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.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
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.
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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.
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