Rocky Mount was jolted by Southern Nash with their first conference loss in two years. The loss drops the Gryphons back into a tie with the tie breaker in their hands against Nash Central. They need to win out to protect second place and with it at least one home game in the playoffs.
This year only the league champs will be seeded and then every other team will be seeded by record. If the Gryphons win their final two games their play off record will be set at 9-1. That kind of record could get as high as 7th or 8th maybe and if it is that high a possible two home games if they win their opener. Just one loss could throw them down to a 17 seed an a road game right off the bat.
So the Gryphons have plenty to play for. Remember last year expecting to hit the road in round three got a third home game because of an upset. This new seeding process should eliminate any 2-8 team making the playoffs so all the conference champs will not be 50 point favorites like some first round games have ended. It also will provide those middle seed first round games to be tougher too.
Those that need a silver lining the Gryphons have one. Take away the two roughing the passer penalties in the fourth quarter and I doubt the Firebirds score in the fourth quarter. That would have left Rocky Mount shutting out Southern the last 41 minutes.
The biggest bug-a-boo all year and maybe last year is pass coverage. Southern only tried five passes but hit two biggies. Without those two passes the Gryphon defense did a great job. You still have to remember the Firebirds controlled the clock by making several fourth down plays not giving the Gryphons the ball. Southern proved that the best defense is not letting the other side have the ball. Limited as they were the offense for Rocky Mount did ok for the most part until the three and out with seven minutes to go.
I would not want to look on the playoff bracket come November 12th and see the name Nash Central in my column. The Bulldogs are getting better every game especially on defense. You know why I think they are improving so much. There is no longer heads hung when Bulldogs players tell people they play for Nash Central.
They have obtained a pride wearing that burgundy and silver. There is no reason in the world Chris Lee is not coach of the year bringing the Bulldogs back from obscurity. They can really cause a mess in the league Friday night when they play Southern Nash especially if the Firebirds have a let down after their big victory over Rocky Mount.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Southern Nash Had More Than First To Play For
Friday Night's battle with Rocky Mount for first place in the Big East is a major goal of every team when they suit up to sweat starting in August. The Birdbirds look forward to any victory over Rocky Mount but for first place that is extra special. This year however the Firebirds had something else to play for.
Just over two weeks ago coach Brian Foster's wife Kim and son Zack were involved in a wreck on the way to the beach. Their injuries they still lie in a hospital in Wilmington. Right there with them every operation each has incurred since has been coach Brian Foster. There is never a question of choice. Your real family comes first so for two weeks now the Firebird football team has been without their leader at practice and for the second week a game. This one just happened to be senior night the last regular season home game for the Firebirds. Zack just last year the Firebird quarterback
Number 14 was worn by Nadir Thompson who pulled down the lead touchdown pass. Southern Nash had many reasons to win Friday night and they played like it.
Rocky Mount Academy 8-2 opens their private school playoffs this Friday night when they host St David's 8-2. St David's two losses this year are to Southampton 1st place 10-0 and Rocky Mount Academy 8-2 both their losses are to Southampton. The Eagles beat St Davids on October 5th 60-8.
Southampton 10-0 will host Parrott Academy 5-4 in their first round game. The two winners meet in two weeks.
They have had this game on a schedule to play for about the last three Monday nights. North Edgecombe 7-0 at Rocky Mount Prep 3-5. This game can not come at a worse time for the Warriors. The showdown with Tarboro looms this Friday but this Hurricane Matthew makeup game stands in the way.
Can the Warriors focus their attention on this game. They need too. Had a 5-3 Friday night on picks to fall to 56-21 on the season. This game should not be close but the question is how focused will the Warriors will be. 36-8 Warriors.
Just over two weeks ago coach Brian Foster's wife Kim and son Zack were involved in a wreck on the way to the beach. Their injuries they still lie in a hospital in Wilmington. Right there with them every operation each has incurred since has been coach Brian Foster. There is never a question of choice. Your real family comes first so for two weeks now the Firebird football team has been without their leader at practice and for the second week a game. This one just happened to be senior night the last regular season home game for the Firebirds. Zack just last year the Firebird quarterback
Number 14 was worn by Nadir Thompson who pulled down the lead touchdown pass. Southern Nash had many reasons to win Friday night and they played like it.
Rocky Mount Academy 8-2 opens their private school playoffs this Friday night when they host St David's 8-2. St David's two losses this year are to Southampton 1st place 10-0 and Rocky Mount Academy 8-2 both their losses are to Southampton. The Eagles beat St Davids on October 5th 60-8.
Southampton 10-0 will host Parrott Academy 5-4 in their first round game. The two winners meet in two weeks.
They have had this game on a schedule to play for about the last three Monday nights. North Edgecombe 7-0 at Rocky Mount Prep 3-5. This game can not come at a worse time for the Warriors. The showdown with Tarboro looms this Friday but this Hurricane Matthew makeup game stands in the way.
Can the Warriors focus their attention on this game. They need too. Had a 5-3 Friday night on picks to fall to 56-21 on the season. This game should not be close but the question is how focused will the Warriors will be. 36-8 Warriors.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Northern Nash Boys XC Tops In The East
Northern Nash the host team for the Eastern Regional Cross Country Championships were rude host today as they took home the title of Eastern Champs edging Corinith Holders 72-80. Jacob Gonzalez of South Johnston was the individual winner running the 3.1 miles in 15 minutes and 47 seconds.
Without wining the individual title the top five Northern Nash runners all finished in the top 27 led by senior Daniel Belton who took home fourth. Cross Country counts the score based on each person finishing position so Belton was four points for the Knights. The catch to cross county is the team with the least points wins so finishing 8thwas sophomore. Jordan Richardson, 15th Joesph Dees sophomore, 20th Junior Sam Page, and 27th sophomore Tyric Hill.
Do you get the feeling that Northern's future is bright as a junior and three sophomores are returning next year. Up next the state championships next week. Fike finished 7th, Rocky Mount 8th, Hunt 18th and Southern Nash 22nd.
The girls championship was won by West Carteret. Northern Nash girls finished 4th, Fike 9th and Rocky Mount 10th.
Today at the Rocky Mount Athletic Stadium the shootout between Averitt and North Carolina Wesleyan the Battling Bishops came up short on bullets and lose any chance for the playoffs losing 38-34.
Averitt scored with 2:07 to play to regain the lead and the win. It didn't start out as a shootout as The Cougars score 17 straight points in the first quarter. The only way to slow the Cougars down was a hole developed in the ground around the fifty yard line and by the time a shovel and a five gallon bucket of dirt could be gotten from the baseball sports complex the delay killed Averitt's momentum with ten seconds to go in the quarter which took about 15 minutes to fill the hole.
The first play of the second quarter Deandre Gillis scored from four yards out to put the Bishops on the board. 69 seconds later Malik Adam touched a punt as his 20 has to retreat back to the 13 to pick it up and preceded to go all the way for a touchdown. Chris Richardson made four of five extra points missed this one to make it 17-13. Averitt scored before the half ended to lead 24-13.
The Bishops came out like a house on fire and scored on a one yarder by Adrian Minondo at 12:58 of the third. Deandre Gillis put the Bishops on top on their next drive scampering 71 yards to take the lead 27-24.
The fourth quarter Averitt scored twice while the Bishops just once to win it 38-34. If you look at stats you wonder how this game was close at all. Averitt ran 86 plays to the Bishops 55. Averitt passed for 276 to the Bishops 86. The Cougars rushed for 214 while the Bishops 275.
Sean Bowman was a load on the Bishops with 29 carries for 171 yards. Deandre Gillis had 17 carries for 211. Averitt pushes ahead of the Bishops at 4-3 but 3-1 in conference while the Bishops drop yo 3-4 2-2.
Without wining the individual title the top five Northern Nash runners all finished in the top 27 led by senior Daniel Belton who took home fourth. Cross Country counts the score based on each person finishing position so Belton was four points for the Knights. The catch to cross county is the team with the least points wins so finishing 8thwas sophomore. Jordan Richardson, 15th Joesph Dees sophomore, 20th Junior Sam Page, and 27th sophomore Tyric Hill.
Do you get the feeling that Northern's future is bright as a junior and three sophomores are returning next year. Up next the state championships next week. Fike finished 7th, Rocky Mount 8th, Hunt 18th and Southern Nash 22nd.
The girls championship was won by West Carteret. Northern Nash girls finished 4th, Fike 9th and Rocky Mount 10th.
Today at the Rocky Mount Athletic Stadium the shootout between Averitt and North Carolina Wesleyan the Battling Bishops came up short on bullets and lose any chance for the playoffs losing 38-34.
Averitt scored with 2:07 to play to regain the lead and the win. It didn't start out as a shootout as The Cougars score 17 straight points in the first quarter. The only way to slow the Cougars down was a hole developed in the ground around the fifty yard line and by the time a shovel and a five gallon bucket of dirt could be gotten from the baseball sports complex the delay killed Averitt's momentum with ten seconds to go in the quarter which took about 15 minutes to fill the hole.
The first play of the second quarter Deandre Gillis scored from four yards out to put the Bishops on the board. 69 seconds later Malik Adam touched a punt as his 20 has to retreat back to the 13 to pick it up and preceded to go all the way for a touchdown. Chris Richardson made four of five extra points missed this one to make it 17-13. Averitt scored before the half ended to lead 24-13.
The Bishops came out like a house on fire and scored on a one yarder by Adrian Minondo at 12:58 of the third. Deandre Gillis put the Bishops on top on their next drive scampering 71 yards to take the lead 27-24.
The fourth quarter Averitt scored twice while the Bishops just once to win it 38-34. If you look at stats you wonder how this game was close at all. Averitt ran 86 plays to the Bishops 55. Averitt passed for 276 to the Bishops 86. The Cougars rushed for 214 while the Bishops 275.
Sean Bowman was a load on the Bishops with 29 carries for 171 yards. Deandre Gillis had 17 carries for 211. Averitt pushes ahead of the Bishops at 4-3 but 3-1 in conference while the Bishops drop yo 3-4 2-2.
Friday, October 28, 2016
4th Quarter Belongs To Firebirds
During the last year and almost two year run that Rocky Mount has made in football there has only been one team that beat them in the fourth quarter. Last Season Middle Creek came back to win in the fourth and now you can add Southern Nash.
Rocky Mount found themselves down 7-0 at the half in a first half that was totally the Firdbirds. The Gryphons had only three plays in the first quarter for only one minute and five seconds. The Firebirds took the opening kickoff and methodically drove down the field taking almost seven minutes to score and lead on a six yard run by Kendrick Bell. After Rocky Mount three and out the Firebirds finished off the first quarter but the Gryphon defense began to get their licks end and finally just before the half drove down to the Firebird five where the Southern Nash D made the stop.
Rocky Mount came right out and drove the field to tie at 9:44 of the third on a Collins 21 yard run. The Firebirds played keep a way from the Gryphons going for several fourth down plays all night and the Gryphons got the ball back and Chase Miller nailed a 30 yard field goal with 11:15 of the fourth to take a 10-7 lead.
The Gryphons had Southern right where they wanted them but a third down incomplete pass the Gryphons roughed the quarterback giving Southern a first down only out to the Southern 35. Three plays later a spectacular catch on a third and 15 was two yards short of a first down but another roughing the quarterback not only had a 13 yard pickup but add 15 more. You can only give a good team some of their nine lives back so many times and Southern said that you Rocky Mount scoring on a 47 yard pass I think to Nadir Thompson In the far corner of the end zone with only 8:27 to go. Southern has the type numbers on their back you cannot see unless they have their back directly facing you. Right after the catch there were so many players celebrating the catch I had no way of telling who caught the ball.
Southern Defense did their job forcing a Gryphon punt around the seven minute mark. Southern would not let the Gryphons get the ball back and score With 1:05 to play to ice the game by Bell and a 21-10 lead. The Firebird D picked off a toss in the end zone to secure first place in the Big East.
Southern rush 45 times for 162 yards and another five passes for 87 yards. Rocky Mount ran 33 times for 103 yards and added 53 yards on eight passes. Southern runs 50 plays to Rocky Mount's 41 but it sure seemed as they had the ball twice as much as the The Gryphons.
Southern is now 9- 0 and in the drivers seat for first place in the Big East while Rocky Mount drops to 7-2.
Other action:
Nash Central 28 Hunt 0
Fike 19 Northern Nash 7
Southampton Va 48 RMA 13
Riverside 57 RM Prep 13
Tarboro 51 Northampton 0
North Johnston 34 SouthWest Edgecombe 20
North Edgecombe 22 South Creek 16
Rocky Mount found themselves down 7-0 at the half in a first half that was totally the Firdbirds. The Gryphons had only three plays in the first quarter for only one minute and five seconds. The Firebirds took the opening kickoff and methodically drove down the field taking almost seven minutes to score and lead on a six yard run by Kendrick Bell. After Rocky Mount three and out the Firebirds finished off the first quarter but the Gryphon defense began to get their licks end and finally just before the half drove down to the Firebird five where the Southern Nash D made the stop.
Rocky Mount came right out and drove the field to tie at 9:44 of the third on a Collins 21 yard run. The Firebirds played keep a way from the Gryphons going for several fourth down plays all night and the Gryphons got the ball back and Chase Miller nailed a 30 yard field goal with 11:15 of the fourth to take a 10-7 lead.
The Gryphons had Southern right where they wanted them but a third down incomplete pass the Gryphons roughed the quarterback giving Southern a first down only out to the Southern 35. Three plays later a spectacular catch on a third and 15 was two yards short of a first down but another roughing the quarterback not only had a 13 yard pickup but add 15 more. You can only give a good team some of their nine lives back so many times and Southern said that you Rocky Mount scoring on a 47 yard pass I think to Nadir Thompson In the far corner of the end zone with only 8:27 to go. Southern has the type numbers on their back you cannot see unless they have their back directly facing you. Right after the catch there were so many players celebrating the catch I had no way of telling who caught the ball.
Southern Defense did their job forcing a Gryphon punt around the seven minute mark. Southern would not let the Gryphons get the ball back and score With 1:05 to play to ice the game by Bell and a 21-10 lead. The Firebird D picked off a toss in the end zone to secure first place in the Big East.
Southern rush 45 times for 162 yards and another five passes for 87 yards. Rocky Mount ran 33 times for 103 yards and added 53 yards on eight passes. Southern runs 50 plays to Rocky Mount's 41 but it sure seemed as they had the ball twice as much as the The Gryphons.
Southern is now 9- 0 and in the drivers seat for first place in the Big East while Rocky Mount drops to 7-2.
Other action:
Nash Central 28 Hunt 0
Fike 19 Northern Nash 7
Southampton Va 48 RMA 13
Riverside 57 RM Prep 13
Tarboro 51 Northampton 0
North Johnston 34 SouthWest Edgecombe 20
North Edgecombe 22 South Creek 16
College Schedule Tightens
Last week went 6-0 on the games played to spurt my record for the year to 57-18. There are several games critical to conferences standing this week. We will start with a biggie in Conference USA South.
Averitt 3-3 2-1 @ North Carolina Wesleyan 3-3 2-1: These two are battling for second spot behind Maryville. Let's compare scores. Maryville 31 Averitt 26, Maryville 31 NC W 17. Averitt 52 Greensboro 6, NC W 44 Greensboro 0. All indications this will be a dog fight. Playing home I give the edge to the Bishops 27-23
Connecticut 3-5 @ ECU 2-5: The Pirates losers of five in a row. U Conn has lost five but they have been very competitive in all. I'll take the Huskies 31-23
Boston College 3-4 @ N C State 4-3: When was the last time State played a top ten team and that team stated they were ready to play against the Pack. Just maybe a little respect was afforded to the Pack by Louisville. Something the FSU and Clemson have never worried about against the Pack. If they have at least risen to respectability they need to pound BC. State 34 BC 24
Duke 3-4 @ Georgia Tech 4-3: I wrongly thought this game was last week and picked Duke. Changed my mind this week. Tech 27 Duke 24
Army 4-3 @ Wake Forest 5-2: There is a chance the Deacs are 6-2 after this week but they had better be ready to play. Wake 26 USMA 20
Miami 4-3 @ Notre Dame 2-5: The Canes have lost three straight and the Irish are floundering as well. The Irish just might win this one in front of touchdown Jesus.
Clemson 7-0 @Florida State 5-2: FSU gave up 59 to Louisville and Clemson won in the fourth quarter against the Cardinals. Just don't think the Noles can win this one but if you are going to compare scores between State and Clemson and Louisville and State, Louisville best team in league. If The Tigers want any part of the playoffs they had better not lose in the Sunshine State. Clemson 36 FSU 28.
Louisville 6-1 at UVA 2-5: We will get to see how much respect the Cards give the Wahoos in Charlotteville. Remember with Ohio State losing the Cards are inching up on top four in the polls with no big head line game rest of the way. Look for 60 if they can get it. Louisville 56 UVA 17
Averitt 3-3 2-1 @ North Carolina Wesleyan 3-3 2-1: These two are battling for second spot behind Maryville. Let's compare scores. Maryville 31 Averitt 26, Maryville 31 NC W 17. Averitt 52 Greensboro 6, NC W 44 Greensboro 0. All indications this will be a dog fight. Playing home I give the edge to the Bishops 27-23
Connecticut 3-5 @ ECU 2-5: The Pirates losers of five in a row. U Conn has lost five but they have been very competitive in all. I'll take the Huskies 31-23
Boston College 3-4 @ N C State 4-3: When was the last time State played a top ten team and that team stated they were ready to play against the Pack. Just maybe a little respect was afforded to the Pack by Louisville. Something the FSU and Clemson have never worried about against the Pack. If they have at least risen to respectability they need to pound BC. State 34 BC 24
Duke 3-4 @ Georgia Tech 4-3: I wrongly thought this game was last week and picked Duke. Changed my mind this week. Tech 27 Duke 24
Army 4-3 @ Wake Forest 5-2: There is a chance the Deacs are 6-2 after this week but they had better be ready to play. Wake 26 USMA 20
Miami 4-3 @ Notre Dame 2-5: The Canes have lost three straight and the Irish are floundering as well. The Irish just might win this one in front of touchdown Jesus.
Clemson 7-0 @Florida State 5-2: FSU gave up 59 to Louisville and Clemson won in the fourth quarter against the Cardinals. Just don't think the Noles can win this one but if you are going to compare scores between State and Clemson and Louisville and State, Louisville best team in league. If The Tigers want any part of the playoffs they had better not lose in the Sunshine State. Clemson 36 FSU 28.
Louisville 6-1 at UVA 2-5: We will get to see how much respect the Cards give the Wahoos in Charlotteville. Remember with Ohio State losing the Cards are inching up on top four in the polls with no big head line game rest of the way. Look for 60 if they can get it. Louisville 56 UVA 17
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Show Down Week
It is the week that has been broiling that it was going to be the game of the year in the Big East. Rocky Mount and Southern Nash have not disappointed. The Middle of the pack both Nash Central and Northern Nash have a chance to put distance between themselves and both Wilson County Schools as they meet both this week.
Rocky Mount Academy 8-1 @ Southampton Academy Virginia 9-0: I can't see the Eagles making that much improvement in two weeks after the slaughter they took to SA two weeks ago. The good news is Southampton is in a different division when playoffs start. Southampton 48 RMA 26
South Creek 3-5 @ North Edgecombe 7-0: The Warriors will tune up for the big game with Tarboro next week. Warriors 36 South Creek 12
Tarboro 6-2 @ Northampton 4-5: I can't imagine this one being close unless Tarboro has North Edgecombe on their mind. I doubt it. Tarboro 48 Rams 6
North Johnston 5-3 @ SouthWest a Edgecombe 3-5: They lost their first five game but are on a roll now. Look out and don't be surprised if the Cougars win. SWE 36 North Johnston 20
Northern Nash 5-3 @ Fike 4-4: Fike lost their top quarterback against Rocky Mount. The Knights need this one since Fike is limited at quarterback. Northern Nash will win 23-17. Fike has three D 1 field goal kickers on their roster. All three in practice against Rocky Mount were hitting from 50. Northern needs not to let Fike have the ball with any kicking chance late.
Rocky Mount Prep 3-4 @ Riverside 6-2. Riverside is a decent team maybe not in Tarboro's level but they will be a load for Prep. Riverside 36 RMP12
Hunt 3-5 @ Nash Central 5-3: Nash Central is back. I think now that they have broken their four year conference losing streak they now start a winning streak. Nash Central 34 Hunt 13
Rocky Mount 7-1 @ Southern Nash 8-0: The two powerhouse teams in the league collide. A question for Rocky Mount is what is the health of kicker Chase Miller who did not kick in the second half against Fike with his leg wrapped. This could be the type week where a kick could be the difference.
This game is of third round playoff quality and Win or lose these two could meet again with teams like Havelock and West Craven having a say in that.. Rocky Mount has played the tougher schedule but Not only can the Birds run but they have a deep threat in the passing game. This will be a barn burner. Rocky Mount 35 Southern Nash 34.
The Rocky Mount girls tennis team 12-2 traveled in the opening round to Northern Guilford 13-3. The Lady Gryphons advance to round two in the team playoffs with a 5-3 victory over NG. Round two in the team playoffs is Tuesday while Sarah Bland and Grace Warner will play in the final 16 of the doubles state championships Friday. Fike the only other team from the Big East was an easy winner 8-1 and they too will play Tuesday.
There is a college football game of the ACC tonight and it is a rather good one. Virginia Tech 5-2 at Pittsburgh 5-2. This could be a wild one. Pitt has a hard time stopping anyone and their offense can score. In a shoot out I doubt Tech can out scoring Pitt. But I think Tech can slow down Pitt just enough to win Tech 27 Pitt 24.
Rocky Mount Academy 8-1 @ Southampton Academy Virginia 9-0: I can't see the Eagles making that much improvement in two weeks after the slaughter they took to SA two weeks ago. The good news is Southampton is in a different division when playoffs start. Southampton 48 RMA 26
South Creek 3-5 @ North Edgecombe 7-0: The Warriors will tune up for the big game with Tarboro next week. Warriors 36 South Creek 12
Tarboro 6-2 @ Northampton 4-5: I can't imagine this one being close unless Tarboro has North Edgecombe on their mind. I doubt it. Tarboro 48 Rams 6
North Johnston 5-3 @ SouthWest a Edgecombe 3-5: They lost their first five game but are on a roll now. Look out and don't be surprised if the Cougars win. SWE 36 North Johnston 20
Northern Nash 5-3 @ Fike 4-4: Fike lost their top quarterback against Rocky Mount. The Knights need this one since Fike is limited at quarterback. Northern Nash will win 23-17. Fike has three D 1 field goal kickers on their roster. All three in practice against Rocky Mount were hitting from 50. Northern needs not to let Fike have the ball with any kicking chance late.
Rocky Mount Prep 3-4 @ Riverside 6-2. Riverside is a decent team maybe not in Tarboro's level but they will be a load for Prep. Riverside 36 RMP12
Hunt 3-5 @ Nash Central 5-3: Nash Central is back. I think now that they have broken their four year conference losing streak they now start a winning streak. Nash Central 34 Hunt 13
Rocky Mount 7-1 @ Southern Nash 8-0: The two powerhouse teams in the league collide. A question for Rocky Mount is what is the health of kicker Chase Miller who did not kick in the second half against Fike with his leg wrapped. This could be the type week where a kick could be the difference.
This game is of third round playoff quality and Win or lose these two could meet again with teams like Havelock and West Craven having a say in that.. Rocky Mount has played the tougher schedule but Not only can the Birds run but they have a deep threat in the passing game. This will be a barn burner. Rocky Mount 35 Southern Nash 34.
The Rocky Mount girls tennis team 12-2 traveled in the opening round to Northern Guilford 13-3. The Lady Gryphons advance to round two in the team playoffs with a 5-3 victory over NG. Round two in the team playoffs is Tuesday while Sarah Bland and Grace Warner will play in the final 16 of the doubles state championships Friday. Fike the only other team from the Big East was an easy winner 8-1 and they too will play Tuesday.
There is a college football game of the ACC tonight and it is a rather good one. Virginia Tech 5-2 at Pittsburgh 5-2. This could be a wild one. Pitt has a hard time stopping anyone and their offense can score. In a shoot out I doubt Tech can out scoring Pitt. But I think Tech can slow down Pitt just enough to win Tech 27 Pitt 24.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
High School Playoffs begin
This past weekend the regional tennis championships were held and no player from Nash County made the state championships. The doubles team of Sarah Bland and Grace Warner did make the championships in doubles. The singles and doubles state championships are this weekend at what has now become the home of the 3A championships the Burlington Tennis Center. The games will be played Friday and Saturday for singles and doubles.
The team championships according to the NCHSAA schedule were suppose to start last night but I cannot find anywhere where it did. Only two teams from the Big East made it and that was Fike 19-1 will host Northwood. Big East number two Rocky Mount 12-2 travels to Northern Guilford 13-3.
You might remember that team competition is always in the beginning of the week and singles and doubles comes toward the end. If the Gryphons survive their opening team match round two is next Tuesday. I can't imagine the teams not playing today. Remember the playoffs in the minor sports have been adjusted just like all sports trying to overcome the effect of Hurricane Matthew.
Volleyball will begin play tonight. The Big East has three teams in as the top seed from the Big East Hunt will host at home. Fike the regular season number two and Rocky Mount both hit the road. Rocky Mount has no small task as they travel to Gray's Creek who is the top seed in the east.
Last week went 10-4 in the NFL picks. We will just act as if the Seattle tie with Arizona did not exist and not bother to keep adding a one to the end of my record. as of Monday night I am now 52-28 on the season. Due to the high school playoffs my normal Wednesday NFL picks are on the shelf. You will just have to take my word when I go 16-0 next week.
I guess you have heard about this by now but the NFL viewership of their games is down 25% this season. Most speculate that citizens are protesting those players who will not stand for the National Anthem. There is of course a second reason as there have been some real dog games played on Prime Time including this Thursday night's game.
The NFL Network ran an article as to how to solve the problem and their answer was to put more San Diego Charger games on Prime Time. Every game but one has gone down to the last minute before being decided. I'm all for that and can't wait until December 11th when the Chargers visit the Panthers. It will be the first time I get to see Philip Rivers live since graduating from NC State.
I was there the last time the Chargers visited the Panthers in 2004 and Rivers was the third team quarterback behind Doug Flutie. Flutie and River stood during practice about and hour and a half before the game at the forty yard line and played a game of seeing who could hit the cross bar of the goal post with a pass. Rivers hit it four of ten times while Flutie struggle to even throw it far enough to hit the post. All this time starting quarterback Drew Brees was passing with his wide receivers warming up. The Panthers won the game 17-10
The team championships according to the NCHSAA schedule were suppose to start last night but I cannot find anywhere where it did. Only two teams from the Big East made it and that was Fike 19-1 will host Northwood. Big East number two Rocky Mount 12-2 travels to Northern Guilford 13-3.
You might remember that team competition is always in the beginning of the week and singles and doubles comes toward the end. If the Gryphons survive their opening team match round two is next Tuesday. I can't imagine the teams not playing today. Remember the playoffs in the minor sports have been adjusted just like all sports trying to overcome the effect of Hurricane Matthew.
Volleyball will begin play tonight. The Big East has three teams in as the top seed from the Big East Hunt will host at home. Fike the regular season number two and Rocky Mount both hit the road. Rocky Mount has no small task as they travel to Gray's Creek who is the top seed in the east.
Last week went 10-4 in the NFL picks. We will just act as if the Seattle tie with Arizona did not exist and not bother to keep adding a one to the end of my record. as of Monday night I am now 52-28 on the season. Due to the high school playoffs my normal Wednesday NFL picks are on the shelf. You will just have to take my word when I go 16-0 next week.
I guess you have heard about this by now but the NFL viewership of their games is down 25% this season. Most speculate that citizens are protesting those players who will not stand for the National Anthem. There is of course a second reason as there have been some real dog games played on Prime Time including this Thursday night's game.
The NFL Network ran an article as to how to solve the problem and their answer was to put more San Diego Charger games on Prime Time. Every game but one has gone down to the last minute before being decided. I'm all for that and can't wait until December 11th when the Chargers visit the Panthers. It will be the first time I get to see Philip Rivers live since graduating from NC State.
I was there the last time the Chargers visited the Panthers in 2004 and Rivers was the third team quarterback behind Doug Flutie. Flutie and River stood during practice about and hour and a half before the game at the forty yard line and played a game of seeing who could hit the cross bar of the goal post with a pass. Rivers hit it four of ten times while Flutie struggle to even throw it far enough to hit the post. All this time starting quarterback Drew Brees was passing with his wide receivers warming up. The Panthers won the game 17-10
Monday, October 24, 2016
Lookout for Family
We all who work in the workplace have rival companies that compete for business. Sports is the same but coaches in each different sport are a fraternity of brothers who love to beat each other but whenever one is down on their luck those others don't want to see any one suffer.
We head toward the possible biggest week in Big East football this season and Head Coach Brian Foster of Southern Nash missed all of last week with his Firebirds as he had family issues that took priority. Coach Foster wife Kim and son Zach were headed to the beach last weekend when they possibly had a flat tire. Zack the freshman backup quarterback at North Carolina Wesleyan was driving and while trying to slowdown their car flipped over jumped across the guard rail on I 40 and hit head on a with another car near Wimington on I-40.
The Foster's have multiple injuries to their legs, ankles, and feet. Each team regardless of who you pull for you want to beat everyone. You do want every team to be at their best when you play them. I hope coach Foster can get back on the field with his team this week which would mean his family is getting better. We pray all will be well as time passes to Kim and Zack Foster.
I think the answer to the question when was the last conference win for Nash Central was 2012. There is no doubt that Chris Lee has turn the Bulldog program around nicely in his year and a half. They should be set to compete for a conference championship next season when they drop to 2-A.
I think up coming in the football playoffs there will be a change in the seedings process. Look for the top two teams in each conference to be seeded by conference rank and then the rest going off overall record. That should eliminate 2-8 teams from getting in the playoffs but it will reward teams who played a light non conference schedule to be seeded higher than some who played tougher outside games.
I would suspect you had better be there early Friday night at Southern Nash when Rocky Mount pays a visit. At Southern in recent years has not been friendly for the Gryphons. This game most likely being for the top seed in the conference should be one of the biggest crowds ever in Southern history.
There has been plenty of confusion this season moving up varsity football to 7pm. Remember kickoff is 7 Friday night.
We head toward the possible biggest week in Big East football this season and Head Coach Brian Foster of Southern Nash missed all of last week with his Firebirds as he had family issues that took priority. Coach Foster wife Kim and son Zach were headed to the beach last weekend when they possibly had a flat tire. Zack the freshman backup quarterback at North Carolina Wesleyan was driving and while trying to slowdown their car flipped over jumped across the guard rail on I 40 and hit head on a with another car near Wimington on I-40.
The Foster's have multiple injuries to their legs, ankles, and feet. Each team regardless of who you pull for you want to beat everyone. You do want every team to be at their best when you play them. I hope coach Foster can get back on the field with his team this week which would mean his family is getting better. We pray all will be well as time passes to Kim and Zack Foster.
I think the answer to the question when was the last conference win for Nash Central was 2012. There is no doubt that Chris Lee has turn the Bulldog program around nicely in his year and a half. They should be set to compete for a conference championship next season when they drop to 2-A.
I think up coming in the football playoffs there will be a change in the seedings process. Look for the top two teams in each conference to be seeded by conference rank and then the rest going off overall record. That should eliminate 2-8 teams from getting in the playoffs but it will reward teams who played a light non conference schedule to be seeded higher than some who played tougher outside games.
I would suspect you had better be there early Friday night at Southern Nash when Rocky Mount pays a visit. At Southern in recent years has not been friendly for the Gryphons. This game most likely being for the top seed in the conference should be one of the biggest crowds ever in Southern history.
There has been plenty of confusion this season moving up varsity football to 7pm. Remember kickoff is 7 Friday night.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Only Two At The Top
Despite coach Brian Foster in Wilmington with his Wife Kim and son Zack who remained hospitalized after and auto accident last weekend the Firebirds did not allow the Hunt offense to score so you could say the Birds had a rather good night beating Hunt 35-6.
Rocky Mount moved the ball at will against Fike putting up 47 points and the first team defense giving up only 7 points. Both Rocky Mount and Southern Nash stand 2-0 in the Big East. The Firebirds stand 8-0 while Rocky Mount is 7-1. The Gryphons have won eight straight conference games their last lost occurred on October 28th 2014 when they lost 28-21 to Southern Nash.
If you recall Rocky Mount had the ball down inside the ten yard line with less than a minute to play and got a holding call plus an unsportsmanlike penalty on the bench which took away any hope in that loss. Since then however the Gryphons have learned from their mistakes and are 23-4.
Nash Central's win over over Northern Nash is their first conference win since? It's been a while. There is no doubt Nash Central now 5-3 1-1 in the Big East will be heading for the playoffs this season. The question on Northern Nash 5-3 1-1 has been can they score enough to win. Both are tied for third. It has been a while since all four Nash County schools are ahead in the standing of both Fike and Hunt 0-2.
Fike's 4-4 0-2 two conference losses are to both leaders Rocky Mount and Southern Nash. They just might have a say it in their three remaining games. Hunt 3-4 0-2 is having a terrible season. They are struggling to score and can't stop anybody. Looks like they may have a hard time winning a conference game and I doubt that has ever happened before.
When the NCHSAA decided to add a week to the season it help every team eliminate that three games in eight days but it probably helped Rocky Mount more than anyone else. The third game in that eight days would have been the trip to Southern Nash. Now they get a full week to prepare for what should be the championship game or at least give the winner a game lead with two to play.
There is a high school makeup game Monday night. North Edgecombe 6-0 come to Rocky Mount Academy 3-4. The Warriors should roll 44-6.
Rocky Mount moved the ball at will against Fike putting up 47 points and the first team defense giving up only 7 points. Both Rocky Mount and Southern Nash stand 2-0 in the Big East. The Firebirds stand 8-0 while Rocky Mount is 7-1. The Gryphons have won eight straight conference games their last lost occurred on October 28th 2014 when they lost 28-21 to Southern Nash.
If you recall Rocky Mount had the ball down inside the ten yard line with less than a minute to play and got a holding call plus an unsportsmanlike penalty on the bench which took away any hope in that loss. Since then however the Gryphons have learned from their mistakes and are 23-4.
Nash Central's win over over Northern Nash is their first conference win since? It's been a while. There is no doubt Nash Central now 5-3 1-1 in the Big East will be heading for the playoffs this season. The question on Northern Nash 5-3 1-1 has been can they score enough to win. Both are tied for third. It has been a while since all four Nash County schools are ahead in the standing of both Fike and Hunt 0-2.
Fike's 4-4 0-2 two conference losses are to both leaders Rocky Mount and Southern Nash. They just might have a say it in their three remaining games. Hunt 3-4 0-2 is having a terrible season. They are struggling to score and can't stop anybody. Looks like they may have a hard time winning a conference game and I doubt that has ever happened before.
When the NCHSAA decided to add a week to the season it help every team eliminate that three games in eight days but it probably helped Rocky Mount more than anyone else. The third game in that eight days would have been the trip to Southern Nash. Now they get a full week to prepare for what should be the championship game or at least give the winner a game lead with two to play.
There is a high school makeup game Monday night. North Edgecombe 6-0 come to Rocky Mount Academy 3-4. The Warriors should roll 44-6.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Bishops Throw A Shutout
The Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan traveled to Greenboro Saturday a week after having homecoming cancelled because of Hurricane Matthew and the Bishops didn't like to have to celebrate homecoming in Greensboro used and abused Greensboro College by the tune of 44-0.
The Bishops took the opening drive to the Pride five yard line before fumbling but the defense created a 3 and out and then the scoring spurt begun. Chris Richardson got the Bishops on the board at 4:51 of the first with a 25 yard field goal. Veon Bryd getting running action with the injury to Gerrell Patton scored on a one yard dive with 10 :59 to play in the half. It took a minute and a half before Adrian Minondo scored from 13 yards out and the score was 17-0. The 2:10 mark Deandre Gillis scampered ten yards to balloon the score to 24-0. The Bishop D who dominated the entire day gave the offense one more shot before the half and with no time left Chris Richardson nailed his second field goal to make the half time score of 27-0.
The Bishop D just maybe the greatest day ever in Wesleyan history as the Pride were held for the day to 51 yards rushing and only 29 passing for a total offense on the day of 80 yards. The Bishops led by Adrian Minondo 23 carries and 123 yards and Veon Byrd 13 totes and 106 yards. For the day the Bishops rushed for 349 yards and passed for 167.
The second half was almost a repeat of the first as Minondo scored from two yards out at 10:18 of the third. Second team quarterback Donielle Totten got a touchdown pass to Malik Adams for 26 yards still in the third quarter. Chris Richardson rounded out the Bishops scoring with his third field goal from 30 yards with 6:50 to play in the game.
The Battling Bishops evened their record to 3-3 and 2-1 in Conference USA South. They return home next Saturday October 29th with a 1pm kickoff either Averitt.
The Bishops took the opening drive to the Pride five yard line before fumbling but the defense created a 3 and out and then the scoring spurt begun. Chris Richardson got the Bishops on the board at 4:51 of the first with a 25 yard field goal. Veon Bryd getting running action with the injury to Gerrell Patton scored on a one yard dive with 10 :59 to play in the half. It took a minute and a half before Adrian Minondo scored from 13 yards out and the score was 17-0. The 2:10 mark Deandre Gillis scampered ten yards to balloon the score to 24-0. The Bishop D who dominated the entire day gave the offense one more shot before the half and with no time left Chris Richardson nailed his second field goal to make the half time score of 27-0.
The Bishop D just maybe the greatest day ever in Wesleyan history as the Pride were held for the day to 51 yards rushing and only 29 passing for a total offense on the day of 80 yards. The Bishops led by Adrian Minondo 23 carries and 123 yards and Veon Byrd 13 totes and 106 yards. For the day the Bishops rushed for 349 yards and passed for 167.
The second half was almost a repeat of the first as Minondo scored from two yards out at 10:18 of the third. Second team quarterback Donielle Totten got a touchdown pass to Malik Adams for 26 yards still in the third quarter. Chris Richardson rounded out the Bishops scoring with his third field goal from 30 yards with 6:50 to play in the game.
The Battling Bishops evened their record to 3-3 and 2-1 in Conference USA South. They return home next Saturday October 29th with a 1pm kickoff either Averitt.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Showdown Is Set
I don't care who you pull for having a week off in the middle of conference play has to be unnerving not knowing how a forced layoff will effect your team. Both Southern Nash and Rocky Mount took care of business to set up the battle for first place next week.
The Gryphons had little resistance when they had the ball as they scored four of the first five times they had the ball. The Gryphons for the game rushed for 433 yards on 49 carries. Deangelo Collins carried the load in the first half rushing for 114 yards. BJ Sanders out of action against Nash Central didn't carry the ball until the third quarter finishing with 130 yards. Mckenzy Wright 4/7 82 yards passing and Shabios Lynch 4/4 29 yards passed for 111.
Fike got 211 total yards on 106 rushing on 35 tries while passing 2-12 105 yards. Down 35-0 at the half Fike took the second half kickoff scoring on a Kenny Johnson one yard dive. Syquan Hutchinson caught a 64 yard bomb for Fikes second score.
Rocky Mount took the opening kickoff and marched down the field scoring at 7:26 of the first on a three yarder by Deangelo Collins. A quarterback sneak gave Mckenzy Wright a score at 1.26 of the first.
The Gryphons third score came on maybe the prettiest play of the year as the Gryphons looked to be running the option as Wright faked a pitch to Charlie Williams who acted as if the pitch has gone over his head instead it went to Detrell Revis on the reverse and he promptly went 53 yards for a score at 7:49 of the half. Charlie Williams got in the act at 2:16 scoring the Gryphons fourth td of the half. The defense didn't want to get left out scored on a sack fumble recovered by Sherrod Green for point 34. Maybe trouble on the horizon as kicker Chase Miller was injured on his fifth extra point and did not play in the second half.
Once Fike scored on their opening drive on the second half the Gryphons responded on an 80 yard drive finished off by a one yard dive by B J Sandrrs at 4:59 of the third. Sanders scored again getting a 50 yard gallop to finish off the Gryphon scoring. The fourth quarter belonged to the clean shirts as Rocky Mount goes to 2-0 in Big East play beating Fike 47/14
Southern Nash with all the difficulty that coach Brian Foster family has had this week started slow but picked up the pace to defeat Hunt 35-6
I am not sure this is a major surprise but maybe the score as Nash Central wins a conference game besting Northern Nash 22-16
Other scores.
Shocked to see all three Edgecombe County schools play and all three win
Tarboro 52 Riverside 8
SouthWest Edgecombe 21-FarmVille 17
North Edgecombe 48 Northampton 8
Rocky Mount Academy 44 Grace Christian 6
South Creek 26 Rocky Mount Prep 8
The Gryphons had little resistance when they had the ball as they scored four of the first five times they had the ball. The Gryphons for the game rushed for 433 yards on 49 carries. Deangelo Collins carried the load in the first half rushing for 114 yards. BJ Sanders out of action against Nash Central didn't carry the ball until the third quarter finishing with 130 yards. Mckenzy Wright 4/7 82 yards passing and Shabios Lynch 4/4 29 yards passed for 111.
Fike got 211 total yards on 106 rushing on 35 tries while passing 2-12 105 yards. Down 35-0 at the half Fike took the second half kickoff scoring on a Kenny Johnson one yard dive. Syquan Hutchinson caught a 64 yard bomb for Fikes second score.
Rocky Mount took the opening kickoff and marched down the field scoring at 7:26 of the first on a three yarder by Deangelo Collins. A quarterback sneak gave Mckenzy Wright a score at 1.26 of the first.
The Gryphons third score came on maybe the prettiest play of the year as the Gryphons looked to be running the option as Wright faked a pitch to Charlie Williams who acted as if the pitch has gone over his head instead it went to Detrell Revis on the reverse and he promptly went 53 yards for a score at 7:49 of the half. Charlie Williams got in the act at 2:16 scoring the Gryphons fourth td of the half. The defense didn't want to get left out scored on a sack fumble recovered by Sherrod Green for point 34. Maybe trouble on the horizon as kicker Chase Miller was injured on his fifth extra point and did not play in the second half.
Once Fike scored on their opening drive on the second half the Gryphons responded on an 80 yard drive finished off by a one yard dive by B J Sandrrs at 4:59 of the third. Sanders scored again getting a 50 yard gallop to finish off the Gryphon scoring. The fourth quarter belonged to the clean shirts as Rocky Mount goes to 2-0 in Big East play beating Fike 47/14
Southern Nash with all the difficulty that coach Brian Foster family has had this week started slow but picked up the pace to defeat Hunt 35-6
I am not sure this is a major surprise but maybe the score as Nash Central wins a conference game besting Northern Nash 22-16
Other scores.
Shocked to see all three Edgecombe County schools play and all three win
Tarboro 52 Riverside 8
SouthWest Edgecombe 21-FarmVille 17
North Edgecombe 48 Northampton 8
Rocky Mount Academy 44 Grace Christian 6
South Creek 26 Rocky Mount Prep 8
Another Critical Week
Last Week went 6-2 on college picks to run my record to 51-18. We are at the point in the season where every game now has an effect on Bowl Games. As long as you have only lost one conference game you are still in the running for the division title. A division title gets you in the conference championship game.
North Carolina Wesleyan 2-3 @ Greensboro College 1-5: Their five losses Greensboro has given up 228 points. Their record shows three losses but as far as the Battling Bishops are concerned they have all been to heavy weights. Bishops 38 Greensboro 17
ECU 2-4 @ Cincinnati 3-3: There is no doubt the Pirates ship is sinking having lost four in a row after winning their opening two. Doubt they break losing streak in Ohio. Would love to see the Pirate defense improve. Bearcats 33 Pirates 27
NC State 4-2 @ Louisville 5-1: I don't know if I have ever seen the Wolfpack defense play any better than they did against the Tigers. It is a pity Rocky Mount High School has a better kicker than the Wolfpack. If D plays as well this week Pack has a chance Louisville 26 NC State 24
North Carolina 5-2 @ Virginia 2-4: V Tech loss last week puts the Heels right back in the division lead.. Virginia is much improved since first couple of weeks but not to the Tar Heels level Carolina 44 Virginia 21
Duke 3-4 @ Georgia Tech: There is just something about Duke that they seem to be able to make other teams play poorly. Has not led to a win every week but the Devils have been in every game most of he time. Duke 27 Georgia Tech 24
Miami 4-2 @ Virginia Tech 4-2: Both teams have had moments this year that they look like title contenders. They both have two losses that they looked lost. I have a feeling Blacksburg is a good place for a Gobbler win. Va Tech 30 Miami 24
Syracuse 3-4 @ Boston College 3-3: All of a sudden the Orange are scoring points. BC hasn't scored much but defense has played well. Have a feeling the Cuse wins on the road. 38 -27
North Carolina Wesleyan 2-3 @ Greensboro College 1-5: Their five losses Greensboro has given up 228 points. Their record shows three losses but as far as the Battling Bishops are concerned they have all been to heavy weights. Bishops 38 Greensboro 17
ECU 2-4 @ Cincinnati 3-3: There is no doubt the Pirates ship is sinking having lost four in a row after winning their opening two. Doubt they break losing streak in Ohio. Would love to see the Pirate defense improve. Bearcats 33 Pirates 27
NC State 4-2 @ Louisville 5-1: I don't know if I have ever seen the Wolfpack defense play any better than they did against the Tigers. It is a pity Rocky Mount High School has a better kicker than the Wolfpack. If D plays as well this week Pack has a chance Louisville 26 NC State 24
North Carolina 5-2 @ Virginia 2-4: V Tech loss last week puts the Heels right back in the division lead.. Virginia is much improved since first couple of weeks but not to the Tar Heels level Carolina 44 Virginia 21
Duke 3-4 @ Georgia Tech: There is just something about Duke that they seem to be able to make other teams play poorly. Has not led to a win every week but the Devils have been in every game most of he time. Duke 27 Georgia Tech 24
Miami 4-2 @ Virginia Tech 4-2: Both teams have had moments this year that they look like title contenders. They both have two losses that they looked lost. I have a feeling Blacksburg is a good place for a Gobbler win. Va Tech 30 Miami 24
Syracuse 3-4 @ Boston College 3-3: All of a sudden the Orange are scoring points. BC hasn't scored much but defense has played well. Have a feeling the Cuse wins on the road. 38 -27
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Let's Get Back To Football
There is sometimes good on weekends when games are rained out and families get a chance to get away from football which every family involved with football has been non stop football since the first of August. Coach Brian Foster at Southern Nash was looking foward to that type weekend last week in Myrtle Beach. But what transpired just may interfere with his Southern Nash Firebirds preperations this week.
Coach Foster's wife Kim and son Zack who if you remember was the Firebird quarterback last season and is a freshman quarterback at North Carolina Wesleyan were involved in an accident somewhere near Wilmington and both are still hospitalized in Wilmington. You have to know that coach Foster has had a difficult week with family concerns and football team concerns for his Southern Nash team as they prepare for Hunt.
Please put the Foster family on your prayer list.
Only had one game played last week and I missed that so my pick guesses for the year stands at 49-13.
RMA 7-1 at Grace Christian Academy 3-4: Can the Eagles bounce back after being battered and bruise both mentally and physically by Southampton. They will need to as they play Southampton again next week . RMA 36 Grace 12
Rocky Mount Prep 3-4 at South Creek 1-6: Just might be a good week for the Jags. 26-12
Nash Central 0-1 @ Northern Nash 1-0: Both of these teams have made great strides forward this season. The Bulldogs no longer the automatic win on your schedule. Northern Nash sporting the most dominant defense in the Big East. If both teams play as they have all season then the question is will the Knight's defense shut down the potent Bulldog offense. Then on the other side of the coin can Northern score enough to win? My answer is yes. Northern 20 Nash Central 13
Hunt 0-1 @ Southern Nash 1-0: Of all the teams in the Big East the Firebirds since they have been the most impressive team in the league all season have the most to worry about with the layoff. The layoff might be a good thing for the struggling Warriors. A run team that is out of sync may put the ball on the ground more than normal and the Firebirds are still a run first team who at times in their history put the ball on the ground. This is plain an simple a down year for Hunt and unless the Birds give it away should not be close. Southern Nash 36 Hunt 12
Fike 0-1 @ Rocky Mount 1-0: Just look at Rocky Mount this year when they hold on to the ball they are almost unbeatable and run away from the competition but when they lay it on the ground the score is very close. Once again will the week off hurt the Gryphons performance with the football. Fike is a team when they are on they can beat anybody. Homecoming goes to the Gryphons 35-14
The NCHSAA has named Friday night Hurricane relief night. Rocky Mount will be giving to the Hurricane relief one dollar for every ticket sold at homecoming. They will also be asking donations for the Holly Project. As Many of you know former Gryphon Student Holly Fryar who succumbed to cancer last year has left a lasting impression on the Rocky Mount community. The Holly Project has raised many dollars including one of the Chemo treatment rooms at the UNC Cancer Center is named in honor of Holly. There will be a lot going on at Rocky Mount Friday night.
Coach Foster's wife Kim and son Zack who if you remember was the Firebird quarterback last season and is a freshman quarterback at North Carolina Wesleyan were involved in an accident somewhere near Wilmington and both are still hospitalized in Wilmington. You have to know that coach Foster has had a difficult week with family concerns and football team concerns for his Southern Nash team as they prepare for Hunt.
Please put the Foster family on your prayer list.
Only had one game played last week and I missed that so my pick guesses for the year stands at 49-13.
RMA 7-1 at Grace Christian Academy 3-4: Can the Eagles bounce back after being battered and bruise both mentally and physically by Southampton. They will need to as they play Southampton again next week . RMA 36 Grace 12
Rocky Mount Prep 3-4 at South Creek 1-6: Just might be a good week for the Jags. 26-12
Nash Central 0-1 @ Northern Nash 1-0: Both of these teams have made great strides forward this season. The Bulldogs no longer the automatic win on your schedule. Northern Nash sporting the most dominant defense in the Big East. If both teams play as they have all season then the question is will the Knight's defense shut down the potent Bulldog offense. Then on the other side of the coin can Northern score enough to win? My answer is yes. Northern 20 Nash Central 13
Hunt 0-1 @ Southern Nash 1-0: Of all the teams in the Big East the Firebirds since they have been the most impressive team in the league all season have the most to worry about with the layoff. The layoff might be a good thing for the struggling Warriors. A run team that is out of sync may put the ball on the ground more than normal and the Firebirds are still a run first team who at times in their history put the ball on the ground. This is plain an simple a down year for Hunt and unless the Birds give it away should not be close. Southern Nash 36 Hunt 12
Fike 0-1 @ Rocky Mount 1-0: Just look at Rocky Mount this year when they hold on to the ball they are almost unbeatable and run away from the competition but when they lay it on the ground the score is very close. Once again will the week off hurt the Gryphons performance with the football. Fike is a team when they are on they can beat anybody. Homecoming goes to the Gryphons 35-14
The NCHSAA has named Friday night Hurricane relief night. Rocky Mount will be giving to the Hurricane relief one dollar for every ticket sold at homecoming. They will also be asking donations for the Holly Project. As Many of you know former Gryphon Student Holly Fryar who succumbed to cancer last year has left a lasting impression on the Rocky Mount community. The Holly Project has raised many dollars including one of the Chemo treatment rooms at the UNC Cancer Center is named in honor of Holly. There will be a lot going on at Rocky Mount Friday night.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Keep Flipping Coins
This past week went 14-1 on the week to run my season record to 52-24. I have never had any other week where I have never missed only one game. The only game I missed was Pittsburgh. What are they doing losing to Jacksonville? Here we go with this week's picks.
Chicago 1-5 @ Green Bay 3-2: The best quarterback over the last five years in the NFL has been Aaron Rogers. Not so far this year at this point he has only been average. Without Rogers pulling his magic act Green Bay is only average. Doubt they have any trouble with the Bears. Packers 26 Bears 17
Giants 3-3 @ Rams 3-3: I like this Giant team except for one thing Eli Manning. I don't see the Rams can score enough to win this game Giants 23 Rams 17
Saints 2-3 @Chiefs 3-2: The Saints have beaten the Chargers and Panthers. Two teams with three wins between them. I think the Chiefs are rather good. Chiefs 28 Saints 23
Colts 2-4 @ Titans 4-2: who knows that the Titans are 4-2. Colts are just bumbling along and will have a hard time winning in Nashville. Titans 30 Colts 26
Vikings 5-0 @ Eagles 3-2: I think Eagles started out like a house on fire but they have come back to earth. The Vikings one of the best defense's in the league will be hard for anybody to beat holding the other team without many points Viking 27 Eagles 17
Browns 0-6 @ Bengals 2-4: Bengals are having a hard time beating anybody that is good. That's ok this week as they play the Browns. Bengals 27 Browns 21
Redskins 4-2 @ Lions 3-3: Very interesting game this week between two teams that you don't know what you are going to get each week. Lions 33 Skins 30
Raiders 4-2 @ Jags 2-3: Just how good are the Raiders? The Jags are as good as they have been in at least 10 years. I like Jax at home 26-23
Bills 4-2 @ Dolphins 2-4: Bills are riding high set up to fall down in Miami. Dolphins 26 Bills 20
Ravens 3-3 @ Jets 1-4: Ravens are not the defense of years past. Jets are the Jets of years past. I like Jets 32-26
Tampa 2-3 @ San Fran 1-5: Buc go to 49ers and Win 30-23
Chargers 2-4 @ Falcons 4-2: You know the Chargers could be 6-0 tight now riding high beating Denver. Falcons defense might let Philip Rivers have a field day. This is how ever a west coast / east coast game. Falcons 33 Chargers 30
Patriots 5-1 @ Steelers 4-2: Did Steelers look past Jaxsonville? I think steel city could win but maybe no Ben. Pat's 30 Steelers 17
Seahawks 4-1 @ Cardinals 3-3: I keep waiting for the Cardinal defense to start playing. They need to this week. Cards 27 Hawks 23
Texans 4-2 @ Broncos 4-2: Not much offense in Denver. Texans are a rising team. I doubt Denver wins eight games by season ends. Houston 23 Denver 16
Monday, October 17, 2016
NCHSAA Relents
Depending on how much flooding you may have had in 1999 or 2016 if you flooded in 99 or 16 that will depend for you which storm was worse. 1999 Floyd hit in September so in some cases three non conference games were wiped out. Matthew hit in October right in the middle of conference play and conference determine who makes the Playoffs so in football's case Matthew hit at the wrong time.
Since so many schools east of use remain closed because that school might be a shelter or roads to get to the school are blocked in all directions where you can't even get there yet. Many schools east of us may not go at all this week. With all of this in mind the North Carolina High School Athletic Association has extended the football season one extra week which will now end on November 11th instead of the fourth.
Extending the season an extra week will allow the Big East to drop the three games in eight days format which was schedule to start this Friday night. The games that were to be played on the 25th will now be played on Thursday night November 10th. This will create the natural finishing games every season the Northern Nash at Rocky Mount, Southern Nash at Nash Central and Hunt at Fike they now be the next to last game of the season. It also eliminates that Rocky Mount at Southern Nash the game everyone expects to determine the conference champion will not be the third game in that eight days.
The Big East football will now finish the season on November 10th with these games Rocky Mount at Hunt, Fike at Nash Central and Southern Nash at Northern Nash. The football seedings will come out on the 12th and the first playoff game on the 18th, second round 25th, third round December 2nd, fourth Round 9th and the state championship 16th and 17th one week later than scheduled. Because the sites were not schedule for the 16th and 17th the state chsmpionship sites are up in the air right now.
There is a major schedule conflict by moving the state championships to the 17th. That is the day the North Caroina/ South Carolina Shrine Bowl game is scheduled. It really is not much of a problem for most of the players who will play in the game because most will already be knocked out of the playoffs and will be available for the game. If you are scheduled to play and your team is in the state championship games which one would you want to play in. I would suspect 10 to 15 players on the North Carolina roster could be effected that day.
Women's Tennis indivual playoffs will start with regional starting in October 21st and 22nd. The State chsmpionship will be October 28th and 29th.. Team first round starts Oct 25th-November 1st- November 3rd, a Regionsl Nivember 9th and State championship Nivember 12th
Volleyball seeding will come out on the 25th, first round October 26th, 2nd round October 27th, 3rd November 1st fourth November 3rd and State Championship Nivember 5th.
Soccer seeding November 3rd. First round November 5th, 2nd round November 8th, third November 10th, 4th November 12th and regional November 15th and state chsmpionship November 19th
Cross Country playoffs are as regularly scheduled.
Should your school make it all the was to state championship football game is basketball who may start season without their full team.
Since so many schools east of use remain closed because that school might be a shelter or roads to get to the school are blocked in all directions where you can't even get there yet. Many schools east of us may not go at all this week. With all of this in mind the North Carolina High School Athletic Association has extended the football season one extra week which will now end on November 11th instead of the fourth.
Extending the season an extra week will allow the Big East to drop the three games in eight days format which was schedule to start this Friday night. The games that were to be played on the 25th will now be played on Thursday night November 10th. This will create the natural finishing games every season the Northern Nash at Rocky Mount, Southern Nash at Nash Central and Hunt at Fike they now be the next to last game of the season. It also eliminates that Rocky Mount at Southern Nash the game everyone expects to determine the conference champion will not be the third game in that eight days.
The Big East football will now finish the season on November 10th with these games Rocky Mount at Hunt, Fike at Nash Central and Southern Nash at Northern Nash. The football seedings will come out on the 12th and the first playoff game on the 18th, second round 25th, third round December 2nd, fourth Round 9th and the state championship 16th and 17th one week later than scheduled. Because the sites were not schedule for the 16th and 17th the state chsmpionship sites are up in the air right now.
There is a major schedule conflict by moving the state championships to the 17th. That is the day the North Caroina/ South Carolina Shrine Bowl game is scheduled. It really is not much of a problem for most of the players who will play in the game because most will already be knocked out of the playoffs and will be available for the game. If you are scheduled to play and your team is in the state championship games which one would you want to play in. I would suspect 10 to 15 players on the North Carolina roster could be effected that day.
Women's Tennis indivual playoffs will start with regional starting in October 21st and 22nd. The State chsmpionship will be October 28th and 29th.. Team first round starts Oct 25th-November 1st- November 3rd, a Regionsl Nivember 9th and State championship Nivember 12th
Volleyball seeding will come out on the 25th, first round October 26th, 2nd round October 27th, 3rd November 1st fourth November 3rd and State Championship Nivember 5th.
Soccer seeding November 3rd. First round November 5th, 2nd round November 8th, third November 10th, 4th November 12th and regional November 15th and state chsmpionship November 19th
Cross Country playoffs are as regularly scheduled.
Should your school make it all the was to state championship football game is basketball who may start season without their full team.
This Weather Perdicament Who's Advantage
This weather is nothing new. Basketball has had to play up to four games in order to catch up the schedule. Just last spring baseball had almost three weeks without practice or games. During Hurricane Floyd Several teams lost three non conference games in 1999. This is a new experience for football playing three games in eight days. There has been many times when a rainout has caused a Monday/Friday two game week.
When this begins on October 21st there will be three teams that will have 1-0 conference records at the start. Northern Nash will be the only team that already knows what it will take to survive three games in eight days. Will that be an advantage for them having already lived through this experience?
Here's what's ahead for the Big East. First Northern Nash. Friday the 21st they host Nash Central
0-1. Tuesday 25th host Southern Nash 1-0 and on the 28th travel to Fike 0-1.
Southern Nash host Hunt 0-1 next Friday 21st. They are on the road to Northern Nash 1/0 on the 25th and on the 28th host Rocky Mount 1-0.
Rocky Mount has Homecoming against Fike 0-1 on the 21st. A visit to Hunt 0-1 on the 25th and they finish up on the 28th at Southern Nash 1-0.
Of those three that are tied for the lead now Northern Nash has two of the three games at home. Southern Nash two and Rocky Mount only one. Both Northern and Rocky Mount play two games that lost their first conference where Southern Nash gets both Northern and Rocky Mount in this three game stretch.
Since this three games in eight days effects everyone what is the three games for the three teams that stand 0-1. Hunt 0-1 travels to Southern Nash on the 21st, host Rocky Mount on the 25th and finish their three game sprint at Nash Central 0-1. So Hunt gets two of the heavy weights.
Fike 0-1 begins the 21st at Rocky Mount 1-0, the 25th at Nash Central 0-1 and finish off their venture
hosting Northern Nash 1-0. Fike has two of the heavy weights.
Nash Central 0-1 will travel to Northern Nash on the 21st. They will host Fike on the 25th and Hunt comes to Central on the 28th. So Nash Central has only one of the heavy weights in this stretch.
So who has the advantage in the next 11 days. 60% of the conference schedule will be in those upcoming days. This conference could be turned upside down by just one injury this Friday by any teams best player who might be out for just one week and that would be two games missed instead of one. There is no doubt that this is the uncharted territory for every team when conference games were involved. This would be a bad time for any team to have a bad week.
When this begins on October 21st there will be three teams that will have 1-0 conference records at the start. Northern Nash will be the only team that already knows what it will take to survive three games in eight days. Will that be an advantage for them having already lived through this experience?
Here's what's ahead for the Big East. First Northern Nash. Friday the 21st they host Nash Central
0-1. Tuesday 25th host Southern Nash 1-0 and on the 28th travel to Fike 0-1.
Southern Nash host Hunt 0-1 next Friday 21st. They are on the road to Northern Nash 1/0 on the 25th and on the 28th host Rocky Mount 1-0.
Rocky Mount has Homecoming against Fike 0-1 on the 21st. A visit to Hunt 0-1 on the 25th and they finish up on the 28th at Southern Nash 1-0.
Of those three that are tied for the lead now Northern Nash has two of the three games at home. Southern Nash two and Rocky Mount only one. Both Northern and Rocky Mount play two games that lost their first conference where Southern Nash gets both Northern and Rocky Mount in this three game stretch.
Since this three games in eight days effects everyone what is the three games for the three teams that stand 0-1. Hunt 0-1 travels to Southern Nash on the 21st, host Rocky Mount on the 25th and finish their three game sprint at Nash Central 0-1. So Hunt gets two of the heavy weights.
Fike 0-1 begins the 21st at Rocky Mount 1-0, the 25th at Nash Central 0-1 and finish off their venture
hosting Northern Nash 1-0. Fike has two of the heavy weights.
Nash Central 0-1 will travel to Northern Nash on the 21st. They will host Fike on the 25th and Hunt comes to Central on the 28th. So Nash Central has only one of the heavy weights in this stretch.
So who has the advantage in the next 11 days. 60% of the conference schedule will be in those upcoming days. This conference could be turned upside down by just one injury this Friday by any teams best player who might be out for just one week and that would be two games missed instead of one. There is no doubt that this is the uncharted territory for every team when conference games were involved. This would be a bad time for any team to have a bad week.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Sports Schedule Changes
There were way too many football games postponed Friday night and the NCHSAA has announced that the football playoffs will begin as scheduled that second Friday night in November. That is of course is causing major schedule dilemmas for conferences trying to get as many of their games in as possible. So far the Big East has their plan in place playing three games in eight days starting this Friday night.
The Big East is a lucky one being on the western end of the storm the water headed east and the further east you go water is still covering roads and closing schools. How is both North Edgecombe and Tarboro both unbeaten in conference play going to get back on the field. There may be no school at all again this week. I could see teams with only nine or ten games being lower seeded in the tournament because their records are 7-2 over. 10-0 team. The road is always harder the further down the seeding you are.
All fall sports have been effected and the NCHSAA has said the only sport that will not begin as scheduled in girls tennis. The State has delayed the date of conferences announcing who the teams making the tournament as well as the individual performers who will play singles and doubles. Last week was suppose to be conference tennis tournament in Big East but that has been shifted to Monday and Tuesday at Barton College. The regular season Rocky Mount team went 9-1. Fike finished second at 8-1. Hunt was third. Only two teams will make the tennis playoffs so if someone other than Rocky Mount and Fike get it the upset will have to happen by Tuesday. The state playoffs start Thursday now.
Volleyball and Boys soccer the conference voted to drop the conference tournaments and use that time to finish the regular season schedule and the playoff teams will be based on regular season standings. Volleyball at this point has Hunt at 9-0, Fike 7-2 and Rocky Mount 7-3. Depending on how many teams get in Northern Nash 3-6 and Southern Nash 2-7 could be watching from the sidelines.
Soccer is no where near as close to finishing as VB. Right now Hunt stands 5-0 followed by Fike 4-1. Soutthern Nash 3-2, fourth is Rocky Mount 2-4, Northern Nash 1-4 and Nash Central trails the field 1-5. There is still time for those teams in the middle to get on a hot streak and make a push for the playoffs.
Golf regional Start Monday for our area at Reedy Creek Golf Club.
Weather almost every year whether it is snow during basketball or rain in the spring has to make adjustments accordingly to complete their schedules. This year it is a hurricane that has disrupted many schools and in some cases games will never be played or made up due to the extreme amount of school days lost. There just isn't enough days to help get all games in without interrupting the playoffs. Those who have lost everything in their life their homes their clothes on their back missing sporting events is very trivial to them. We will pray for all in distress.
The Big East is a lucky one being on the western end of the storm the water headed east and the further east you go water is still covering roads and closing schools. How is both North Edgecombe and Tarboro both unbeaten in conference play going to get back on the field. There may be no school at all again this week. I could see teams with only nine or ten games being lower seeded in the tournament because their records are 7-2 over. 10-0 team. The road is always harder the further down the seeding you are.
All fall sports have been effected and the NCHSAA has said the only sport that will not begin as scheduled in girls tennis. The State has delayed the date of conferences announcing who the teams making the tournament as well as the individual performers who will play singles and doubles. Last week was suppose to be conference tennis tournament in Big East but that has been shifted to Monday and Tuesday at Barton College. The regular season Rocky Mount team went 9-1. Fike finished second at 8-1. Hunt was third. Only two teams will make the tennis playoffs so if someone other than Rocky Mount and Fike get it the upset will have to happen by Tuesday. The state playoffs start Thursday now.
Volleyball and Boys soccer the conference voted to drop the conference tournaments and use that time to finish the regular season schedule and the playoff teams will be based on regular season standings. Volleyball at this point has Hunt at 9-0, Fike 7-2 and Rocky Mount 7-3. Depending on how many teams get in Northern Nash 3-6 and Southern Nash 2-7 could be watching from the sidelines.
Soccer is no where near as close to finishing as VB. Right now Hunt stands 5-0 followed by Fike 4-1. Soutthern Nash 3-2, fourth is Rocky Mount 2-4, Northern Nash 1-4 and Nash Central trails the field 1-5. There is still time for those teams in the middle to get on a hot streak and make a push for the playoffs.
Golf regional Start Monday for our area at Reedy Creek Golf Club.
Weather almost every year whether it is snow during basketball or rain in the spring has to make adjustments accordingly to complete their schedules. This year it is a hurricane that has disrupted many schools and in some cases games will never be played or made up due to the extreme amount of school days lost. There just isn't enough days to help get all games in without interrupting the playoffs. Those who have lost everything in their life their homes their clothes on their back missing sporting events is very trivial to them. We will pray for all in distress.
Friday, October 14, 2016
Only One Left Undefeated
It was the only game in town. It was the only game in the county in fact many surrounding counties as Rocky Mount Academy and Southampton Academy from Courtland Virginia both undefeated at 7-0 and riding on the outcome the top seed probably for the upcoming at season's end in the NCISAA playoffs. Both have been recent champs so this game not only is for supremacy in North Carolina Eight Man football this year but creates for the winner to have home field advantage helping the odds for adding another title.
This game will not be pleasant for the Eagles of RMA as they found themselves down 30-0 midway in the second quarter before they crossed the goal line for the first time. Cutting the lead to 30-6 now needing to stop the Raiders there is always a chance to score many points in eight man but the Eagles could not find a way to slow down SA. The Eagles needed desperately to get into the half down by only 24 but Southampton scored again to lead by 30 at 36-6.
There is coach speak that when you are up by a big margin at the half that they will remind their teams that if we scored 36 in a half that there is no reason that they could do it to us in the second half if we don't come out and play intensely like they did in the first half. Coach Terrell Hudgins had to preach to his team that the game is not over if we eliminate the mistakes made in the first half.
The second half was a repeat of the first as Southampton put 20 unanswered points on the board in the third. RMA scored a single touchdown in the fourth but The Raiders were just too dominant. Southampton becomes the only unbeaten team left in eight man football as they torch the Eagles in Rocky Mount 64-12. Certainly all of the games played already this season gave us no indication of this kind of score.
RMA loses their first game of the season have a chance to recover next week but head to Southampton in two weeks to meet again.
It is official that the homecoming football game which was suppose to be played Saturday at The Rocky Mount Athletic Complex between Methodist College and North Carolina Wesleyan College has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled. Wesleyan was able to pick up the pieces midweek after Hurricane Matthew but for Methodist all activities have been cancelled through Sunday.
If you have ever been on the campus of Methodist I don't remember if it's campus is on any of the banks of the Cape Fear River but it can't be very far away as of Friday the Cape Fear river crested at 58.5 feet. Much of their fall sports are in jeopardy for the remainder of the fall season.
Even without a football game to introduce the 2016 North Carolina Wesleyan new members to the Hall Of Fame the show will go on Saturday night at Edge Gym at 6:30. The entire squad of the 1999 National Champion baseball team will be inducted. Long time head baseball coach Charlie Long and loyal assistant Ernie Jones will have their names added to the Hall.
This game will not be pleasant for the Eagles of RMA as they found themselves down 30-0 midway in the second quarter before they crossed the goal line for the first time. Cutting the lead to 30-6 now needing to stop the Raiders there is always a chance to score many points in eight man but the Eagles could not find a way to slow down SA. The Eagles needed desperately to get into the half down by only 24 but Southampton scored again to lead by 30 at 36-6.
There is coach speak that when you are up by a big margin at the half that they will remind their teams that if we scored 36 in a half that there is no reason that they could do it to us in the second half if we don't come out and play intensely like they did in the first half. Coach Terrell Hudgins had to preach to his team that the game is not over if we eliminate the mistakes made in the first half.
The second half was a repeat of the first as Southampton put 20 unanswered points on the board in the third. RMA scored a single touchdown in the fourth but The Raiders were just too dominant. Southampton becomes the only unbeaten team left in eight man football as they torch the Eagles in Rocky Mount 64-12. Certainly all of the games played already this season gave us no indication of this kind of score.
RMA loses their first game of the season have a chance to recover next week but head to Southampton in two weeks to meet again.
It is official that the homecoming football game which was suppose to be played Saturday at The Rocky Mount Athletic Complex between Methodist College and North Carolina Wesleyan College has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled. Wesleyan was able to pick up the pieces midweek after Hurricane Matthew but for Methodist all activities have been cancelled through Sunday.
If you have ever been on the campus of Methodist I don't remember if it's campus is on any of the banks of the Cape Fear River but it can't be very far away as of Friday the Cape Fear river crested at 58.5 feet. Much of their fall sports are in jeopardy for the remainder of the fall season.
Even without a football game to introduce the 2016 North Carolina Wesleyan new members to the Hall Of Fame the show will go on Saturday night at Edge Gym at 6:30. The entire squad of the 1999 National Champion baseball team will be inducted. Long time head baseball coach Charlie Long and loyal assistant Ernie Jones will have their names added to the Hall.
Week Of Decision
I don't know if you have noticed this or not with ECU cancelling their game this week none of the Big Four schools are home and all four play the top four teams in the ACC. Nobody that plays in the ACC that call North Carolina home are favored and they are all underdogs Saturday. Last week 6-3 to run my guess totals for college football to 45-16.
NC State 4-1 @ Clemson 6-0: I just don't think the Pack is all that bad a club this year but I have no dreams of believing they have a chance in this one. Last few years these games have been high scoring an I see no reason it will not be that way again. Clemson 45 Pack 32
North Carolina 4-2 @ Miami 4-1: Canes put up a fight but fell to Florida State for their first loss of season. Carolina drowned in their own stupidity. If you have two runners that Carolina has why do you try to pass in the pouring rain. They should have run over VT but chose to pass. This could be an interesting game. Miami pulls it out 34-30
Duke 3-3 @ Louisville 4-1: Houston losing and Louisville losing a projected top five game against Houston gone they will need to beat everyone on their schedule by 70 to impress the pollster. Duke is the first team that must face this onslaught. I hope they stay within 35. Louisville 56 Duke 24
Wake Forest 5-1 @ Florida State 4-2: Can you believe Wake is 5-1. FSU coming off off a big rival win over Miami and they may not respect the Deacs and be set up for an upset. You know Wake has given the Noles trouble in the past. I can't see them winning in Tallahassee. FSU 38 Wake 24
Georgia Southern 3-2@ Georgia Tech 3-3: This is not a gimme for the Rambling Wreck. They have their work cut out for themselves. GT 37 GS 28
Virginia Tech 4-1 @ Syracuse 2-4: VT showed everyone in Chapel Hill they are back. So here is a question. Would the old Frank Beamer teams go to a place like Syracuse who we can not say they are an average team and lose. I say no Tech 42 Cuse 24
Pitt 4-2 @ Virginia 2-3: UVA's first couple of games they were awful but they have turned the corner. Pitt I still like and think they have no problem in Charlottesville. 38-20 Panthers.
Stanford 3-2 @ Notre Dame2-4: If you were impressed with the Irish coaching in Raleigh you didn't see the game I saw. Kelly stuck to the pass the entire game never gave his team a chance. Stanford has lost big two games in a row badly. Can they rebound against a bad Notre Dame team? Yes 35 -24 the Cardinals or Trees what ever their mascot is.
NC State 4-1 @ Clemson 6-0: I just don't think the Pack is all that bad a club this year but I have no dreams of believing they have a chance in this one. Last few years these games have been high scoring an I see no reason it will not be that way again. Clemson 45 Pack 32
North Carolina 4-2 @ Miami 4-1: Canes put up a fight but fell to Florida State for their first loss of season. Carolina drowned in their own stupidity. If you have two runners that Carolina has why do you try to pass in the pouring rain. They should have run over VT but chose to pass. This could be an interesting game. Miami pulls it out 34-30
Duke 3-3 @ Louisville 4-1: Houston losing and Louisville losing a projected top five game against Houston gone they will need to beat everyone on their schedule by 70 to impress the pollster. Duke is the first team that must face this onslaught. I hope they stay within 35. Louisville 56 Duke 24
Wake Forest 5-1 @ Florida State 4-2: Can you believe Wake is 5-1. FSU coming off off a big rival win over Miami and they may not respect the Deacs and be set up for an upset. You know Wake has given the Noles trouble in the past. I can't see them winning in Tallahassee. FSU 38 Wake 24
Georgia Southern 3-2@ Georgia Tech 3-3: This is not a gimme for the Rambling Wreck. They have their work cut out for themselves. GT 37 GS 28
Virginia Tech 4-1 @ Syracuse 2-4: VT showed everyone in Chapel Hill they are back. So here is a question. Would the old Frank Beamer teams go to a place like Syracuse who we can not say they are an average team and lose. I say no Tech 42 Cuse 24
Pitt 4-2 @ Virginia 2-3: UVA's first couple of games they were awful but they have turned the corner. Pitt I still like and think they have no problem in Charlottesville. 38-20 Panthers.
Stanford 3-2 @ Notre Dame2-4: If you were impressed with the Irish coaching in Raleigh you didn't see the game I saw. Kelly stuck to the pass the entire game never gave his team a chance. Stanford has lost big two games in a row badly. Can they rebound against a bad Notre Dame team? Yes 35 -24 the Cardinals or Trees what ever their mascot is.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
It's Obvious No High School Sports This Week
Edgecombe County schools closed through the week.. Nash and Wilson County for sure closed Thursday. Both Wilson and Nash Counties have a rule that if any school is closed all day or close early because of weather no games or even practices can be held. That makes very good sense that if it is bad enough to keep school from taking in or get out early should students be endangered by practice after school or a game
This of course means no football in this area Friday night and we are in the middle of a conference season. Football you only play teams once and if any one game is lost that is 20% of the season. You will see every one play three games in eight days just like Northern Nash did a few weeks back.
Rocky Mount will play Fike in Homecoming Friday October 21st as is on the schedule. The Big East Athletic Directors discussed Wednesday how to proceed with the games that will be missed this Friday night. Tuesday October 25th Rocky Mount will travel to Hunt. Southern Nash will visit Northern Nash and Nash Central makes their makeup game with Fike. This way all teams will play three games within that eight day period basically giving all teams the same schedule with no one having it easier than another other than where the games are played.
You may ask the question why not play next Tuesday and play three games in 11 days? You must remember everyone played their last game on Thursday Night and that means all teams have not played or practice in a week. WRAL-TV reported tonight that in Nash County 50 bus routes were still effected by flooded roads. So there is no guarantee schools go Monday. If they do go Monday which we all hope that give four days to get ready for Fike Friday and to get back in shape.
Look at the plight for North Carolina Wesleyan. Homecoming and the Hall of Fame weekend has been wiped out this Saturday against Methodist. Both Methodist and The Battling Bishops have no open dates for the rest of the season.
DIII playoffs start November 19th. Wesleyan has a game every week until then. Methodist even had to cancel their game last Saturday with Averitt. Only one lost so far the Bishops still have a shot at the DIII playoffs from Conference USA South. They could by not playing all games find themselves a half game short in any tie situation.
I could see this happen. No playoffs and Home Coming and the Hall of Fame weekend just might be moved to November 19th. The Bishops just might be playing the first weekend of the national playoffs but not in the playoffs.
This of course means no football in this area Friday night and we are in the middle of a conference season. Football you only play teams once and if any one game is lost that is 20% of the season. You will see every one play three games in eight days just like Northern Nash did a few weeks back.
Rocky Mount will play Fike in Homecoming Friday October 21st as is on the schedule. The Big East Athletic Directors discussed Wednesday how to proceed with the games that will be missed this Friday night. Tuesday October 25th Rocky Mount will travel to Hunt. Southern Nash will visit Northern Nash and Nash Central makes their makeup game with Fike. This way all teams will play three games within that eight day period basically giving all teams the same schedule with no one having it easier than another other than where the games are played.
You may ask the question why not play next Tuesday and play three games in 11 days? You must remember everyone played their last game on Thursday Night and that means all teams have not played or practice in a week. WRAL-TV reported tonight that in Nash County 50 bus routes were still effected by flooded roads. So there is no guarantee schools go Monday. If they do go Monday which we all hope that give four days to get ready for Fike Friday and to get back in shape.
Look at the plight for North Carolina Wesleyan. Homecoming and the Hall of Fame weekend has been wiped out this Saturday against Methodist. Both Methodist and The Battling Bishops have no open dates for the rest of the season.
DIII playoffs start November 19th. Wesleyan has a game every week until then. Methodist even had to cancel their game last Saturday with Averitt. Only one lost so far the Bishops still have a shot at the DIII playoffs from Conference USA South. They could by not playing all games find themselves a half game short in any tie situation.
I could see this happen. No playoffs and Home Coming and the Hall of Fame weekend just might be moved to November 19th. The Bishops just might be playing the first weekend of the national playoffs but not in the playoffs.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Lost Mo Jo On NFL Picks
Another losing week on NFL picks as I was 6-8 on the week dropping my season total to 38 -23. IM going back to flipping coins to see if I can improve my percentage.
Bronco's 4-1 @ Chargers 1-4. The top scoring offense in the NFL the San Diego Chargers. They have led every game this year in the third or fourth quarter but have lost the win in four of them. Denver's defense is still real good but who's going to quarterback. I'm giving Chargers one more chance. Chargers 27 Bronc's 23
49er's 1-4 @ Bills 3-2. I will not pick a game for the 9ers as long as What's his face plays. Bills 26 SF 17
Eagles 3-1 @ Redskins 3-2. This is an NFC East game so that means the team that is suppose to win will not. Washington 26 Philly 23
Brown's 0-5 @ Titans 2-3. There is a chance the Browns go winless. Titans 26 Brown's 20
Ravens 3-2 @ Giants 2-3. I have a hard time picking Eli in any game but the Giants need this one NY 23 Ravens 21
Panthers 1-4 @ Saints 1-3. If the Panthers can't beat Tampa at home with an eight point lead how can you expect them to beat the Saints? New Orleans 30 Carolina 20
Jags 1-3 @ Bears 1-4. I think Jacksonville has a real shot in this game. Jacksonville 26 Chicago 22
Rams 3-2 @ Lions 2-3. Seems like most of the teams in NFL you never know from week to week who they are. We got two in this game. Lions 27 Rams 20
Steelers 4-1 @ Dolphins 1-4. This should be a wipeout for the Steelers, but this is NFL. Might be a a close one but Steelers prevail 27-24
Bengals 2-3 @ Patriots 4-1. Bungles have been a major disappointment so far this season. I can't see them beating Pat's. NEW England 34 Bengals 24
Chiefs 2-2 @ Raiders 4-1. Here is a typical NFL game. Raiders are on cloud nine now they are tied for the top. KC pokes a hole in the Raiders cloud. 27-24 Chiefs
Falcons 4-1 @ Seahawks 3-1. Every time a team falls back like the Panthers there is someone to take their place like the Falcons. Seattle is a tough place to win. Hawks 30 Falcons 27
Cowboys 4-1 @ Packers 3-1. People go crazy when ever Dallas wins one game. Now they have won four in a row people are talking Super Bowl. So far this year Aaron Rogers just average which is not good for the Packers. Big D 26 Packers 23
Colts 2-3 @ Texans 3-2. Probably high scoring but Colts can't stop Houston. 37-30
Jets 1-4 @Cardinals 2-3. The Jets have been close in all their games and Cardinals another one of those disappointing teams. Jets 23 Cards 22
Let's see if we can get back to picking at least half of the games right.
Bronco's 4-1 @ Chargers 1-4. The top scoring offense in the NFL the San Diego Chargers. They have led every game this year in the third or fourth quarter but have lost the win in four of them. Denver's defense is still real good but who's going to quarterback. I'm giving Chargers one more chance. Chargers 27 Bronc's 23
49er's 1-4 @ Bills 3-2. I will not pick a game for the 9ers as long as What's his face plays. Bills 26 SF 17
Eagles 3-1 @ Redskins 3-2. This is an NFC East game so that means the team that is suppose to win will not. Washington 26 Philly 23
Brown's 0-5 @ Titans 2-3. There is a chance the Browns go winless. Titans 26 Brown's 20
Ravens 3-2 @ Giants 2-3. I have a hard time picking Eli in any game but the Giants need this one NY 23 Ravens 21
Panthers 1-4 @ Saints 1-3. If the Panthers can't beat Tampa at home with an eight point lead how can you expect them to beat the Saints? New Orleans 30 Carolina 20
Jags 1-3 @ Bears 1-4. I think Jacksonville has a real shot in this game. Jacksonville 26 Chicago 22
Rams 3-2 @ Lions 2-3. Seems like most of the teams in NFL you never know from week to week who they are. We got two in this game. Lions 27 Rams 20
Steelers 4-1 @ Dolphins 1-4. This should be a wipeout for the Steelers, but this is NFL. Might be a a close one but Steelers prevail 27-24
Bengals 2-3 @ Patriots 4-1. Bungles have been a major disappointment so far this season. I can't see them beating Pat's. NEW England 34 Bengals 24
Chiefs 2-2 @ Raiders 4-1. Here is a typical NFL game. Raiders are on cloud nine now they are tied for the top. KC pokes a hole in the Raiders cloud. 27-24 Chiefs
Falcons 4-1 @ Seahawks 3-1. Every time a team falls back like the Panthers there is someone to take their place like the Falcons. Seattle is a tough place to win. Hawks 30 Falcons 27
Cowboys 4-1 @ Packers 3-1. People go crazy when ever Dallas wins one game. Now they have won four in a row people are talking Super Bowl. So far this year Aaron Rogers just average which is not good for the Packers. Big D 26 Packers 23
Colts 2-3 @ Texans 3-2. Probably high scoring but Colts can't stop Houston. 37-30
Jets 1-4 @Cardinals 2-3. The Jets have been close in all their games and Cardinals another one of those disappointing teams. Jets 23 Cards 22
Let's see if we can get back to picking at least half of the games right.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Sometimes Sports Is Not All That important
1999 when Hurricane Flyod came through if I remember correctly schools were out a good part of at least two weeks. This weekend here comes Matthew and once again major flooding all around eastern North Carolina. Maybe not quite as deep as Flyod but what does it matter whether there was four feet of water in the road or two.
Rocky Mount has it's flooding but maybe the Fayetteville area has had it worse. This Saturday is suppose to be homecoming at North Carolina Wesleyan and they have on the schedule Methodist from Fayetteville. Monday the game was postpone because both schools are closed and just maybe one of the two may not have classes at all this week if not both. No makeup date has been announced as of yet so homecoming is on hold this year at North Carolina Wesleyan.
Any one who has tried to get off 64 near the sports complex knows the water is over 64 and is on the football field. At this point not as deep as Floyd but finding a way around all the closed roads could last for days.
Now looking at our local high schools nobody went to school in either Edgecombe, Nash or Wilson Counties so are we looking at a whole week or more without any school time? Will anybody be able to play by Monday setting up Monday Night- Friday night games next week? Will they even be able to go to school Monday? Could we be having Tuesday night games next week setting up another game on Friday. This is of course just conjecture because if there is no school even next week we will have no games of any kind until school resumes.
We may be faced with just cancelling football games this week. I didn't like it earlier this year when Tarboro and Northern Nash played Friday, Monday and Friday. That is simply too much football and no time to recover. I could see if Friday is out for football trying to play Monday or Tuesday but if they can't be play cancel this week and try to play on from there. This is of course if school takes in by next week and we might go through the the same scenerio with week three games that we are going through now.
Fifty miles down river in Greenville ECU was suppose to play Navy Thursday night and school is shutdown for the whole week in Greenville. Being fifty miles down river the flooding will only get worse for them When all this water in Rocky Mount makes it way there.
The bottom line we have too much to worry about getting our lives back together to worry about sports. Like in 2010 when the Twin Counties was going through an economic disaster a basketball state championship gave us a few moments to cherish and forget our problems at home. We might not of had money in our pockets but we had pride in our soul from what the basketball team accomplished. Now it is time to clean up the mess.
Rocky Mount has it's flooding but maybe the Fayetteville area has had it worse. This Saturday is suppose to be homecoming at North Carolina Wesleyan and they have on the schedule Methodist from Fayetteville. Monday the game was postpone because both schools are closed and just maybe one of the two may not have classes at all this week if not both. No makeup date has been announced as of yet so homecoming is on hold this year at North Carolina Wesleyan.
Any one who has tried to get off 64 near the sports complex knows the water is over 64 and is on the football field. At this point not as deep as Floyd but finding a way around all the closed roads could last for days.
Now looking at our local high schools nobody went to school in either Edgecombe, Nash or Wilson Counties so are we looking at a whole week or more without any school time? Will anybody be able to play by Monday setting up Monday Night- Friday night games next week? Will they even be able to go to school Monday? Could we be having Tuesday night games next week setting up another game on Friday. This is of course just conjecture because if there is no school even next week we will have no games of any kind until school resumes.
We may be faced with just cancelling football games this week. I didn't like it earlier this year when Tarboro and Northern Nash played Friday, Monday and Friday. That is simply too much football and no time to recover. I could see if Friday is out for football trying to play Monday or Tuesday but if they can't be play cancel this week and try to play on from there. This is of course if school takes in by next week and we might go through the the same scenerio with week three games that we are going through now.
Fifty miles down river in Greenville ECU was suppose to play Navy Thursday night and school is shutdown for the whole week in Greenville. Being fifty miles down river the flooding will only get worse for them When all this water in Rocky Mount makes it way there.
The bottom line we have too much to worry about getting our lives back together to worry about sports. Like in 2010 when the Twin Counties was going through an economic disaster a basketball state championship gave us a few moments to cherish and forget our problems at home. We might not of had money in our pockets but we had pride in our soul from what the basketball team accomplished. Now it is time to clean up the mess.
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Trends Are Now The Norm
One of the reason teams play almost half their schedule is they are trying to formulate a pattern of how to win football games. Now that everyone is in to conference play any trend that has lasted seven weeks into a season is no longer a trend but is the way that team is going to be for the rest of the year.
The 2016 version of the Rocky Mount Gryphons seems to be just as talented as last year's state championship squad but the trend this year is not graphing out to be playing late November or Early December.
This team is putting the ball in the other teams hands too much. If you are deep in the other teams side of the field you are taking away points from yourself and giving the other team energy to push on. Friday night's case was a 99 yard interception the Gryphon lost seven points which could have given them 27 on the night and only seven for Nash Central a much different game.
Nash Central is a much improved team but the Gryphon defense did their job in holding them to seven points. Just the first half alone the worse field position the Bulldogs started was their own 39. Twice in the fourth quarter they started on the Rocky Mount side of the field and their last chance they were on the Gryphon 24 and the defense backed them up.
Now as defending state champions everyone is going to give them their best shot. If you think by just showing up the other side is quivering in their boots you are mistaken. Is this year's squad satisfied as being the defending champs over trying to be the two time defending champs?
The luck factor: This year's team has had injuries and illness that last year did not have as much off. Last year an injury someone stepped up and they didn't miss a beat. The quality depth is not there this season like last. Here we are in the second week of conference play still playing two quarterbacks which tends to keep the offense without a person to be the leader.
This 2016 Gryphon team still has plenty of time to get everything together. Remember this, it was about this time last year before we even started thinking about a playoff run. I think this team's mentality is for the spectacular instead of the down to earth grind it out play. I think for the most part the Gryphons have been their own worse enemy. Get back to fundamental football. Winning makes you forget about what almost beat you. There are teams ahead that if you give them a break by not scoring when you should they will not wait to give you a chance later.
If this Gryphon team even thinks they are capable of state championship first of all they had better starting worrying about the conference title. The lower you are in the brackets the tougher the climb to the top once the playoffs roll in. This team has shown at times they are capable. They have to show more. If they don't the basketball team will have a full roster much sooner than last year.
The 2016 version of the Rocky Mount Gryphons seems to be just as talented as last year's state championship squad but the trend this year is not graphing out to be playing late November or Early December.
This team is putting the ball in the other teams hands too much. If you are deep in the other teams side of the field you are taking away points from yourself and giving the other team energy to push on. Friday night's case was a 99 yard interception the Gryphon lost seven points which could have given them 27 on the night and only seven for Nash Central a much different game.
Nash Central is a much improved team but the Gryphon defense did their job in holding them to seven points. Just the first half alone the worse field position the Bulldogs started was their own 39. Twice in the fourth quarter they started on the Rocky Mount side of the field and their last chance they were on the Gryphon 24 and the defense backed them up.
Now as defending state champions everyone is going to give them their best shot. If you think by just showing up the other side is quivering in their boots you are mistaken. Is this year's squad satisfied as being the defending champs over trying to be the two time defending champs?
The luck factor: This year's team has had injuries and illness that last year did not have as much off. Last year an injury someone stepped up and they didn't miss a beat. The quality depth is not there this season like last. Here we are in the second week of conference play still playing two quarterbacks which tends to keep the offense without a person to be the leader.
This 2016 Gryphon team still has plenty of time to get everything together. Remember this, it was about this time last year before we even started thinking about a playoff run. I think this team's mentality is for the spectacular instead of the down to earth grind it out play. I think for the most part the Gryphons have been their own worse enemy. Get back to fundamental football. Winning makes you forget about what almost beat you. There are teams ahead that if you give them a break by not scoring when you should they will not wait to give you a chance later.
If this Gryphon team even thinks they are capable of state championship first of all they had better starting worrying about the conference title. The lower you are in the brackets the tougher the climb to the top once the playoffs roll in. This team has shown at times they are capable. They have to show more. If they don't the basketball team will have a full roster much sooner than last year.
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Sunny Skies Not Enough For Bishops
Two of the top four teams in the USA South clashed in Sunny Maryville TN this afternoon and the Scots of Maryville scored twice in the third quarter to break a 10-10 half time and the Battling Bishops just could not catch up and they lose their first conference game if the year 31-17 to Maryville.
Maryville in the Knoxville area had sunny 70 degree skies all during the game while those of us who had good sense sat home trying to keep the State-Notre Dame game on the satellite. Nathan Gardner passed for 255 yards but completed only 17 of his 33 tosses. He threw two touchdown tosses one to Malik Adams who caught 11 balls on the day for 172 yards.
Back up QB Donielle Totten played the last few minutes going 4-10 for 52 yards. Adrian Monondo carried 18 times for 85 yards and Gerell Patton 13-40. Bishops fall to 2-3 overall 1-1 in conference. they will return home next Saturday for Home Coming as they Host Methodist.
I was in the stands I think it was 1999 when NC State played Lou Holtz and South Carolina in a Tropical Storm on Prime time Thursday night football. Sitting in my living room today I watched about 30,000 fans braved once again monsoon rains and the Pack loves to score 10 points but gave the Fighting Irish 3 which was enough to hold on to win 10-3.
It is amazing to me on a day when the only way to move the ball was run up the middle both teams continued to tried to throw all day. Notre Dame never tried to run until their last desperation drive but the Pack made a stop late. The Irish attempted 26 passes completing only 9. The longest pass play of the day was 11 yards.
Today marked the 50th anniversary of the first game being played at Carter Stadium. Pack goes to 4-1 with a road trip to Clemson next week.
ECU was in sunny Tampa Florida but I am sure that they wish the Tampa St Pete airport had of been closed so they couldn't fly in yesterday. The Bulls of South Florida control the game from the opening kickoff until the end as ECU suffers another loss 38-22.
The field looked in better shape in Chapel Hill than in Raleigh but it did not take long for Carolina find out that Virginia Tech was not the Gobbler team of of the past couple of years. Carolina is manhandled by Tech 34-3.
Hope everyone stays safe and dry!
Maryville in the Knoxville area had sunny 70 degree skies all during the game while those of us who had good sense sat home trying to keep the State-Notre Dame game on the satellite. Nathan Gardner passed for 255 yards but completed only 17 of his 33 tosses. He threw two touchdown tosses one to Malik Adams who caught 11 balls on the day for 172 yards.
Back up QB Donielle Totten played the last few minutes going 4-10 for 52 yards. Adrian Monondo carried 18 times for 85 yards and Gerell Patton 13-40. Bishops fall to 2-3 overall 1-1 in conference. they will return home next Saturday for Home Coming as they Host Methodist.
I was in the stands I think it was 1999 when NC State played Lou Holtz and South Carolina in a Tropical Storm on Prime time Thursday night football. Sitting in my living room today I watched about 30,000 fans braved once again monsoon rains and the Pack loves to score 10 points but gave the Fighting Irish 3 which was enough to hold on to win 10-3.
It is amazing to me on a day when the only way to move the ball was run up the middle both teams continued to tried to throw all day. Notre Dame never tried to run until their last desperation drive but the Pack made a stop late. The Irish attempted 26 passes completing only 9. The longest pass play of the day was 11 yards.
Today marked the 50th anniversary of the first game being played at Carter Stadium. Pack goes to 4-1 with a road trip to Clemson next week.
ECU was in sunny Tampa Florida but I am sure that they wish the Tampa St Pete airport had of been closed so they couldn't fly in yesterday. The Bulls of South Florida control the game from the opening kickoff until the end as ECU suffers another loss 38-22.
The field looked in better shape in Chapel Hill than in Raleigh but it did not take long for Carolina find out that Virginia Tech was not the Gobbler team of of the past couple of years. Carolina is manhandled by Tech 34-3.
Hope everyone stays safe and dry!
Friday, October 7, 2016
Wicked Week
I have had a decent start to my picks on the NFL games. The first three weeks I have had a record of 32-15 but I took a big tumble going just 7-8 for the weekend. Record dips to 39-23. Only one way to improve and that would be to get more right. Let's try again this week. I made these picks before all the high school games got moved up causing me to shift my normal predictions of NFL from Wednesday to Saturday. Got the first one wrong anyway.
Cardinals 1-3 @ 49'ers 1-3: What's wrong with the Cardinals? The first game of the season the 9'ers looked like Super Bowls champs but since the toilet bowl. Niners win at home 26-23
Patriots 3-1 @ Browns 0-4: Is Bill Bellicheck so smart he deliberately lost Sunday just to make Tom Brady think he's needed? I suspect this one will be a runaway just so the media can start spouting how great Brady is again. New England 38 Browns 6
Eagles 3-0 @ Lions 1-3: Great start for the Eagles and they get one of the most inconsistent teams in all of football. Eagles will stay undefeated Eagles 33 Lions 28
Bears 1-3 @ Indianapolis 1-3: Two down and out teams that the losers season is over. Colts 29 Bears 20kjoyduum you know
Hiuvfuujm
Tennessee 1-3 @ Miami 1-3: Another game between teams on the verge of elimination. Miami 23 Tennessee 20
Redskins 2-2 @ Ravens 3-1: I-95 series. Just two weeks ago Skins were 0-2, now they are even. Ravens defense has been solid all year. Baltimore 30 Washington 20
Texans 3-1 @ Vikings 4-0: One of the good games of the weekend. I think Vikes are legit. Vikings 24 Texans 16
Jets 1-3 @ Steelers 3-1: Steelers looked the part of a Super Bowl champ last Sunday night. Maybe, one thing for sure Jets won't make Steelers look brittle. Pitt 26 Jets 14
Falcons 3-1 @ Bronc's 4-0: It's the offense against the defense in the Mile High City. I think we will have an idea about the Falcons after this week. Denver 30 Atlanta 27
Bills 2-2 at Rams 3-1: What good will,it do the Bills to shutout the Pat's and Lose in LA. So far Todd Gurley averaging only 2.6 yards per carry. Despite that Rams defense is winning games. Rams 19 Bills 12
Bengals 2-2 @ Cowboys 3-1: If you play in New York or Dallas win one game and everybody starts taking Super Bowl. Bengals will buck off the Cowboys 26 23
Chargers 1-3 @ Raiders 3-1: I hope Chargers trail the whole game because they can't hold a lead. Raiders are for real. Oakland 30 Chargers 27
Giants 2-2 @ Packers 2-1: Interesting game in Lambeau Field. I find it hard to believe Eli can win in the unfrozen tundra. Packers 36 Giants 26
Tampa 1-3 @ Carolina 1-3: Not surprised at Bucs being 1-3 but Panthers I'm shocked. Still think Panthers have a chance to turn it around even if Cam sits. Why is the NFL made Cam Newton open season on head hits. Carolina 30 Tampa 23.
Cardinals 1-3 @ 49'ers 1-3: What's wrong with the Cardinals? The first game of the season the 9'ers looked like Super Bowls champs but since the toilet bowl. Niners win at home 26-23
Patriots 3-1 @ Browns 0-4: Is Bill Bellicheck so smart he deliberately lost Sunday just to make Tom Brady think he's needed? I suspect this one will be a runaway just so the media can start spouting how great Brady is again. New England 38 Browns 6
Eagles 3-0 @ Lions 1-3: Great start for the Eagles and they get one of the most inconsistent teams in all of football. Eagles will stay undefeated Eagles 33 Lions 28
Bears 1-3 @ Indianapolis 1-3: Two down and out teams that the losers season is over. Colts 29 Bears 20kjoyduum you know
Hiuvfuujm
Tennessee 1-3 @ Miami 1-3: Another game between teams on the verge of elimination. Miami 23 Tennessee 20
Redskins 2-2 @ Ravens 3-1: I-95 series. Just two weeks ago Skins were 0-2, now they are even. Ravens defense has been solid all year. Baltimore 30 Washington 20
Texans 3-1 @ Vikings 4-0: One of the good games of the weekend. I think Vikes are legit. Vikings 24 Texans 16
Jets 1-3 @ Steelers 3-1: Steelers looked the part of a Super Bowl champ last Sunday night. Maybe, one thing for sure Jets won't make Steelers look brittle. Pitt 26 Jets 14
Falcons 3-1 @ Bronc's 4-0: It's the offense against the defense in the Mile High City. I think we will have an idea about the Falcons after this week. Denver 30 Atlanta 27
Bills 2-2 at Rams 3-1: What good will,it do the Bills to shutout the Pat's and Lose in LA. So far Todd Gurley averaging only 2.6 yards per carry. Despite that Rams defense is winning games. Rams 19 Bills 12
Bengals 2-2 @ Cowboys 3-1: If you play in New York or Dallas win one game and everybody starts taking Super Bowl. Bengals will buck off the Cowboys 26 23
Chargers 1-3 @ Raiders 3-1: I hope Chargers trail the whole game because they can't hold a lead. Raiders are for real. Oakland 30 Chargers 27
Giants 2-2 @ Packers 2-1: Interesting game in Lambeau Field. I find it hard to believe Eli can win in the unfrozen tundra. Packers 36 Giants 26
Tampa 1-3 @ Carolina 1-3: Not surprised at Bucs being 1-3 but Panthers I'm shocked. Still think Panthers have a chance to turn it around even if Cam sits. Why is the NFL made Cam Newton open season on head hits. Carolina 30 Tampa 23.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Hard to dominate When You Give It Away.
A hazy fog and light mist surrounded Nash Central football field. The Rocky Mount offense played in a haze for most of the game having a pass intercepted and returned 99 yards for a Bulldog touchdown, two fumbles one near the red zone another after a first down drive started and to top it all off a dropped snap on a punt that was partially blocked and set up the Bulldogs for what could have been a game winning touchdown.
The Rocky Mount defense was not affected by the haze that the offense had was holding the Bulldogs to 11 yards rushing for the game. Nash Central cover 126 by the pass including 53 in the first quarter to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead. The play from quarterback Travis Griffin to Jay Smith. The Bulldogs rose the lead to 14 on a pick six by Kendall Winston who took it more than 99 yards picking off Mckenzy Wright.
It took until the 5:17 mark of the first half before the Gryphons crossed the goal line on a Charlie Williams run. Chase Miller added the extra point. Down to 17 seconds in the half the Gryphons tie the score on another Williams's score.
The Gryphons got the lead on a Shabios Lynch to K J Edwards 26 yard touchdown pass at 2:16 of the third and to go along with the Haze the extra point went under the goal post to give the Gryphons a 20-14 lead and left plenty of suspense yet to come.
For the night the Gryphons rushed for 219 yards led by Jaylen Watson's 102. He had 66 called back after the Gryphons were lined up to run a play when they were called for having too many men on the field from the running play. Don't get me started about officials. Several times the yard mark was two or three yards from where the ball actually was lined up. The Gryphons passed 5-12 for 86 yards
When the Gryphons needed them the defense was there including Nash Central on the Rocky Mount side of the field in the fourth quarter twice. One happen that has formed from this year's team they have put the ball on the ground multiple times in Edenton, Hoke County ad now Nash Central. If this continues there are teams ahead would will score. Gryphons survive a Bulldog scare 20-14
Other scores
Northern Nash 6 Hunt 3
Southern Nash 49 Fike 14
RMA 60 St David's 8
SouthWestEdgecombe 50 North Pitt 8
The Rocky Mount defense was not affected by the haze that the offense had was holding the Bulldogs to 11 yards rushing for the game. Nash Central cover 126 by the pass including 53 in the first quarter to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead. The play from quarterback Travis Griffin to Jay Smith. The Bulldogs rose the lead to 14 on a pick six by Kendall Winston who took it more than 99 yards picking off Mckenzy Wright.
It took until the 5:17 mark of the first half before the Gryphons crossed the goal line on a Charlie Williams run. Chase Miller added the extra point. Down to 17 seconds in the half the Gryphons tie the score on another Williams's score.
The Gryphons got the lead on a Shabios Lynch to K J Edwards 26 yard touchdown pass at 2:16 of the third and to go along with the Haze the extra point went under the goal post to give the Gryphons a 20-14 lead and left plenty of suspense yet to come.
For the night the Gryphons rushed for 219 yards led by Jaylen Watson's 102. He had 66 called back after the Gryphons were lined up to run a play when they were called for having too many men on the field from the running play. Don't get me started about officials. Several times the yard mark was two or three yards from where the ball actually was lined up. The Gryphons passed 5-12 for 86 yards
When the Gryphons needed them the defense was there including Nash Central on the Rocky Mount side of the field in the fourth quarter twice. One happen that has formed from this year's team they have put the ball on the ground multiple times in Edenton, Hoke County ad now Nash Central. If this continues there are teams ahead would will score. Gryphons survive a Bulldog scare 20-14
Other scores
Northern Nash 6 Hunt 3
Southern Nash 49 Fike 14
RMA 60 St David's 8
SouthWestEdgecombe 50 North Pitt 8
Notre Dame Makes First Visit To Raleigh
High school football Wednesday night Tarboro 42 South Creek 0
There are not many teams that the fighting Irish of Notre Dame have a losing record to. The Wolfpack is one if them as the Pack beat the Irish in the 2003 Gator Bowl in Jacksonville led by Philip Rivers. This game is a 12 noon kickoff and is going on ABC nationally at noon Saturday. At 1-3 the Irish have already played more noon games than in any season as most of the time they are the darlings of network tv in prime time.
Notre Dame 1-3 At NC State 3-1. Before season started this was the first game of a four week stretch for the Wolfpack Notre Dame, Louisville, Clemson and FSU. All of a sudden the Irish and Noles are winnable games. I suspect Carter Finley's top would blow off if it had one from the excitement of this big chance. State always pulls an upset at least one every year and they will win this one 33-28.
North Carolina Wesleyan 2-2 at Maryville 3-1: Both teams are 1-0 along with Ferrum and Averitt. Maryville was picked second behind Huntingdon who the Bishops took down last week. If the Bishops win this one they have a leg up on everybody having knocked off the top two in preseason. Bishops 36 Maryville 34
Virginia Tech 3-1 at North Carolina 4-1: The Hokies are much improved over last season but the way Carolina has become Tech will need forty to win this one and I don't see the Tech offense can score enough on the porous Tar Heel Defense. Doubt the Heels only win by one. Carolina 42 Virginia Tech 28.
ECU 2-3 at South Florida 4-1: Pirates are playing poorly but the truth be told only their opening win did they look good. If the Pirates don't get their act together this could be a blowout. South Fla 43 ECU 26
Army 3-1 at Duke 2-3: Which Duke team will show up. Even though they are 3-1 the Cadets of the Hudson really haven't beaten a real power house in the bunch. Duke 26 Army 17
Syracuse 2-3 at Wake Forest 4-1: Maybe the most interesting game of the weekend. Question is either team very good? Wake looked like the Pack was going to blow them away but made score respectable. None of the Orange losses have been close. Wake 31 Cuse 23
FSU 3-2 at Miami 4-0: Talk about an intriguing game. This might be Worse Seminole team in 30 years. The Question is, is Miami really that good. If Noles are to get any where close to a top tier bowl game they can't lose this game but to me seems this FSU team doesn't have the heart other teams have had. Miami 38 FSU 31
Georgia Tech 3-2 at Pitt 3-2: Do you realize every game this week so far could go the other way. I have liked Pitt every time I see them play. Pitt 38 Georgia Tech 28
Clemson 5-0 at Boston College 3-2: After the big win over Louisville this could be a trap game but I just don't see that BC has any wins against a quality team. Clemson 45 BC 10
There are not many teams that the fighting Irish of Notre Dame have a losing record to. The Wolfpack is one if them as the Pack beat the Irish in the 2003 Gator Bowl in Jacksonville led by Philip Rivers. This game is a 12 noon kickoff and is going on ABC nationally at noon Saturday. At 1-3 the Irish have already played more noon games than in any season as most of the time they are the darlings of network tv in prime time.
Notre Dame 1-3 At NC State 3-1. Before season started this was the first game of a four week stretch for the Wolfpack Notre Dame, Louisville, Clemson and FSU. All of a sudden the Irish and Noles are winnable games. I suspect Carter Finley's top would blow off if it had one from the excitement of this big chance. State always pulls an upset at least one every year and they will win this one 33-28.
North Carolina Wesleyan 2-2 at Maryville 3-1: Both teams are 1-0 along with Ferrum and Averitt. Maryville was picked second behind Huntingdon who the Bishops took down last week. If the Bishops win this one they have a leg up on everybody having knocked off the top two in preseason. Bishops 36 Maryville 34
Virginia Tech 3-1 at North Carolina 4-1: The Hokies are much improved over last season but the way Carolina has become Tech will need forty to win this one and I don't see the Tech offense can score enough on the porous Tar Heel Defense. Doubt the Heels only win by one. Carolina 42 Virginia Tech 28.
ECU 2-3 at South Florida 4-1: Pirates are playing poorly but the truth be told only their opening win did they look good. If the Pirates don't get their act together this could be a blowout. South Fla 43 ECU 26
Army 3-1 at Duke 2-3: Which Duke team will show up. Even though they are 3-1 the Cadets of the Hudson really haven't beaten a real power house in the bunch. Duke 26 Army 17
Syracuse 2-3 at Wake Forest 4-1: Maybe the most interesting game of the weekend. Question is either team very good? Wake looked like the Pack was going to blow them away but made score respectable. None of the Orange losses have been close. Wake 31 Cuse 23
FSU 3-2 at Miami 4-0: Talk about an intriguing game. This might be Worse Seminole team in 30 years. The Question is, is Miami really that good. If Noles are to get any where close to a top tier bowl game they can't lose this game but to me seems this FSU team doesn't have the heart other teams have had. Miami 38 FSU 31
Georgia Tech 3-2 at Pitt 3-2: Do you realize every game this week so far could go the other way. I have liked Pitt every time I see them play. Pitt 38 Georgia Tech 28
Clemson 5-0 at Boston College 3-2: After the big win over Louisville this could be a trap game but I just don't see that BC has any wins against a quality team. Clemson 45 BC 10
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
It's Time For Real Football
I do my high school picks on Thursday but with everyone moving to varsity games to Thursday going to flip flop the NFL picks to Thursday and today the high schools.
We are down to nothing but conference games so the number of games has dwindled in the picks this week. Last week only had three games played and went 2-1 to register my picks to 43-11. Time for the quest for the playoffs to start.
SouthWest Edgecombe 1-5 @ North Pitt 1-5: North has played a quality schedule with four of their losses have been to teams with a combined 19-4 record. The Cougars have nothing to be ashamed of with their schedule. North Pitt 34 SWE 28
North Edgecombe 5-0 at Rocky Mount Prep 3-3: Prep is having one of their best seasons at 3-3. The Warriors are in the middle of year two of top notch football and should have no problem with the Jags. Warriors 38 Jags 6
Tarboro 4-2 @ South Creek 1-5: Don't be alarmed that the Vikings have two losses as both were to fairly good 3A schools in a 4 day period Northern Nash and Southern Nash. South Creek is not in their league of quality. This game has been moved to tonight instead of Thursday. Tarboro 34 South Creek 0.
Northern Nash 4-2 @ Hunt 3-3: Northern defense has played great all year except for one quarter against Northeastern. Hunt this season is not a four yards and a cloud of dust team that can dominant the football. I'll take the Knights 20-14. By the way just in case you did not see this Monday night. Hunt beat Cornith Holders 30-7.
Fike 4-2 @ Southern Nash 6-0: Both these teams have played a couple of teams alike and in all cases the Firebirds numbers compare favorably in all cases with Fike's numbers. No one can sweep through the league undefeated unless you win the first on. Southern Nash 38 Fike 24
Rocky Mount 5-1 @ Nash Central 4-2: The shoe will be on the Gryphons foot just like Southern Must win the first to play a biggie later on with Southern. Nash Central has improved on offense and can put points on the board. The Gryphons have had moments of defense dominance but passing biggest exposed part. No one has held the Gryphon Offense down. The Question is can the Bulldogs score enough to pull and upset. Gryphons 42 Nash Central 20.
Finally the Eagles of RMA have hit the meat of their schedule,RMA 6-0 @ St Davids 5-1. Southampton knocked off ST Davids last week for their only loss. Southampton the only other undefeated team left in 8 man football. RMA 34 St Davids 32
Sorry to hear that NorthEast Carolina Prep has so many injuries that they don't have enough players to finish season and have forfeited their remaining games.
We are down to nothing but conference games so the number of games has dwindled in the picks this week. Last week only had three games played and went 2-1 to register my picks to 43-11. Time for the quest for the playoffs to start.
SouthWest Edgecombe 1-5 @ North Pitt 1-5: North has played a quality schedule with four of their losses have been to teams with a combined 19-4 record. The Cougars have nothing to be ashamed of with their schedule. North Pitt 34 SWE 28
North Edgecombe 5-0 at Rocky Mount Prep 3-3: Prep is having one of their best seasons at 3-3. The Warriors are in the middle of year two of top notch football and should have no problem with the Jags. Warriors 38 Jags 6
Tarboro 4-2 @ South Creek 1-5: Don't be alarmed that the Vikings have two losses as both were to fairly good 3A schools in a 4 day period Northern Nash and Southern Nash. South Creek is not in their league of quality. This game has been moved to tonight instead of Thursday. Tarboro 34 South Creek 0.
Northern Nash 4-2 @ Hunt 3-3: Northern defense has played great all year except for one quarter against Northeastern. Hunt this season is not a four yards and a cloud of dust team that can dominant the football. I'll take the Knights 20-14. By the way just in case you did not see this Monday night. Hunt beat Cornith Holders 30-7.
Fike 4-2 @ Southern Nash 6-0: Both these teams have played a couple of teams alike and in all cases the Firebirds numbers compare favorably in all cases with Fike's numbers. No one can sweep through the league undefeated unless you win the first on. Southern Nash 38 Fike 24
Rocky Mount 5-1 @ Nash Central 4-2: The shoe will be on the Gryphons foot just like Southern Must win the first to play a biggie later on with Southern. Nash Central has improved on offense and can put points on the board. The Gryphons have had moments of defense dominance but passing biggest exposed part. No one has held the Gryphon Offense down. The Question is can the Bulldogs score enough to pull and upset. Gryphons 42 Nash Central 20.
Finally the Eagles of RMA have hit the meat of their schedule,RMA 6-0 @ St Davids 5-1. Southampton knocked off ST Davids last week for their only loss. Southampton the only other undefeated team left in 8 man football. RMA 34 St Davids 32
Sorry to hear that NorthEast Carolina Prep has so many injuries that they don't have enough players to finish season and have forfeited their remaining games.
Monday, October 3, 2016
Will Brian Goodwin Make Nationals Playoff Roster
All Thursday night JV football games in the Big East have been moved to Wednesday night at 6;30. All varsity football games scheduled for Friday have been move to Thursday night at 7:00pm. This change made due to uncertainty of the approaching hurricane.
Former Rocky Mount Gryphon Brian Goodwin who got his second call up from AAA Syracuse in Late August had a taste of Big League Baseball but the big question is was his stay enough to make the Washington Nationals playoff roster.
Goodwin's stay in the big leagues produced 42 at bats. A Total of 12 hits giving Brian a career batting average of 286. He had four doubles, a triple in his 12 hits. Goodwin's chance of making the playoff roster has several obstacles including former Syracuse teammate Trea Turner becoming the best lead off hitter in Nationals history.
Turner has converted to centerfield but his value is he can play short, second or all three outfield positions. There is a real possibility that Turner could play second and Daniel Murphy first in certain games. Murphy has been out the last two weeks and if he sits with injury Turner could move to second and give Goodwin an open spot.
The Nationals playoff roster has not been announced yet but as of Sunday the last day of the baseball season Brian is listed on the 25 man roster. Once the playoffs start, do you fill your roster with more than usual pitchers and that might leave Brian as odd man out.
If Goodwin is left off he might be the first alternate in waiting. Regardless of any injuries that occur during the divisional series injuries could be Brian's chance to make the National championship round if the National win round one Werth, Harper and Zimmerman all have nagging injuries and if either Werth or Harper go down just might be Brian's chance.
If the season is over for Brian Goodwin he surely has given himself a great opportunity
To make the roster next season or he has opened some eyes of other teams that might need an outfielder. Add his year in Syracuse Brian hit 285 in both Syracuse and Washington. There is no doubt playing fall ball in Venezuela plus getting completely healthy has change Brian Goodwin's career and next season may be on a major league roster opening day.
Former Rocky Mount Gryphon Brian Goodwin who got his second call up from AAA Syracuse in Late August had a taste of Big League Baseball but the big question is was his stay enough to make the Washington Nationals playoff roster.
Goodwin's stay in the big leagues produced 42 at bats. A Total of 12 hits giving Brian a career batting average of 286. He had four doubles, a triple in his 12 hits. Goodwin's chance of making the playoff roster has several obstacles including former Syracuse teammate Trea Turner becoming the best lead off hitter in Nationals history.
Turner has converted to centerfield but his value is he can play short, second or all three outfield positions. There is a real possibility that Turner could play second and Daniel Murphy first in certain games. Murphy has been out the last two weeks and if he sits with injury Turner could move to second and give Goodwin an open spot.
The Nationals playoff roster has not been announced yet but as of Sunday the last day of the baseball season Brian is listed on the 25 man roster. Once the playoffs start, do you fill your roster with more than usual pitchers and that might leave Brian as odd man out.
If Goodwin is left off he might be the first alternate in waiting. Regardless of any injuries that occur during the divisional series injuries could be Brian's chance to make the National championship round if the National win round one Werth, Harper and Zimmerman all have nagging injuries and if either Werth or Harper go down just might be Brian's chance.
If the season is over for Brian Goodwin he surely has given himself a great opportunity
To make the roster next season or he has opened some eyes of other teams that might need an outfielder. Add his year in Syracuse Brian hit 285 in both Syracuse and Washington. There is no doubt playing fall ball in Venezuela plus getting completely healthy has change Brian Goodwin's career and next season may be on a major league roster opening day.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
The Quest For A Conference Title Starts This Week
Last week with the formula that I created I gave you a look at what every team in the Big East has done to date and rated their schedule. Nothing matters of what has happened to date only the next five weeks tell all. Here is where I think the Big East is heading.
6th Hunt. Since Hunt High School was opened I think in 1978 I don't think the Warriors have ever finished last in any season. Major changes have taken place thus far this season with a new football coach and athletic director. Hunt still has a game tonight but at this point only Big East team on short side on the win column. I doubt they finish dead last but probably tied.
5th Nash Central. I don't care who you are in the Big East you had better not count on a win by just showing up. The Bulldogs can score but the biggest problem can they stop the upper tier teams who probably can slow they down some. The Bulldogs win at least one conference game.
4th Fike. To date the most inconsistent team in the Big East has been the Golden Demons. By this point six games in every team kind of has an idea one way or the other what direction they are headed. Fike could be good enough to finish as high as third or could dip to last.
3rd Northern Nash. They just may have the best defense in the Big East and if they don't let you score they might score enough to beat you. Would like to remind everyone they are the only team in the last year and a half to hold the Gryphons under 20 points(13) last season.
I do think third to sixth just like most years could could flip flop depending on who continues to improve as the season goes on. Now the top two.
2nd Southern Nash. The Firebirds are better than they were last year. If it turns out the way most figure they will host Rocky Mount in the conference game of the year. As always have a big line and runners galore. Their defense is better that last.
1st Rocky Mount. Only team to give Middle Creek a tussle. Dominated 4-a Hoke County and put 66 points up against Greenville Rose a team who is always a load against the Gryphons. This year's offense might be better than last year but at this point the defense has had moments but not as good as last year. Unlike last year the Gryphons have had a couple of games with turnovers which cannot happen in the big games.
Starting Friday night they are all big. As Jim Valvano use to say. The more you win the more important the next game is. I think Southern Nash and Rocky Mount could flip flop but unless either or both run into major injuries neither should be below second. There is not a game either can afford to not be ready for.
6th Hunt. Since Hunt High School was opened I think in 1978 I don't think the Warriors have ever finished last in any season. Major changes have taken place thus far this season with a new football coach and athletic director. Hunt still has a game tonight but at this point only Big East team on short side on the win column. I doubt they finish dead last but probably tied.
5th Nash Central. I don't care who you are in the Big East you had better not count on a win by just showing up. The Bulldogs can score but the biggest problem can they stop the upper tier teams who probably can slow they down some. The Bulldogs win at least one conference game.
4th Fike. To date the most inconsistent team in the Big East has been the Golden Demons. By this point six games in every team kind of has an idea one way or the other what direction they are headed. Fike could be good enough to finish as high as third or could dip to last.
3rd Northern Nash. They just may have the best defense in the Big East and if they don't let you score they might score enough to beat you. Would like to remind everyone they are the only team in the last year and a half to hold the Gryphons under 20 points(13) last season.
I do think third to sixth just like most years could could flip flop depending on who continues to improve as the season goes on. Now the top two.
2nd Southern Nash. The Firebirds are better than they were last year. If it turns out the way most figure they will host Rocky Mount in the conference game of the year. As always have a big line and runners galore. Their defense is better that last.
1st Rocky Mount. Only team to give Middle Creek a tussle. Dominated 4-a Hoke County and put 66 points up against Greenville Rose a team who is always a load against the Gryphons. This year's offense might be better than last year but at this point the defense has had moments but not as good as last year. Unlike last year the Gryphons have had a couple of games with turnovers which cannot happen in the big games.
Starting Friday night they are all big. As Jim Valvano use to say. The more you win the more important the next game is. I think Southern Nash and Rocky Mount could flip flop but unless either or both run into major injuries neither should be below second. There is not a game either can afford to not be ready for.
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Upset City
You have to give coach Jeff Filkovski of the Batting Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan credit. He has done everything he can to play the top notch competition so far this season. They opened the season against Stevenson a team that now is number 20 in D 3 football. The second week they brought in the number one team in D 3 Mount Union. Today's foe Huntingdon rank 15th and scoring 55 points per game is in the Wesleyan house.
The Hawks came right out and had the look of a team that could score in the 50's as they took just over two minutes to score with the opening drive on a 47 yard toss by quarterback Luke Bailey to Nick Haas to lead 7-0 after the extra by Chase Young.
The Bishops responded on their opening drive and scored on a Gerrel Patton one yard dive. Chris Richardson tied it at 7. The Hawks scored on their second tried at 2:39 of the first when JaMichael Bibb caught a 17 yard td catch and the Hawks are rolling. It took the Battling Bishops 12 seconds to tie the score as Malik Adam took the kickoff 92 yards and both teams have 14 points each and it is still the first quarter.
The second quarter the Bishops scored twice and they got two big picks on defense and the second by Bobby Tucker was in the end zone. The Bishops scores came from Gerrell Patton 15 yard score at 14-54 in the half and Malik Adams scored for the second time when he corralled a 3 yard pass from Nathan Gardner to make the score 28-14 at the half.
Half time USA South conference Commissioner Tom Hart presented the Battling Bishops with the Men's President Cup signifying North Carolina Wesleyan as the best mens sports program during the 2015-2016 sports season.
The Bishops came right out of the locker room and pushed their lead to 21 when Andrew Tyson snatched a 12 yard pass from Nathan Gardner to push the lead to 35-14 with 11:44 in the third. The Hawks cut it to 14 and then seven after John Iwanick scored on a five yard run and again on a quarterback rub by Luke Bailey to cut the lead to 35-28. A Bishops field goal ended the third quarter at 38-28.
Both Defenses held each other to a field goal in the fourth but after the Hawks cut the lead to 38-31 the Bishops had a touchdown called back and a field goal taken off the board after the Hawks roughed Bishops kicker Chris Richardson. The score was then 38-31 and had just over three minutes left when the Bishops used two more minutes off the clock when they settled for the final field goal with 38 second left to cushion the lead to the final 41-31.
The Hawks had 532 yards of offense while the Bishops just 429. It was the first conference loss after winning their last nine for the Hawks. The win sends the Bishops tied for the lead to Maryville the team picked for second in the USA South. Not only have the Bishops. Played the meat of their schedule early but now faced the other team picked ahead of Bishops.
The Hawks came right out and had the look of a team that could score in the 50's as they took just over two minutes to score with the opening drive on a 47 yard toss by quarterback Luke Bailey to Nick Haas to lead 7-0 after the extra by Chase Young.
The Bishops responded on their opening drive and scored on a Gerrel Patton one yard dive. Chris Richardson tied it at 7. The Hawks scored on their second tried at 2:39 of the first when JaMichael Bibb caught a 17 yard td catch and the Hawks are rolling. It took the Battling Bishops 12 seconds to tie the score as Malik Adam took the kickoff 92 yards and both teams have 14 points each and it is still the first quarter.
The second quarter the Bishops scored twice and they got two big picks on defense and the second by Bobby Tucker was in the end zone. The Bishops scores came from Gerrell Patton 15 yard score at 14-54 in the half and Malik Adams scored for the second time when he corralled a 3 yard pass from Nathan Gardner to make the score 28-14 at the half.
Half time USA South conference Commissioner Tom Hart presented the Battling Bishops with the Men's President Cup signifying North Carolina Wesleyan as the best mens sports program during the 2015-2016 sports season.
The Bishops came right out of the locker room and pushed their lead to 21 when Andrew Tyson snatched a 12 yard pass from Nathan Gardner to push the lead to 35-14 with 11:44 in the third. The Hawks cut it to 14 and then seven after John Iwanick scored on a five yard run and again on a quarterback rub by Luke Bailey to cut the lead to 35-28. A Bishops field goal ended the third quarter at 38-28.
Both Defenses held each other to a field goal in the fourth but after the Hawks cut the lead to 38-31 the Bishops had a touchdown called back and a field goal taken off the board after the Hawks roughed Bishops kicker Chris Richardson. The score was then 38-31 and had just over three minutes left when the Bishops used two more minutes off the clock when they settled for the final field goal with 38 second left to cushion the lead to the final 41-31.
The Hawks had 532 yards of offense while the Bishops just 429. It was the first conference loss after winning their last nine for the Hawks. The win sends the Bishops tied for the lead to Maryville the team picked for second in the USA South. Not only have the Bishops. Played the meat of their schedule early but now faced the other team picked ahead of Bishops.
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