Monday, December 15, 2008

Lousburg Rolls Gryphons

Wednesday night the Gryphon wrestling team was welcoming back it's football players to the mat. The results weren't quite as they had planned, as Louisburg rolled through Rocky Mount's line up and defeated the Gryphs 18-51.

Dedrick Silver, Daryl Cross and Justin Atkinson had only two days of practice to get ready to compete, but hopes were high that they would help fill the holes in the line-up that have plagued the team up to this point. But once again, the Gryphons gave away 24 points in forfeits.

Chandler Phillips, who has been out of action since the Falcon Invitational at Aycock November 22, sat out yet another match. Robert Barnes, Ahmir Scott, Larry (?) and Demonte Hill were also absent from the line up, as the Gryphons did not send wrestlers to the mat to contest the first four weight classes (103, 112, 119, 125).

Guy Williamson won by forfeit at 215 pounds, rounding out the non-match scoring.

The home grapplers managed only 3 wins in the nine contested bouts against a solid Louisburg squad. The Warriors were ranked #23 in the East, but #3 in 1A in the Takedown Report pre-season rankings. (The Gryphs earned a #17 overall preseason ranking).

Dedrick Silver had to work for 3 periods to put away his opponent at 171 for an 8-3 win in his first match of the year. J.K Williamson continued his impressive freshman campaign, notching Rocky Mount's only pin of the evening in the 160 pound match.

The night's most intriguing match was the first one on the mat at 130 pounds. Pitting two State Qualifiers, Francisco Alfero out wrestled Smiley Mueller to win 6-2.

I wrestled against Smiley's brother, Noel, last year. He just happens to be a fellow freshman at Pembroke & is on the Braves wrestling team. My dad and I talked to Smiley and his dad, who is the Louisburg coach, for a few minutes following the match. Smiley stopped by wondering about these two guys with the UNCP gear on. Turns out the kid is not only a good wrestler, but a nice guy, too.

The Rocky Mount team hopes to field it's most complete line up come Saturday. The NEW 6 Conference meet will be held at RMHS, starting at 10:00, where the Gryphons will wrestle each of the other 5 teams throughout the day. I hope to see you there.

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