Four Years. One hundred wins.
For many high school athletes that compete on the mat, 100 matches is sometimes hard to reach. One Hundred victories in a high school career are not attained by the average wrestler. One Hundred victories, more often than not, are not accumulated by very, very good wrestlers.
One Hundred wins.
That averages out to 25 Varsity wins a year for 4 years.
Senior Francisco Alfaro has been a steady winner at Rocky Mount. According to teammate Chandler Phillips, coach Jermaine Jones told the team that Francisco's victory against Nash Central in the Conference Dual Meet on December 13th was his 100th. With another month and a half of wrestling to go this season, it's anyone's guess as to what the final number will be when 'Cisco is finally done at Rocky Mount High.
NCMAT lists the state's 100 career win wrestlers, but nowhere on the list is there a Rocky Mount Gryphon. That list is updated only when someone sends in a name, so it does not mean that another Gryphon has not hit 100 before. Unfortunately this is not football, so a comprehensive record book we do not have. (Charles Alston)
One thing is for sure; at the end of this year the NCMAT 100 career win list will include one Gryphon: Francisco Alfaro.
Congratulations to Fransisco, and as a side note, we hope to have Gryphon wrestlers pictures in the near future.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wrestling Backlog
Somewhere in the whirlwind of preparing for the Holidays, I did not post the results from the Gryphon's trip to Greenville last week. The wrestling team competed in the Milt Sherman Duels at Conley High School last Saturday.
Originally, this was the last competition Rocky Mount had on the schedule before the Christmas break. The Gryphons faced some tough competition in a gymnasium filled with some of the best 3A teams in the East. "There's a lot of competition here," Francisco Alfaro said at one point. "I mean a lot. This is like being at Regionals."
Rocky Mount came out with 2 wins in their 3 matches.
The Gryphons gave up 24 forfeit points to White Oak in their opening match and fell 30-45. Holding a 30-15 advantage at one point, the team lost a close decision at heavyweight before giving up 4 straight matches by forfeit.
Rocky Mount went up against host D H Conley in their second match and won handily, 48-21. Aside from the forfeits, the Gryphs only gave up 9 points on the mat.
In the evening's last match, the Gryphons out wrestled the Cardinals from Jacksonville High, winning 42-33. The match saw the Gryphs get out to a 30-0 lead by winning the first 5 matches by pin, only to see the Cardinals come back to tie it at 33-all. A Chandler Phillips win and Johnny Stewart pin in the last two matches clinched the win.
Stewart, Dedrick Silver, Daryl Cross and Guy Williamson won 3 matches each. Alfaro, Phillips and Justin Atkinson took 2 apiece, while Demonte Hill, Kinston Peters and J K Williamson each notched one.
Originally, this was the last competition Rocky Mount had on the schedule before the Christmas break. The Gryphons faced some tough competition in a gymnasium filled with some of the best 3A teams in the East. "There's a lot of competition here," Francisco Alfaro said at one point. "I mean a lot. This is like being at Regionals."
Rocky Mount came out with 2 wins in their 3 matches.
The Gryphons gave up 24 forfeit points to White Oak in their opening match and fell 30-45. Holding a 30-15 advantage at one point, the team lost a close decision at heavyweight before giving up 4 straight matches by forfeit.
Rocky Mount went up against host D H Conley in their second match and won handily, 48-21. Aside from the forfeits, the Gryphs only gave up 9 points on the mat.
In the evening's last match, the Gryphons out wrestled the Cardinals from Jacksonville High, winning 42-33. The match saw the Gryphs get out to a 30-0 lead by winning the first 5 matches by pin, only to see the Cardinals come back to tie it at 33-all. A Chandler Phillips win and Johnny Stewart pin in the last two matches clinched the win.
Stewart, Dedrick Silver, Daryl Cross and Guy Williamson won 3 matches each. Alfaro, Phillips and Justin Atkinson took 2 apiece, while Demonte Hill, Kinston Peters and J K Williamson each notched one.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Coach Jones Gets Early Christmas Present
Rocky Mount wrestlers gave coach Jermaine Jones an early Christmas present in Goldsboro Tuesday evening with not one, but two victories at Rosewood High School. The Gryphons slipped by Rosewood (ranked as the #5 1A team in the east) 34-33, then dominated Southwest Edgecombe 54-12.
Jones' team limped through November, going 3-4, but compiled an impressive December record of 11-2, including nine out of their last 10.
The Gryphons gave up their customary 103 and 119 pound matches, and were also without 112 pounder Ahmir Scott. Francisco Alfaro, Chandler Phillips, JK Williamson, Dedrick Silver, Daryl Cross and Guy Williamson each won both of their matches.
ROCKY MOUNT 34 - ROSEWOOD 33
JK Williamson started out a 4 match win streak from the onset, winning a 9-2 decision. Silver followed with a pin. Cross added 4 points for a major decision in the 189 match 14-2, and Guy Williamson followed with another pin.
The Eagles quickly closed the gap, winning a 9-6 decision at heavyweight and two forfeit wins at 103 and 112, leaving the Gryphons with a slim 19-15 lead.
Neither team sent out a wrestler at 119.
Demonte Hill notched 6 points for the Gryphs with a forfeit win at 125, followed by an Alfaro pin at 130.
Phillips put the match out of the Eagles' reach with a 5-1 decision at 135. They needed all those points, as the Gryphons gave up a forfeit at 140 and lost by pin in both the 145 and 152 pound matches, for the final, one point victory.
ROCKY MOUNT 54 - SOUTHWEST EDGECOMBE 12
If there is a team that gives up more forfeit points than the Gryphons, it's the Cougars. The match started with Gryphon forfeit wins at 171, 189 and 215 and an instant 18-0 lead. Ezekial Thorne notched a decision win 2-1 at heavyweight to increase the lead to 21-0.
Neither team sent out a wrestler for 103 or 119 matches, and SWE got six forfeit points at 112.
The Gryphons lost their only match on the mat by pin at 125, getting the Cougars as close as they would get at 21-12.
Kinston Peters got a pin to win at 130 and Alfaro was given a forfeit win at 135, as the Cougars bumped up their 135 pounder to face Phillips at 140 instead.
Phillips won by pin.
Damien Bynum drew a forfeit at 145 and Justin Atkinson won a close battle at 152, outlasting his opponent 13-10. JK Williamson closed out the scoring at 160 with another forfeit.
Jones will have his team practicing through the Holidays before returning to the mat on January 3 for the J A Holmes Invitational.
Here's hoping everyone's Christmas was as good as Jones'.
Jones' team limped through November, going 3-4, but compiled an impressive December record of 11-2, including nine out of their last 10.
The Gryphons gave up their customary 103 and 119 pound matches, and were also without 112 pounder Ahmir Scott. Francisco Alfaro, Chandler Phillips, JK Williamson, Dedrick Silver, Daryl Cross and Guy Williamson each won both of their matches.
ROCKY MOUNT 34 - ROSEWOOD 33
JK Williamson started out a 4 match win streak from the onset, winning a 9-2 decision. Silver followed with a pin. Cross added 4 points for a major decision in the 189 match 14-2, and Guy Williamson followed with another pin.
The Eagles quickly closed the gap, winning a 9-6 decision at heavyweight and two forfeit wins at 103 and 112, leaving the Gryphons with a slim 19-15 lead.
Neither team sent out a wrestler at 119.
Demonte Hill notched 6 points for the Gryphs with a forfeit win at 125, followed by an Alfaro pin at 130.
Phillips put the match out of the Eagles' reach with a 5-1 decision at 135. They needed all those points, as the Gryphons gave up a forfeit at 140 and lost by pin in both the 145 and 152 pound matches, for the final, one point victory.
ROCKY MOUNT 54 - SOUTHWEST EDGECOMBE 12
If there is a team that gives up more forfeit points than the Gryphons, it's the Cougars. The match started with Gryphon forfeit wins at 171, 189 and 215 and an instant 18-0 lead. Ezekial Thorne notched a decision win 2-1 at heavyweight to increase the lead to 21-0.
Neither team sent out a wrestler for 103 or 119 matches, and SWE got six forfeit points at 112.
The Gryphons lost their only match on the mat by pin at 125, getting the Cougars as close as they would get at 21-12.
Kinston Peters got a pin to win at 130 and Alfaro was given a forfeit win at 135, as the Cougars bumped up their 135 pounder to face Phillips at 140 instead.
Phillips won by pin.
Damien Bynum drew a forfeit at 145 and Justin Atkinson won a close battle at 152, outlasting his opponent 13-10. JK Williamson closed out the scoring at 160 with another forfeit.
Jones will have his team practicing through the Holidays before returning to the mat on January 3 for the J A Holmes Invitational.
Here's hoping everyone's Christmas was as good as Jones'.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Gryphons Surf Rapids
The Rocky Mount wrestlers, fresh off a dominating performance in conference duels on Saturday, traveled to Roanoke Rapids High School Monday night to meet the Yellow Jackets for the second time this season. The Gryphons won a back and forth battle in the first meeting at home, but they had little problem this time around, posting an impressive 49-24 victory.
The squad posted it's sixth consecutive team victory while improving their season record to 10-5.
RMHS gave away their (so far) customary two matches by forfeit (this time, the 112 & 125 contests) and lost only two others on the night (130 & 160). Neither team put a wrestler on the mat for the 103 weight class, and Dedrick Silver won the 189 pound match by forfeit.
Francisco Alfero dominated his 135 opponent with a 13-0 decision and Johnny Stewart went the distance in winning at 145 in a 13-7 decision.
The remaining Gryphon match wins seemed to be a competition between themselves to see who could record the quickest pin, as all six Rocky Mount pins were recorded before the end of the first period. Guy Williamson, wrestling up at Heavyweight, took the longest time for his pin in the night's first match. The referee's hand slapped the mat just ahead of the horn to end the first period.
Damien Bynum recorded his 152 pound match pin in 1:45, only to be bested by Ahmir Scott's time of 1:25 in the 119 pound match.
Chandler Phillips (140) out did Scott by getting his pin in 1:21. Daryl Cross recorded his pin in a mere 52 seconds at 189. The quickest pin belonged to J K Williamson in the 171 pound match. If you blinked, you missed the 44 seconds of work he put in on the night.
The Gryphons will be back on the practice mat until Saturday when they travel to D.H Conley High School in Greenville to compete in the Milt Sherman Duels starting at 9:30 A.M.
The team will face off against at least 4 other teams throughout the day. The tough slate of teams competing include Louisburg, who beat RM in their first meeting, State 4A Champions Cary High School, Conley, J.H. Rose (who also beat the Gryphs in the team's first match of the year) and others.
These Duels should be a good measuring stick of where the Gryphon team stands at about the halfway point of the season.
The squad posted it's sixth consecutive team victory while improving their season record to 10-5.
RMHS gave away their (so far) customary two matches by forfeit (this time, the 112 & 125 contests) and lost only two others on the night (130 & 160). Neither team put a wrestler on the mat for the 103 weight class, and Dedrick Silver won the 189 pound match by forfeit.
Francisco Alfero dominated his 135 opponent with a 13-0 decision and Johnny Stewart went the distance in winning at 145 in a 13-7 decision.
The remaining Gryphon match wins seemed to be a competition between themselves to see who could record the quickest pin, as all six Rocky Mount pins were recorded before the end of the first period. Guy Williamson, wrestling up at Heavyweight, took the longest time for his pin in the night's first match. The referee's hand slapped the mat just ahead of the horn to end the first period.
Damien Bynum recorded his 152 pound match pin in 1:45, only to be bested by Ahmir Scott's time of 1:25 in the 119 pound match.
Chandler Phillips (140) out did Scott by getting his pin in 1:21. Daryl Cross recorded his pin in a mere 52 seconds at 189. The quickest pin belonged to J K Williamson in the 171 pound match. If you blinked, you missed the 44 seconds of work he put in on the night.
The Gryphons will be back on the practice mat until Saturday when they travel to D.H Conley High School in Greenville to compete in the Milt Sherman Duels starting at 9:30 A.M.
The team will face off against at least 4 other teams throughout the day. The tough slate of teams competing include Louisburg, who beat RM in their first meeting, State 4A Champions Cary High School, Conley, J.H. Rose (who also beat the Gryphs in the team's first match of the year) and others.
These Duels should be a good measuring stick of where the Gryphon team stands at about the halfway point of the season.
Monday, December 15, 2008
One Last Look at the Eastern Finals...
Charles Alston passed this link along this weekend, video of the Rocky Mount-West Craven 3-A Eastern Final's last four minutes.
Take a look if you'd like. And no, there isn't a conclusive shot showing if Nick Hahula's knee was down or if it was, indeed, a fumble. And let's not bring it to an argument.
http://s180.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid180.photobucket.com/albums/x125/
Otis4411/wchs2008/finalscorept1.flv&fs=1&os=1&ap=1
-Copy this link to your browser to watch.
Take a look if you'd like. And no, there isn't a conclusive shot showing if Nick Hahula's knee was down or if it was, indeed, a fumble. And let's not bring it to an argument.
http://s180.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid180.photobucket.com/albums/x125/
Otis4411/wchs2008/finalscorept1.flv&fs=1&os=1&ap=1
-Copy this link to your browser to watch.
Gryphons Sweep Conference Duals
Coach Jermaine Jones finally put an (almost) full line up on the mat Saturday, as Rocky Mount hosted the season's first NEW 6 Conference duel meet. The Gryphons won all 5 of their matches, putting them in the driver's seat for a second consecutive conference title.
Nash Central took 4 out of 5, while Northern Nash won 3 and Southern Nash took 2. Fike outlasted Southwest Edgecombe for their only victory.
Nash Central took 4 out of 5, while Northern Nash won 3 and Southern Nash took 2. Fike outlasted Southwest Edgecombe for their only victory.
Francisco Alfero, J K Williamson, Dedrick Silver and Daryl Cross each won 5 matches. Ahmir Scott, Chandler Phillips, Johnny Stewart and Guy Williamson notched 4 each. Justin Atkinson won 3, while Demonte Hill and Kinston Peters both won 2 matches. Grant Wilson also added a win for the Gryphons, as they recorded 23 pins on the day.
ROCKY MOUNT 57 - FIKE 15
The Gryphons made a statement in their first match of the day. Rocky Mount grapplers had 7 pins in what amounted to little more than a warm up for the long day ahead.
ROCKY MOUNT 45 - NORTHERN NASH 32
The Knights came to RMHS with a confident swagger. After all, they were unbeaten as a team (7-0) and had won the team side of the Pierce-Davis the weekend before. That tournament had included most of the NEW 6 teams (the Gryphons finished 7th) so naturally, Northern came in looking for a sweep of the conference.
Not so fast. The Gryphons wrestled their way to a dominating 45-20 lead. Jones decided to conserve some energy and forfeit the 215 and Heavyweight matches, making the final score appear closer than it actually was.
ROCKY MOUNT 36 - NASH CENTRAL 27
These two teams split their two regular season conference matches last year. Both were close, hard fought battles going down to the wire. Nobody expected things to be much different this year. Starting with a double forfeit at 103, a series of decision wins and losses, and pins for both teams, this match was what amounts to a dead heat after the first 9 matches.
Jones did what good coaches must do in strategic positions; pull the right strings and push the right buttons at the right time. Jones decided to forfeit the 171 pound match and bump up his remaining three wrestlers, putting the outcome of the match in the hands of three seniors.
Dedrick Silver (tech fall), Daryl Cross (pin) and Guy Williamson (tech fall) carried the Gryphons to victory by winning those last three matches.
ROCKY MOUNT 62 - SOUTHWEST EDGECOMBE 18
This was a good draw for the Gryphons at a good time. It gave them a 'breather' match after the hard fought NC win, and before an anticipated tough last match against Southern Nash. SWE won only one match on the mat. The Gryphs forfeited the first and last match, but in between they won 6 matches by pin.
ROCKY MOUNT 44 - SOUTHERN NASH 30
Firebird coach Eddie Coble juggled his line up, much the way Jones did for the Gryphons against Nash Central, trying to avoid a couple of wrestlers and take advantage of what he thought were better match ups for his team. Southern did not put a wrestler out to challenge Francisco Alfero or Chandler Phillips, hoping to take advantage of Rocky Mount's middleweights.
Not so fast. Johnny Stewart (9-6 dec.), Justin Atkinson (9-5 dec.) and J.K Williamson (11-1 dec.) each won and squashed any Firebird hopes of an upset. The Gryphons cruised out to a commanding 38-12 lead with only 4 matches remaining to seal the day's sweep of conference foes.
All six teams will meet again in January. Rocky Mount will have a big target on their backs. I'm thinking that's just the way Jones and his squad wanted it to be.
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.
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.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Corrections
Earlier this week, I posted an article on the Gryphons wrestling team and several of its wrestlers being ranked.
I forgot to include in the article that these rankings were PRESEASON RANKINGS.
The Gryphons football-wrestlers saw their first action of the season last night, as they try to live up to their rankings.
It should also be noted that since the individual rankings were PRESEASON, several of the wrestlers, if not all, will be wrestling at different weight classes this season.
Updated rankings will come out soon with the wrestlers in the weight classes they are routinely wrestling at this season.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Gryphon wrestlers and their rankings.
THE GRYPHONS HOST THE FIRST NEW 6 CONFERENCE TEAM TOUNAMENT OF THE SEASON - SATURDAY BEGINNING AT 10 AM IN THE SCHOOL'S MAIN GYM.
I forgot to include in the article that these rankings were PRESEASON RANKINGS.
The Gryphons football-wrestlers saw their first action of the season last night, as they try to live up to their rankings.
It should also be noted that since the individual rankings were PRESEASON, several of the wrestlers, if not all, will be wrestling at different weight classes this season.
Updated rankings will come out soon with the wrestlers in the weight classes they are routinely wrestling at this season.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Gryphon wrestlers and their rankings.
THE GRYPHONS HOST THE FIRST NEW 6 CONFERENCE TEAM TOUNAMENT OF THE SEASON - SATURDAY BEGINNING AT 10 AM IN THE SCHOOL'S MAIN GYM.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Gryphon Wrestlers Ranked
With the season a little more than a month underway, the Rocky Mount Gryphon wrestling team and several of its wrestlers are ranked.
The Gryphon team is ranked #17 Overall in the East, which includes all 1A - 4A teams. In the 3-A rankings, the Gryphons are ranked #9 in the team catagory.
Individually, there are several Gryphons who are highly ranked.
At 112, junior Ahmir Scott is ranked #8 overall and #3 in the 3-A. 125-pounder, junior Chandler Phillips is #6 overall and the highest ranked 3-A wrestler in his weight class.
Rocky Mount 130-lb senior Francisco Alfero ranks #3 overall and #2 in the 3-A. At 160, fellow senior Dedrick Silver is ranked #3 overall and #2 3-A. 171-pound senior Daryl Cross is #7 overall and is #3 3-A. Finally, at 189, senior Guy Williamson is #5 overall and #3 in the 3-A rankings.
The Gryphons have experienced strong turnouts in their first few home matches this season. Please continue to support them, first this Wednesday against Lousburg, and then come out Saturday for the first NEW 6 Conference Tournament match-up of this season.
The Gryphon team is ranked #17 Overall in the East, which includes all 1A - 4A teams. In the 3-A rankings, the Gryphons are ranked #9 in the team catagory.
Individually, there are several Gryphons who are highly ranked.
At 112, junior Ahmir Scott is ranked #8 overall and #3 in the 3-A. 125-pounder, junior Chandler Phillips is #6 overall and the highest ranked 3-A wrestler in his weight class.
Rocky Mount 130-lb senior Francisco Alfero ranks #3 overall and #2 in the 3-A. At 160, fellow senior Dedrick Silver is ranked #3 overall and #2 3-A. 171-pound senior Daryl Cross is #7 overall and is #3 3-A. Finally, at 189, senior Guy Williamson is #5 overall and #3 in the 3-A rankings.
The Gryphons have experienced strong turnouts in their first few home matches this season. Please continue to support them, first this Wednesday against Lousburg, and then come out Saturday for the first NEW 6 Conference Tournament match-up of this season.
Gryphon Wrestlers Compete in SWE's Pierce-Davis Tournament
The Gryphon wrestling team did a pretty good job holding its own on Saturday at SouthWest Edgecombe's annual Pierce-Davis Memorial Tournament.
Senior Francisco Alfero (135) and junior Ahmir Scott (112) both won their weight divisions, while senior Guy Williamson placed second at 215 pounds.
Grant Wilson (HWT), Johnny Stewart (145), JK williamson (160), and Kinston Peters (130) each won two matches apiece on the day.
despite not entering wrestlers at 103, 119, 125, 140, 171, or 189, the Gryphons team held their own in the team points. At one point, the Gryphons held the top spot in the team standings before eventually fading to seventh out of twelve teams. Not bad for only entering half a team.
Rocky Mount will host Lousberg on Wednesday at 7:00 pm. The team hopes to welcome back its football players, including seniors Dedrick Silver and Darryl Cross and Junior Justin Adkinson, along with injury-recovering junior Chandler Phillips in time for the first conference tournament next Saturday.
That NEW 6 Conference tournament will be held at Rocky Mount as all six conference foes will wrestle each other on the day.
Hope to see everyone on Wednesday and Saturday.
Senior Francisco Alfero (135) and junior Ahmir Scott (112) both won their weight divisions, while senior Guy Williamson placed second at 215 pounds.
Grant Wilson (HWT), Johnny Stewart (145), JK williamson (160), and Kinston Peters (130) each won two matches apiece on the day.
despite not entering wrestlers at 103, 119, 125, 140, 171, or 189, the Gryphons team held their own in the team points. At one point, the Gryphons held the top spot in the team standings before eventually fading to seventh out of twelve teams. Not bad for only entering half a team.
Rocky Mount will host Lousberg on Wednesday at 7:00 pm. The team hopes to welcome back its football players, including seniors Dedrick Silver and Darryl Cross and Junior Justin Adkinson, along with injury-recovering junior Chandler Phillips in time for the first conference tournament next Saturday.
That NEW 6 Conference tournament will be held at Rocky Mount as all six conference foes will wrestle each other on the day.
Hope to see everyone on Wednesday and Saturday.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Still Can't Believe It...
Now it's been almost two days since Rocky Mount's stunning last-minute defeat in Friday's 3-A Eastern Final. And the way the final few minutes played out could only be described as going from a fairy-tale feeling to a still shell-shocked finish.
The Gryphons came out on the night's opening drive and quarterback Collins Cuthrell threw an interception. That had Gryphon fans already feeling nervous after the lsat few seasons. The INT led to West Craven's Eric Highsmith's 18-yard touchdown pass from Brett Mooring and a 7-0 RM deficit.
But the Gryphons responded, with junior running back Marquavis Alston dashing sixty-four yards for a touchdown on the Gryphons first play. The PAT snap was low and Cuthrell was unable to handle it, as Nick Hahula tried to pick up the ball and run it in before being stopped short. Rocky Mount cut the lead to 7-6. (REMEMBER THIS PLAY.)
In the second quarter, Alston took a pass from Cuthrell forty-six yards for the touchdown and the Gryphon advantage. But because of the PAT miss, RM coach B.W. Holt decided to go for the 2-point conversion, which was again stopped by West Craven.
The Gryphons D-Block didn't allow the West Craven offense to get going the rest of the first half. The Gryphon offense scored with just over three minutes to play in the half on La'Var Silver's fourteen yard run. Hahula's extra point gave Rocky Mount a 19-7 advantage.
The West Craven offense got into the endzone just before the half on a Bobby Cox four yard touchdown catch, but the Gryphons held the 19-14 halftime lead.
The third quarter involved no scoring, but rather field position and defense. The Gryphons defense didn't allow a point, but the offense was not able to get anything going for themselves, either.
Going into the fourth quarter, the game was still 19-14. Both the Gryphons and the Eagles and both team's fans knew that it was going to come down to the final quarter for a shot at the State Championship.
Ball control and defenses continued to control the first part of the fourth quarter, with Rocky Mount running the ball to chew up the clock.
With around five minutes left in the game, with the Gryphons in the middle of being forced to punt, senior defensive end Jermaine Fields went to each of his defensive teammates and told them "Defense gonna have to win the game."
The Rocky Mount D-Block responded, as they had so many times theoughout the season and this game's second half. The Rocky Mount offense got the ball back after a West Craven three-and-out, as the Eagles again played field position.
When the Gryphon offense took the field, both the fans and the team sidelines began to buzz with anticipation. And the offense responded.
After being bottled up most of the second half, the Gryphon running attack marched down the field on West Craven.
Anticipation again built as Rocky Mount was faced with a third and long situation around midfield. Junior back Jordan Ford sweep around the left end secured the first down and had the Gryphon fans going crazy. On the sideline, it seemed as if the players were ready to release all of their built up emotions from the past few seasons.
But the emotion turned south just plays later, as Hahula was ruled to have fumbled. Both Gryphon coaches and players on the field argued that his knees were down, but to no good.
The Rocky Mount defense, which was ready to celebrate moments earlier, was forced to try and hold the West Craven offense one more time.
But this time the Eagle offense would not be denied. After getting the ball back with around three minutes to play, West Craven drove what proved to be the dagger in the Gryphons heart as they got into the endzone with thirty-four seconds remaining. Stunned silence fell over the Rocky Mount players and fans as the two-point conversion was good, and gave West Craven the three point lead.
The Gryphons had one final chance as senior Brian Goodwin's kickoff return set up the offense just short of midfield. Two straight incompletions by Cuthrell and third down awaited Rocky Mount.
With under twenty seconds left and one timeout, Holt called a draw play to Ford, who sprinted 26 yards before he was brought down by the last defenders for West Craven and the Gryphons called timeout with four seconds to go.
On came Hahula, the senior who holds all the Gryphons kicking records, with a chance to send the game into overtime and partially make up for his fumble.
But Hahula's attempt barely got over the line of scrimmage, and the Eagles celebrated. Afterwards, Hahula laid on the ground with cramps in his kicking leg all the way down. He had cramped right before the kick, but the Gryphons were unable to call back-to-back timeouts and a delay of game penalty would have put them out of range for the try.
So again Rocky Mount was denied, and this may have been the hardest to accept. From feeling like the game was in hand to suffering from defeat minutes later, the Gryphons are only left wondering what could have been for another winter and spring before using the loss as modivation in the summer and throughout next season as the work to try and get back to this point.
The Gryphons came out on the night's opening drive and quarterback Collins Cuthrell threw an interception. That had Gryphon fans already feeling nervous after the lsat few seasons. The INT led to West Craven's Eric Highsmith's 18-yard touchdown pass from Brett Mooring and a 7-0 RM deficit.
But the Gryphons responded, with junior running back Marquavis Alston dashing sixty-four yards for a touchdown on the Gryphons first play. The PAT snap was low and Cuthrell was unable to handle it, as Nick Hahula tried to pick up the ball and run it in before being stopped short. Rocky Mount cut the lead to 7-6. (REMEMBER THIS PLAY.)
In the second quarter, Alston took a pass from Cuthrell forty-six yards for the touchdown and the Gryphon advantage. But because of the PAT miss, RM coach B.W. Holt decided to go for the 2-point conversion, which was again stopped by West Craven.
The Gryphons D-Block didn't allow the West Craven offense to get going the rest of the first half. The Gryphon offense scored with just over three minutes to play in the half on La'Var Silver's fourteen yard run. Hahula's extra point gave Rocky Mount a 19-7 advantage.
The West Craven offense got into the endzone just before the half on a Bobby Cox four yard touchdown catch, but the Gryphons held the 19-14 halftime lead.
The third quarter involved no scoring, but rather field position and defense. The Gryphons defense didn't allow a point, but the offense was not able to get anything going for themselves, either.
Going into the fourth quarter, the game was still 19-14. Both the Gryphons and the Eagles and both team's fans knew that it was going to come down to the final quarter for a shot at the State Championship.
Ball control and defenses continued to control the first part of the fourth quarter, with Rocky Mount running the ball to chew up the clock.
With around five minutes left in the game, with the Gryphons in the middle of being forced to punt, senior defensive end Jermaine Fields went to each of his defensive teammates and told them "Defense gonna have to win the game."
The Rocky Mount D-Block responded, as they had so many times theoughout the season and this game's second half. The Rocky Mount offense got the ball back after a West Craven three-and-out, as the Eagles again played field position.
When the Gryphon offense took the field, both the fans and the team sidelines began to buzz with anticipation. And the offense responded.
After being bottled up most of the second half, the Gryphon running attack marched down the field on West Craven.
Anticipation again built as Rocky Mount was faced with a third and long situation around midfield. Junior back Jordan Ford sweep around the left end secured the first down and had the Gryphon fans going crazy. On the sideline, it seemed as if the players were ready to release all of their built up emotions from the past few seasons.
But the emotion turned south just plays later, as Hahula was ruled to have fumbled. Both Gryphon coaches and players on the field argued that his knees were down, but to no good.
The Rocky Mount defense, which was ready to celebrate moments earlier, was forced to try and hold the West Craven offense one more time.
But this time the Eagle offense would not be denied. After getting the ball back with around three minutes to play, West Craven drove what proved to be the dagger in the Gryphons heart as they got into the endzone with thirty-four seconds remaining. Stunned silence fell over the Rocky Mount players and fans as the two-point conversion was good, and gave West Craven the three point lead.
The Gryphons had one final chance as senior Brian Goodwin's kickoff return set up the offense just short of midfield. Two straight incompletions by Cuthrell and third down awaited Rocky Mount.
With under twenty seconds left and one timeout, Holt called a draw play to Ford, who sprinted 26 yards before he was brought down by the last defenders for West Craven and the Gryphons called timeout with four seconds to go.
On came Hahula, the senior who holds all the Gryphons kicking records, with a chance to send the game into overtime and partially make up for his fumble.
But Hahula's attempt barely got over the line of scrimmage, and the Eagles celebrated. Afterwards, Hahula laid on the ground with cramps in his kicking leg all the way down. He had cramped right before the kick, but the Gryphons were unable to call back-to-back timeouts and a delay of game penalty would have put them out of range for the try.
So again Rocky Mount was denied, and this may have been the hardest to accept. From feeling like the game was in hand to suffering from defeat minutes later, the Gryphons are only left wondering what could have been for another winter and spring before using the loss as modivation in the summer and throughout next season as the work to try and get back to this point.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
A Final Look Towards the East Finals
Before tomorrow night's match-up for the 3-A Eastern Final between West Craven and Rocky Mount at the RMAC, let's take a look at some of the Rocky Mount records broken this season...
Junior running back Marquavis Alston now holds the school record for career touchdowns with 40. He has 975 yards on the season, just 15 yards from recording RM's first back-to back 1,000 yard seasons. Alston has 16 touchdowns this season.
Senior wide receiver Keith Strickland has 48 catches for 1,129 yards and 9 TD's this season - breaking Mike Mason's single-season Gryphon receiving record. Strickland also broke the Twin Counties single-season receiving record.
Senior do-it-all Nick Hahula now has the school record for consecutive PAT's - 33 in a row. Hahula also has the school record for field goals in a season with 8. He broke his own record for total kicking points in a single season, currently with 95 points, and is second all-time in the state in scoring. Hahula has also added 555 rushing yards and 12 TD's this season.
Junior quarterback Collins Cuthrell, in his first season as starter, has passed for 1,418 yards and 12 TD's with only 4 INT's. He has also rushed for 3 TD's this season.
This years' squad broke the 5,000 yard mark for the fourth straight season. The 2007 team has the school record – 5,558. The current squad has 5,328 yards.
On defense, senior Chris Pittman leads the team with 91 tackles. Fellow senior Nick Harrison has a team-leading 7 sacks for the year, and Harrison and senior Josh Boulware each have 3 fumble recoveries on the season.
Senior Hiawatha Bunn, who is expected to play Friday night, has 5 INT's and 5 pass deflections on the year, both team leads.
See everyone at the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex tomorrow night - 7:30 pm - East Finals.
Junior running back Marquavis Alston now holds the school record for career touchdowns with 40. He has 975 yards on the season, just 15 yards from recording RM's first back-to back 1,000 yard seasons. Alston has 16 touchdowns this season.
Senior wide receiver Keith Strickland has 48 catches for 1,129 yards and 9 TD's this season - breaking Mike Mason's single-season Gryphon receiving record. Strickland also broke the Twin Counties single-season receiving record.
Senior do-it-all Nick Hahula now has the school record for consecutive PAT's - 33 in a row. Hahula also has the school record for field goals in a season with 8. He broke his own record for total kicking points in a single season, currently with 95 points, and is second all-time in the state in scoring. Hahula has also added 555 rushing yards and 12 TD's this season.
Junior quarterback Collins Cuthrell, in his first season as starter, has passed for 1,418 yards and 12 TD's with only 4 INT's. He has also rushed for 3 TD's this season.
This years' squad broke the 5,000 yard mark for the fourth straight season. The 2007 team has the school record – 5,558. The current squad has 5,328 yards.
On defense, senior Chris Pittman leads the team with 91 tackles. Fellow senior Nick Harrison has a team-leading 7 sacks for the year, and Harrison and senior Josh Boulware each have 3 fumble recoveries on the season.
Senior Hiawatha Bunn, who is expected to play Friday night, has 5 INT's and 5 pass deflections on the year, both team leads.
See everyone at the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex tomorrow night - 7:30 pm - East Finals.
Gryphons outlast RRHS
In a Match that lasted less than an hour, with no single match going the entire 3 periods, the Gryphons defeated Roanoke Rapids 42-35 Wednesday night in the Rocky Mount auxiliary gym.
Once again, the Gryphons handed their opponents 18 easy points by forfeiting a few matches.
This week, the Gryphs gave up six points in each the 103, 125 and 189 pound divisions. Neither team sent out a wrestler at 112.
The match started at 145 pounds, where RR claimed a major decision, 24-8, and a quick 5-0 lead. Competing this week at 152 pounds, Johnny Stewart continued his good start to the season with another home-mat pin in the first period to inch the Gryphons ahead 6-5. The Yellow Jackets answered with their own first period pin at 160 to regain the lead.
J K Williamson made quick work of his opponent at 172 in the evening's quickest pin, to regain the lead for his team. The forfeit at 189 put the Gryphs back down 12-17.
Senior Guy Williamson pushed the Gryphons ahead to stay with another Rocky Mount first period pin in the 215 pound match and Grant Wilson pinned his Heavyweight opponent in the second period to extend the lead to 24-17.
Rocky Mount gave six points back at 103, and neither team sent out a wrestler at 112, and the Gryphs held on to a slim 24-23 advantage.
Ahmir Scott got the team's fourth first period pin, wrestling up a weight class at 119 pounds, but after forfeiting the 125 pound match, Rocky Mount was still only up by a single point with 3 matches to go, 30-29.
The Hornet supporters seemed to be thinking about going home as winners, judging by their boisterous cheers at this point.
Fast improving Demonte Hill walked out onto the mat for his 130 pound match with his Gryphon teammates urging him on. Things were once again tight for the Gryphons on the scoreboard, but Demonte wrestled tough and eventually recorded a second period pin to put his team up 36-29.
Roanoke Rapids could still taste victory, though, as their side of the gym exploded when they pulled to within 36-35 after getting a second period pin at 135.
Francisco Alfero took the wind out of the RR crowd quickly in the evening's last match, dominating his opponent for a period and a half. Alfero didn't give up a point before winning by pin and posting the final number for the Gryphons.
As a side note, although I have not met or talked to the Edwards Middle School wrestling coach, kudos to him for bringing members of his squad to watch the 'big boys' do their thing. There have been several members of the Edwards wrestling team at each one of the home matches this year. Good to see a coach putting in that extra time with his kids. Great to see the kids taking that much interest. Those are the boys that will be center mat in a year or two with that "RM" on their chest.
I'd also like to add that I'm sure the team appreciates all the support they have been getting for their home matches so far this year. I can tell you, all that support helps during your time out there on the mat.
The wrestling team will compete at Southwest Edgecombe High School all day Saturday in the Pierce-Davis Memorial Tournament. They will return to the Home Mat next Wednesday against Louisburg at 7:00.
Once again, the Gryphons handed their opponents 18 easy points by forfeiting a few matches.
This week, the Gryphs gave up six points in each the 103, 125 and 189 pound divisions. Neither team sent out a wrestler at 112.
The match started at 145 pounds, where RR claimed a major decision, 24-8, and a quick 5-0 lead. Competing this week at 152 pounds, Johnny Stewart continued his good start to the season with another home-mat pin in the first period to inch the Gryphons ahead 6-5. The Yellow Jackets answered with their own first period pin at 160 to regain the lead.
J K Williamson made quick work of his opponent at 172 in the evening's quickest pin, to regain the lead for his team. The forfeit at 189 put the Gryphs back down 12-17.
Senior Guy Williamson pushed the Gryphons ahead to stay with another Rocky Mount first period pin in the 215 pound match and Grant Wilson pinned his Heavyweight opponent in the second period to extend the lead to 24-17.
Rocky Mount gave six points back at 103, and neither team sent out a wrestler at 112, and the Gryphs held on to a slim 24-23 advantage.
Ahmir Scott got the team's fourth first period pin, wrestling up a weight class at 119 pounds, but after forfeiting the 125 pound match, Rocky Mount was still only up by a single point with 3 matches to go, 30-29.
The Hornet supporters seemed to be thinking about going home as winners, judging by their boisterous cheers at this point.
Fast improving Demonte Hill walked out onto the mat for his 130 pound match with his Gryphon teammates urging him on. Things were once again tight for the Gryphons on the scoreboard, but Demonte wrestled tough and eventually recorded a second period pin to put his team up 36-29.
Roanoke Rapids could still taste victory, though, as their side of the gym exploded when they pulled to within 36-35 after getting a second period pin at 135.
Francisco Alfero took the wind out of the RR crowd quickly in the evening's last match, dominating his opponent for a period and a half. Alfero didn't give up a point before winning by pin and posting the final number for the Gryphons.
As a side note, although I have not met or talked to the Edwards Middle School wrestling coach, kudos to him for bringing members of his squad to watch the 'big boys' do their thing. There have been several members of the Edwards wrestling team at each one of the home matches this year. Good to see a coach putting in that extra time with his kids. Great to see the kids taking that much interest. Those are the boys that will be center mat in a year or two with that "RM" on their chest.
I'd also like to add that I'm sure the team appreciates all the support they have been getting for their home matches so far this year. I can tell you, all that support helps during your time out there on the mat.
The wrestling team will compete at Southwest Edgecombe High School all day Saturday in the Pierce-Davis Memorial Tournament. They will return to the Home Mat next Wednesday against Louisburg at 7:00.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Finals picks...
I will be the first to admit that I let my feelings get in the way of my picks last week, going with SouthWest Edgecombe to move on past West Craven. The thought of a Rocky Mount - SouthWest rematch was too much to look past.
So here is how the picks came out:
SouthWest Edgecombe X ------- West Craven
Rocky Mount
And in 2-A, Tarboro again advanced, getting past Goldsboro at home.
This week's Eastern Finals have West Craven traveling to the RMAC to take on the Gryphons, Friday night at 7:30. This week, I will also go ahead and pick who I like in the 3-A West Finals, so I can have the State Champonship match-up picked.
(2) West Craven at (1) Rocky Mount - East Finals - ROCKY MOUNT
(2) South Point at (1) West Rowan - West Finals - WEST ROWAN
- I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure South Point also made it to the baseball West Finals this spring before losing to East Rowan.
I read on Tony Doughtie's blog that Rocky Mount could possibly become an unbeatable beast to the teams of Rowan county if we go on to face and beat West Rowan. That would feel great after being on the wrong side of Alamance county up until a few days ago.
Of course I will pick the Twin Counties to win and pick Tarboro, hosting the 2-A East Finals. How would it be to have two area teams playing in their State Championship games?
Also, I read and cannot stress enough the importance of having the stands filled on Friday night. Last week was pretty good, but someone will have to prove that the crowd was not due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Everyone get out there and support the Gryphons, they don't call it home field advantage for nothing.
Tickets are on sale early all week, as well as at the gate. No excuses for not being at the RMAC Friday night. The last few years have seen large groups of Gryphon followers travel with the teams in the playoffs and Western Alamance. Withthe boys playing in our own backyard, everyone should be there. What better do you have to do?
So here is how the picks came out:
SouthWest Edgecombe X ------- West Craven
Rocky Mount
And in 2-A, Tarboro again advanced, getting past Goldsboro at home.
This week's Eastern Finals have West Craven traveling to the RMAC to take on the Gryphons, Friday night at 7:30. This week, I will also go ahead and pick who I like in the 3-A West Finals, so I can have the State Champonship match-up picked.
(2) West Craven at (1) Rocky Mount - East Finals - ROCKY MOUNT
(2) South Point at (1) West Rowan - West Finals - WEST ROWAN
- I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure South Point also made it to the baseball West Finals this spring before losing to East Rowan.
I read on Tony Doughtie's blog that Rocky Mount could possibly become an unbeatable beast to the teams of Rowan county if we go on to face and beat West Rowan. That would feel great after being on the wrong side of Alamance county up until a few days ago.
Of course I will pick the Twin Counties to win and pick Tarboro, hosting the 2-A East Finals. How would it be to have two area teams playing in their State Championship games?
Also, I read and cannot stress enough the importance of having the stands filled on Friday night. Last week was pretty good, but someone will have to prove that the crowd was not due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Everyone get out there and support the Gryphons, they don't call it home field advantage for nothing.
Tickets are on sale early all week, as well as at the gate. No excuses for not being at the RMAC Friday night. The last few years have seen large groups of Gryphon followers travel with the teams in the playoffs and Western Alamance. Withthe boys playing in our own backyard, everyone should be there. What better do you have to do?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Gryphons Snap Trend
Black Friday is no more a headline to describe another Rocky Mount playoff loss. This year they may be using that headline in the Burlington area, as the Gryphons defeated the Eastern Alamance Eagles 42-21 Friday night in the third round of the NCHSAA 3-A playoffs.
Rocky Mount used touchdown scores by four different Gryphons in the first half to jump out to a 28-0 halftime lead.
Eastern Alamance brought with them a large following of faithful, but the Gryphons silenced their opening cheers by marching right down the field on the game’s opening drive. La’Var Silver capped off the drive, scoring from a yard out to start the scoring.
At the end of the first half, Jordan Ford scampered in from six yards away to give the Gryphons a two score advantage.
Minutes into the second quarter, senior Nick Hahula rumbled thirty five yards into the endzone.
Nearing the end of the first half, Rocky Mount’s all-time touchdown leader Marquavis Alston added to his career total by darting in for the nine yard touchdown scamper.
Hahula’s ensuing kickoff was mishandled by Eastern Alamance, and was recovered by the Gryphons’ Josh Boulware at the Eagle 17-yard line.
Junior Jordan Ford finished the Gryphons drive by getting scoring the five-yard touchdown run with under a minute remaining in the half.
Eastern Alamance came out in the third quarter by playing good defense, before the offense got going late in the half.
The Eagles got onto the board when Elliott Powell rambled for a 36-yard touchdown run.
The ensuing kickoff was of the onside variety, with Eastern Alamance recovering. The Eagles’ Jordan Carter to Eric Hester for a five yard touchdown strike that had Eastern Alamance and their fans getting back into the game, with the score 35-14.
But the Eagles were unable to keep any of the momentum they may have gained.
In the fourth quarter, Rocky Mount quarterback Collins Cuthrell finished of a Gryphon drive by himself, scoring from five yards out with just over five minutes remaining in the game.
A combination of Gryphons second-team and JV players gave up a 61-yard Powell hook-and-ladder touchdown pass, but the score came with the game already in hand and just over three minutes remaining.
The win snaps Rocky Mount’s losing streak against Alamance County teams, and gets the Gryphons over the elusive hump that hung over their heads.
The win also moves the Gryphons into the Eastern Finals next week at home against West Craven at the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex.
Rocky Mount used touchdown scores by four different Gryphons in the first half to jump out to a 28-0 halftime lead.
Eastern Alamance brought with them a large following of faithful, but the Gryphons silenced their opening cheers by marching right down the field on the game’s opening drive. La’Var Silver capped off the drive, scoring from a yard out to start the scoring.
At the end of the first half, Jordan Ford scampered in from six yards away to give the Gryphons a two score advantage.
Minutes into the second quarter, senior Nick Hahula rumbled thirty five yards into the endzone.
Nearing the end of the first half, Rocky Mount’s all-time touchdown leader Marquavis Alston added to his career total by darting in for the nine yard touchdown scamper.
Hahula’s ensuing kickoff was mishandled by Eastern Alamance, and was recovered by the Gryphons’ Josh Boulware at the Eagle 17-yard line.
Junior Jordan Ford finished the Gryphons drive by getting scoring the five-yard touchdown run with under a minute remaining in the half.
Eastern Alamance came out in the third quarter by playing good defense, before the offense got going late in the half.
The Eagles got onto the board when Elliott Powell rambled for a 36-yard touchdown run.
The ensuing kickoff was of the onside variety, with Eastern Alamance recovering. The Eagles’ Jordan Carter to Eric Hester for a five yard touchdown strike that had Eastern Alamance and their fans getting back into the game, with the score 35-14.
But the Eagles were unable to keep any of the momentum they may have gained.
In the fourth quarter, Rocky Mount quarterback Collins Cuthrell finished of a Gryphon drive by himself, scoring from five yards out with just over five minutes remaining in the game.
A combination of Gryphons second-team and JV players gave up a 61-yard Powell hook-and-ladder touchdown pass, but the score came with the game already in hand and just over three minutes remaining.
The win snaps Rocky Mount’s losing streak against Alamance County teams, and gets the Gryphons over the elusive hump that hung over their heads.
The win also moves the Gryphons into the Eastern Finals next week at home against West Craven at the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
(_____) Friday and Eastern (________)
So by now, everyone knows that the Gryphons are playing on Thanksgiving weekend again this season. And most of us should be able to fill in the two blanks in this article’s title. Got them in your head? Ok, now we’re not going to use them at all.
Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, hence the color that has been placed before it. But that is not the reason that I am referring to. The day has put a dark cloud over Rocky Mount’s head the last few seasons, ending each of them.
And the county will not get any recognition either, as it is home to the team that has single-handedly ended seasons and careers for the Gryphons the past three years.
So when it was known that that certain team was ousted in the first round of this season’s playoffs, a great feeling emerged.
Not this season. They can’t do it to us again this year.
This feeling has now given way to the fact that their neighbors to the east will be the ones trying to beat us this season.
All week, the Gryphons have gone with the saying ‘New team, new year’ as they prepare for Friday night’s game.
Head Coach B.W. Holt told his players after practice Thursday that he “wishes it were Western, but we’re going to give it to them instead.”
Senior Tory Lee said that the Gryphons were going to take out their frustrations from the past years out on Eastern Friday night.
“We’re gonna take it all out on them,” added Lee.
As a final warning for the team looking to end Rocky Mount’s season, senior Jermaine Fields stated that they better “bring their ‘A’ game.”
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and we’ll see you Friday night at the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex.
Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, hence the color that has been placed before it. But that is not the reason that I am referring to. The day has put a dark cloud over Rocky Mount’s head the last few seasons, ending each of them.
And the county will not get any recognition either, as it is home to the team that has single-handedly ended seasons and careers for the Gryphons the past three years.
So when it was known that that certain team was ousted in the first round of this season’s playoffs, a great feeling emerged.
Not this season. They can’t do it to us again this year.
This feeling has now given way to the fact that their neighbors to the east will be the ones trying to beat us this season.
All week, the Gryphons have gone with the saying ‘New team, new year’ as they prepare for Friday night’s game.
Head Coach B.W. Holt told his players after practice Thursday that he “wishes it were Western, but we’re going to give it to them instead.”
Senior Tory Lee said that the Gryphons were going to take out their frustrations from the past years out on Eastern Friday night.
“We’re gonna take it all out on them,” added Lee.
As a final warning for the team looking to end Rocky Mount’s season, senior Jermaine Fields stated that they better “bring their ‘A’ game.”
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and we’ll see you Friday night at the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex.
Gryphons' Thanksgiving
The Rocky Mount Gryphons practiced this morning at 9 o’clock for about an hour and a half. Even with Thanksgiving, the Gryphons know they can’t waste a final day of practice as they prepare for Eastern Alamance tomorrow night at the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex.
But practicing on turkey day morning has become a tradition for the Gryphons, and any parent with a son on the team knows ahead of time that there won’t be much traveling away from the area.
After practice I caught up with senior offensive linemen Whit Barnes and Tory ‘Pork Chop’ Lee and talked with them about the offensive line. I also grabbed senior Jermaine Fields and asked him about the D-Block side of the ball.
Both Barnes and Lee are seen as the leaders of an offensive line that has become one of the best in the state. Along with Greg ‘Frost’ Williams, Brandon Dennis, and Jaron Battle, the Rocky Mount linemen were featured in an ESPN Rise article earlier this season.
“It all comes back to dedication and hard work,” said Lee. “You’ve gotta be willing to do what you gotta do, and get the job done.”
Added Barnes: “You can see it in the weight room on Sundays when the whole O-Line comes and works out together and watches film, that we are a team.”
Thanksgiving week has become another week in the season for the Gryphons, something that Barnes and Lee have seen come around every year.
“It’s one of those things we look forward to every year, it’s normal to us now,” said Barnes.
“At Rocky Mount we have high expectations, like having 5,000 yards of total offense at the end of the year,” added Lee. “That’s a lot. An average team can’t get that, but we’re not an average team.”
Turning to the defensive side of the ball, Fields gave the perspective of leadership on his side of the ball.
Every week, the defense’s goal is to come away with a shutout, “which says we are one of the best defenses in the state of North Carolina,” said Fields.
“We practice hard, and practice like we play,” he said. “We are about to use our speed as an advantage.”
“To shut people out, it’s something that we should regularly do. It’s nothing major to us,” said Fields about the defense’s shutout expectations.
“It’s the spirit of Rocky Mount, just being a Gryphon. It just goes through the players to go out there and do what we do. No pressure put on our backs, just game by game, one at a time,” said Fields on the team philosophy.
As for any last thoughts on Eastern Alamance -
“Since we couldn’t get Western, we’re gonna take it all out on them,” replied Lee.
“Tell ‘em to bring their ‘A’ game,” added Fields.
Rocky Mount plays host to Eastern Alamance in the 4th Round of the NCHSAA 3-A playoffs Friday at 7:30 at the RMAC.
But practicing on turkey day morning has become a tradition for the Gryphons, and any parent with a son on the team knows ahead of time that there won’t be much traveling away from the area.
After practice I caught up with senior offensive linemen Whit Barnes and Tory ‘Pork Chop’ Lee and talked with them about the offensive line. I also grabbed senior Jermaine Fields and asked him about the D-Block side of the ball.
Both Barnes and Lee are seen as the leaders of an offensive line that has become one of the best in the state. Along with Greg ‘Frost’ Williams, Brandon Dennis, and Jaron Battle, the Rocky Mount linemen were featured in an ESPN Rise article earlier this season.
“It all comes back to dedication and hard work,” said Lee. “You’ve gotta be willing to do what you gotta do, and get the job done.”
Added Barnes: “You can see it in the weight room on Sundays when the whole O-Line comes and works out together and watches film, that we are a team.”
Thanksgiving week has become another week in the season for the Gryphons, something that Barnes and Lee have seen come around every year.
“It’s one of those things we look forward to every year, it’s normal to us now,” said Barnes.
“At Rocky Mount we have high expectations, like having 5,000 yards of total offense at the end of the year,” added Lee. “That’s a lot. An average team can’t get that, but we’re not an average team.”
Turning to the defensive side of the ball, Fields gave the perspective of leadership on his side of the ball.
Every week, the defense’s goal is to come away with a shutout, “which says we are one of the best defenses in the state of North Carolina,” said Fields.
“We practice hard, and practice like we play,” he said. “We are about to use our speed as an advantage.”
“To shut people out, it’s something that we should regularly do. It’s nothing major to us,” said Fields about the defense’s shutout expectations.
“It’s the spirit of Rocky Mount, just being a Gryphon. It just goes through the players to go out there and do what we do. No pressure put on our backs, just game by game, one at a time,” said Fields on the team philosophy.
As for any last thoughts on Eastern Alamance -
“Since we couldn’t get Western, we’re gonna take it all out on them,” replied Lee.
“Tell ‘em to bring their ‘A’ game,” added Fields.
Rocky Mount plays host to Eastern Alamance in the 4th Round of the NCHSAA 3-A playoffs Friday at 7:30 at the RMAC.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Third Round Picks.....
After a great first week, going 7-1 in the 3-A East bracket, as well as correctly picking Tarboro to advance, let's just say I fell off a bit.
Well, it's like they say, you can fall as fast as you rise. My second week was almost a complete opposite of the first. Here were my picks...
West Craven
Kinston X ----- SouthWest Edgecombe
Rocky Mount
Hertford County X ----- Eastern Alamance
But I guess going .500 isn't so bad, and my overall record is still a good 10-3.
Now to this week's games.
(6) SouthWest Edgecombe at (2) West Craven
- These two hooked up early in the season, with West Craven winning. I expect this match-up to be a lot closer Friday night.
(5) Eastern Alamance at (1) Rocky Mount
- The last three Gryphon seasons have been ended by Western Alamance. One thought - NEW TEAM, NEW YEAR!
With those thoughts, I am predicting Friday night to go the Twin Counties' way, with both SWE and Rocky Mount coming away winners.
You would be hard pressed to find a fan around the area that wouldn't like to see the Cougars and their Pinetops following head on up to the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex to face the Gryphons with the Eastern Final and a trip to the State Championship on the line. Now wouldn't that be a tough ticket to grab!
But for that match-up to become a reality, both teams must handle busness and hold up their end of the bargin. For the real fans out there, let's hope so!
Finally, again this week I like Tarboro to advance at home over Goldsboro in the 2-A Eastern bracket. The Vikings beat Goldsboro earlier this season, and I don't see anything changing this time.
Well, it's like they say, you can fall as fast as you rise. My second week was almost a complete opposite of the first. Here were my picks...
West Craven
Kinston X ----- SouthWest Edgecombe
Rocky Mount
Hertford County X ----- Eastern Alamance
But I guess going .500 isn't so bad, and my overall record is still a good 10-3.
Now to this week's games.
(6) SouthWest Edgecombe at (2) West Craven
- These two hooked up early in the season, with West Craven winning. I expect this match-up to be a lot closer Friday night.
(5) Eastern Alamance at (1) Rocky Mount
- The last three Gryphon seasons have been ended by Western Alamance. One thought - NEW TEAM, NEW YEAR!
With those thoughts, I am predicting Friday night to go the Twin Counties' way, with both SWE and Rocky Mount coming away winners.
You would be hard pressed to find a fan around the area that wouldn't like to see the Cougars and their Pinetops following head on up to the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex to face the Gryphons with the Eastern Final and a trip to the State Championship on the line. Now wouldn't that be a tough ticket to grab!
But for that match-up to become a reality, both teams must handle busness and hold up their end of the bargin. For the real fans out there, let's hope so!
Finally, again this week I like Tarboro to advance at home over Goldsboro in the 2-A Eastern bracket. The Vikings beat Goldsboro earlier this season, and I don't see anything changing this time.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Gryphons Ice Oxford Webb
On a frigid night, where it was evident that it was playoff football time, 3-A East #1 seed Rocky Mount had no trouble handing an overmatched Oxford Webb team Friday night at the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex in NCHSAA 2nd round action. The Gryphons were lead by running backs Marquavis Alston and Jordan Ford in the 48-14 victory.
Senior do-it-all Nick Hahula started the night’s scoring, pushing in from a yard out on the Gryphons opening possession to cap a sixty-four yard drive. Hahula then added the extra point before kicking off to Webb.
Plays into Webb’s ensuing drive, the Gryphons D-Block forced a fumble, recovered by senior Dedrick Silver. The recovery gave Rocky Mount the ball back with great position inside the Webb 20-yard line.
After a couple of handoffs, Gryphons quarterback Collins Cuthrell decided to finish the drive off himself, going over the pile for another Rocky Mount score from a yard out.
Midway through the second quarter, fullback La’Var Silver got into the endzone for Rocky Mount, again from a yard out. Silver’s plunge finished off a fifty-nine yard drive by the Gryphs.
The Rocky Mount defense had done a pretty good job keeping Webb’s speedy quarterback Antwan Thorpe under control and not allowing him to run all over the field. The D-Block pursuit to Thorpe cost them late in the first half, as they allowed Clay Brummitt to get behind the defensive backs, where he was on the receiving end of Thorpe’s pass for the touchdown.
The Gryphons offense responded, with Ford taking the first handoff and breaking it for a seventy-four yard touchdown run. Hahula’s PAT attempt was blocked, but the Gryphs had a comfortable 27-7 lead at the half.
In the second half, Ford decided he wasn’t finished, as he finished a 64-yard drive with another long touchdown, this one from thirty-five yards out.
Oxford Webb answered with what proved to be their final gasp, as Thorpe broke out for a seventy-eight yard touchdown run with just under three minutes left in the third quarter.
Again, the Gryphons responded with a quick, one-and-done score, this time by Alston. The junior rumbled seventy-one yards to smash any of Webb’s slim hopes of a comeback.
After a D-Block stop, Rocky Mount grabbed the ball back early in the fourth quarter, where they again handed off to Alston. The junior broke another big play, speeding into the endzone from forty-six yards out to end the night’s scoring.
Alston’s second and final touchdown gave him thirty-nine for his career. This breaks the Rocky Mount career touchdown record, which was held by former back Demetric Marshall. And remember this, Alston has done this in just three years.
“It means a lot to me. People are going to have a tough time trying to break my record, and I got another year to go,” said Alston on breaking Marshall’s touchdown record.
Wide receiver Keith Strickland also cemented his name in the Gryphon record book, by breaking Mike Mason’s single-season receiving yard total. Strickland passed Mason in style, with a catch as he fell out of bounds while keeping his feet in bounds long enough for the reception.
Strickland is also closing in on the Twin Counties single-season receiving record. He finished the night with three catches for thirty-six yards, and needs only twenty receiving yards for the record.
“I’m just playing,” said Strickland, “I’m not trying to break a record or anything, but if I do break it (Twin Counties record), I’ll be glad, if not…I’m just glad we’re winning.”
Gryphons head coach B.W. Holt said that he believes Strickland is an All-State performer.
“He’s done a great job. He blocks well. If you go back and look at Jordan’s run, Strickland was downfield and had a big block on it,” said Holt.
The win sets up another post-Thanksgiving game, again with a team from Alamance County, this time Eastern Alamance. Western Alamance has knocked the Gryphons out of the playoffs the last three seasons.
Both Alston and Strickland said there was some ‘bad blood’ between Rocky Mount and Alamance County.
“New team, new year,” said Alston.
Added Strickland: “I don’t think we’ll change anything, just come out here and do the same thing. It’s worked so far, right?”
“We just have to play,” said Holt on next week’s game. “They have to come here, we’ll see if we can beat ‘em.”
Finally, on a question it seems I ask Coach Holt every year, he responded that it feels “pretty good” to be playing on Thanksgiving again this season.
The Gryphons will host Eastern Alamance next Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, with a 7:30 kickoff at the RMAC. We’ll see you there.
Senior do-it-all Nick Hahula started the night’s scoring, pushing in from a yard out on the Gryphons opening possession to cap a sixty-four yard drive. Hahula then added the extra point before kicking off to Webb.
Plays into Webb’s ensuing drive, the Gryphons D-Block forced a fumble, recovered by senior Dedrick Silver. The recovery gave Rocky Mount the ball back with great position inside the Webb 20-yard line.
After a couple of handoffs, Gryphons quarterback Collins Cuthrell decided to finish the drive off himself, going over the pile for another Rocky Mount score from a yard out.
Midway through the second quarter, fullback La’Var Silver got into the endzone for Rocky Mount, again from a yard out. Silver’s plunge finished off a fifty-nine yard drive by the Gryphs.
The Rocky Mount defense had done a pretty good job keeping Webb’s speedy quarterback Antwan Thorpe under control and not allowing him to run all over the field. The D-Block pursuit to Thorpe cost them late in the first half, as they allowed Clay Brummitt to get behind the defensive backs, where he was on the receiving end of Thorpe’s pass for the touchdown.
The Gryphons offense responded, with Ford taking the first handoff and breaking it for a seventy-four yard touchdown run. Hahula’s PAT attempt was blocked, but the Gryphs had a comfortable 27-7 lead at the half.
In the second half, Ford decided he wasn’t finished, as he finished a 64-yard drive with another long touchdown, this one from thirty-five yards out.
Oxford Webb answered with what proved to be their final gasp, as Thorpe broke out for a seventy-eight yard touchdown run with just under three minutes left in the third quarter.
Again, the Gryphons responded with a quick, one-and-done score, this time by Alston. The junior rumbled seventy-one yards to smash any of Webb’s slim hopes of a comeback.
After a D-Block stop, Rocky Mount grabbed the ball back early in the fourth quarter, where they again handed off to Alston. The junior broke another big play, speeding into the endzone from forty-six yards out to end the night’s scoring.
Alston’s second and final touchdown gave him thirty-nine for his career. This breaks the Rocky Mount career touchdown record, which was held by former back Demetric Marshall. And remember this, Alston has done this in just three years.
“It means a lot to me. People are going to have a tough time trying to break my record, and I got another year to go,” said Alston on breaking Marshall’s touchdown record.
Wide receiver Keith Strickland also cemented his name in the Gryphon record book, by breaking Mike Mason’s single-season receiving yard total. Strickland passed Mason in style, with a catch as he fell out of bounds while keeping his feet in bounds long enough for the reception.
Strickland is also closing in on the Twin Counties single-season receiving record. He finished the night with three catches for thirty-six yards, and needs only twenty receiving yards for the record.
“I’m just playing,” said Strickland, “I’m not trying to break a record or anything, but if I do break it (Twin Counties record), I’ll be glad, if not…I’m just glad we’re winning.”
Gryphons head coach B.W. Holt said that he believes Strickland is an All-State performer.
“He’s done a great job. He blocks well. If you go back and look at Jordan’s run, Strickland was downfield and had a big block on it,” said Holt.
The win sets up another post-Thanksgiving game, again with a team from Alamance County, this time Eastern Alamance. Western Alamance has knocked the Gryphons out of the playoffs the last three seasons.
Both Alston and Strickland said there was some ‘bad blood’ between Rocky Mount and Alamance County.
“New team, new year,” said Alston.
Added Strickland: “I don’t think we’ll change anything, just come out here and do the same thing. It’s worked so far, right?”
“We just have to play,” said Holt on next week’s game. “They have to come here, we’ll see if we can beat ‘em.”
Finally, on a question it seems I ask Coach Holt every year, he responded that it feels “pretty good” to be playing on Thanksgiving again this season.
The Gryphons will host Eastern Alamance next Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, with a 7:30 kickoff at the RMAC. We’ll see you there.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Gryphon Wrestlers Grab First Win of the Season
With an overflow crowd rocking the Rocky Mount High School auxiliary gym, the Gryphon wrestlers won an exciting, back and forth match Wednesday night against the Wilson Hunt Warriors, 42-36.
The match was even closer than the final score appears. The outcome hung in the balance down to the final second of the final match.
The Gryphons spotted Hunt two forfeits to start the match down on the scoreboard 12-0. Guy Williamson (215) cut the lead in half with a quick pin in the evening's first contested match.
With the home squad down 18-6, Robert Barnes scored his first varsity win on the mat. Barnes was in control of his 103-pound match when he was awarded the win on a technical forfeit. The victory sparked a string of 3 match wins in a row, as Ahmir Scott (112) won by pin to tie the score at 18. Freshman James Sadler notched a first varsity win of his own with a pin in the 119-pound class to get the Gryphons into the lead 24-18.
The Warriors regained the lead with back to back wins in the 125 and 130 pound matches, putting them on top 30-24.
The Gryphons answered with another string of 3 victories, starting with a Fransisco Alfero pin at 135. Chandler Phillips won a hard fought 5-0 decision at 140, followed by a Johnny Stewart pin at 145. Phillips' match was one of only two that went the distance on the night.
The Warriors gave themselves a shot at victory by winning the 152 pound match.
With the last match of the night about to start and the scoreboard showing Rocky Mount with a slim 39-36 lead, the Gryphons placed their hopes on the shoulders of Freshman J.K. Williamson in the 160 pound match. In only his second varsity start, Williamson held a 7-6 advantage going into the 3rd and final period.
In what was obviously the most exciting match of the night, as both teams were on their feet, and the crowd was anxiously cheering. Williamson held on through an exhausting final 2 minutes to secure the Gryphons' first team win of the young season.
The Rocky Mount Wrestling Gryphons will travel to Goldsboro Saturday to compete in the Falcon Invitational at Charles B Aycock High School. Wrestling will start at 8:00 AM in the double-elimination, individual tournament. 
The match was even closer than the final score appears. The outcome hung in the balance down to the final second of the final match.
The Gryphons spotted Hunt two forfeits to start the match down on the scoreboard 12-0. Guy Williamson (215) cut the lead in half with a quick pin in the evening's first contested match.
With the home squad down 18-6, Robert Barnes scored his first varsity win on the mat. Barnes was in control of his 103-pound match when he was awarded the win on a technical forfeit. The victory sparked a string of 3 match wins in a row, as Ahmir Scott (112) won by pin to tie the score at 18. Freshman James Sadler notched a first varsity win of his own with a pin in the 119-pound class to get the Gryphons into the lead 24-18.
The Warriors regained the lead with back to back wins in the 125 and 130 pound matches, putting them on top 30-24.
The Gryphons answered with another string of 3 victories, starting with a Fransisco Alfero pin at 135. Chandler Phillips won a hard fought 5-0 decision at 140, followed by a Johnny Stewart pin at 145. Phillips' match was one of only two that went the distance on the night.
The Warriors gave themselves a shot at victory by winning the 152 pound match.
With the last match of the night about to start and the scoreboard showing Rocky Mount with a slim 39-36 lead, the Gryphons placed their hopes on the shoulders of Freshman J.K. Williamson in the 160 pound match. In only his second varsity start, Williamson held a 7-6 advantage going into the 3rd and final period.
In what was obviously the most exciting match of the night, as both teams were on their feet, and the crowd was anxiously cheering. Williamson held on through an exhausting final 2 minutes to secure the Gryphons' first team win of the young season.
The Rocky Mount Wrestling Gryphons will travel to Goldsboro Saturday to compete in the Falcon Invitational at Charles B Aycock High School. Wrestling will start at 8:00 AM in the double-elimination, individual tournament.
A little something to see and think about....
Since tonight's the last night before tomorrow's 2nd Round playoff game, I decided to lighten things up a bit, at the same time emphisizing the fact that no game is over until it's over.
So tonight I decided to throw a lateral...seriously. Check out these lateral plays for your self:
1 - Of course everyone has seen the Cal - Stanford game of 1982, but who cares? Let's see it again....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNsqpIfzeAQ
2 - This next one is one that I came across the other day. Trinity and Millsaps Colleges from Division III football in 2007.....two angles: the first is the regular sidleine angle we see on tv, and the second one is from the endzone camera......
sideline - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHbzQoXuxdU
endzone - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7oF4ZDigjM&feature=related
3 - Another more recent game ending series of plays comes from the 2007 Fiesta Bowl and Boise State. This link has the Boise St. Offensive Coordinator breaking down the 3 big plays. A search of YouTube can easily find you the plays in game speed....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWFbGw-jZvc&feature=related
4 - Doug Flutie's hail mary for Boston College against Miami....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3ykWbu2Gl0&feature=related
5 - Finally, quite possibly the biggest upset of all time, D-II Appalachian State defeating #5 Michigan to open the 2007 football season....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLE_bT_Zn7U&feature=related
So there you have them - 5 great game-ending plays that came to mind for me. Hopefully friday night's game won't come down to anything crazy like these!
So tonight I decided to throw a lateral...seriously. Check out these lateral plays for your self:
1 - Of course everyone has seen the Cal - Stanford game of 1982, but who cares? Let's see it again....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNsqpIfzeAQ
2 - This next one is one that I came across the other day. Trinity and Millsaps Colleges from Division III football in 2007.....two angles: the first is the regular sidleine angle we see on tv, and the second one is from the endzone camera......
sideline - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHbzQoXuxdU
endzone - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7oF4ZDigjM&feature=related
3 - Another more recent game ending series of plays comes from the 2007 Fiesta Bowl and Boise State. This link has the Boise St. Offensive Coordinator breaking down the 3 big plays. A search of YouTube can easily find you the plays in game speed....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWFbGw-jZvc&feature=related
4 - Doug Flutie's hail mary for Boston College against Miami....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3ykWbu2Gl0&feature=related
5 - Finally, quite possibly the biggest upset of all time, D-II Appalachian State defeating #5 Michigan to open the 2007 football season....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLE_bT_Zn7U&feature=related
So there you have them - 5 great game-ending plays that came to mind for me. Hopefully friday night's game won't come down to anything crazy like these!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Week 2 - NCHSAA playoff picks....
So last week I went out on a limb and picked my winners for the first round games. Here are my picks from last week:
Havlock - X - lost to Washington 34-25
West Craven
SouthWest Edgecombe
Kinston
Oxford Webb
Rocky Mount
Eastern Alamance
Hertford County
- Not bad going 7-1 on my first week, but now the games get a little bit harder and will be tougher to call......so here goes.....
(7)Washington at (2)West Craven ---------- WEST CRAVEN
- undefeated West Craven isn't finished yet......
(6)SWE at (3)Kinston ---------- KINSTON
- SWE's last year in 3-A is finished by Kinston, who earned a victory over Nash Central last week....
(8)Oxford Webb at (1)Rocky Mount ---------- ROCKY MOUNT
- How can you go against the Gryphons? Anyone that hasn't seen them play this year should get out and do so...you have two home games left
(5)E. Alamance at (4)Hertford Co. ---------- HERTFORD CO.
-This seems to be a close match-up, but around RM, we haven't had good memories with a certain team from Alamance Co., so I'll pick against it's neighbor/rival school
Again this week, I will pick the 2-A East #1 seed Tarboro at home, this week against Franklinton. I do, however, think that 3-AA East #10 seed Wilson Fike will lose to #2-seeded Greensboro Dudley in Greensboro.
Rocky Mount showed last week that they could beat you with the big play, the long drive, the run, and the pass. If you have been skeptical about the Gryphons, come out to the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex Friday night at 7:30 and make your own opinions about the team.
We'll see you there.
Havlock - X - lost to Washington 34-25
West Craven
SouthWest Edgecombe
Kinston
Oxford Webb
Rocky Mount
Eastern Alamance
Hertford County
- Not bad going 7-1 on my first week, but now the games get a little bit harder and will be tougher to call......so here goes.....
(7)Washington at (2)West Craven ---------- WEST CRAVEN
- undefeated West Craven isn't finished yet......
(6)SWE at (3)Kinston ---------- KINSTON
- SWE's last year in 3-A is finished by Kinston, who earned a victory over Nash Central last week....
(8)Oxford Webb at (1)Rocky Mount ---------- ROCKY MOUNT
- How can you go against the Gryphons? Anyone that hasn't seen them play this year should get out and do so...you have two home games left
(5)E. Alamance at (4)Hertford Co. ---------- HERTFORD CO.
-This seems to be a close match-up, but around RM, we haven't had good memories with a certain team from Alamance Co., so I'll pick against it's neighbor/rival school
Again this week, I will pick the 2-A East #1 seed Tarboro at home, this week against Franklinton. I do, however, think that 3-AA East #10 seed Wilson Fike will lose to #2-seeded Greensboro Dudley in Greensboro.
Rocky Mount showed last week that they could beat you with the big play, the long drive, the run, and the pass. If you have been skeptical about the Gryphons, come out to the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex Friday night at 7:30 and make your own opinions about the team.
We'll see you there.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Gryphons Cruise into Second Round
Rain held the playoff opener for the 3-A East #1-seed Rocky Mount Gryphons off until Saturday night. The Gryphs did not seem to be effected by the twenty-three and a half hour delay, easily pushing past the Jacksonville Cardinals 42-7 and into next week’s second round.
Tough weather conditions forced the postponement from Friday night, although everyone else in the area and the Eastern bracket played in the rain. Saturday seemed to be a good day, sunny all throughout, before rain began to fall again shortly before game time. The rain never gave way, and continued from warm-ups all the way until the final snap.
The Gryphons started early, with Brian Goodwin taking the game’s opening kickoff 98 yards into the endzone and the Rocky Mount rout was on.
After Jacksonville took their ensuing possession downfield with a long drive lasting most of the remaining first quarter, the Gryphons held strong in the end, forcing a 33-yard field goal try by the Cardinals.
The try was wide, and the Gryphons offense took the field. A few plays later, Rocky Mount again busted the big play. This time it was Marquavis Alston, going 27 yards untouched for the score with just over a minute left in the first quarter.
Gryphs junior RB Marquavius Alston
(photo: rockymounthigh.ihigh.com)
With the field goal miss, the Gryphons have still not allowed a first quarter score by the opposition this season. Including Saturday night, the Gryphons have now put up 163 first quarter points.
In the second quarter, Jordan Ford decided to get in on the fun, taking a handoff and scrambling for a 75-yard touchdown of his own.
Ford finished his night with 78 total yards, and Alston added 77 yards and his touchdown. Both backs only carried twice and both came away with a touchdown to show for it.
Alston said afterwards that the field conditions were not that much of a problem.
“Just gotta plant your feet and run,” said Alston, “and we did it all night.”
Not letting the backs have all the fun, Birthday boy, quarterback Collins Cuthrell, eluded pressure before finding fullback La’Var Silver for a 14-yard touchdown strike. Cuthrell was able to deliver the pass after scrambling and having a defender on his back. Cuthrell finished his night 5-10 passing for 77 yards.
The second half was again all Gryphons, with Cuthrell connecting with receiver Keith Strickland for a twenty-two yard touchdown pass. Strickland hauled in three receptions for 45 yards on the night, bringing him closer to the Rocky Mount single-season receiving record. Those three receptions were despite the fact that Jacksonville seemed to leave a defender back deep all night to take away the deep pass.
“Lots of teams are starting to do that,” said Cuthrell, “because they know Strick can beat basically anybody.”
Gryphs senior WR Keith Strickland
(photo; rockymounthigh.ihigh.com)
The Gryphon scoring night was capped off by the man who started it. Goodwin fielded a third quarter Jacksonville punt off a bounce before traveling 56 yards for the score.
The Gryphons were able to mix both their run and pass game in preparation for next week’s second round game against Oxford Webb. Oxford Webb got past Wilson Beddingfield on Friday night to gain a trip to the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex.
Oxford Webb head coach and former Rocky Mount head coach John Hammett was in attendance for Saturday’s match-up. He saw a Rocky Mount team that is both well-balanced on offense and a rock solid defense.
The Gryphons will host Oxford Webb on Friday night in the second round of the NCHSAA 3-A playoffs at the RMAC. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Tough weather conditions forced the postponement from Friday night, although everyone else in the area and the Eastern bracket played in the rain. Saturday seemed to be a good day, sunny all throughout, before rain began to fall again shortly before game time. The rain never gave way, and continued from warm-ups all the way until the final snap.
The Gryphons started early, with Brian Goodwin taking the game’s opening kickoff 98 yards into the endzone and the Rocky Mount rout was on.
After Jacksonville took their ensuing possession downfield with a long drive lasting most of the remaining first quarter, the Gryphons held strong in the end, forcing a 33-yard field goal try by the Cardinals.
The try was wide, and the Gryphons offense took the field. A few plays later, Rocky Mount again busted the big play. This time it was Marquavis Alston, going 27 yards untouched for the score with just over a minute left in the first quarter.
Gryphs junior RB Marquavius Alston
(photo: rockymounthigh.ihigh.com)
With the field goal miss, the Gryphons have still not allowed a first quarter score by the opposition this season. Including Saturday night, the Gryphons have now put up 163 first quarter points.
In the second quarter, Jordan Ford decided to get in on the fun, taking a handoff and scrambling for a 75-yard touchdown of his own.
Ford finished his night with 78 total yards, and Alston added 77 yards and his touchdown. Both backs only carried twice and both came away with a touchdown to show for it.
Alston said afterwards that the field conditions were not that much of a problem.
“Just gotta plant your feet and run,” said Alston, “and we did it all night.”
Not letting the backs have all the fun, Birthday boy, quarterback Collins Cuthrell, eluded pressure before finding fullback La’Var Silver for a 14-yard touchdown strike. Cuthrell was able to deliver the pass after scrambling and having a defender on his back. Cuthrell finished his night 5-10 passing for 77 yards.
The second half was again all Gryphons, with Cuthrell connecting with receiver Keith Strickland for a twenty-two yard touchdown pass. Strickland hauled in three receptions for 45 yards on the night, bringing him closer to the Rocky Mount single-season receiving record. Those three receptions were despite the fact that Jacksonville seemed to leave a defender back deep all night to take away the deep pass.
“Lots of teams are starting to do that,” said Cuthrell, “because they know Strick can beat basically anybody.”
Gryphs senior WR Keith Strickland
(photo; rockymounthigh.ihigh.com)
The Gryphon scoring night was capped off by the man who started it. Goodwin fielded a third quarter Jacksonville punt off a bounce before traveling 56 yards for the score.
The Gryphons were able to mix both their run and pass game in preparation for next week’s second round game against Oxford Webb. Oxford Webb got past Wilson Beddingfield on Friday night to gain a trip to the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex.
Oxford Webb head coach and former Rocky Mount head coach John Hammett was in attendance for Saturday’s match-up. He saw a Rocky Mount team that is both well-balanced on offense and a rock solid defense.
The Gryphons will host Oxford Webb on Friday night in the second round of the NCHSAA 3-A playoffs at the RMAC. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Northern Nash coach, former RM assistant, steps down...
Earlier this week, news broke about Northern Nash head football coach Chad Smith's decision to resign from his post at the school.
Smith, a former Rocky Mount High assistant, said the desicion did not come down to wins and losses, but rather the fact that he wanted to be able to spend time with his two young children and to move closer to his family back in South Carolina.
As for myself, I can attest to Smith's hard work and dedication, to both his players and his family. He will surely be missed by everyone that has known him since his move to the Rocky Mount area in 2003.
Rocky mount Telegram article, Jessie H. Nunery: http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/sports/smith-steps-down-233613.html
North Carolina ihigh.com article, Charles Alston:http://nc.ihigh.com/article_6756.html
-Smith with his oldest son, Hunter
(Photo: www.trenchtraining.com/aboutthefounder.htm)
Smith, a former Rocky Mount High assistant, said the desicion did not come down to wins and losses, but rather the fact that he wanted to be able to spend time with his two young children and to move closer to his family back in South Carolina.
As for myself, I can attest to Smith's hard work and dedication, to both his players and his family. He will surely be missed by everyone that has known him since his move to the Rocky Mount area in 2003.
Rocky mount Telegram article, Jessie H. Nunery: http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/sports/smith-steps-down-233613.html
North Carolina ihigh.com article, Charles Alston:http://nc.ihigh.com/article_6756.html
-Smith with his oldest son, Hunter
(Photo: www.trenchtraining.com/aboutthefounder.htm)
Gryphon Wrestlers Start Season
The Rocky Mount Wrestling Gryphons opened up their season at home Wednesday night as the Gryphons hosted Greenville Rose.
Barely back on the mat two weeks after 8 months of playing other sports, lifting weights, or just hanging out, not all the wrestlers have had time to shed off those few extra pounds they need to get down to their targeted wrestling weight. The Gryphons also have four returning wrestlers from last season's squad in the playoffs with the football team.
With a few returners wrestling up and a handful of rookies in their first matches, the Gryphons had a couple of holes in their opening night line up against a pretty good Rose squad.
Rocky Mount had nobody to fill the 119, 152 or 189 pound slots and basically spotted the Rampants to an 18-0 cushion before anyone hit the mat.
With first time varsity starters filling in several spots and another handful of returners still playing football, the Gryphons fell 27-50. Ahmir Scott (112), Chandler Phillips (135), Guy Williamson (215) and Ezekiel Thorne (HWT) each secured 6 points for the team by pinning their opponents. Johnny Stewart, conference runner-up at 140 pounds last year, finished up the home side scoring, chalking up a 14-4 victory in the 145 pound match for 3 points.
Overall, this was an encouraging start for coach Jones' squad. Yes, the final point total looks deceivingly lopsided in Rose's favor. But, removing the 18 "gimme" points the Gryphons handed out in forfeits, the match was much closer than the final score appears; on the mat, the Rocky Mount grapplers won 5 of the 11 matches contested, and were only defeated 27-32.
A larger than expected crowd loudly cheered on some very entertaining, hard fought matches.
The Gryphons will be hosting Wilson Hunt next Wednesday at 7:00PM. Come out and support the Gryphon wrestling team.
(photo: N. Phillips)
---The Gryphon wrestlers, along with everyone else, are beginning another season with the goal of making the State Championships, above.
Barely back on the mat two weeks after 8 months of playing other sports, lifting weights, or just hanging out, not all the wrestlers have had time to shed off those few extra pounds they need to get down to their targeted wrestling weight. The Gryphons also have four returning wrestlers from last season's squad in the playoffs with the football team.
With a few returners wrestling up and a handful of rookies in their first matches, the Gryphons had a couple of holes in their opening night line up against a pretty good Rose squad.
Rocky Mount had nobody to fill the 119, 152 or 189 pound slots and basically spotted the Rampants to an 18-0 cushion before anyone hit the mat.
With first time varsity starters filling in several spots and another handful of returners still playing football, the Gryphons fell 27-50. Ahmir Scott (112), Chandler Phillips (135), Guy Williamson (215) and Ezekiel Thorne (HWT) each secured 6 points for the team by pinning their opponents. Johnny Stewart, conference runner-up at 140 pounds last year, finished up the home side scoring, chalking up a 14-4 victory in the 145 pound match for 3 points.
Overall, this was an encouraging start for coach Jones' squad. Yes, the final point total looks deceivingly lopsided in Rose's favor. But, removing the 18 "gimme" points the Gryphons handed out in forfeits, the match was much closer than the final score appears; on the mat, the Rocky Mount grapplers won 5 of the 11 matches contested, and were only defeated 27-32.
A larger than expected crowd loudly cheered on some very entertaining, hard fought matches.
The Gryphons will be hosting Wilson Hunt next Wednesday at 7:00PM. Come out and support the Gryphon wrestling team.
(photo: N. Phillips)
---The Gryphon wrestlers, along with everyone else, are beginning another season with the goal of making the State Championships, above.
Playoff Picks
With the first round of the NCHSAA playoffs starting, I decided to take the 3-A East bracket and pick all of the games leading to the Eastern Finals and also my pick to represent the East in the State Championship game. Check in each Thursday as I will pick the games for that Friday night.....here are my first round picks....
(10) Havelock (8-2) at (7) Washington (7-3) --------- HAVELOCK
(15) Bertie (5-5) at (2) West Craven (10-0) --------- WEST CRAVEN
(11) South Granville (7-3) at (6) SouthWest Edgecombe (8-2) ---------- SOUTHWEST
(14) Nash Central (5-5) at (3) Kinston (9-1) ---------- KINSTON
(9) Wilson Beddingfield (8-2) at (8) Oxford Webb (8-2) ---------- OXFORD WEBB
(16) Jacksonville (2-8) at (1) Rocky Mount (10-0) ---------- ROCKY MOUNT
(12) Hope Mills Gray¹s Creek (5-5) at (5) Eastern Alamance (9-1) -------- EASTERN ALAMANCE
(13) Eastern Wayne (5-5) at (4) Hertford (9-1) ---------- HERTFORD CO.
----------
I also like Wilson Fike (3-AA) and Tarboro (2-A) to win their respective games and move on to the next round.
- An Oxford Webb and Rocky Mount match-up could bring former RM coach John Hammett back to the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex.
- A SouthWest Edgecombe and Kinston match-up in round two could turn into a good game, at least it is looking that way. But don't forget about Nash Central, who I believe will give Kinston a good run in the first round Friday night.
- A Eastern Alamance vs Hertford County match-up in round two also seems to be a good game on paper, with both teams going into the playoffs with 9-1 records.
- Congratulations to the winner of this game, they will win a trip to the RMAC to take on Rocky Mount in round three.
One big question heading into the playoffs is whether Rocky Mount will continue its dominance and play at the level they are capable of, or will they come out and play at their opponents level?
The Gryphons have the opportunity to do something special these next few weeks, with its senior laden roster. These seniors have all seen the playoffs before, some two or three years of previous exposure gives them the experience they need to take this ride.
Let us sit back and enjoy watching them, because I can see the Gryphons putting on a show for us fans in the coming Friday nights.
I can say from my experience with the baseball team's run to the State Championship that the support of the fans was felt and greatly welcomed. Looking into the stands at Five County Stadium to see what appeared to be half the city, which I wouldn't doubt, was a great feeling. Let's do the same for the football team and allow them to look up into their home bleachers and see a packed house.
Please come out and support these guys, who are playing for themselves, their families, their community, and most importantly, their city, OUR city. Get out and support them. I assure you that you won't be disappointed.
(10) Havelock (8-2) at (7) Washington (7-3) --------- HAVELOCK
(15) Bertie (5-5) at (2) West Craven (10-0) --------- WEST CRAVEN
(11) South Granville (7-3) at (6) SouthWest Edgecombe (8-2) ---------- SOUTHWEST
(14) Nash Central (5-5) at (3) Kinston (9-1) ---------- KINSTON
(9) Wilson Beddingfield (8-2) at (8) Oxford Webb (8-2) ---------- OXFORD WEBB
(16) Jacksonville (2-8) at (1) Rocky Mount (10-0) ---------- ROCKY MOUNT
(12) Hope Mills Gray¹s Creek (5-5) at (5) Eastern Alamance (9-1) -------- EASTERN ALAMANCE
(13) Eastern Wayne (5-5) at (4) Hertford (9-1) ---------- HERTFORD CO.
----------
I also like Wilson Fike (3-AA) and Tarboro (2-A) to win their respective games and move on to the next round.
- An Oxford Webb and Rocky Mount match-up could bring former RM coach John Hammett back to the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex.
- A SouthWest Edgecombe and Kinston match-up in round two could turn into a good game, at least it is looking that way. But don't forget about Nash Central, who I believe will give Kinston a good run in the first round Friday night.
- A Eastern Alamance vs Hertford County match-up in round two also seems to be a good game on paper, with both teams going into the playoffs with 9-1 records.
- Congratulations to the winner of this game, they will win a trip to the RMAC to take on Rocky Mount in round three.
One big question heading into the playoffs is whether Rocky Mount will continue its dominance and play at the level they are capable of, or will they come out and play at their opponents level?
The Gryphons have the opportunity to do something special these next few weeks, with its senior laden roster. These seniors have all seen the playoffs before, some two or three years of previous exposure gives them the experience they need to take this ride.
Let us sit back and enjoy watching them, because I can see the Gryphons putting on a show for us fans in the coming Friday nights.
I can say from my experience with the baseball team's run to the State Championship that the support of the fans was felt and greatly welcomed. Looking into the stands at Five County Stadium to see what appeared to be half the city, which I wouldn't doubt, was a great feeling. Let's do the same for the football team and allow them to look up into their home bleachers and see a packed house.
Please come out and support these guys, who are playing for themselves, their families, their community, and most importantly, their city, OUR city. Get out and support them. I assure you that you won't be disappointed.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
UNC-Pembroke vs. #1 North Carolina in the Dean Dome
What a day on Saturday!
(photo: Nick Phillips)
(photo: Nick Phillips)
Awaking to the school band marching towards Grace P. Johnson Stadium for the football game, while anxiously awaiting the men's basketball game against the Tar Heels of North Carolina.
After a bit to eat in the caf, over to the meeting area outside the University Center to pick up my game ticket and t-shirt. Then onto the bus.
Two bus loads carried UNC-Pembroke students up to the Dean Dome, all of us wearing our black t-shirts reading 'UNC-Pembroke Braves Basketball' on the front along with the logo, and stating 'BRAVES BLACKOUT' on the back.
--Before I go any farther, I want to say congrats to the Braves football team, who we learned on the ride won 21-7, to cap off the season at 9-1 with a perfect record at home. Now they will wait to see if they make it into the Division II playoffs.
After our ride, we roll our two bus loads into Chapel Hill and a sea of Carolina blue. Fans were everywhere, some heading to their cars after the football game, some walking over to for basketball game, and others just getting there to catch the basketball contest.
As I said, we felt like we were rolling in deep with our two buses and 90 students. We were wrong, man were we wrong. The 90 of us were like a speck on the pavement.
(photo: Nick Phillips)
After arriving in we found our seats, Section 107, behind the Pembroke bench. Eventually, Section 107 was filled with our group of students, as well as fans from the town and surrounding areas who made the trip to cheer on their boys.
We arrived about an hour before the game, so we were able to see both teams shoot-arounds and then their entrances back onto the court for warm-ups, and ultimately, the player intros for both the Tar Heels and our Braves.
The opening tip went to UNC-Pembroke, and we scored the first points of the game, and led 10-2 at one point against the #1 team in the nation.
Halftime came, with the Braves holding in there strong, down 44-25 over the Heels.
The second half was mostly for the Tar Heels, with Coach Roy Williams playing his starters until the final minutes of the game.
The Heels stretched the lead farther, with the final score 102-62, but the Braves and first year coach Ben Miller should be proud of the way the played, going back and forth, bucket for bucket, in the first ten minutes of the game.
Although there was no giant upset by UNC-Pembroke, the trip as a whole was fun, with the chance to see the #1-ranked team a treat in itself.
Hopefully, the Tar Heels can go on to win the National Championship, and I will be able to say 'I saw the National Champions play.' On the same thought, our boys from Pembroke can say they played the champs, and for some, they can tell their kids that they scored agianst the National Champs.
(photo: Nick Phillips)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
What a week.....
First off, I'd like to apologize to the three people that read this...there may be more, and in that case, I'm sorry to you guys too.
At UNC-Pembroke I think it is safe to say that we are officially counting down the hours until our Braves travel to Chapel Hill to take on the #1-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels. As I am writing this, we are a little over 50 hours until tip-off, 5:30 pm Saturday afternoon.
The Student Life department did a great job organizing this event for Pembroke students to be able to attend. They were able to put together a trip to the game, with 90 tickets available for students at the price of $5 instead of the ten dollar regular price. The deal includes a bus ride from campus to and from the game, and a t-shirt and other 'goodies.'
The contest came about due to the fact that new UNC-P head coach Ben Miller coached under Carolina coach Roy Williams at Kansas. Miller comes to the Braves after nine years as an assistant in Kansas and four more at Missouri State. This is his first head coaching job.
Miller also established the school's first student section at the team's first exhibition game last Saturday. The 'Bravehearts' are officially sitting at midcourt as Miller tries to instill a strong fan base and a defensive-minded team.
Also of note, Miller's father, Eldon Miller, has joined his son on the sidelines this season. The elder Miller said he agreed years ago to come back and help his son if the younger Miller ever got a head coaching shot. And that's just what he's done.
Eldon Miller, 69, won 568 games during his 36 years as a head coach at Wittenberg, Western Michigan, Ohio State and the University of Northern Iowa. He retired as a head coach after the 1997-98 season, but is now back in the heart of college basketball country working at a Division II school in little ol' Pembroke.
Both Millers will be on the sidelines Saturday, center stage, at the Dean Dome in Chapel Hill. The experience on Saturday should be a good learning tool for both new head coach Ben Miller and his team.
And I know it will be a fun experience for those of us Pembroke students making the trip.
At UNC-Pembroke I think it is safe to say that we are officially counting down the hours until our Braves travel to Chapel Hill to take on the #1-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels. As I am writing this, we are a little over 50 hours until tip-off, 5:30 pm Saturday afternoon.
The Student Life department did a great job organizing this event for Pembroke students to be able to attend. They were able to put together a trip to the game, with 90 tickets available for students at the price of $5 instead of the ten dollar regular price. The deal includes a bus ride from campus to and from the game, and a t-shirt and other 'goodies.'
The contest came about due to the fact that new UNC-P head coach Ben Miller coached under Carolina coach Roy Williams at Kansas. Miller comes to the Braves after nine years as an assistant in Kansas and four more at Missouri State. This is his first head coaching job.
Miller also established the school's first student section at the team's first exhibition game last Saturday. The 'Bravehearts' are officially sitting at midcourt as Miller tries to instill a strong fan base and a defensive-minded team.
Also of note, Miller's father, Eldon Miller, has joined his son on the sidelines this season. The elder Miller said he agreed years ago to come back and help his son if the younger Miller ever got a head coaching shot. And that's just what he's done.
Eldon Miller, 69, won 568 games during his 36 years as a head coach at Wittenberg, Western Michigan, Ohio State and the University of Northern Iowa. He retired as a head coach after the 1997-98 season, but is now back in the heart of college basketball country working at a Division II school in little ol' Pembroke.
Both Millers will be on the sidelines Saturday, center stage, at the Dean Dome in Chapel Hill. The experience on Saturday should be a good learning tool for both new head coach Ben Miller and his team.
And I know it will be a fun experience for those of us Pembroke students making the trip.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Wild, Wild Saturday...
Saturdays. Best day of the week. Sleeping in late, football, football, and more football. And this Saturday included a little bit of basketball, too.
The day started off with UNC-P football's 57-0 rout of Concord to help the Braves stay perfect at home this season. Fourty-three first half points against now 0-10 Concord gave the starters time off in the second half. The Braves host North Greenville, losers today, next Saturday to finish the regular season.
Then back across the street to the English Jones Center to meet the Braves men's and women's basketball teams. The Lady Braves proceeded to intersquad srimmage, and the White team narrowly defeated the Gold team.
A few minutes worth of break before the men played host to Athletes in Action, a traveling team full of college basketball graduates. In an exciting game, the Braves were defeated by a score of 70-67 in their final game 'tune-up' before traveling to visit the Tar Heels of North Carolina in the Dean Dome next Saturday.
Before the basketball games, I was with Christian Fenlkl, editor of the campus newspaper, The Pine Needle, who was able to grab hold of a press pass to cover the UNC-P - Carolina game. Anyway, we spoke with Athletic Director Dan Kenney, who said that ESPN is holding up next Saturday's sports scheduling in Chapel Hill.
Pembroke was advised that ESPN/ABC would likely televise the Georgia Tech at Carolina football game if Georgia Tech beat Florida St., which they did. In that situation, the football game would probably be played on national tv with an 8 o'clock start time, which would put the basketball game start time around 2 o'clock. The other situation would basically be the opposite, with the football game in the afternoon, and the basketball game to follow. I guess we'll have to wait until the football start time is released sometime Sunday afternoon.
Also in speaking with AD Kenney, we learned that the Dean Dome is "sold out." Notice that this is in qoutations, as I am highly doubtful that there will be people filled to the rafters. With this game being Carolina's only exhabition game, many people must have finally realized that they needed to grab a ticket to this game. Others are probably looking to make a profit off the $10 tickets, as a search of both StubHub and eBay tonight found tickets being sold.
So, if you need 32 tickets, now you know where to go. (ha ha ha!)
With all of the events I just said, I wasn't able to see that much college football action. But i was able to see #1 Texas at #7 Texas Tech. Two words - instant classic!
What a game, back and forth throughout the second half, until Texas Tech scored on a touchdown pass with one second remaining. The fans proceeded to storm the field with that second on the clock...only to get off as the play was reviewed...only to storm again when the play was upheld...only to get off again to see Texas' attempt at the famous Cal-Stanford re-enactment (THE BAND IS OUT ON THE FIELD!!!..yeah, you know which one...) fail. The fans proceeded to rush the turf again, but this time no one was getting them off. I'm sure so are still some on the field as you read this...
Also, saw that Michigan collapsed, AGAIN. A Purdue hook-and-lateral touchdown with under a minute remaining sealed the deal. With the loss to Purdue, Michigan assures itself of not having to go bowling this December. Their 33 straight years with a bowl appearence will be snapped, and for the first time since 1974, recruiting will take center stage a little earlier in Ann Arbor.
----
Let me go back to high school action for a minute.
Rocky Mount was tested again, slightly, before pulling away from Nash Central in the 4th quarter. I believe that these last few weeks have ultimatly helped the Gryphons prepare for the playoffs, where they will surely encounter a challange or two along the way.
Also, congrats to senior Whit Barnes, who was selected to the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas earlier this week. Whit has been a hard worker for the Gryphons program, and will take his abilities to Wake Forest next season.
One more regular season game, senior night at home against Wilson Fike, before the playoffs begin.
The day started off with UNC-P football's 57-0 rout of Concord to help the Braves stay perfect at home this season. Fourty-three first half points against now 0-10 Concord gave the starters time off in the second half. The Braves host North Greenville, losers today, next Saturday to finish the regular season.
Then back across the street to the English Jones Center to meet the Braves men's and women's basketball teams. The Lady Braves proceeded to intersquad srimmage, and the White team narrowly defeated the Gold team.
A few minutes worth of break before the men played host to Athletes in Action, a traveling team full of college basketball graduates. In an exciting game, the Braves were defeated by a score of 70-67 in their final game 'tune-up' before traveling to visit the Tar Heels of North Carolina in the Dean Dome next Saturday.
Before the basketball games, I was with Christian Fenlkl, editor of the campus newspaper, The Pine Needle, who was able to grab hold of a press pass to cover the UNC-P - Carolina game. Anyway, we spoke with Athletic Director Dan Kenney, who said that ESPN is holding up next Saturday's sports scheduling in Chapel Hill.
Pembroke was advised that ESPN/ABC would likely televise the Georgia Tech at Carolina football game if Georgia Tech beat Florida St., which they did. In that situation, the football game would probably be played on national tv with an 8 o'clock start time, which would put the basketball game start time around 2 o'clock. The other situation would basically be the opposite, with the football game in the afternoon, and the basketball game to follow. I guess we'll have to wait until the football start time is released sometime Sunday afternoon.
Also in speaking with AD Kenney, we learned that the Dean Dome is "sold out." Notice that this is in qoutations, as I am highly doubtful that there will be people filled to the rafters. With this game being Carolina's only exhabition game, many people must have finally realized that they needed to grab a ticket to this game. Others are probably looking to make a profit off the $10 tickets, as a search of both StubHub and eBay tonight found tickets being sold.
So, if you need 32 tickets, now you know where to go. (ha ha ha!)
With all of the events I just said, I wasn't able to see that much college football action. But i was able to see #1 Texas at #7 Texas Tech. Two words - instant classic!
What a game, back and forth throughout the second half, until Texas Tech scored on a touchdown pass with one second remaining. The fans proceeded to storm the field with that second on the clock...only to get off as the play was reviewed...only to storm again when the play was upheld...only to get off again to see Texas' attempt at the famous Cal-Stanford re-enactment (THE BAND IS OUT ON THE FIELD!!!..yeah, you know which one...) fail. The fans proceeded to rush the turf again, but this time no one was getting them off. I'm sure so are still some on the field as you read this...
Also, saw that Michigan collapsed, AGAIN. A Purdue hook-and-lateral touchdown with under a minute remaining sealed the deal. With the loss to Purdue, Michigan assures itself of not having to go bowling this December. Their 33 straight years with a bowl appearence will be snapped, and for the first time since 1974, recruiting will take center stage a little earlier in Ann Arbor.
----
Let me go back to high school action for a minute.
Rocky Mount was tested again, slightly, before pulling away from Nash Central in the 4th quarter. I believe that these last few weeks have ultimatly helped the Gryphons prepare for the playoffs, where they will surely encounter a challange or two along the way.
Also, congrats to senior Whit Barnes, who was selected to the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas earlier this week. Whit has been a hard worker for the Gryphons program, and will take his abilities to Wake Forest next season.
One more regular season game, senior night at home against Wilson Fike, before the playoffs begin.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Wrestlers Start Practice for Another Season
The Gryphon Wrestling Team started practice this week in preparation for it's upcoming season. Coach Jermaine Jones brings his team into the wrestling room for practice after he finishes up his coaching duties for the Gryphon Football Team. As Coach Jones begins his fourth year as the Head Coach, he will continue to work on building a formidable program.
Two years ago, in Jones' second year as head coach, the Gryphs narrowly lost out on a Regular Season Conference Championship when they tied Southern Nash on the mat in a conference duel, falling only to criteria. That season saw his grapplers qualify for the State Team Tournament; the first time since. . .well, since anyone could remember.
Last year, he guided the team to a Conference Co-Championship with Nash Central, as the rivals split their two conference duals. The Gryphs wrestled away bragging rights from the Bulldogs, however, by winning the Conference Tournament. (And proud to be one of a record 10 Conference Crowns by Gryphon sports teams in '07 - '08).
Excitement is growing within the program for the 2008 - 2009 campaign. The team lost only two wrestlers from last year's championship squad. This year's hopefuls are led by Senior, Three-time Conference Champion and Two-time State Qualifier Francisco Alfaro; Senior and defending Conference Champion at 171 pounds and the team's other State Qualifier Dedrick Silver; Two-Time Conference Champion, Junior Chandler Phillips and 112 pound Conference Champion Ahmir Scott. A strong returning contingent includes Seniors Guy Williamson, Darryl Cross, Ralph Bennet and Grant Wilson. Junior returners include Johnny Stewart, Justin Atkinson and Anthony Miller. Sophomore Robert Barnes rounds out the returning veterans. There are several new faces and Freshman ready to compete for mat time, also.
The Gryphons open the season at home against a perennially strong Greenville Rose team at 7:00 PM on Wednesday November 12. Rocky Mount will also host the first Conference Dual Tournament on Saturday, December 13.
The Gryphs will battle each of the other five NEW 6 Conference foes starting at 10:00 AM.
Mark your calendars and come out to support another Great Gryphon Wrestling Season.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Rain Rain Go Away!!!
This entry is all about rain. Rain, and cold. And their effects on sports lately.
Rain has been in the sports news the last few days, both local and national. First, Rocky Mount and Southern Nash played their high school football game in a steady rain on Friday night, the only two area schools to play Friday. The Gryphons were fresh off playing on Monday night against SouthWest after being postponed the Friday before.
All other teams postponed until Monday night, and they waited all weekend and finally took the field on Monday night to a steady rain and cold weather. Lose lose situation - postponing because of rain only to play in the rain.
Now to baseball, where the Tampa Bay Rays, my pick to win the World Series in 6 games, are battling the Philadelphia Phillies. Going into Game 5, the Rays were down in the serie 3-1, so my pick can only slightly be right.
But on to the topic of Game 5, which is another issue within itself.
First off, the Phils had Cole Hamels starting, who had yet to lose this postseason. And it appears he won't lose Game 5 either, though it appears that he won't be getting the win unless the Phillies score in the bottom of the sixth whenever the teams make it back on the field. That is, if they can still find the field.
Much of game 5 was played in a downpour, and frankly shouldn't have been played at all. I have to question that if this was a regular season game, would the game have been played? Probably not.
Listening to ESPN all day, I've heard a few people say that the game was started for a few reasons.
1- Television. National audience, prime time. Enough said, but Major League Baseball wanted to place its product out there for everyone to see.
2 - The season as a whole is drawn out too long. It will surely be the weekend before the Series is over and that means November. News flash - - - it's cold in the Northeast in November. October is cold enough.
--- Can I just throw in the hats that the teams are wearing with the built in ear flaps are genius. Too bad that they're no where to be found on the online stores....Someone should have come up with those years ago!
Once the game was started, it should have been stopped way way before it was. A crucial game in a cold downpour is not the way a Word Champion should be decided. Analysts on ESPN also hinted that Bud Selig was waiting for the Rays to score and tie or take the lead so he could suspend a tied game. By rule, any game in which 5 or more innings are completed is considered an official game. With the game tied, Selig avoiding awarding the Phillies the World Championship without technically winning the fifth and deciding game.
Honestly, I think Selig made the best decision he could. He played the card he was dealt. Mother Nature cannot be stopped, only worked (or played) around.
Rain has been in the sports news the last few days, both local and national. First, Rocky Mount and Southern Nash played their high school football game in a steady rain on Friday night, the only two area schools to play Friday. The Gryphons were fresh off playing on Monday night against SouthWest after being postponed the Friday before.
All other teams postponed until Monday night, and they waited all weekend and finally took the field on Monday night to a steady rain and cold weather. Lose lose situation - postponing because of rain only to play in the rain.
Now to baseball, where the Tampa Bay Rays, my pick to win the World Series in 6 games, are battling the Philadelphia Phillies. Going into Game 5, the Rays were down in the serie 3-1, so my pick can only slightly be right.
But on to the topic of Game 5, which is another issue within itself.
First off, the Phils had Cole Hamels starting, who had yet to lose this postseason. And it appears he won't lose Game 5 either, though it appears that he won't be getting the win unless the Phillies score in the bottom of the sixth whenever the teams make it back on the field. That is, if they can still find the field.
Much of game 5 was played in a downpour, and frankly shouldn't have been played at all. I have to question that if this was a regular season game, would the game have been played? Probably not.
Listening to ESPN all day, I've heard a few people say that the game was started for a few reasons.
1- Television. National audience, prime time. Enough said, but Major League Baseball wanted to place its product out there for everyone to see.
2 - The season as a whole is drawn out too long. It will surely be the weekend before the Series is over and that means November. News flash - - - it's cold in the Northeast in November. October is cold enough.
--- Can I just throw in the hats that the teams are wearing with the built in ear flaps are genius. Too bad that they're no where to be found on the online stores....Someone should have come up with those years ago!
Once the game was started, it should have been stopped way way before it was. A crucial game in a cold downpour is not the way a Word Champion should be decided. Analysts on ESPN also hinted that Bud Selig was waiting for the Rays to score and tie or take the lead so he could suspend a tied game. By rule, any game in which 5 or more innings are completed is considered an official game. With the game tied, Selig avoiding awarding the Phillies the World Championship without technically winning the fifth and deciding game.
Honestly, I think Selig made the best decision he could. He played the card he was dealt. Mother Nature cannot be stopped, only worked (or played) around.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Catching up...
Have you ever realized how nice it is to have a weekend with nothing to do?
This was a great weekend full of nothing for me, as I was able to sit back and watch football and the World Series on Saturday and Sunday.
Friday was an early morning, leaving the house and Rocky Mount around 6:30 am to make the drive down I-95 and my 9 am class. I will admit that I wouldn't trade the opportunity to meet Trot Nixon. Friday after class I regestered for classes this spring and that was promptly followed by a rather long nap.
Friday night was a volleyball game, which was a loss for the ladies of UNC-P, but a win for me as I won a UNC-P athletics shirt during the intermission serve-off - basically a bunch of college kids going to try and serve a volleyball across court and hit one of three t-shirts laid out on the oppostide side of the court.
After the game, I was able to take in Boise St. at San Diego St. and I like the Broncos of Boise State to make another BCS game appearance.
Saturday was filled with....football. Nothing else. All day. Glad to see that Carolina won, among other games.Michigan is ridiculously horrable, and Ohio State and Penn State was the game of the week, as stated, and was a good one to watch, and a good one to end the night on.
Congrats to Terrell Hudgins, who now holds every recieving record at Elon. And he's done all this in two and a half years. Not bad for a guy who was a quarterback for the Gryphons and transferred from ECU so he could be on the offensive side of the ball. Good job to both him and Stephan Virgil, who's shining in his first season as a starter on defense at Virginia Tech.
On to Sunday, where it seems like the Panthers have had to come from behind every game that they've won. Have they actually been ahead and controled a game at any point this season? The Saints beat the Chargers in a game played in London, which is a total bad idea - all the way around. Sending a team across an ocean to be exposed to a media frenzy and fans all week, while throwing off player's preperation habits and keeping them away from their families is not a step in the right direction.
The NFL said they would like to play more games in Europe in the future and possibly have a franchise located there someday. Can you picture a team having to travel across the ocean every week to come to the US and actually having success?
I'm sure that there are many cities across the country that would gladly accept an NFL team right now if given the chance. An football was played in Europe before - it was called NFL Europe, which was abruptly shut down. It was the league's only sort of minor league, a way for teams to help younger players develope and help them out in the future. And the fans weren't complaining. Every game I ever saw on tv was in front of filled stadiums cheering on their teams. Only a few years later, now we want to place a team overseas? Sure, great idea.
This was a great weekend full of nothing for me, as I was able to sit back and watch football and the World Series on Saturday and Sunday.
Friday was an early morning, leaving the house and Rocky Mount around 6:30 am to make the drive down I-95 and my 9 am class. I will admit that I wouldn't trade the opportunity to meet Trot Nixon. Friday after class I regestered for classes this spring and that was promptly followed by a rather long nap.
Friday night was a volleyball game, which was a loss for the ladies of UNC-P, but a win for me as I won a UNC-P athletics shirt during the intermission serve-off - basically a bunch of college kids going to try and serve a volleyball across court and hit one of three t-shirts laid out on the oppostide side of the court.
After the game, I was able to take in Boise St. at San Diego St. and I like the Broncos of Boise State to make another BCS game appearance.
Saturday was filled with....football. Nothing else. All day. Glad to see that Carolina won, among other games.Michigan is ridiculously horrable, and Ohio State and Penn State was the game of the week, as stated, and was a good one to watch, and a good one to end the night on.
Congrats to Terrell Hudgins, who now holds every recieving record at Elon. And he's done all this in two and a half years. Not bad for a guy who was a quarterback for the Gryphons and transferred from ECU so he could be on the offensive side of the ball. Good job to both him and Stephan Virgil, who's shining in his first season as a starter on defense at Virginia Tech.
On to Sunday, where it seems like the Panthers have had to come from behind every game that they've won. Have they actually been ahead and controled a game at any point this season? The Saints beat the Chargers in a game played in London, which is a total bad idea - all the way around. Sending a team across an ocean to be exposed to a media frenzy and fans all week, while throwing off player's preperation habits and keeping them away from their families is not a step in the right direction.
The NFL said they would like to play more games in Europe in the future and possibly have a franchise located there someday. Can you picture a team having to travel across the ocean every week to come to the US and actually having success?
I'm sure that there are many cities across the country that would gladly accept an NFL team right now if given the chance. An football was played in Europe before - it was called NFL Europe, which was abruptly shut down. It was the league's only sort of minor league, a way for teams to help younger players develope and help them out in the future. And the fans weren't complaining. Every game I ever saw on tv was in front of filled stadiums cheering on their teams. Only a few years later, now we want to place a team overseas? Sure, great idea.
Friday, October 24, 2008
SEAM Night of Champions
Last night I was able to meet and talk to Trot Nixon at the SEAM Night of Champions dinner. Nixon as well as others were guest speakers at the event. Before the night started there was a silent auction to help benifit SEAM, as well as a autograph/book signing session with Trot and his wife. His wife helped co-write a children's book, The Spirit of Baseball, and both were extremely nice people.
To start, I was slightly nervous meeting a major leaguer and a former member of the Red Sox, who was sporting his '04 World Series ring on his hand. I think I was trying to say something to the degree of 'nice to meet you', but what came out was 'man, that ring's huge.' As I stood realizing what I said and feeling like an idiot, Trot smiled and said 'yeah, it's pretty big' as he was taking it off. 'Wanna hold it?' Huh? You're gonna let me hold a world championship ring?
As many of you have seen, the Rocky Mount Baseball team's State Championship rings are rather large, but I felt like mine was nothing comparing it to Trot's, which was easily double the size.
To throw in, I walked away from the silent auction with two Jerry Narron signed player cards, and a Narron manager picture for $15. Not bad. Throw in the 3 baseballs and 3 cards signed by Trot, and that's a pretty good night.
To start, I was slightly nervous meeting a major leaguer and a former member of the Red Sox, who was sporting his '04 World Series ring on his hand. I think I was trying to say something to the degree of 'nice to meet you', but what came out was 'man, that ring's huge.' As I stood realizing what I said and feeling like an idiot, Trot smiled and said 'yeah, it's pretty big' as he was taking it off. 'Wanna hold it?' Huh? You're gonna let me hold a world championship ring?
As many of you have seen, the Rocky Mount Baseball team's State Championship rings are rather large, but I felt like mine was nothing comparing it to Trot's, which was easily double the size.
To throw in, I walked away from the silent auction with two Jerry Narron signed player cards, and a Narron manager picture for $15. Not bad. Throw in the 3 baseballs and 3 cards signed by Trot, and that's a pretty good night.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Too competitive...
Maybe it's because I've played sports so long. Or because I think the game is about more than just having fun. But above all, it's probably because I hate losing. Hate it.
With that being said, maybe next fall I shouldn't play intermural flag football. Writing this, I have just come in from experiencing a pounding defeat in the first round of the playoffs. This shouldn't have been too suprising, considering the team only won one regular season game, by forfeit never the less, but I hated that I had to stand there while another team was celebrating and pulling trick plays and trying to run up the score...give me credit, I'm sitting here with two scrapped up knees after diving after a guy trying to juck past me into the endzone after picking me off. (I shouldn't have thrown an INT, but that's what happens when you're playing against teams full of former high school players who have enough guys to play offensive and defensive players and still have subs, while my team's out there with the required 7 - including a girl. Don't count out the girl, she hauled in two of my rare completions, and she's a member of the volleyball team here at UNC-P.
Speaking of volleyball, our team has begun practicing for the winter intermural indoor season, and we do have girls that played in high school, so we may have a chance.
Staying with volleyball, I read that the Gryphon girls lost in the second round of the playoffs, ending the season and Coach Debbie Webb's career. She was a great person and I'm sure a great coach, and she will be greatly missed next season. Best of luck to her!
In other Rocky Mount news, the way I read it, I missed the game of the year on Monday in Pinetops, as SouthWest held the Gryphons offense to a 7-0 game, Give credit to the D-Block, keeping a shutout despite four tournovers.
----
The World Series starts tonight and I'm picking the Tampa Bay Rays in 6.
They beat the Sox, and I like their young team.
Dickie-V likes 'em, so I will too.
With that being said, maybe next fall I shouldn't play intermural flag football. Writing this, I have just come in from experiencing a pounding defeat in the first round of the playoffs. This shouldn't have been too suprising, considering the team only won one regular season game, by forfeit never the less, but I hated that I had to stand there while another team was celebrating and pulling trick plays and trying to run up the score...give me credit, I'm sitting here with two scrapped up knees after diving after a guy trying to juck past me into the endzone after picking me off. (I shouldn't have thrown an INT, but that's what happens when you're playing against teams full of former high school players who have enough guys to play offensive and defensive players and still have subs, while my team's out there with the required 7 - including a girl. Don't count out the girl, she hauled in two of my rare completions, and she's a member of the volleyball team here at UNC-P.
Speaking of volleyball, our team has begun practicing for the winter intermural indoor season, and we do have girls that played in high school, so we may have a chance.
Staying with volleyball, I read that the Gryphon girls lost in the second round of the playoffs, ending the season and Coach Debbie Webb's career. She was a great person and I'm sure a great coach, and she will be greatly missed next season. Best of luck to her!
In other Rocky Mount news, the way I read it, I missed the game of the year on Monday in Pinetops, as SouthWest held the Gryphons offense to a 7-0 game, Give credit to the D-Block, keeping a shutout despite four tournovers.
----
The World Series starts tonight and I'm picking the Tampa Bay Rays in 6.
They beat the Sox, and I like their young team.
Dickie-V likes 'em, so I will too.
Monday, October 20, 2008
A Nation in mourning....
The Boston Red Sox had come back from behind in postseason series' before, which is why I think everyone felt they could do it again....and they had Jon Lester on the mound. Lester had not lost back to back starts all year...until tonight.
The Sox just could not come through with the big hits in their chances tonight. And they had chances. Even though David Ortiz did not have a good series, you still had to like his chances with the bases loaded, but he couldn't deliver. Other big bats had chances in good situations, but could not pull it out. The 3-4-5 hitters in the middle of the line-up had no hits on the night, and the entire team was a combined 2-28 after Dustin Pedroia's 1st inning HR.
Hats off to the Rays. No one thought they had a chance at the beginning of the year. They didn't give them a chance even after their start, not a shot at the start of the playoffs, and definately not against the defending champs. But after watching them in this series, I have turned into a believer in the Rays, and I am leaning on them in the World Series vs. Philidelphia.
--
In other news, I just finished putting together my four-year plan. FOUR YEARS. Four years, as in I just figuratively planned out every class for the remainder of my college life. Although it seems as if it will be helpful in later years to just look at a checklist while registering each semester. But at the same time it felt weird to be placing classes in a column titled Fall and Spring 2010, 2011, and 2012.
I guess since its after midnight, the Gryphons and the Cougars will line up and go at it Monday Night Football style as they play for what looks like it's gonna be a NEW 6 Conference Championship...it appears that there will be a pretty good game going on in Pinetops kicking off around 7 p.m.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Sox still alive...
Maybe the Boston Red Sox should just spot the opposing team a few games next time they make it to the ALCS. Seems like they like to play from behind, and don't get serious until their backs are against the wall.
With that said, the Sox were able to stay alive last night, thanks to a few key players.
First, Josh Beckett has not been the pitcher he was last season, and might still have something wrong with him, but he turned in a solid effort that allowed the Sox to move on without having to go deep into the bullpen.
Also, Jason Veritek got his first hit in a LONG time, but what a way to snap out of it, a home run to help silence the Rays fans at the Trop. Plus, David Ortiz hit the ball hard agian after breaking out of his slump with the big home run in Game 5.
So the fate of Boston and Red Sox Nation rests on the shoulder and arm of Jon Lester. Lester has turned into the Sox ace this summer and has been the guy they've turned to in big-time games. This is the same guy that survived cancer and came back last year to pitch in a crucial game in last year's ALCS as the Sox came back from down 3-1 against the Indians. Lester went on to start the World Series clincher against the Rockies and then throw a no-hitter against the Royals this summer.
He's got another big game in his hands now.
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