Fans celebrate Gryphons’ win

Telegram photo / Adam Jennings
Rocky Mount High cornerback Jac’quel Walker, held up by teammates, raises the NCHSAA 3-A football state championship trophy early Saturday morning during a pep rally for the Gryphons at Rocky Mount High School. The team earned the trophy by defeating Belmont South Point 24-21 in overtime Friday at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill.

Telegram photo / Adam Jennings / Sports Editor
Rocky Mount High football players cheer during a pep rally early Saturday morning at Rocky Mount High School, following their NCHSAA 3-A state championship victory over Belmont South Point. The Gryphons defeated the Red Raiders 24-21 in overtime Friday at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill.

Friday night’s celebration turned into Saturday morning appreciation for Rocky Mount High’s football team.

Just a few hours after winning the NCHSAA 3-A state championship with a 24-21 overtime victory Friday night against Belmont South Point in Chapel Hill, the Gryphons’ team bus exited off Highway 64 and received a police escort back to campus shortly before 1 a.m Saturday.

There – despite what had been a long day and night for many – the Gryphons were greeted by approximately 650 fans who filled an entire side of bleachers in the gymnasium to give the state champions a welcome home rally.

“Seeing the kids, the way they reacted, and the coaches having a good time and clowning around – it was good to see that camaraderie,” Rocky Mount High athletics director Mike Gainey said. “I knew the fans would come. It worked out really well. They didn’t want to go home.”

Gainey introduced the team, who made a grand entrance with their 3-A state title banner and trophy, then Gryphons coach Jason Battle took the microphone and introduced his players. Each received a medal for participating in the game.

It was in those moments, where the Gryphons, who played well under pressure in the title game, were able to let their guard down.

Some players strutted down the line of assistants to get their medal.

A few offensive and defensive linemen limped toward their medals, still feeling the physical affects of a game played just a few hours earlier.

Everyone high-fived, hugged one another and smiled after playing a role in bringing home the school’s first state title since 1963.

“This year, we have been a family and a brotherhood that no one can take apart,” said junior running back BJ Sanders, who opened the game with a memorable 81-yard kick return for a touchdown.

After every player received their medals, Battle thanked the fans, especially the team’s student section that has been constant at each of the team’s games.

The night ended with one final team huddle and a ‘G-R-Y-P-H-O-N-S’ chant.

Before filing out of the gym, players and coaches greeted fans.

“You’re so famous,” one young lady mentioned to a player who kept getting stopped by well-wishers.

“I feel famous,” he said with a large smile on his face.

Gainey said the athletics department wanted the athletes to remember they are part of a long tradition of “Gryphon Pride.”

If the players did not quite understand it through a video they were shown prior to the state championship or while they fought for 48-plus minutes on the Kenan Stadium turf, the message sunk in by 2 a.m. as they left the school.

“I feel like we put a name out there for Rocky Mount,” Sanders said. “It might not change the city, but people will talk about it.”