Monday, October 25, 2010

Gryphons end, continue streaks

Home sweet home!

The students, fans and alumni (four class reunion groups included) that attended Rocky Mount's Homecoming win over Wilson Fike Friday had to know that perhaps a little home cooking might help the Gryphons end their four-game losing streak.

And after five weeks away from the friendly confines of the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex, it did with a 14-7 victory. But if they had lost, it would have fed the longest losing streak (five) by the Gryphons since 1993 when they dropped six games in a row en route to a 3-7 campaign.

That season, the Gryphons dropped consecutive contests to Tarboro, Southern Nash, Wilson Fike, East Wake, Greenville Rose and Northeastern.

Also winning on Homecoming night has become old hat for the Gryphons. They have won their Homecoming game the last seven years. 

One had to also wonder if a conference win was ever going to come Rocky Mount's way after its 0-2 start this season. Since one finally came to past, they won't have to worry about tying the 1966 Rocky Mount team for fewest conference wins - none. In fact, the 1966 squad didn't win any games - the only time since the school opened in 1953 that has happened.

Scoring has been a Gryphon issue this season. But it may come as surprise to many that Rocky Mount scored two touchdowns in the second half for the first time since their season-opening triumph at Bertie. And weren't they important. Rodquez Greene's 26-yard run for a score late in the fourth quarter got them the win.

The Fike victory also kept another streak alive. It was the eighth straight time the Gryphons had beaten the Golden Demons, Rocky Mount's oldest rival (first faced each other in 1958). Not since 2001 has Fike won in the series - one RMHS now leads 30-21-2.

Even though its streak of regular season winning slates has ended at eight, a three-game winning streak to end the season might just put the Gryphons in the playoffs.

Of course, Southern Nash and Northern Nash will have a lot to say about that!

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