Still Lot's to Play For

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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