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.