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The Gryphons have won on defense, field position and turnovers the past two weeks and have two playoff victories as a result. Thomas Jefferson picked up their tenth win of the season and have done so in back-to-back seasons. It's the first time on school history to notch double-digits in the win column in consecutive years.
Last Friday they took care of Union Academy in a 31-0 home shutout. The visiting Cardinals only reached Gryphon territory once all night. The play of the contest came in the middle of the second quarter, when Joseph Outten leaped for an interception and covered the four yard distance for the defensive touchdown. That score pushed Thomas Jefferson out to a 17-0 lead and midway through the third quarter, the Gryphons defense were at it again. This time, Justin Haney forced the fumble on a sack attempt and Stephen Hargro recovered the pigskin in the end zone for the touchdown.
Will McCraw led the offense with 123 yards rushing and touchdown, while Jonathon Hargro was a catalyst on defense.
The last time Rutherford County made the fourth round of the football playoffs came in 1992, when East Rutherford did it. Thomas Jefferson (10-2) has that chance to do so if they can win this coming Friday. They will go to North Meck High School to face conference rival Community School of Davidson (11-2). CSOD won the earlier meeting 26-14, but the Gryphons led for most of the first half in that contest. For those who can't make the trip, WCAB590 more than likely will be broadcasting the game.
Boys Basketball Previews
East Rutherford (12-12, 10-6) is relatively young, but the program is normally one of the toughest in 2A. Guard play shouldn't be too much of an issue with Tyrese Carson, Juwan Blanton and newcomer Malik Hamrick. Freshman, Christian Walker should be an impact player off the bench as a pure shooting power forward. Brandon Bailey maybe the most dynamic of the returning Cavaliers. Newbies, Jadacus Logan and Stephen Archie should also contribute to the inside play of the Cavaliers.
Right now, the Cavs are not the healthiest club, but possess enough pieces to cause every team in the SMAC uneasiness as the schedule goes along.
R-S Central (13-12, 8-8)
Sophomore, Chris Searcy paces the Hilltoppers this season. Searcy can play inside or outside, but his shot is the best in county. Athletic, Tyrese Tate returns to the team for his junior season. Juwan Burnette is still a big threat outside the as well as on the baseline. Zyion Wilkins returns for the Hilltoppers and will be relied upon in rebounding and steals.
Newcomer, Arnie Twitty should make the Hilltoppers better with some added inside play and help them press defensively when they choose too. While they are not flashy, the Hilltoppers should give a number of opponents problems if they can work together.
Chase (3-20, 0-16) returns eight players from last year's young club. Zach Anderson leads the way again this season as the big man inside.
Rashad Wilkins, Treston Abrams, Tyrece McSwain, Preston Walker, and Bruce Squires all saw notable time on the floor one year ago. Squires maybe the best of the three point shooters returning. McSwain and Wilkins don't mind going to the rack. The Trojans will be athletic, but can they make enough shot and defend well enough to convert that athleticism into wins?
Thomas Jefferson (5-14, 2-10) lost a number of close games last year, but get back two key players. Jaylon Simmons runs the offense at point, but also responsible for 20 points, five rebounds and two assists per game a year ago. Teammate, Nick Mintz put up nine points and six assists per game a year ago. Both seniors should have a monster season, but depth will be an issue as the Gryphons try to conquer the Southern Piedmont. The ladies previews are next week.
The Carolina Panthers and Clemson continue to roll. That's all I will say for now about that.
Finally, Kyle Busch took home the Sprint Cup Championship. Some would put an asterisk by that since Busch missed the first 11 races due to injury. However, he was granted a medical waiver from NASCAR and was told to just make the top 30 in points and win a couple of races to ensure yourself a spot. Busch did it. Then he wins at Homestead on Sunday, holding off the favorite Kevin Harvick for the title.
Although, Jeff Gordon didn't win his fifth championship, Gordon finished sixth in his final race. It ends the second era in NASCAR history which follows Richard Petty's farewell in 1992. It was happy, sad and yet a Sunday that ended too soon for those who wish the era wasn't over.
