran and threw the ball for big yardage. Rose attempted 33 passes completing 13 for about 20 yards per completion. Over all the defense made more good plays over bad but Rose had too many big plays. If there is one place the Gryphons have to improve is the defense. They had three turnovers while the Gryphons fumbled once late when they mishandled a handoff late In the game. Where I thought the Gryphons looked like veteran players was when the game was over there was no ripping and raring. They walked, got in line to shake hands. There was no acting like they had just won the Super Bowl. That is a sign to me Jason Battle is doing a great job coaching.
If you are a supporter of the Tarboro Vikings all is well despite two straight losses. Any team that beats the Vikings in the playoffs will not run over them. Losses to Northern and Southern Nash within four days is not a death Nail to this year's Vikings.
Did we see the first crack in the Firebirds. SN did not dominate the line of scrimmage the way they should have against a tired Tarboro Vikings playing their third game in eight days against a 2A squad in Franklinton and two 3A schools Northern And Southern Nash. Considering I thought Southern should have dominated the Vikings on both sides of ball and they didn't until the fourth quarter.
Four wins in a row for the Bulldogs of Nash Central. That's more wins in one season than the last three years. Speaking of Nash Central we would like to say congratulations to Central's boys basketball coach Rennie Taylor who when not blowing a whistle on the Central Gym floor teaches history and he has been named the Nash County teacher of the year.
Take away one quarter against Northeastern Northern Nash has been as good as anyone. The offense seems to be getting in gear. The defense is still stingy. Who is the only team to hold Rocky Mount to under twenty in a game last year? Northern Nash 13.
The second week in a row RMA is handed a forfeit which will be three weeks without a game with Parrott on the horizon next week. This is not good for the Eagles.
Looking at the Big East teams to this point the conference seems to be improved from top to bottom.
Nash Central this year will be no pushover. Northern is capable of winning more than one conference game. Looking at both Hunt and Fike they seem to be capable of being at least in the middle of the pack. Southern Nash is still the only unbeaten team as we hit the halfway point. Rocky Mount seems to still be unknown as far as how good they really are? Only one more week to get the kinks out.
Last year at this time after the Gryphons had suffered an embarrassing 40 point loss to Rose in Rocky Mount many including myself felt Rose ran the score up keeping their first team in the game and throwing three touchdown passes in fourth quarter. There is no doubt the Gryphons had marked that game on their schedule. Friday for the first time the Gryphon offense looked like the playoff team of last year.
Seeing what Rose can do on offense they are still loaded with talent but injuries are playing a major role in their 1-3 start. They both ran and threw the ball for big yardage. Rose attempted 33 passes completing 13 for about 20 yards per completion. Over all the defense made more good plays over bad but Rose had too many big plays. If there is one place the Gryphons have to improve is the defense. They had three turnovers while the Gryphons fumbled once late when they mishandled a handoff late In the game. Where I thought the Gryphons looked like veteran players was when the game was over there was no ripping and raring. They walked, got in line to shake hands. There was no acting like they had just won the Super Bowl. That is a sign to me Jason Battle is doing a great job coaching.
If you are a supporter of the Tarboro Vikings all is well despite two straight losses. Any team that beats the Vikings in the playoffs will not run over them. Losses to Northern and Southern Nash within four days is not a death Nail to this year's Vikings.
Did we see the first crack in the Firebirds. SN did not dominate the line of scrimmage the way they should have against a tired Tarboro Vikings playing their third game in eight days against a 2A squad in Franklinton and two 3A schools Northern And Southern Nash. Considering I thought Southern should have dominated the Vikings on both sides of ball and they didn't until the fourth quarter.
Four wins in a row for the Bulldogs of Nash Central. That's more wins in one season than the last three years. Speaking of Nash Central we would like to say congratulations to Central's boys basketball coach Rennie Taylor who when not blowing a whistle on the Central Gym floor teaches history and he has been named the Nash County teacher of the year.
Take away one quarter against Northeastern Northern Nash has been as good as anyone. The offense seems to be getting in gear. The defense is still stingy. Who is the only team to hold Rocky Mount to under twenty in a game last year? Northern Nash 13.
The second week in a row RMA is handed a forfeit which will be three weeks without a game with Parrott on the horizon next week. This is not good for the Eagles.
Looking at the Big East teams to this point the conference seems to be improved from top to bottom.
Nash Central this year will be no pushover. Northern is capable of winning more than one conference game. Looking at both Hunt and Fike they seem to be capable of being at least in the middle of the pack. Southern Nash is still the only unbeaten team as we hit the halfway point. Rocky Mount seems to still be unknown as far as how good they really are? Only one more week to get the kinks out.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Time To Give Pirates Their Due
The Pirates of ECU have beaten six straight games in which they have played an ACC team. They should have beaten South Carolina on Saturday. It didn't use to be that the Pirates played a NC State and South Carolina and Virginia Tech back to back to back.
Way back in the 60's the Pirates brought in a coach named Clarence Stasavich and he coached the Pirates from 1962 until 1969. Back then the Pirates played in the NAIA and three straight years played in Bowl Games. Coach Stas became Athletic Director in 1963 and his desire was to bring the Pirates to D1 football.
They joined the Southern Conference when the league was Richmond, William and Mary, VMI, Marshall, App State, Western Carolina, Furman, Citadel. This was a good football league. Coach Stas retire as coach in 1969 and Hired Sonny Randle, Mike McGee and Pat Dye to prepare the Pirates for D1.
State was the first team from the Big Four to play the Pirates on a semi annual basis and the Pirates have played Carolina, Duke and Wake some but not like the Pirates would like. Why in the world wouldn't all four school want to play them. How often does Duke and Wake have sell outs when they play Louisiana Layette.
Their is one major reason all four hate to schedule the Pirates. All four want a victory in their non conference games and none of the four are quaranteed one when they play the Pirates. All four consider the Pirates second rate and consider it embarrassing to lose to ECU. The third reason is if they beat you, you will never hear the end of it. The Pirate Nation still talks of the 1991 Peach Bowl win over NC State.
Do you realize because of the Medical Schoolt ECU has grown to the second largest school in the UNC System behind NC State. There is nothing second rate about the Pirates. Despite that ECU can't find any conference considered Power Five that wants them. The Greenville TV market is simply not desirable to any conference including the Big 12 that adds enough viewers to make the Pirates desirable for any Power Five.
If that is the case it would seem teams like Marshall, App State, Southern Mississippi should find at least eight schools just like themselves and form a conference. I am sure there is at least eight schools east of the Mississippi that are just like ECU or even more.
It is time that State, Carolina, Duke and Wake need to realize that with ECU on the schedule they will pack the house. Accept the Pirates as Who they really are and just as good in football as any other team in the State. Virginia Tech seems to play the Pirates as much as anybody and the Pirates will try to make it seven in a row over the ACC Saturday.
Way back in the 60's the Pirates brought in a coach named Clarence Stasavich and he coached the Pirates from 1962 until 1969. Back then the Pirates played in the NAIA and three straight years played in Bowl Games. Coach Stas became Athletic Director in 1963 and his desire was to bring the Pirates to D1 football.
They joined the Southern Conference when the league was Richmond, William and Mary, VMI, Marshall, App State, Western Carolina, Furman, Citadel. This was a good football league. Coach Stas retire as coach in 1969 and Hired Sonny Randle, Mike McGee and Pat Dye to prepare the Pirates for D1.
State was the first team from the Big Four to play the Pirates on a semi annual basis and the Pirates have played Carolina, Duke and Wake some but not like the Pirates would like. Why in the world wouldn't all four school want to play them. How often does Duke and Wake have sell outs when they play Louisiana Layette.
Their is one major reason all four hate to schedule the Pirates. All four want a victory in their non conference games and none of the four are quaranteed one when they play the Pirates. All four consider the Pirates second rate and consider it embarrassing to lose to ECU. The third reason is if they beat you, you will never hear the end of it. The Pirate Nation still talks of the 1991 Peach Bowl win over NC State.
Do you realize because of the Medical Schoolt ECU has grown to the second largest school in the UNC System behind NC State. There is nothing second rate about the Pirates. Despite that ECU can't find any conference considered Power Five that wants them. The Greenville TV market is simply not desirable to any conference including the Big 12 that adds enough viewers to make the Pirates desirable for any Power Five.
If that is the case it would seem teams like Marshall, App State, Southern Mississippi should find at least eight schools just like themselves and form a conference. I am sure there is at least eight schools east of the Mississippi that are just like ECU or even more.
It is time that State, Carolina, Duke and Wake need to realize that with ECU on the schedule they will pack the house. Accept the Pirates as Who they really are and just as good in football as any other team in the State. Virginia Tech seems to play the Pirates as much as anybody and the Pirates will try to make it seven in a row over the ACC Saturday.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Battling Bishops Win First
Any team that has success at some point in time have to make adjustments in order to move forward in getting better as a football team. The first major move for coach Jeff Filkovski was made bringing a more speedy back to be the main ball carrier as Gerrel Patton got the share of carries and it paid off. Patton carried the ball 26 times gaining 141 yards and when the running game works it opens up the passing game as Nathan Gardner tossed three touchdown passes for 331 yards as Wesleyan races out to a late third quarter lead of 28-0 and brings home a 31-13 victory over Shenandoah.
The opening drive the defense forced a three and out and gave the offense great field position an at 11:48 of the first Nathan Gardner had a three yard toss to Brandon Leak and with Chris Richardson's kick lead 7-0
The lead grew to 14-0 at the 5:07 mark in the half as Gardner found tight end Ben Dorfman for a 23 yard strike. The score stayed 14-0 at the half.
Gerrel Patton got in the act as the Bishops took the second half kick off and stretched the lead to 21-0 after a nine yard score with 11:53 to play in the third. Not satisfied the Bishops pushed the lead to 28 zip Gardner connected to Trey Lancaster with 5:06 to go in the third.
Shenandoah scored late in the third and again with 12:43 to play on two passes and cut the lead to 28-13. The Bishops put the game away after a Chris Richardson 26 yard field goal with 7:50 to go.
Shenandoah passed for 353 yards for the game but see this. The Bishops held Shenandoah to-16 yards rushing. The Bishops stymied all attempts by Shenandoah to run the football. Included in the rushing attempts are the sacks on the quarterback.
Gardner was 19-29 331 yards and three touchdown tosses to three different receivers Leak, Dorfman and Landcaster. The Bishops are now 1-2 on the season with another road game next week before returning home on October 1st. Shenandoah lost for the first time this season 2-1.
The opening drive the defense forced a three and out and gave the offense great field position an at 11:48 of the first Nathan Gardner had a three yard toss to Brandon Leak and with Chris Richardson's kick lead 7-0
The lead grew to 14-0 at the 5:07 mark in the half as Gardner found tight end Ben Dorfman for a 23 yard strike. The score stayed 14-0 at the half.
Gerrel Patton got in the act as the Bishops took the second half kick off and stretched the lead to 21-0 after a nine yard score with 11:53 to play in the third. Not satisfied the Bishops pushed the lead to 28 zip Gardner connected to Trey Lancaster with 5:06 to go in the third.
Shenandoah scored late in the third and again with 12:43 to play on two passes and cut the lead to 28-13. The Bishops put the game away after a Chris Richardson 26 yard field goal with 7:50 to go.
Shenandoah passed for 353 yards for the game but see this. The Bishops held Shenandoah to-16 yards rushing. The Bishops stymied all attempts by Shenandoah to run the football. Included in the rushing attempts are the sacks on the quarterback.
Gardner was 19-29 331 yards and three touchdown tosses to three different receivers Leak, Dorfman and Landcaster. The Bishops are now 1-2 on the season with another road game next week before returning home on October 1st. Shenandoah lost for the first time this season 2-1.
66
Let's get the bad news out of the way. Rose high ran wild against the Rocky Mount Gryphons rushing for 282 yards. Rose completed 13 passes on the night covering 253 yards to give them 535 yards on the night. They put 41 points on the board but on this night the Gryphons run the Rampants out of the stadium putting up 66 points and a 66-41 win.
The opening Rampant drive took five plays that covered 90 yards and just two minutes twenty nine seconds into the game it looks like the Gryphons are over matched but then the Gryphons had their turn. Six plays Rocky Mount responded to take a 7-6 lead on a 17 yard pass from McKinsey Wright to Deangelo Collins . The only three and out of the first half the Gryphons got their second chance with the ball and the first play of the second quarter Deangelo Collins scored on a four yard run to spike the lead to 14-6.
55 seconds later Artavious Richardson picked off his second int this season and for the second time this year takes it to the house 35 yards and the Gryphons lead 21-6. Almost the rest of the quarter belonged to Rose on the legs of BJ Harris and two touchdown passes to tie the score at 21. Harris rushed for 289 yards on the night. The Gryphons marched down the field and got a 27 yard field goal on the last play of the half from Chase Miller.
The Gryphons made a statement on the second play of the third quarter as BJ Daniels-Sanders scampered 83 yards to give RM a 31-21 lead. The only three and out of the second half gave Detrell Revis a chance to field a punt and 56 yards later the Gryphons lead 38-21. The Gryphons were just getting started . Rose fumbled the kickoff at the 19. Donomesion Brown swept around the right end but was hit at the six the ball flew into the end one where KJ Edwards fell on it for a Gryphon TD making it 45 -21 only four minutes and nineteen second into the third quarter. Less than three minutes later Mckensy Wright tossed a 15 yard strike to K J Edwards and the Gryphons had scored 28 points in the 3rd quarter.
Rose down 31 didn't die as they scored three times more but the Gryphons were not done either as backup quarterback Shabios Lynch scored from 13 yards out and Charlie Williams added a 67 yard run to give the Gryphons a 66-41 plastering of Rose.
Three Gryphons rushed for more than 100 yards. BJ Daniels-Sanders 7-139, Deangelo Collins 13-125, Charlie Williams 6-101. The Gryphons rushed for 471 yards and for good measure 115 passing. The Gryphons and Rampants had 1119 total yards and 107 points.
Other action:
Southern Nash 21 Tarboro 10
Northern Nash 48 Goldsboro 13
Nash Central 43 Beddingfield 28
RM Prep 66 Kestral Heights 0
SWE 27 Bertie 20
Hunt 37 Curtituck 12
RMA wins by forfeit over Cary Christian
North Edgecombe 50 Weldon 0
South Creek 50 Northeast Carolina Academy 6
The opening Rampant drive took five plays that covered 90 yards and just two minutes twenty nine seconds into the game it looks like the Gryphons are over matched but then the Gryphons had their turn. Six plays Rocky Mount responded to take a 7-6 lead on a 17 yard pass from McKinsey Wright to Deangelo Collins . The only three and out of the first half the Gryphons got their second chance with the ball and the first play of the second quarter Deangelo Collins scored on a four yard run to spike the lead to 14-6.
55 seconds later Artavious Richardson picked off his second int this season and for the second time this year takes it to the house 35 yards and the Gryphons lead 21-6. Almost the rest of the quarter belonged to Rose on the legs of BJ Harris and two touchdown passes to tie the score at 21. Harris rushed for 289 yards on the night. The Gryphons marched down the field and got a 27 yard field goal on the last play of the half from Chase Miller.
The Gryphons made a statement on the second play of the third quarter as BJ Daniels-Sanders scampered 83 yards to give RM a 31-21 lead. The only three and out of the second half gave Detrell Revis a chance to field a punt and 56 yards later the Gryphons lead 38-21. The Gryphons were just getting started . Rose fumbled the kickoff at the 19. Donomesion Brown swept around the right end but was hit at the six the ball flew into the end one where KJ Edwards fell on it for a Gryphon TD making it 45 -21 only four minutes and nineteen second into the third quarter. Less than three minutes later Mckensy Wright tossed a 15 yard strike to K J Edwards and the Gryphons had scored 28 points in the 3rd quarter.
Rose down 31 didn't die as they scored three times more but the Gryphons were not done either as backup quarterback Shabios Lynch scored from 13 yards out and Charlie Williams added a 67 yard run to give the Gryphons a 66-41 plastering of Rose.
Three Gryphons rushed for more than 100 yards. BJ Daniels-Sanders 7-139, Deangelo Collins 13-125, Charlie Williams 6-101. The Gryphons rushed for 471 yards and for good measure 115 passing. The Gryphons and Rampants had 1119 total yards and 107 points.
Other action:
Southern Nash 21 Tarboro 10
Northern Nash 48 Goldsboro 13
Nash Central 43 Beddingfield 28
RM Prep 66 Kestral Heights 0
SWE 27 Bertie 20
Hunt 37 Curtituck 12
RMA wins by forfeit over Cary Christian
North Edgecombe 50 Weldon 0
South Creek 50 Northeast Carolina Academy 6
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Vikings -Firebirds High Light Action
The schedule just might be unfair to Tarboro 3-1 in this one as they will finish up their third game in eight days. Wish this could have been the first game of the three. The 3-1 Tarboro Vikings invade unbeaten Southern Nash 4-0. Southern Nash will be fresh while Tarboro playing third game in eight days. I wonder did playing twice in three days effect the Vikings in their loss to Northern? If it did ?
If Southern is going to be as good as I think they are then they must win this game. Tarboro will give the Firebirds all they want but I think three games in eight days will give the Firebirds the edge. A close loss for Tarboro against a 3A school would not be a bad loss but a loss by the Firebirds would be. Southern Nash 34 Tarboro 13
The last 30 years the only time Rocky Mount 3-1 has beaten Rose is when they have been super good and even then Rose 1-2 had to be having a down year. So far this season this is not a typical year for the Rampants. Their only loss the Gryphons scored 25 on Middle Creek who has only given up 17 in their other three game. I believe in history and to this point the Gryphons have not quite convinced me they are super. Only time will tell about that. Still I'm taking Rocky Mount 31-28
Beddingfield 1-2 at Nash Central 3-1: Another fascinating game this week.. Beddingfield will not be easy for the still growing Bulldogs. Nash Central 26 Beddingfield 21
Northern Nash 2-2 at Goldsboro 0-4: Goldsboro having trouble scoring and for the most part the Knights defense has been hard to score on. The key in this game will be which offense can help out their D and I think it will be The Knights. The Tarboro game might be bad news for the rest of the Big East if the Knight offense starts scoring and the defense only gets better. Northern Nash 26 Goldsboro 7
SouthWest Edgecombe 0-4 at Bertie 1-2: If the Cougars are getting better even though their record doesn't show it then this could be a win. The Falcons are for the taking. Cougars 33 Bertie 13
North Edgecombe 3-0 at Weldon 0-2: The clock should run in the second half. Warriors 53 Weldon 6
Rocky Mount Prep 1-3 at Kestral Heights 0-2: Tough one to call. Kestral Heights 26 RMP 20
NorthEast Carolina Prep 0-3 at South Creek 0-4: Two winless teams but I believe the quality of South Creeks schedule is better than NECP. South Creek 30 NECP 18
Cary Christian 1-3 at RMA 4-0 : Does it seem to you that the first part of the Eagle schedule is their easy part. Got to Win these games. RMA 56 Cary Christian 6
Last week went 7-1 on picks But missed the Northern/Tarboro game which was a pick from a couple weeks back to be 26-8 on the year.
If Southern is going to be as good as I think they are then they must win this game. Tarboro will give the Firebirds all they want but I think three games in eight days will give the Firebirds the edge. A close loss for Tarboro against a 3A school would not be a bad loss but a loss by the Firebirds would be. Southern Nash 34 Tarboro 13
The last 30 years the only time Rocky Mount 3-1 has beaten Rose is when they have been super good and even then Rose 1-2 had to be having a down year. So far this season this is not a typical year for the Rampants. Their only loss the Gryphons scored 25 on Middle Creek who has only given up 17 in their other three game. I believe in history and to this point the Gryphons have not quite convinced me they are super. Only time will tell about that. Still I'm taking Rocky Mount 31-28
Beddingfield 1-2 at Nash Central 3-1: Another fascinating game this week.. Beddingfield will not be easy for the still growing Bulldogs. Nash Central 26 Beddingfield 21
Northern Nash 2-2 at Goldsboro 0-4: Goldsboro having trouble scoring and for the most part the Knights defense has been hard to score on. The key in this game will be which offense can help out their D and I think it will be The Knights. The Tarboro game might be bad news for the rest of the Big East if the Knight offense starts scoring and the defense only gets better. Northern Nash 26 Goldsboro 7
SouthWest Edgecombe 0-4 at Bertie 1-2: If the Cougars are getting better even though their record doesn't show it then this could be a win. The Falcons are for the taking. Cougars 33 Bertie 13
North Edgecombe 3-0 at Weldon 0-2: The clock should run in the second half. Warriors 53 Weldon 6
Rocky Mount Prep 1-3 at Kestral Heights 0-2: Tough one to call. Kestral Heights 26 RMP 20
NorthEast Carolina Prep 0-3 at South Creek 0-4: Two winless teams but I believe the quality of South Creeks schedule is better than NECP. South Creek 30 NECP 18
Cary Christian 1-3 at RMA 4-0 : Does it seem to you that the first part of the Eagle schedule is their easy part. Got to Win these games. RMA 56 Cary Christian 6
Last week went 7-1 on picks But missed the Northern/Tarboro game which was a pick from a couple weeks back to be 26-8 on the year.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Better Start Than Last Year
Going into the Sunday night NFL game I was 10-3 and looking for an outstanding start to this NFL season as compared to last year's 6-10 beginning. Missed all three the Sunday night game and the doubleheader on MNF to finish 10-6 for the week. I think anybody who can get 12 right every week had better know the name of a bookie and cash in. Let's see where week two leads.
Jets 0-1 @ Bills 0-1: Jets are the better team and probably should be 1-0 after losing by a point to Cincy. Jets 24 Buff 16
49'ers 1-0 @Panthers 0-1: Are the Forty Niner's that good to shutout and dominate the Rams. I just hate it when teams on their last drive that need a field goal to win or tie try to run the clock out to keep the other team from getting the ball back with any time left in game. Panthers should have been trying to score a touchdown instead of running the clock out. I don't think Niners are that good. Panthers 27 Niners 13
Cowboys 0-1 @ Redskins 0-1: One of these two will be 0-2 after this one and it will be the Redskins. Dallas 26 Skins 20
Bengals 1-0 @ Steelers 1-0: Biggest question here is are the Jets that good that Cincy winning in New York is really good or are the Skins that bad that made Steelers look that good. Pitt 26 Cinn24
Saints 0-1 @ Giants 1-0: I hate this game. Are the Saints able to score 35 again they will win. This is a road game. Giants 20 Saints 17
Dolphins 0-1 @ Patriots 1-0: The Pats will not lose at home to Miami. New England 33 Fish 20
Chiefs 1-0 @ Texans 1-0: I think Chiefs might be in running for Super Bowl. KC 27 Houston 23
Titans 0-1 @ Detroit 1-0: Lions will go to 2-0 30-22
Ravens 1-0 @ Browns 0-1: Home game for Browns and I don't see where that is any advantage to them. Baltimore 26 Cleveland 20
Seahawks 1-0 @ Rams 0-1: I understand limiting Todd Gurley to a few carries in the preseason but none at all. Rams looks like being TV stars had gone to their head. Hawks win here 22 Rams 16
Jags 0-1 @ Chargers 0-1: Jags are improved. Worse thing to happen to Chargers is to be leading in the fourth. Lost six games last year after leading in fourth quarter and they have one already this year.
Chargers 26 Jags 17
Tampa 1-0 @ Cardinals 0-1: I think Tampa is the team that Carolina must beat to retain the South dominance. Cardinals help Panthers Ariz 26 Bucs 23
Falcons 0-1 at Raiders 1-0: Look at for the Black and silver this year they just might get over 500 and a playoff spot. Oak 36 Falcons 26
Colts 0-1 @ Broncos 1-0: Colts have no defense. Denver has a better offense than last season bad news for INDY Den 27 Colts 20
Packers 1-0 @ Vikings 1-0: I know that the Vike's offense is going through changes with new QB but they win at home Vike's 33 Packers 27
Eagles 1-0 @ Bears 0-1: This is a toughie. Bears 23 Eagles 20
Jets 0-1 @ Bills 0-1: Jets are the better team and probably should be 1-0 after losing by a point to Cincy. Jets 24 Buff 16
49'ers 1-0 @Panthers 0-1: Are the Forty Niner's that good to shutout and dominate the Rams. I just hate it when teams on their last drive that need a field goal to win or tie try to run the clock out to keep the other team from getting the ball back with any time left in game. Panthers should have been trying to score a touchdown instead of running the clock out. I don't think Niners are that good. Panthers 27 Niners 13
Cowboys 0-1 @ Redskins 0-1: One of these two will be 0-2 after this one and it will be the Redskins. Dallas 26 Skins 20
Bengals 1-0 @ Steelers 1-0: Biggest question here is are the Jets that good that Cincy winning in New York is really good or are the Skins that bad that made Steelers look that good. Pitt 26 Cinn24
Saints 0-1 @ Giants 1-0: I hate this game. Are the Saints able to score 35 again they will win. This is a road game. Giants 20 Saints 17
Dolphins 0-1 @ Patriots 1-0: The Pats will not lose at home to Miami. New England 33 Fish 20
Chiefs 1-0 @ Texans 1-0: I think Chiefs might be in running for Super Bowl. KC 27 Houston 23
Titans 0-1 @ Detroit 1-0: Lions will go to 2-0 30-22
Ravens 1-0 @ Browns 0-1: Home game for Browns and I don't see where that is any advantage to them. Baltimore 26 Cleveland 20
Seahawks 1-0 @ Rams 0-1: I understand limiting Todd Gurley to a few carries in the preseason but none at all. Rams looks like being TV stars had gone to their head. Hawks win here 22 Rams 16
Jags 0-1 @ Chargers 0-1: Jags are improved. Worse thing to happen to Chargers is to be leading in the fourth. Lost six games last year after leading in fourth quarter and they have one already this year.
Chargers 26 Jags 17
Tampa 1-0 @ Cardinals 0-1: I think Tampa is the team that Carolina must beat to retain the South dominance. Cardinals help Panthers Ariz 26 Bucs 23
Falcons 0-1 at Raiders 1-0: Look at for the Black and silver this year they just might get over 500 and a playoff spot. Oak 36 Falcons 26
Colts 0-1 @ Broncos 1-0: Colts have no defense. Denver has a better offense than last season bad news for INDY Den 27 Colts 20
Packers 1-0 @ Vikings 1-0: I know that the Vike's offense is going through changes with new QB but they win at home Vike's 33 Packers 27
Eagles 1-0 @ Bears 0-1: This is a toughie. Bears 23 Eagles 20
Monday, September 12, 2016
Northern Finally Clips Tarboro
Recent past when Tarboro has been a contender for state titles they have either manhandled Northern Nash or won all close battles. Northern has shown with the exception of one quarter to have a stout defense. Their offense has not supported the defense until tonight.
Northern defense again held tough and Tarboro had a struggle to move the ball on the Knights defense. Tonight the offense did just enough to score three times while Northern defense held the Vikings to two scores and the Knights pull off their best win in the Randy Raper era beating Tarboro 19-12. Both teams having played last Friday will be back in action this Friday.
The Rocky Mount Gryphons started their month and a half road trip by making a stop in Edenton NC in a beautiful riverside/sound side town that in their history would have to be considered a football town much as Tarboro. In other words they love their football in Chowan County.
The Aces showed me while standing on the sidelines last season in Rocky Mount to be well coached but were overwhelmed by the Gryphon size and speed. So after three straight home games Edenton could be a place to spring an upset and they almost did.
Despite adversity the fourth quarter belonged to the Gryphons once again and they stand at 3-1 just like last season. Their loss against Middle Creek once again like last year doesn't seem so bad the way Middle Creek has dominated other 4A schools this season. Hertford County is much improved as is the Aces. I don't care who you are and who you play when they slap you in the face how you react tells the Gryphon faithful this year's team has all kinds of possibilities again this year.
I don't know if falling behind 13 to zero when your recent history would be crossing the fifty yard line was a major offensive drive could be no more than here we go again. Nash Central sent a message loud and clear to those Big East Conference members who have already mark a W in the win column on the calendar where Nash Central's name was placed.
Chris Lee has sent a message to his players that when you are down there is no reason to be out. No longer will it be acceptable to pack it in at anytime just because things are not going our way. The Bulldogs were picked last in the Big East and their 3-1 start seems to set notice last is not going to happen.
Southern Nash has started the way every team would love to do. 4-0 and teams from the recent past like South Johnston were left in the wake of the aircraft carrier Firebirds. Depth on offense along with plenty of size and to this point in the season the Firebirds haven't had any adversity to deal with steam rolling their way across the goal line.
They so far have scored 43 per game but you had better not miss that the Firebird defense has allowed just seven per game. If you don't give up many points you don't have to score a whole lot to win. Looks like the Firebirds are ready to see what a Thanksgiving football game feels like.
Northern defense again held tough and Tarboro had a struggle to move the ball on the Knights defense. Tonight the offense did just enough to score three times while Northern defense held the Vikings to two scores and the Knights pull off their best win in the Randy Raper era beating Tarboro 19-12. Both teams having played last Friday will be back in action this Friday.
The Rocky Mount Gryphons started their month and a half road trip by making a stop in Edenton NC in a beautiful riverside/sound side town that in their history would have to be considered a football town much as Tarboro. In other words they love their football in Chowan County.
The Aces showed me while standing on the sidelines last season in Rocky Mount to be well coached but were overwhelmed by the Gryphon size and speed. So after three straight home games Edenton could be a place to spring an upset and they almost did.
Despite adversity the fourth quarter belonged to the Gryphons once again and they stand at 3-1 just like last season. Their loss against Middle Creek once again like last year doesn't seem so bad the way Middle Creek has dominated other 4A schools this season. Hertford County is much improved as is the Aces. I don't care who you are and who you play when they slap you in the face how you react tells the Gryphon faithful this year's team has all kinds of possibilities again this year.
I don't know if falling behind 13 to zero when your recent history would be crossing the fifty yard line was a major offensive drive could be no more than here we go again. Nash Central sent a message loud and clear to those Big East Conference members who have already mark a W in the win column on the calendar where Nash Central's name was placed.
Chris Lee has sent a message to his players that when you are down there is no reason to be out. No longer will it be acceptable to pack it in at anytime just because things are not going our way. The Bulldogs were picked last in the Big East and their 3-1 start seems to set notice last is not going to happen.
Southern Nash has started the way every team would love to do. 4-0 and teams from the recent past like South Johnston were left in the wake of the aircraft carrier Firebirds. Depth on offense along with plenty of size and to this point in the season the Firebirds haven't had any adversity to deal with steam rolling their way across the goal line.
They so far have scored 43 per game but you had better not miss that the Firebird defense has allowed just seven per game. If you don't give up many points you don't have to score a whole lot to win. Looks like the Firebirds are ready to see what a Thanksgiving football game feels like.
ECU Looking For Another Pillage
There history says that after a Big Four win the next week you can look for a downer for the Pirates but this week is another Power Five team that looks ripe for the taking. The Pirates have Virginia Tech still to come and should they pop both the Gamecocks and Gobblers that would be three wins to be top 20 or better.
ECU 2-0 @ South Carolina 1-1: Might be a good time to play the Gamecocks with a new coach in town and just losing their first conference game. I like what I see in the Pirates so far as Coach Montgomery has brought energy to the program. I am right on the edge on this one. I think somehow or other South Carolina wins this one SC 28 ECU 26
ODU 1-1 @ N C State 1-1: Looking into the Pack schedule this could be the last game all year in which they are favored. Doeren and company had better win this one. Pack 42 ODU 13
James Madison 2-0 @ North Carolina 1-1: Do you realize that the Dukes have scored 80 in a game already this year. They won't come close to that in Chapel Hill. Carolina 38 JMU 13
Duke 1-1 @ Northwestern 0-2: After Wake manhandled the Devils and Northwestern can't beat anybody I don't know how to call this game. I bet that Duke plays like a team on a mission. Duke 27 Northwestern 21
North Carolina Wesleyan 0-2. @ Shenandoah 2-0. Another tough loss for the Battling Bishops 30-23
Delaware 2-0 @ Wake Forest 1-1: There is no team that improved more from week one than the Demon Deacons. I have a hard time playing a team that their nickname is a hen especially a Blue Hen. Have you ever seen a blue hen? This will not be a runaway. WF 26- Delaware 21
Last week the eastern part of North Carolina was in hysteria when N C State came to Greenville. The other major D 1 player out west Appalachian State host their first ever Power Five team in Boone. I doubt if you are heading northwest of Winston Salem the roads will be backed up for miles.
Miami 2-0 @ App ST 1-1: Don't know whether Miami has beaten anybody yet to be scare of them yet. The Mountain boys give it a ride but come up short. Miami 26 App St 23
Florida St 2-0 @ Louisville 2-0: The college football world will be rocked after Louisville beats FSU . The Cardinals 36 Noles 33
Vanderbilt 1-1 @ Georgia Tech 2-0: Lionel Richey and the Commodores win this one 30-20
South Carolina St 0-2 @ Clemson 2-0: Bad week to play the Tigers after last week's mess. Clemson 65 SC ST 10
Boston College 1-1 at Virginia Tech: Low scoring BC against Virginia Tech and their great defensive coach. I think they gave up 45 to Tennessee. BC can't score enough to win this VT 24 BC 13
Virginia 0-2 @ U Conn 1-1: I don't see the Cavs going to Huskieville and winning U Conn 30 UVA 26
Pitt 2-0 at Oklahoma St 1-1: I think Pitt is the sleeper team of ACC but remember they beat Penn St last week and that is like ECU beating any Big Four school. After being embarrassed last week Okla St rebounds but just barely. 38-35
Michigan State 1-0 at Notre Dame 2-0: Michigan State took last week off to prepare. Irish 30 Mich St 21
South Florida 1-1 @ Syracuse 1-1: I have thought hard on this one. Orange 36 S Florida 32
Right here in Rocky Mount the 19th annual Viking Down East Classic. Morehouse College 2-0 against The Vikings of Elizabeth City State 0-2. I think this will tell you everything you need to know about this one. The Vikings gave up 83 points last week at Fordham. Morehouse 36 ECSU 23.
Last week went 11-3 to go with 12-3 in the first week to be 23-6 so far on the season.
ECU 2-0 @ South Carolina 1-1: Might be a good time to play the Gamecocks with a new coach in town and just losing their first conference game. I like what I see in the Pirates so far as Coach Montgomery has brought energy to the program. I am right on the edge on this one. I think somehow or other South Carolina wins this one SC 28 ECU 26
ODU 1-1 @ N C State 1-1: Looking into the Pack schedule this could be the last game all year in which they are favored. Doeren and company had better win this one. Pack 42 ODU 13
James Madison 2-0 @ North Carolina 1-1: Do you realize that the Dukes have scored 80 in a game already this year. They won't come close to that in Chapel Hill. Carolina 38 JMU 13
Duke 1-1 @ Northwestern 0-2: After Wake manhandled the Devils and Northwestern can't beat anybody I don't know how to call this game. I bet that Duke plays like a team on a mission. Duke 27 Northwestern 21
North Carolina Wesleyan 0-2. @ Shenandoah 2-0. Another tough loss for the Battling Bishops 30-23
Delaware 2-0 @ Wake Forest 1-1: There is no team that improved more from week one than the Demon Deacons. I have a hard time playing a team that their nickname is a hen especially a Blue Hen. Have you ever seen a blue hen? This will not be a runaway. WF 26- Delaware 21
Last week the eastern part of North Carolina was in hysteria when N C State came to Greenville. The other major D 1 player out west Appalachian State host their first ever Power Five team in Boone. I doubt if you are heading northwest of Winston Salem the roads will be backed up for miles.
Miami 2-0 @ App ST 1-1: Don't know whether Miami has beaten anybody yet to be scare of them yet. The Mountain boys give it a ride but come up short. Miami 26 App St 23
Florida St 2-0 @ Louisville 2-0: The college football world will be rocked after Louisville beats FSU . The Cardinals 36 Noles 33
Vanderbilt 1-1 @ Georgia Tech 2-0: Lionel Richey and the Commodores win this one 30-20
South Carolina St 0-2 @ Clemson 2-0: Bad week to play the Tigers after last week's mess. Clemson 65 SC ST 10
Boston College 1-1 at Virginia Tech: Low scoring BC against Virginia Tech and their great defensive coach. I think they gave up 45 to Tennessee. BC can't score enough to win this VT 24 BC 13
Virginia 0-2 @ U Conn 1-1: I don't see the Cavs going to Huskieville and winning U Conn 30 UVA 26
Pitt 2-0 at Oklahoma St 1-1: I think Pitt is the sleeper team of ACC but remember they beat Penn St last week and that is like ECU beating any Big Four school. After being embarrassed last week Okla St rebounds but just barely. 38-35
Michigan State 1-0 at Notre Dame 2-0: Michigan State took last week off to prepare. Irish 30 Mich St 21
South Florida 1-1 @ Syracuse 1-1: I have thought hard on this one. Orange 36 S Florida 32
Right here in Rocky Mount the 19th annual Viking Down East Classic. Morehouse College 2-0 against The Vikings of Elizabeth City State 0-2. I think this will tell you everything you need to know about this one. The Vikings gave up 83 points last week at Fordham. Morehouse 36 ECSU 23.
Last week went 11-3 to go with 12-3 in the first week to be 23-6 so far on the season.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Events And Places
There are times in life that an event occurs that the magnitude of that event is astounding. I can remember growing up in the fall of 1964 Lady Bird Johnson then the First Lady of the United States hopped on a train in Norfolk and made whistle stops in Ahoskie, and I think she even stopped or maybe the ride ended in Rocky Mount.
Regardless of your political views the First Lady coming to your town is event to remember. I had an uncle who owned a furniture store on main street right beside the railroad track and upstairs where he had all his extra furniture there were windows that we could hang out as the train stopped on main street. Having the secret service come and frisk you and check you out in order to be there was an event in itself.
I remember the first time I got off the subway in New York City and staring at the name New York Yankees across the front of Yankee Stadium having chill bumps from all the baseball history that I was about to stand on.
There are those special moments from getting to call state championship games knowing how important it was to the teams involved and the memories that would be created from what ever that was about to happen.
Saturday right here in Rocky Mount was another one of those special days. In all of college sports there may never be a team as dominant in it's level as the team that came to our town Mount Union. Their winning streaks, National Titles there is no other school in any division that is any bigger then Mount Union. Alabama, Notre Dame all have traditions for winning football programs but none compare to Mount Union's record. Yes they have more money and scholarships to provide their players but nobody compares to Mount Union. Recent history Mount Union has won 158 games and lost 7.
They have not lost a regular season football game since October 22nd 2005. After the win over the Bishops they have won 104 straight regular season games. Astounding is the fact that their victory over the Battling Bishops was their 110th consecutive win on the road. Twelve times they have won the division III playoffs and we all know just last season watching Rocky Mount win the state football title there are four DIII playoff games so winning just one is not easy.
This was the first time in the short history of Wesleyan football that they had ever played a number one team. Oddly enough since the inception of football at NCW no other team has been number one at the end of the regular season other than Mount Union.
Like Rock stars two radio stations in Alliance Ohio cover the Purple Raiders and with WHIG's Wes Bradshaw and Edward Green doing internet coverage the pressbox at Bishop Stadium was full to capacity. Everyone in the pressbox was guessing the attendance and the average guess was around 2600 which for a normal game this was a big crowd but personally I was disappointed there were not more there. There were about 500 Purple Raider fans in the house.
The good news is the greatest team in the history of Division Three football came to town and when they left the Battling Bishops were not embarrassed by the score. They were soundly beaten but not run out of the stadium. The Bishops got a taste of what winning football is all about. There is no doubt Mount Union is the defending champions, number one D3 team in the country. They showed us how to act as winners and just maybe some day North Carolina Wesleyan will be the number one team. They got a sampling of what it takes this past weekend.
Regardless of your political views the First Lady coming to your town is event to remember. I had an uncle who owned a furniture store on main street right beside the railroad track and upstairs where he had all his extra furniture there were windows that we could hang out as the train stopped on main street. Having the secret service come and frisk you and check you out in order to be there was an event in itself.
I remember the first time I got off the subway in New York City and staring at the name New York Yankees across the front of Yankee Stadium having chill bumps from all the baseball history that I was about to stand on.
There are those special moments from getting to call state championship games knowing how important it was to the teams involved and the memories that would be created from what ever that was about to happen.
Saturday right here in Rocky Mount was another one of those special days. In all of college sports there may never be a team as dominant in it's level as the team that came to our town Mount Union. Their winning streaks, National Titles there is no other school in any division that is any bigger then Mount Union. Alabama, Notre Dame all have traditions for winning football programs but none compare to Mount Union's record. Yes they have more money and scholarships to provide their players but nobody compares to Mount Union. Recent history Mount Union has won 158 games and lost 7.
They have not lost a regular season football game since October 22nd 2005. After the win over the Bishops they have won 104 straight regular season games. Astounding is the fact that their victory over the Battling Bishops was their 110th consecutive win on the road. Twelve times they have won the division III playoffs and we all know just last season watching Rocky Mount win the state football title there are four DIII playoff games so winning just one is not easy.
This was the first time in the short history of Wesleyan football that they had ever played a number one team. Oddly enough since the inception of football at NCW no other team has been number one at the end of the regular season other than Mount Union.
Like Rock stars two radio stations in Alliance Ohio cover the Purple Raiders and with WHIG's Wes Bradshaw and Edward Green doing internet coverage the pressbox at Bishop Stadium was full to capacity. Everyone in the pressbox was guessing the attendance and the average guess was around 2600 which for a normal game this was a big crowd but personally I was disappointed there were not more there. There were about 500 Purple Raider fans in the house.
The good news is the greatest team in the history of Division Three football came to town and when they left the Battling Bishops were not embarrassed by the score. They were soundly beaten but not run out of the stadium. The Bishops got a taste of what winning football is all about. There is no doubt Mount Union is the defending champions, number one D3 team in the country. They showed us how to act as winners and just maybe some day North Carolina Wesleyan will be the number one team. They got a sampling of what it takes this past weekend.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Big Boy Football Comes To Town
North Carolina Wesleyan football hosted the number one team in division III football today and for 20 minutes there were visions that the 13th football season for the Battling Bishops there just might be a greatest victory ever on the horizon. Seven minutes in the second quarter the 12 time Nationals champs and the team that has played in the national championship eleven straight years swatted the aggravating Battling Bishops into what hit me.
Both teams traded punts into the second quarter until the Purple Raiders quarterback ran around the left end for six yards and finally the defending champs were on the board. During the first quarter the Battling Bishops used a short passing game but once behind they started going for the home runs and with incomplete passes the clock is slow to move and not much turf moves toward the goal line and Wesleyan had a three and out and two plays later Mount Union with second team quarterback in the game puts six points on the board. Quickly it's 14 -0 the big MO now wearing purple the third score within seven minutes makes it 21-0.
The Bishops managed a field goal before half to prevent being shutout but trailed 21-3 at the half. The 2015 3A state champion Rocky Mount Gryphons were honored at the half..
Just maybe the near 90 degree temperatures and 60% Humidity will catch up with Mount Union before the end since this is their opening game of the season but this is the number one team in the country and even though their faithful fans were using their programs as fans in the stands learning about Southern heat their team taught the Battling Bishops how to play as the top team in the country
By the end if the third quarter the score reached 35-3 with a dominating run game and the lead reach 42-3 before All American Malik Adams caught a Nathan Gardner toss in the end zone with 9:04 to play to give the Bishops some self respect and a 42-10 ball game. Just for good measure Mount Union added a field goal to end the scoring at 45-10.
There is no doubt Mount Union is a class act from the way the guys covering the game in the press box to the way they played on the field and even their fans knowing how winners act. There is no doubt the Battling Bishops got and education on what it is to be a winner.
Mount Union rushed for 286 yards and passed for 309 for a total of 595 on 91 plays. The Bishops had 244 passing and only 51 rushing on 77 plays. To me as a fan in the stands the Bishops dropped the short passing game and went totally for all or nothing deep passes in the Middle of the second quarter and it was not until the fourth quarter when they needed to keep the ball away from the Purple Raiders or get run out of the house did they go back to the short passes. Malik Adams once again hit the century mark in receiving catching 11 for 113 yards and a touchdown.
Both teams traded punts into the second quarter until the Purple Raiders quarterback ran around the left end for six yards and finally the defending champs were on the board. During the first quarter the Battling Bishops used a short passing game but once behind they started going for the home runs and with incomplete passes the clock is slow to move and not much turf moves toward the goal line and Wesleyan had a three and out and two plays later Mount Union with second team quarterback in the game puts six points on the board. Quickly it's 14 -0 the big MO now wearing purple the third score within seven minutes makes it 21-0.
The Bishops managed a field goal before half to prevent being shutout but trailed 21-3 at the half. The 2015 3A state champion Rocky Mount Gryphons were honored at the half..
Just maybe the near 90 degree temperatures and 60% Humidity will catch up with Mount Union before the end since this is their opening game of the season but this is the number one team in the country and even though their faithful fans were using their programs as fans in the stands learning about Southern heat their team taught the Battling Bishops how to play as the top team in the country
By the end if the third quarter the score reached 35-3 with a dominating run game and the lead reach 42-3 before All American Malik Adams caught a Nathan Gardner toss in the end zone with 9:04 to play to give the Bishops some self respect and a 42-10 ball game. Just for good measure Mount Union added a field goal to end the scoring at 45-10.
There is no doubt Mount Union is a class act from the way the guys covering the game in the press box to the way they played on the field and even their fans knowing how winners act. There is no doubt the Battling Bishops got and education on what it is to be a winner.
Mount Union rushed for 286 yards and passed for 309 for a total of 595 on 91 plays. The Bishops had 244 passing and only 51 rushing on 77 plays. To me as a fan in the stands the Bishops dropped the short passing game and went totally for all or nothing deep passes in the Middle of the second quarter and it was not until the fourth quarter when they needed to keep the ball away from the Purple Raiders or get run out of the house did they go back to the short passes. Malik Adams once again hit the century mark in receiving catching 11 for 113 yards and a touchdown.
Friday, September 9, 2016
Turnovers Cause Comebacks
Nash Central had a interception and a fumble in the first half and both led to Southwest Edgecombe scores a 13-0 lead in the first half. A Huge score before the half gave the Cougars a 13-6 half time lead. The winless Cougars had a chance in the third quarter driving to the five yard line but the Bulldog defense held and with it momentum.
They proceeded to drive for a touchdown but missed the two point conversion to take the lead. The Cougars once again drive but the Bulldogs defense get the ball back and the new Nash Central Bulldogs strike on a long pass and a six yard run by Vernon Whitaker and the Bulldogs win with 38 seconds left to play. Bulldogs 18 Cougars 13
The Bulldogs are now 3-1 while the Cougars fall to 0-4.
Rocky Mount's trip to Edenton was an adventure as they put the ball on the ground three times stopping drives. The Gryphons scored first on a 2 yard Jaylen Watson run but the Aces returned the
kickoff to the five yard line where they scored on third down to tie at 7.
McKenzy Wright scored from two yards out and the Gryphon defense held Edenton to a field goal and a 14-10 half time lead. Edenton scored first in the third quarter to take a 17-14 lead and got the ball back but the play of the game came from Sherrod Green, remember his broken hand he makes a one handed interception at the Aces 46 and the Gryphons started holding on to the ball and put points on the board.
BJ Sanders scores late in the 3rd quarter to give the Gryphons the lead and once again the Gryphons control the clock for almost 7 minutes in the fourth quarter and Charlie Williams scores and Rocky Mount slips out of Edenton winning 28-17. It is the first loss of the season for the Aces while Rocky Mount improves to 3-1.
Northern Nash slugged it out with Laney and fought to a 0-0 first half. Northern defense forced Laney on the first drive of the 3rd quarter to punt. The snap went over the head of the punter who picked it up in the end zone and somehow or other managed to avoid being tackled in the end zone and reach the 11. Northern's D stand tall and force a 4th and ten punt where Northern took over on the Laney 37. The first play Decarlo Royster scampered 37 yards anD Northern led 7-0.
The very next drive by Laney travels the field with the Aid of two personal fouls and Lanry ties it at the end of three quarters 7-7.
Laney blocks a Northern punt on the first play of the fourth quarter but the Knights defense held. The Knights are doomed on an interception at the Northern 30. Five plays Laney scores a 14-7 win.
Other scores
Southern Nash 49 South Johnston 0. Looks like Firebirds the Big East team to beat.
North Edgecombe 44 SE Halifax 0
Tarboro 55 Franklinton14
Fike 15 Beddingfield 13
Northeastern 30 Hunt 27
Rocky Mount Academy wins on paper. Lawrence Academy forfeits
Village Christian 47 Rocky Mount Prep 0
They proceeded to drive for a touchdown but missed the two point conversion to take the lead. The Cougars once again drive but the Bulldogs defense get the ball back and the new Nash Central Bulldogs strike on a long pass and a six yard run by Vernon Whitaker and the Bulldogs win with 38 seconds left to play. Bulldogs 18 Cougars 13
The Bulldogs are now 3-1 while the Cougars fall to 0-4.
Rocky Mount's trip to Edenton was an adventure as they put the ball on the ground three times stopping drives. The Gryphons scored first on a 2 yard Jaylen Watson run but the Aces returned the
kickoff to the five yard line where they scored on third down to tie at 7.
McKenzy Wright scored from two yards out and the Gryphon defense held Edenton to a field goal and a 14-10 half time lead. Edenton scored first in the third quarter to take a 17-14 lead and got the ball back but the play of the game came from Sherrod Green, remember his broken hand he makes a one handed interception at the Aces 46 and the Gryphons started holding on to the ball and put points on the board.
BJ Sanders scores late in the 3rd quarter to give the Gryphons the lead and once again the Gryphons control the clock for almost 7 minutes in the fourth quarter and Charlie Williams scores and Rocky Mount slips out of Edenton winning 28-17. It is the first loss of the season for the Aces while Rocky Mount improves to 3-1.
Northern Nash slugged it out with Laney and fought to a 0-0 first half. Northern defense forced Laney on the first drive of the 3rd quarter to punt. The snap went over the head of the punter who picked it up in the end zone and somehow or other managed to avoid being tackled in the end zone and reach the 11. Northern's D stand tall and force a 4th and ten punt where Northern took over on the Laney 37. The first play Decarlo Royster scampered 37 yards anD Northern led 7-0.
The very next drive by Laney travels the field with the Aid of two personal fouls and Lanry ties it at the end of three quarters 7-7.
Laney blocks a Northern punt on the first play of the fourth quarter but the Knights defense held. The Knights are doomed on an interception at the Northern 30. Five plays Laney scores a 14-7 win.
Other scores
Southern Nash 49 South Johnston 0. Looks like Firebirds the Big East team to beat.
North Edgecombe 44 SE Halifax 0
Tarboro 55 Franklinton14
Fike 15 Beddingfield 13
Northeastern 30 Hunt 27
Rocky Mount Academy wins on paper. Lawrence Academy forfeits
Village Christian 47 Rocky Mount Prep 0
Two Huge Games In Area Saturday
The defending national champions of Division three football come to Rocky Mount Saturday and will pay a visit to NC Wesleyan. Starting right down the road in Greenville NC State visits ECU in which 50,000 will be in the house. Sure would be nice if more than 5,000 are at Bishop Stadium.
Mount Union 0-0 @ NC Wesleyan 0-1: The Battling Bishops had several moments that they have potential during their loss. I would expect one of the best efforts in the short history of Bishops football against Mount Union. Perfect football and this one could be close. Turnovers and it will not be close. Mount Union 35 NC Wesleyan 27
NC State 1-0 @ ECU 1-0: You know anytime Carolina, State, Duke or Wake visit Greenville the entire city goes looney. This is tough one to pick since neither team played a power house last week. This game will be won by the team with the best quarterback playing only their second game. Pack 27 Pirates 23.
Wake Forest 1-0 @ Duke 1-0: Has anybody noticed that Wake can't score on the sisters of the poor. The Dookies handle the Demon Deacs 46 -13
Tennessee 1-0 vs Virginia Tech 1-0 at Bristol International Raceway in Bristol Tennessee. These teams trying to set college football attendance record. 150,000 people will watch two teams slug it out and then take ten hours to get out of the parking lot. Tennessee 23 Virginia Tech 20
North Carolina 0-1 @ Illinois 1-0: Is it possible the Tar Heels could start the season 0-2. They will if they don't give the football to their running backs more than ten times. I think Heels eek this one out 32-28.
Florida Atlantic 1-0 @ Miami 1-0: This game Miami will not get 70 this week only 45. Hurricanes 45 Florida Atlantic 20
Charleston Southern 0-1 @ Florida State 1-0: I think the Noles showed everyone they can score on anyone at any time. Mississippi will give SEC teams fits this year. I like the FSU quarterback. FSU 58 Charleston Southern 16.
Mercer 0-1 @ Georgia Tech 1-0: The Rambling Wreck will roll 43-13
Troy 1-0 @ Clemson1-0: Clemson won at Auburn where Alabama has trouble. Troy will make it respectable. Clemson 38 Troy 21
Virginia 0-1 @ Oregon 1-0: UVA lost to a very good Team in Ricmond. They will lose again on the road to a team better than Richmond. Oregon 45 VA 21
Nevada 0-1 @ Notre Dame 0-1: The Irish put 47 on the board against Texas. How many will they get against the Wolfpack? Notre Dame 52 Nevada 28
Louisville 1-0 @ Syracuse 1-0 tonight. Louisville has a shot to finish in the top two of ACC and a win in Syracuse will do nothing to keep the Ville from not reaching the top two. Louisville 36 Syracuse 18
Penn State 1-0 @ Pitt 1-0: Battling for the state rights of Pennsylvania. The Nitty Lions don't go to Pitt much. For Pitt this is just like ECU hosting State or Carolina. Pitt 26 Penn State 24
Boston College 1-0 @ Massachusetts 0-1. The Minutemen gave Florida all they wanted and they roll doing the same against BC. Mass 21 BC 17
Last week went 12-3 during first weekend of college picks.
Mount Union 0-0 @ NC Wesleyan 0-1: The Battling Bishops had several moments that they have potential during their loss. I would expect one of the best efforts in the short history of Bishops football against Mount Union. Perfect football and this one could be close. Turnovers and it will not be close. Mount Union 35 NC Wesleyan 27
NC State 1-0 @ ECU 1-0: You know anytime Carolina, State, Duke or Wake visit Greenville the entire city goes looney. This is tough one to pick since neither team played a power house last week. This game will be won by the team with the best quarterback playing only their second game. Pack 27 Pirates 23.
Wake Forest 1-0 @ Duke 1-0: Has anybody noticed that Wake can't score on the sisters of the poor. The Dookies handle the Demon Deacs 46 -13
Tennessee 1-0 vs Virginia Tech 1-0 at Bristol International Raceway in Bristol Tennessee. These teams trying to set college football attendance record. 150,000 people will watch two teams slug it out and then take ten hours to get out of the parking lot. Tennessee 23 Virginia Tech 20
North Carolina 0-1 @ Illinois 1-0: Is it possible the Tar Heels could start the season 0-2. They will if they don't give the football to their running backs more than ten times. I think Heels eek this one out 32-28.
Florida Atlantic 1-0 @ Miami 1-0: This game Miami will not get 70 this week only 45. Hurricanes 45 Florida Atlantic 20
Charleston Southern 0-1 @ Florida State 1-0: I think the Noles showed everyone they can score on anyone at any time. Mississippi will give SEC teams fits this year. I like the FSU quarterback. FSU 58 Charleston Southern 16.
Mercer 0-1 @ Georgia Tech 1-0: The Rambling Wreck will roll 43-13
Troy 1-0 @ Clemson1-0: Clemson won at Auburn where Alabama has trouble. Troy will make it respectable. Clemson 38 Troy 21
Virginia 0-1 @ Oregon 1-0: UVA lost to a very good Team in Ricmond. They will lose again on the road to a team better than Richmond. Oregon 45 VA 21
Nevada 0-1 @ Notre Dame 0-1: The Irish put 47 on the board against Texas. How many will they get against the Wolfpack? Notre Dame 52 Nevada 28
Louisville 1-0 @ Syracuse 1-0 tonight. Louisville has a shot to finish in the top two of ACC and a win in Syracuse will do nothing to keep the Ville from not reaching the top two. Louisville 36 Syracuse 18
Penn State 1-0 @ Pitt 1-0: Battling for the state rights of Pennsylvania. The Nitty Lions don't go to Pitt much. For Pitt this is just like ECU hosting State or Carolina. Pitt 26 Penn State 24
Boston College 1-0 @ Massachusetts 0-1. The Minutemen gave Florida all they wanted and they roll doing the same against BC. Mass 21 BC 17
Last week went 12-3 during first weekend of college picks.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Time To See Progress
Some teams this is week four of the high school season for others the entire season may be played in the next week. Teams need to start showing improvement or that fatal this is as good as we will be will set in. Got some really good match ups again this week. Let's begin with the two teams running a gauntlet starting Friday night.
Tarboro 2-0 at Franklinton 2-1: Tarboro just might play the toughest schedule of any team in the state as once again they play a team classified as 2-A. Those interested Franklinton joins Big East next season so this might be an opportunity to peek at this one. Tarboro wins but it won't be a romp Vikes 26 Franklinton 14
Northern Nash 1-1 at Laney 1-2: They beat Rose which should be enough said about Laney. Northern starts their three games in eight days on road at a 4A school. This would swell pride in the Knight's kingdom if they could take this one. It will be close. Laney 24 Northern 21
Nash Central 2-1 at Southwest Edgecombe 0-3: This is a big chance for the Bulldogs to get up to three wins in a season for the first time in three or four years. It is possible. I think the further the season goes the better the Cougars will get. Bulldogs need to get them now. Nash Central 36 SWE 26
South Johnston 1-2 at Southern Nash 3-0: Don't be fooled by their record. SJ has played quality competition so far and this week will not be any less. I think the Firebirds are for real and a solid score here may solidify my thinking. SN 38- SJ 24
SE Halifax 1-0 at North Edgecombe 2-0: Not sure it is a good thing after beating SWE that North Edgecombe has a week off. Two weeks to gloat might bring on a poor effort this week. I think there will be enough to get the Warriors through. North Edgecombe 26 SEH 18
Lawrence Academy at RMA: In order to be ready for the games down the road that might lead to conference titles the eagles need a solid win. RMA 49 Lawrence 18
Village Christian Academy 1-1 at Rocky Mount Prep: Here is a game and how do you predict the quality of either teams quality of schedule so far. VCA has played two other Christian Academy school while Prep has played about the same quality. RMP wins their second this week 26-24
Northeast Carolina Prep 0-3 has the week off.
Rocky Mount 2-1 at Edenton Holmes 3-0: Holmes off to a good start in fact been several years since they have been 3-0. Look no further than Middle Creeks 30-10 win over Garner to show you that the Gryphons can score on anybody. This game will be much like the Hertford County game in which I think the Gryphons control but will win by a closer score. RM 35- Edenton 20
Got six guesses correct out of seven running my record so far this year to 19-6.
Tarboro 2-0 at Franklinton 2-1: Tarboro just might play the toughest schedule of any team in the state as once again they play a team classified as 2-A. Those interested Franklinton joins Big East next season so this might be an opportunity to peek at this one. Tarboro wins but it won't be a romp Vikes 26 Franklinton 14
Northern Nash 1-1 at Laney 1-2: They beat Rose which should be enough said about Laney. Northern starts their three games in eight days on road at a 4A school. This would swell pride in the Knight's kingdom if they could take this one. It will be close. Laney 24 Northern 21
Nash Central 2-1 at Southwest Edgecombe 0-3: This is a big chance for the Bulldogs to get up to three wins in a season for the first time in three or four years. It is possible. I think the further the season goes the better the Cougars will get. Bulldogs need to get them now. Nash Central 36 SWE 26
South Johnston 1-2 at Southern Nash 3-0: Don't be fooled by their record. SJ has played quality competition so far and this week will not be any less. I think the Firebirds are for real and a solid score here may solidify my thinking. SN 38- SJ 24
SE Halifax 1-0 at North Edgecombe 2-0: Not sure it is a good thing after beating SWE that North Edgecombe has a week off. Two weeks to gloat might bring on a poor effort this week. I think there will be enough to get the Warriors through. North Edgecombe 26 SEH 18
Lawrence Academy at RMA: In order to be ready for the games down the road that might lead to conference titles the eagles need a solid win. RMA 49 Lawrence 18
Village Christian Academy 1-1 at Rocky Mount Prep: Here is a game and how do you predict the quality of either teams quality of schedule so far. VCA has played two other Christian Academy school while Prep has played about the same quality. RMP wins their second this week 26-24
Northeast Carolina Prep 0-3 has the week off.
Rocky Mount 2-1 at Edenton Holmes 3-0: Holmes off to a good start in fact been several years since they have been 3-0. Look no further than Middle Creeks 30-10 win over Garner to show you that the Gryphons can score on anybody. This game will be much like the Hertford County game in which I think the Gryphons control but will win by a closer score. RM 35- Edenton 20
Got six guesses correct out of seven running my record so far this year to 19-6.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
It's NFL Time
It has become a tradition in the NFL that the two Super teams face each other on opening day the following year. The NFL season begins Thursday night when the Carolina Panthers face the Denver Broncos. It is the first time that the two Super Bowl teams played the very first game the next season.
Carolina @ Denver: Can't say that Denver will be as good on offense as last year and they were not that good then either. They won the Super Bowl with defense and will they be as good as last season? I think Carolina will be better on offense than they showed in Super Bowl and with Denver having a new quarterback I'll take Panthers to start season off right. Panthers 24 Denver 16
The 1pm games Sunday start in Atlanta when Tampa Bay visits the Falcons. Can anyone give the Panthers a challenge. The winner of this game could be the answer. Falcons 27 Bucs 23
Buffalo @ Baltimore: Everywhere Rex Ryan goes they get worse every year. Ravens 30 Bills 16
Chicago @Houston: Oh Boy here is one of those I have no idea games. I'll take the home team Texans 26 Bears 22
Green Bay @Jacksonville: Is there a chance the Jags are better this year? For some reason seems like The Packers are not as good as the past but they are playing the Jags. Green Bay 27 Jax 20
San Diego @ Kansas City: SD started 23 different lineman trying to protect Philip Rivers last season. Despite the changes Rivers passed for 4700 yards. If healthy San Diego could be better but they start in KC who may be favorite in AFC West KC 28 SD 24
Oakland @ New Orleans: AFC West just may be best division in football this year mainly because Oakland is back as the bad boys. There will be plenty of changes in New Orleans after this year. Oakland 27 Saints 20
Cincinnati @ Jets: Cincy just plain better than the Jets. Bengals 33 Jets 21
Cleveland @ Philadelphia: Will Browns be as bad as ever ? Eagles at home 31 Browns 20
Minnesota @ Tennessesse : Two weeks ago this was a no brainer but Vikes lost their quarterback. Defense is still there and healthy. Vikes 23 Titans 17
Miami @ Seattle: Seahawks hard to beat in the Northwest. I see no reason that they will lose this one. Seattle 23 Miami 14
Giants @ Dallas: Cowboys just might be better without Romo. Giants still have that other Manning Dallas 30 Giants 21
Detroit @ Indianapolis: Two teams that could both be terrible or great. Who knows about these two. Indy 38 Lions 32
Sunday night football has a good one in New England @ Arizona: So finally the glamour boys gets his four games off. Would love the Pat's win all four while Brady is out just to show it's the system not the quarterback. Zona wins 26-22
The Monday night double header starts in Washington Pittsburgh @ Washington. Here is another game with two teams who knows how good they are. This is the toughest pick of the week. Washington 30 Pittsburgh 27
Rams @ 49ers: Todd Gurley has not touched the ball all preseason while the most notable thing going in San Fran is a goof ball. Gurley and company 23 9ers 17
Started last year less than 500 on picks the first two weeks. Must start better this year.
Three high school games finally got played last night making up for the games put off by last week's tropical storm.
Rocky Mount Prep got their first win of the season beating NorthEast Carolina Prep 20-14.
Rocky Mount Academy rolled over Community Christian School 48-6
The season is going down hill for SouthWest Edgecombe as South Central got their first win of the season winning over SWE 26-6 .
Got six of seven games correct running my season guesses to 18-6.
Carolina @ Denver: Can't say that Denver will be as good on offense as last year and they were not that good then either. They won the Super Bowl with defense and will they be as good as last season? I think Carolina will be better on offense than they showed in Super Bowl and with Denver having a new quarterback I'll take Panthers to start season off right. Panthers 24 Denver 16
The 1pm games Sunday start in Atlanta when Tampa Bay visits the Falcons. Can anyone give the Panthers a challenge. The winner of this game could be the answer. Falcons 27 Bucs 23
Buffalo @ Baltimore: Everywhere Rex Ryan goes they get worse every year. Ravens 30 Bills 16
Chicago @Houston: Oh Boy here is one of those I have no idea games. I'll take the home team Texans 26 Bears 22
Green Bay @Jacksonville: Is there a chance the Jags are better this year? For some reason seems like The Packers are not as good as the past but they are playing the Jags. Green Bay 27 Jax 20
San Diego @ Kansas City: SD started 23 different lineman trying to protect Philip Rivers last season. Despite the changes Rivers passed for 4700 yards. If healthy San Diego could be better but they start in KC who may be favorite in AFC West KC 28 SD 24
Oakland @ New Orleans: AFC West just may be best division in football this year mainly because Oakland is back as the bad boys. There will be plenty of changes in New Orleans after this year. Oakland 27 Saints 20
Cincinnati @ Jets: Cincy just plain better than the Jets. Bengals 33 Jets 21
Cleveland @ Philadelphia: Will Browns be as bad as ever ? Eagles at home 31 Browns 20
Minnesota @ Tennessesse : Two weeks ago this was a no brainer but Vikes lost their quarterback. Defense is still there and healthy. Vikes 23 Titans 17
Miami @ Seattle: Seahawks hard to beat in the Northwest. I see no reason that they will lose this one. Seattle 23 Miami 14
Giants @ Dallas: Cowboys just might be better without Romo. Giants still have that other Manning Dallas 30 Giants 21
Detroit @ Indianapolis: Two teams that could both be terrible or great. Who knows about these two. Indy 38 Lions 32
Sunday night football has a good one in New England @ Arizona: So finally the glamour boys gets his four games off. Would love the Pat's win all four while Brady is out just to show it's the system not the quarterback. Zona wins 26-22
The Monday night double header starts in Washington Pittsburgh @ Washington. Here is another game with two teams who knows how good they are. This is the toughest pick of the week. Washington 30 Pittsburgh 27
Rams @ 49ers: Todd Gurley has not touched the ball all preseason while the most notable thing going in San Fran is a goof ball. Gurley and company 23 9ers 17
Started last year less than 500 on picks the first two weeks. Must start better this year.
Three high school games finally got played last night making up for the games put off by last week's tropical storm.
Rocky Mount Prep got their first win of the season beating NorthEast Carolina Prep 20-14.
Rocky Mount Academy rolled over Community Christian School 48-6
The season is going down hill for SouthWest Edgecombe as South Central got their first win of the season winning over SWE 26-6 .
Got six of seven games correct running my season guesses to 18-6.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Minor League Baseball Season is over.
As we all expected Brian Goodwin got the call to return to Washington on Friday and didn't have far to go as the Nationals were in New York to play the Mets. David Williams former Northern Nash baseball player and Post 58 player was in New York with his uncle who works for the USTA and was in New York for the US Open tennis went to the Mets game and got to see Brian.
His season in AAA Sryacuse was great. He played in 119 games went to bat 436 times getting 122 hits for a 280 average. He had 25 doubles, a triple, and 14 home runs. He drove in 68 runs walked 46 times which put him on base 168 times in 436 at bats. His biggest improvement was his strikeouts having struck out 106 which is one in four at bats. During the season stole 15 of 18 bases.
Since Friday Brian has started Monday's Labor Day game and pitched hit Sunday night. He has two doubles in five at bats and for the season in Washington he is 6-21 and a 286 batting average. If he plays this way rest of September he just might be on the Nationals roster during the playoffs.
Benton Moss finished his year in Port Charlotte Florida in the Florida State League. His Won-loss record was 7-10 . His ERA dropped to 3.72 having pitched well since early July. He pitched 138 innings giving up 132 hits giving up 67 runs and 57 earned. He gave up 11 homers and walked only 39 all year which is 2.25 per nine innings.
He is not at this point scheduled for fall ball which maybe is a good sign. The Tampa Rays are very satisfied with his season and they do not feel they need to get him extra pitching in the fall to improve. Hope that next season his home in Montgomery Alabama the AA home of the Rays.
Hobbs Johnson spent the last half of the baseball season in Souix City Iowa playing for an independent team in the American Association. He pitched nine times totaling 17.2 innings, had a 1-2 record. His control was not good walking 18 batters for one every inning. He had a 5.6 era
The first part of the season while he was in the Milwaukee Brewers organization had a 1-0 record pitching for Buloxi Mississippi. Pitched 16 times totaling 25 innings. Once again his problem was base on balls walking 20 in 25 innings with a 6.4 era. His future in baseball will depend on finding a pro baseball franchise willing to work with him on his control. The biggest question is it arm trouble causing his control issues.
Collins Cuthrell has finished his complete season in Florence Kentucky playing in the independent Frontier League. He finished batting 233 which is the highest it has been since the first week of the season. He played in 91 games batting 313 times with 73 hits. He hit 13 homers driving in 46 RBI.
Those who remember Collins athletic career at Rocky Mount remember he was not a speed burner but on the season stole eight of eleven bases that he attempted. It is doubtful if a major league club will show any interest and sign Collins before next baseball season. Would not be surprised if he might be coaching some where soon.
Baseball is winding down and the Tarboro Vikings has three football players making NFL rosters. Todd Gurley the Offensive Rookie of the year last year in the NFL has not played one down in preseason showing his value to the LA Rams as he will be in the starting line up when the Rams begin next on Monday Night Football.
Gurley will face another former Viking when they meet the 49er's and Shawn Draughn will be the second team back for the 9er's. Draughn will be playing again this season for San Francisco which is his eighth team in his five year NFL career. Takoby Cofield is listed as the number two right tackle for the Washington Redskins. If you recall Cofield was cut by the Redskins during the 53 man cut down day last season.
Only three high school games were played Thursday. Went 3-0 on games played running my record so far this season 16-5. SouthWest and South Central, Rocky Mount Academy and Community Christian, play tonight. Not sure when Rocky Mount Prep and NorthEast Carolina Prep are playing. Tarboro at Northern Nash next Monday night.
His season in AAA Sryacuse was great. He played in 119 games went to bat 436 times getting 122 hits for a 280 average. He had 25 doubles, a triple, and 14 home runs. He drove in 68 runs walked 46 times which put him on base 168 times in 436 at bats. His biggest improvement was his strikeouts having struck out 106 which is one in four at bats. During the season stole 15 of 18 bases.
Since Friday Brian has started Monday's Labor Day game and pitched hit Sunday night. He has two doubles in five at bats and for the season in Washington he is 6-21 and a 286 batting average. If he plays this way rest of September he just might be on the Nationals roster during the playoffs.
Benton Moss finished his year in Port Charlotte Florida in the Florida State League. His Won-loss record was 7-10 . His ERA dropped to 3.72 having pitched well since early July. He pitched 138 innings giving up 132 hits giving up 67 runs and 57 earned. He gave up 11 homers and walked only 39 all year which is 2.25 per nine innings.
He is not at this point scheduled for fall ball which maybe is a good sign. The Tampa Rays are very satisfied with his season and they do not feel they need to get him extra pitching in the fall to improve. Hope that next season his home in Montgomery Alabama the AA home of the Rays.
Hobbs Johnson spent the last half of the baseball season in Souix City Iowa playing for an independent team in the American Association. He pitched nine times totaling 17.2 innings, had a 1-2 record. His control was not good walking 18 batters for one every inning. He had a 5.6 era
The first part of the season while he was in the Milwaukee Brewers organization had a 1-0 record pitching for Buloxi Mississippi. Pitched 16 times totaling 25 innings. Once again his problem was base on balls walking 20 in 25 innings with a 6.4 era. His future in baseball will depend on finding a pro baseball franchise willing to work with him on his control. The biggest question is it arm trouble causing his control issues.
Collins Cuthrell has finished his complete season in Florence Kentucky playing in the independent Frontier League. He finished batting 233 which is the highest it has been since the first week of the season. He played in 91 games batting 313 times with 73 hits. He hit 13 homers driving in 46 RBI.
Those who remember Collins athletic career at Rocky Mount remember he was not a speed burner but on the season stole eight of eleven bases that he attempted. It is doubtful if a major league club will show any interest and sign Collins before next baseball season. Would not be surprised if he might be coaching some where soon.
Baseball is winding down and the Tarboro Vikings has three football players making NFL rosters. Todd Gurley the Offensive Rookie of the year last year in the NFL has not played one down in preseason showing his value to the LA Rams as he will be in the starting line up when the Rams begin next on Monday Night Football.
Gurley will face another former Viking when they meet the 49er's and Shawn Draughn will be the second team back for the 9er's. Draughn will be playing again this season for San Francisco which is his eighth team in his five year NFL career. Takoby Cofield is listed as the number two right tackle for the Washington Redskins. If you recall Cofield was cut by the Redskins during the 53 man cut down day last season.
Only three high school games were played Thursday. Went 3-0 on games played running my record so far this season 16-5. SouthWest and South Central, Rocky Mount Academy and Community Christian, play tonight. Not sure when Rocky Mount Prep and NorthEast Carolina Prep are playing. Tarboro at Northern Nash next Monday night.
Monday, September 5, 2016
Gryphons/Bulldogs Both 2-1
The Gryphons by moving their game with Hertford County to September 1st will not have another home game until October 21st when they host the third conference game of the year against Fike. That is a stretch of 50 days from one home game to the next. There is a chance if there is a early frost that the grass on the football field could be turning brown by then.
There are many signs pointing to the potential of the 2016 Gryphon football team. The top two quarterbacks Mckenzy Wright and Shabios Lynch both have shown capability of tossing the football deep down field. Getting time to throw deep is still the big question mark. You can see that already both qb's have started rolling out instead of standing in the pocket.
Sherrod Greene made his first appearance at middle linebacker wearing a wrap over his broken hand. Having had plenty of running he is In shape as far as lung capacity but he now must get as they say in football shape taking all the bumps and bruises that go with football.
All three games played so far the Gryphons have been begrudging teams running the football against them. Where teams have made hay is through the air. The days of three yards and a cloud of dust has been replaced by the short passing game of two step drop by the quarterback and throw two to five yards beyond the line which is hard to stop. Trying to blitze only works when the quarterback is seven steps in the pocket. I think the only defense for this type of passing is use outside linebacker in flats and slant pass areas. The days when teams give up only six points per game running the football are over. Any team that can hold another to 14-17 points has had a rather good game.
There is really one trend that I like. Both against Middle Creek and against Hertford County the Gryphons pounded the football in the fourth quarter and had long touchdown drives. This year's team is loaded with backs who love to deliver hits on the tackler just like last year and and by the fourth quarter the offense has worn the other teams defense down.
I am so glad to see that the Bulldogs of Nash Central have shown signs that better days are right around the corner. Yes you can say their impressive win over North Johnston is against a 1A school but you have to realize this. They have not even been close to winning these games in the last five years.
Chris Lee is getting pride to return to a program that has been about as low as you could get. The past there were issues on the field coaching decisions during games that cost several wins. I can remember two losses against Hunt that prevented potential conference titles because of running only four or five plays in the last two minutes of games because of taking too much time deciding the next play.
Players can see those failures as well as fans in the stands. Players lose confidence in coaches and if anyone doesn't believe in the ultimate goal they will never reach their potential. Lee has brought back the ability to see the goal and how to get there. In other words his team is buying what he is selling and it shows.
Brian Goodwin got his second call to Washington over the weekend. Last night in the bottom of the ninth on Sunday night ESPN Baseball Godwin first at bat since his return a pitch hitter he lashes a double past the 1st base bag to get his fifth major league hit.
There are many signs pointing to the potential of the 2016 Gryphon football team. The top two quarterbacks Mckenzy Wright and Shabios Lynch both have shown capability of tossing the football deep down field. Getting time to throw deep is still the big question mark. You can see that already both qb's have started rolling out instead of standing in the pocket.
Sherrod Greene made his first appearance at middle linebacker wearing a wrap over his broken hand. Having had plenty of running he is In shape as far as lung capacity but he now must get as they say in football shape taking all the bumps and bruises that go with football.
All three games played so far the Gryphons have been begrudging teams running the football against them. Where teams have made hay is through the air. The days of three yards and a cloud of dust has been replaced by the short passing game of two step drop by the quarterback and throw two to five yards beyond the line which is hard to stop. Trying to blitze only works when the quarterback is seven steps in the pocket. I think the only defense for this type of passing is use outside linebacker in flats and slant pass areas. The days when teams give up only six points per game running the football are over. Any team that can hold another to 14-17 points has had a rather good game.
There is really one trend that I like. Both against Middle Creek and against Hertford County the Gryphons pounded the football in the fourth quarter and had long touchdown drives. This year's team is loaded with backs who love to deliver hits on the tackler just like last year and and by the fourth quarter the offense has worn the other teams defense down.
I am so glad to see that the Bulldogs of Nash Central have shown signs that better days are right around the corner. Yes you can say their impressive win over North Johnston is against a 1A school but you have to realize this. They have not even been close to winning these games in the last five years.
Chris Lee is getting pride to return to a program that has been about as low as you could get. The past there were issues on the field coaching decisions during games that cost several wins. I can remember two losses against Hunt that prevented potential conference titles because of running only four or five plays in the last two minutes of games because of taking too much time deciding the next play.
Players can see those failures as well as fans in the stands. Players lose confidence in coaches and if anyone doesn't believe in the ultimate goal they will never reach their potential. Lee has brought back the ability to see the goal and how to get there. In other words his team is buying what he is selling and it shows.
Brian Goodwin got his second call to Washington over the weekend. Last night in the bottom of the ninth on Sunday night ESPN Baseball Godwin first at bat since his return a pitch hitter he lashes a double past the 1st base bag to get his fifth major league hit.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
College Football Front and Center In Rocky Mount
The next two Saturday's Bishop Stadium will present college football as it has never been. This Saturday September 10th at 12:30 the Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan College will host the defending Division Three national champions The University of Mount Union from Alliance Ohio.
This will be the season opener for Mount Union while the Battling Bishops lost their opener this past Friday night at Stevenson University so this is the home opener for the Bishops. Mount Union has won 12 national championships in division three football. They at one time in their history won 22 straight conference crowns. They own the longest winning streak in division three history when they won 55 straight games. They even topped that by winning 56 in a row so they own the two longest winning streaks ever in division three.
This is Alabama of Division Three coming to our place to play football. There may never be a team to appear in Rocky Mount the caliber of the Purple Raiders ever again. I realize there is a game in Greenville that is important to many in Eastern North Carolina but there is no reason that Bishop Stadium is not standing room only for this game. This is for North Carolina Wesleyan football the event of he century.
One week later at 4pm on September 17th the 19th annual Down East Viking Clasic is back in town. This has become an event. Since this game is sponsored by the city of Rocky Mount you have to have a parking pass to set up cookers in the parking area and you can expect them to be sold out.
Extra seats have been brought in for years now to accommodate the over flow crowds. If you just ride by the Stadium on Saturday morning campers and tents will dot the area for the all day celebrations that will be part of the game.
This year Morehouse College and all male school from Atlanta will provide Elizabeth City State their competition. Morehouse will come further that any other team ever to play in the Classic. We already know from ticket sales this one is near a sellout. The next two weekends will be very special for the city of Rocky Mount. Tickets are still available for the NCW/Mount Union game. Why not be a part of history.
Now the saga of the Tarboro Viking/Northern Nash football game. The threat of Tropical Storm Hermine had many high school football games moved to Thursday to beat the rain and wind. This having been a Holiday Weekend makes for High school Monday night football unlikely. Northern stuck to their guns to play Friday but by late afternoon it would prove impossible.
So now when do you make up this game? Many high school games across eastern North Carolina will be made up Tuesday. The game has been reschedule for Monday night September 12th. Look what both teams will go through now.
Tarboro plays at Franklinton this Friday September 9th. They will travel to Northern Nash on Monday September 12th and four days later travel to Southern Nash. This Friday Northern Nash will inspect Tropical Storm damage with a trip to Laney in Wilmington the 9th. Host Tarboro Monday the 12th and travel to Goldsboro the 16th
Three games in eight days. The Vikings it will be three road games. Northern Nash because the trip to Laney will travel more miles than Tarboro despite having one of the three games at home. Somewhere someone has dropped the ball to allow this to happen. Is it safe for players playing three games in eight days? Football is a game of bumps and bruises and recovery time is needed. That is one reason football only plays one game per week instead of two like all other sports. Seems to me the only safe option is play Tuesday the 5th and again the 9th. The only other option would be cancel the game altogether.
This will be the season opener for Mount Union while the Battling Bishops lost their opener this past Friday night at Stevenson University so this is the home opener for the Bishops. Mount Union has won 12 national championships in division three football. They at one time in their history won 22 straight conference crowns. They own the longest winning streak in division three history when they won 55 straight games. They even topped that by winning 56 in a row so they own the two longest winning streaks ever in division three.
This is Alabama of Division Three coming to our place to play football. There may never be a team to appear in Rocky Mount the caliber of the Purple Raiders ever again. I realize there is a game in Greenville that is important to many in Eastern North Carolina but there is no reason that Bishop Stadium is not standing room only for this game. This is for North Carolina Wesleyan football the event of he century.
One week later at 4pm on September 17th the 19th annual Down East Viking Clasic is back in town. This has become an event. Since this game is sponsored by the city of Rocky Mount you have to have a parking pass to set up cookers in the parking area and you can expect them to be sold out.
Extra seats have been brought in for years now to accommodate the over flow crowds. If you just ride by the Stadium on Saturday morning campers and tents will dot the area for the all day celebrations that will be part of the game.
This year Morehouse College and all male school from Atlanta will provide Elizabeth City State their competition. Morehouse will come further that any other team ever to play in the Classic. We already know from ticket sales this one is near a sellout. The next two weekends will be very special for the city of Rocky Mount. Tickets are still available for the NCW/Mount Union game. Why not be a part of history.
Now the saga of the Tarboro Viking/Northern Nash football game. The threat of Tropical Storm Hermine had many high school football games moved to Thursday to beat the rain and wind. This having been a Holiday Weekend makes for High school Monday night football unlikely. Northern stuck to their guns to play Friday but by late afternoon it would prove impossible.
So now when do you make up this game? Many high school games across eastern North Carolina will be made up Tuesday. The game has been reschedule for Monday night September 12th. Look what both teams will go through now.
Tarboro plays at Franklinton this Friday September 9th. They will travel to Northern Nash on Monday September 12th and four days later travel to Southern Nash. This Friday Northern Nash will inspect Tropical Storm damage with a trip to Laney in Wilmington the 9th. Host Tarboro Monday the 12th and travel to Goldsboro the 16th
Three games in eight days. The Vikings it will be three road games. Northern Nash because the trip to Laney will travel more miles than Tarboro despite having one of the three games at home. Somewhere someone has dropped the ball to allow this to happen. Is it safe for players playing three games in eight days? Football is a game of bumps and bruises and recovery time is needed. That is one reason football only plays one game per week instead of two like all other sports. Seems to me the only safe option is play Tuesday the 5th and again the 9th. The only other option would be cancel the game altogether.
Friday, September 2, 2016
Time For College Football
The Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan opened their 2016 season tonight at Stevenson University just outside of Baltimore and Bishops head coach Jeff Filkovski sent sophomore quarterback Nathan Gardner to the shotgun and the first quarter could not have been worse for Gardner. His first pass was almost intercepted, a completion of 15 yards to preseason All American Malik Adams two interceptions and before the half a third int. Stevenson put 20 points on the board and 13 came on drives that covered less than 10 yards each.
Despite all that the Battling Bishops held together including a Bobby Tucker pick and Gardner got his
Composure and the Bishops scored on a five yard run by Gerrel Patton and two touchdown tosses by Gardner to Brandon Leake 38 yards and Malik Adams 38 yards the Bishops led at the half 21-20. Gardner hit 11-21 passes in the half covering 177 yards.
The third quarter started as the first but Stevenson joined Gardner with an interception and fumble while Gardner threw two more picks in the first four minutes of the third. Once again The Bishops drive to the Stevenson 20 where on fourth and one the Stevenson defense cause a seven yard lost. They took the new life and drive the field to take with a two point conversion a 28-21 lead.
Malik Adams gave the Maryland crowd a view of an All American catching his second touchdown on a 32 yarder over his head to tie the game. The game went into the fourth quarter tied and for the sixth time Nathan Gardner was picked and the result was a 37 yard pick six. The clock was running down to three minutes and all night long the Battling Bishops defense kept the the Bishops with a chance but on a third and 22 and you know Stevenson will run to keep the clock ticking they broke a 52 yard run for a touchdown to seal a 42-28 victory.
Because high school football took center stage last night here is my college picks for the week.
Yes there is Friday football and it is upstate New York. Syracuse opens with a victory over Colgate 38-21
Today the ACC has it's first conference game of the year and it begins at Boston College as the home team but the game is in Dublin Ireland. The Rambling Wreck of Georgia Tech takes on the Eagles. BC 27 Georgia Tech 23
Florida A&M greets Miami's new coach. Miami 44 FAM 16
Many people expect Clemson in the football playoffs. They won't be if they lose at Auburn. Clemson 36 Auburn 28
Carolina begins the season in Atlanta meeting Georgia in Georgia Dome. New coach in Athens but the Dogs still win the opener. Georgia 35 Carolina 31
North Carolina Central makes the walk over to Duke to begin the season. Might need to ride the bus back Duke 41 Central 16
New boss in town in Blacksburg and Liberty is first in line. Gobblers win opener 38-23
Richmond travels up I-64 to UVA and this will be a battle Virginia 33 Richmond 28
Villanova makes a visit across the the state of PA to meet Pittsburgh who made a move towards the top in the division and they open with a win 36 -13
There is a game on Sunday when Notre Dame goes to Big D to take on Texas. The Fighting Irish open with a Erin 32-22
Monday ends the first weekend of college football with a team that seems to always be the Labor Day Monday night player Florida State. If FSU wants to make it to the final four playoff they can't afford to lose this game being played in Orlando against a high rising team Mississippi. This could be a dog fight. FSU36 Mississippi 33
Despite all that the Battling Bishops held together including a Bobby Tucker pick and Gardner got his
Composure and the Bishops scored on a five yard run by Gerrel Patton and two touchdown tosses by Gardner to Brandon Leake 38 yards and Malik Adams 38 yards the Bishops led at the half 21-20. Gardner hit 11-21 passes in the half covering 177 yards.
The third quarter started as the first but Stevenson joined Gardner with an interception and fumble while Gardner threw two more picks in the first four minutes of the third. Once again The Bishops drive to the Stevenson 20 where on fourth and one the Stevenson defense cause a seven yard lost. They took the new life and drive the field to take with a two point conversion a 28-21 lead.
Malik Adams gave the Maryland crowd a view of an All American catching his second touchdown on a 32 yarder over his head to tie the game. The game went into the fourth quarter tied and for the sixth time Nathan Gardner was picked and the result was a 37 yard pick six. The clock was running down to three minutes and all night long the Battling Bishops defense kept the the Bishops with a chance but on a third and 22 and you know Stevenson will run to keep the clock ticking they broke a 52 yard run for a touchdown to seal a 42-28 victory.
Because high school football took center stage last night here is my college picks for the week.
Yes there is Friday football and it is upstate New York. Syracuse opens with a victory over Colgate 38-21
Today the ACC has it's first conference game of the year and it begins at Boston College as the home team but the game is in Dublin Ireland. The Rambling Wreck of Georgia Tech takes on the Eagles. BC 27 Georgia Tech 23
Florida A&M greets Miami's new coach. Miami 44 FAM 16
Many people expect Clemson in the football playoffs. They won't be if they lose at Auburn. Clemson 36 Auburn 28
Carolina begins the season in Atlanta meeting Georgia in Georgia Dome. New coach in Athens but the Dogs still win the opener. Georgia 35 Carolina 31
North Carolina Central makes the walk over to Duke to begin the season. Might need to ride the bus back Duke 41 Central 16
New boss in town in Blacksburg and Liberty is first in line. Gobblers win opener 38-23
Richmond travels up I-64 to UVA and this will be a battle Virginia 33 Richmond 28
Villanova makes a visit across the the state of PA to meet Pittsburgh who made a move towards the top in the division and they open with a win 36 -13
There is a game on Sunday when Notre Dame goes to Big D to take on Texas. The Fighting Irish open with a Erin 32-22
Monday ends the first weekend of college football with a team that seems to always be the Labor Day Monday night player Florida State. If FSU wants to make it to the final four playoff they can't afford to lose this game being played in Orlando against a high rising team Mississippi. This could be a dog fight. FSU36 Mississippi 33
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Gryphons Win Second
The Rocky Mount Gryphons score on their opening two drives had to wait out a thirty minute lightening delay and pretty much did what they had to do the rest of the way to knock off Hertford County 35-14.
After forcing a Bears punt The Gryphons went 80 yards on four plays with 66 coming on BJ Sanders 66 yard run off left tackle. The Chase Miller extra point gave Ricky Mount 7-0 lead at the 7:52 mark of the 1st quarter. The second time the Gryphons touch it they took nine plays and score on a Mckenzy Wright 25 yard toss to Charlie Wiliams with 2:38 in the quarter.
The Bears best drive of the night took 11plays and the last four came at the Gryphon five yard line after the half hour delay when quarterback Lance Hunter hit Kortey Stephens in the front corner of the end zone to cut the lead to 14-7 where it remained to the half.
The Gryphons took the second half kickoff nine plays and made it 21-7 when B J Sanders got his second score of the game on an eight yard run at the 8:18 of the third. Ricky Mount push the lead
To 28-7 on the first play of the fourth quarter when backup quarterback Shabios Lynch tossed a touch down pass to KK Edwards which covered 36 yards.
The second team defense finished the game for Rocky Mount as The Bears went right down the field and scored on a 13 yard catch to trim the lead to 28-14 with 9:28 to go. Rocky Mount used 12 plays and over six minutes and scored the final touchdown on a three yard Jalen Watson run up the middle with three minutes left to finish at 35-14
The Gryphons rushed for 224 yards led by 114 for BJ Sanders. Wright was 6-12 102 yards passing and Lynch added 36 yards more for a total of 362. Hertford County passed for 178 but had only 47 rushing for 225.
Other Thursday night scores.
Nash Central 43 North Johnston 15 when was the last time the Bulldogs won two in a Row?
Southern Nash 31 Bunn 16
I am not sure since Rocky Mount dropped to 3A that they have beaten DH Conley in soccer. Today in Rocky Mount the Gryphons played Conley to a 1-1 draw.
The Gryphons took the second half kickoff nine plays and made it 21-7 when B J Sanders got his second score of the game on an eight yard run at the 8:18 of the third. Ricky Mount push the lead
To 28-7 on the first play of the fourth quarter when backup quarterback Shabios Lynch tossed a touch down pass to KK Edwards which covered 36 yards.
The second team defense finished the game for Rocky Mount as The Bears went right down the field and scored on a 13 yard catch to trim the lead to 28-14 with 9:28 to go. Rocky Mount used 12 plays and over six minutes and scored the final touchdown on a three yard Jalen Watson run up the middle with three minutes left to finish at 35-14
The Gryphons rushed for 224 yards led by 114 for BJ Sanders. Wright was 6-12 102 yards passing and Lynch added 36 yards more for a total of 362. Hertford County passed for 178 but had only 47 rushing for 225.
Other Thursday night scores.
Nash Central 43 North Johnston 15 when was the last time the Bulldogs won two in a Row?
Southern Nash 31 Bunn 16
I am not sure since Rocky Mount dropped to 3A that they have beaten DH Conley in soccer. Today in Rocky Mount the Gryphons played Conley to a 1-1 draw.
Weekend Football Starts Tonight
Last week 7-2 to go with a 6-3 first week have started out at 13-5. Compared to last year with only one miss the first two weeks need to pick up the correct winners. Three games will play tonight to get a long Labor Day going.
North Johnston 2-0 @ Nash Central 1-1: This will be a good game to see whether the Bulldogs surge with a win under their belts. This will not be easy. I think this game will show that the Bulldogs are better. Nash Central 26 North Johnston 21
SouthWest Edgecombe 0-2 @ South Central 0-2: This will not make it as game of the week but it is important for both of these teams to begin to show improvement.. South Central 27 SWE 23
Southern Nash 2-0 @ Bunn 2-0:: The Wildcats already have a victory over Fike so this is a measuring stick for Southern Nash. If the Firebirds hold on to the ball they win this one. SN 38 Bunn 24.
Rocky Mount Prep 0-2 @ North East Carolina Prep 0-2: This should be a evenly matched game and would not surprise me if it goes over time. NECP 20 RMP18.
Rocky Mount Academy 2-0 @ Community Christian 0-2: RMA has now got a program that this game should be a blowout. They cannot let this be close. RMA 48 CC 6.
Hertford County 1-1 @ Rocky Mount 1-1: These two have played every year ever since the Gryphons dropped to 3A. Most of the time the series has been dominated by the Gryphons.. Don't think it will be a blowout like last year but Rocky Mount wins Gryphons 34 Hertford County 6
Tarboro 2-0 @ Northern Nash 1-1: Of the games being played on Friday this is the game of the Night. The Knights defense will need to last all four quarters. You know the Viking game hide the ball and pound you. Vikings go to 3-0 26 Knights 13.
The college football season begins tonight and one of the two happens in Raleigh and the other in Winston Salem
Wiliam & Mary @ NC State. Pressure is on in Raleigh with tougher non conference schedule plus the hardest conference slate. Tonight is not one however the Tribe is not a Patsy. Pack should get season off on right foot NC State 33 Wiliam & Mary 20
Tulane @ Wake Forest. This is a hard game to pick but I'll take the Deacs at home Wake 20 Tulane 10.
Charlotte @ Louisville. Charlotte is a fairly good team, maybe not tonight The Ville 38 Chatlotte 21
North Carolina Wesleyan College begins it's football season for the second year in a row Friday night when they travel to Stevenson University near Baltimore. I suspect this one will be played in the rain. Stevenson 24 NCW17
Several high school games were already schedule for tonight because of the Holiday weekend. I can't say I have heard about movements on all games. Check your local school because I suspect they are tonight instead of Friday because of the Tropical Storm.
North Johnston 2-0 @ Nash Central 1-1: This will be a good game to see whether the Bulldogs surge with a win under their belts. This will not be easy. I think this game will show that the Bulldogs are better. Nash Central 26 North Johnston 21
SouthWest Edgecombe 0-2 @ South Central 0-2: This will not make it as game of the week but it is important for both of these teams to begin to show improvement.. South Central 27 SWE 23
Southern Nash 2-0 @ Bunn 2-0:: The Wildcats already have a victory over Fike so this is a measuring stick for Southern Nash. If the Firebirds hold on to the ball they win this one. SN 38 Bunn 24.
Rocky Mount Prep 0-2 @ North East Carolina Prep 0-2: This should be a evenly matched game and would not surprise me if it goes over time. NECP 20 RMP18.
Rocky Mount Academy 2-0 @ Community Christian 0-2: RMA has now got a program that this game should be a blowout. They cannot let this be close. RMA 48 CC 6.
Hertford County 1-1 @ Rocky Mount 1-1: These two have played every year ever since the Gryphons dropped to 3A. Most of the time the series has been dominated by the Gryphons.. Don't think it will be a blowout like last year but Rocky Mount wins Gryphons 34 Hertford County 6
Tarboro 2-0 @ Northern Nash 1-1: Of the games being played on Friday this is the game of the Night. The Knights defense will need to last all four quarters. You know the Viking game hide the ball and pound you. Vikings go to 3-0 26 Knights 13.
The college football season begins tonight and one of the two happens in Raleigh and the other in Winston Salem
Wiliam & Mary @ NC State. Pressure is on in Raleigh with tougher non conference schedule plus the hardest conference slate. Tonight is not one however the Tribe is not a Patsy. Pack should get season off on right foot NC State 33 Wiliam & Mary 20
Tulane @ Wake Forest. This is a hard game to pick but I'll take the Deacs at home Wake 20 Tulane 10.
Charlotte @ Louisville. Charlotte is a fairly good team, maybe not tonight The Ville 38 Chatlotte 21
North Carolina Wesleyan College begins it's football season for the second year in a row Friday night when they travel to Stevenson University near Baltimore. I suspect this one will be played in the rain. Stevenson 24 NCW17
Several high school games were already schedule for tonight because of the Holiday weekend. I can't say I have heard about movements on all games. Check your local school because I suspect they are tonight instead of Friday because of the Tropical Storm.
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