Gryphons benefit from scores from defense, special teams

Jason Battle was surprised that he hadn’t seen a special teams touchdown from his squad this season.

The Rocky Mount High coach said after four games, he was missing the explosive plays he’d come to expect from that unit.

He got that, and then some, on Friday night against Greenville Rose.

The Gryphons (4-1) piled the points on the Rampants in a 66-41 victory. On top of a punt return touchdown by Detrell Revis, Rocky Mount High scored on runs and passes from the offense, an interception and fumble recovery from the defense, and even netted a field goal.

“It’s a benefit in a couple ways,” Battle said of the defensive and special team scores. “It takes pressure off your offense because it isn’t like that is the only way you are going to score.

“It also benefits other guys, whether on defense or special teams, to take pride in trying to create scoring opportunities.”

Artavious Richardson ripped an interception out of a wide receiver screen play for a 35-yard touchdown during the first half. It is the second time the senior defensive end has returned a pick for a score — the first came against Apex Middle Creek in Week 2, which was also a screen play in the backfield.

“Really, it is just him doing a good job of reading his keys,” Battle said. “It is the things we work on during the week, and he just does a good job . . . he is a kid that doesn’t rely on just athletic ability.

“He has a good football IQ.”

Sherrod Greene also had an interception, his second consecutive game with one. Still wearing a cast on his left hand from a preseason injury, both have been one-handed. It’s earned him the nickname “The One-Armed Bandit.” Battle has been baffled by the South Carolina commit’s ability to play at a high level.

“He definitely adds a boost to us,” Battle said. “With that hand, he is still not exactly where we want him to be, and he would be a much better player with two hands. He adds a certain sense of comfort, or relief — relief might be the better word — that he is out there.

“He is a kid that is going to make plays and find the ball. . . I can’t tell you how he does it.”

Rocky Mount High had three rushers (B.J. Sanders, Deangelo Collins and Charlie Williams III) with more than 100 yards. Battle said that is the first time that’s happened in a while, and it is a testament to the offensive line putting together its best game so far.

This win avenged a lose to the Rampants last season, and it was a contest the Gryphons looked forward to since practice opened. Battle said the bus ride home was a happy one.

“I wasn’t on the bus with the defense, but I know our offensive guys were able to execute, and they were excited and pretty jubilant,” Battle said. “It’s just knowing they have the opportunity to be a pretty good football team.”

By Ethan Joyce
Sports Writer for Rocky Mount Telegram

Sunday, September 18, 2016