Gryphons fall, East wins again, both to playoffs

Thomas Jefferson played their worst game of the season and fell on the road this past week to Union Academy 30-24 last week. Despite a third string quarterback due to injuries, the Gryphons still had a chance, but couldn't complete the regular season undefeated.

They did win the Southern Piedmont 1A Conference this season and grabbed 10 wins or more for the fourth consecutive season.

Thomas Jefferson will have a first round bye as the 1A West #3 seed and host either Hayesville or Elkin on the 17th.

East Rutherford easily downed East Gaston 43-7 as Demetrius Mauney had four touchdowns in just the first half alone.

#7 seed East Rutherford (7-4) will host #10 East Montgomery (9-2) on Friday in the 2A West playoffs, November 10th in the first round. East Montgomery has played one common opponent this season with East Rutherford. The Eagles beat South Stanly by one, the Cavaliers beat South Stanly by 32 earlier this season.

East Rutherford must stop Courtney McKinney, who has rushed for over 2,000 yards and 25 rushing touchdowns this season. Friday, will stop a 12-year skid of East Rutherford not hosting a playoff game.

R-S Central and Chase ended their seasons with the Hilltoppers beating the Trojans 36-7 last Friday. Chase had some bright spots on Friday, but couldn't stop R-S Central's Jayden Waddell in the Hilltoppers victory.

NASCAR

I started a top six moments in Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s memorable career over this season, which will be his last as a full time driver. Here comes number three.

#3: It was a Sunday that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will never forget. As a little boy, he wanted to earn a grandfather from the historic Martinsville Speedway. In 2014, with a late pit call by former crew chief Steve Letarte and track position, Junior finally got that win. Junior held off 9-time Martinsville guru Jeff Gordon in one of the most popular and entertaining wins and celebrations in the sports history. It wasn't the most emotional junior win, but it ranks up there.