Gryphons can’t keep pace with Greenville Conley passing attack

Nothing about Greenville Conley quarterback Holton Ahlers surprised Rocky Mount High football coach Jason Battle.

“He’s as good as advertised,” Battle said. “He’s a smart quarterback, they can score quick and they’re good up front.”

The Gryphons had trouble defending the Ahlers-led passing attack and let the Vikings score points in bunches. When RMH did mount a comeback it was too late as the Gryphons lost, 60-43. It’s the second consecutive loss for the Gryphons who, are playing through a tough nonconference schedule.

Ahlers, an East Carolina commit, played a large role in making a difficult night for the RMH defense. The 6-foot, 4-inch quarterback recorded six touchdowns, including five through the air. He finished 24 of 34 passing for 369 yards.

He connected for a pair of passing scores to both CJ Johnson and Jaquavion Bridges. Each went over 100 yards receiving as the duo found success on slant routes throughout the game.

“The slants and hitches were open all game,” Ahlers said. “My line gave me time and room to make plays, and our receivers got open. They have some talented guys on defense, but we found space.”

Johnson was the key in the Gryphons film room, and he got loose for a touchdown early. And after catching three passes for 48 yards in the first quarter, the Gryphons had top cornerback Shyheim Battle shadow the junior receiver the rest of the game.

Johnson had just one catch with Battle draped over him, but that reception in the fourth quarter went for Johnson’s second score of the game to push the Vikings lead to 60-35.

“Everything I saw on film was that (Johnson) ran go routes,” Battle said of his defensive assignment’s deep-ball play-making ability. “We didn’t see them run all those slants so we had to adjust.”

The Vikings (1-1) played keep away from Battle as Ahlers threw to the opposite side of the field. But the Gryphons corner found ways to make plays, including jumping a screen pass that he almost intercepted in the third quarter.

RMH (0-2) was in an early 14-0 hole after allowing an opening-drive touchdown, followed by a strip-sack that Conley jumped on in the end zone moments later.

But the Gryphons recovered and were able to keep the score close with its own quick-scoring ability. The Gryphons are much more multi-dimensional than previous years as sophomore quarterback Jaquan Lynch has emerged as a real passing threat.

Battle was the recipient of two touchdowns. The first happened in the first quarter as Lynch dropped in a perfect pass over Battle’s shoulder for a touchdown in the corner. The two later hooked up for a 30-yard strike as Lynch caught Battle in stride.

“I always tell him that if he’s ever in trouble just look for me,” Battle said. “Just throw it up and I’ll go get it. He doesn’t make your work too hard. He’ll find you.”

Lynch finished 8 of 10 passing with an interception, though his pass hit the chest of his target but bounded into linebacker Kam Weaver’s hands. Lynch threw for four touchdowns and 204 yards — his second consecutive 200-yard game.

His performance drew a positive review from his coach, who was pleased with the decision-making from the young quarterback.

“He was lights out tonight,” Jason Battle said. “He made great decisions. Teams try to make us one-dimensional, and that’s when we can take advantage of those situations through the air.”

Greenville Conley 60

Rocky Mount high 43

G. Conley 22 17 14 7 – 60

RMH 14 7 7 15 – 43

First quarter

GC – CJ Johnson 13 pass from Holton Ahlers (Will Whitehurst kick), 8:20

CG – Alex Nease 1 fumble return (Whitehurst kick), 7:27

RMH – Shyheim Battle 16 pass from Jaquan Lynch (Saylor Newton kick), 4:24

CG – Ahlers 27 run (Johnson run), 3:46

RMH – Jalen Watson 9 run (Newton kick), 2:28

Second quarter

CG – Whitehurst 32 FG, 11:55

CG – Jaquavion Bridges 18 pass from Ahlers (Whitehurst kick), 8:13

RMH – Charlie Williams III 80 pass from Lynch (Newton kick), 8:01

CG – Andrew Pittman 10 pass from Ahlers (Whitehurst kick), 5:18

Third quarter

CG – Isaiah Gamble 1 run (Whitehurst kick), 7:38

CG – Bridges 15 pass from Ahlers (Whitehurst kick), 5:04

RMH – Battle 30 pass from Lynch (Newton kick), 2:23

Fourth quarter

RMH – Javeon Jones 60 pass from Lynch (Newton kick), 10:36

CG – Johnson 34 pass from Ahlers (Whitehurst kick), 9:06

RMH – Tashuan Lawrence (run good), 48.5

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING – Conley: Isaiah Gamble 12-70, Holton Ahlers 8-47, Mitchell Hofler 5-23, Matthew Rostar 1-0. Totals: 26-150. RMH: Jaquan Lynch 4-(minus 33), Jalen Watson 7-53, Donomesion Brown 8-35, Tashuan Lawrence 9-49, Charlie Williams III 6-57, Emanuel Alford 2-10. Totals: 36-171.

PASSING – Conley: Ahlers 24-34-0, 369 passing. RMH: Lynch 8-10-1, 204 passing.

RECEIVING – Conley: CJ Johnson 6-111, Jaquavion Bridges 8-123, Gamble 2-26, Andrew Pittman 3-33, Rostar 4-58, Charlie Dees 1-18. RMH: Shyheim Battle 2-46, Williams 2-80, Rajah McCown 3-64, Javeon Jones 1-60.