Prep football review

Rocky Mount High missed opportunities in its season-opening loss Friday at Apex Middle Creek.

There were two occasions in the first half when the Gryphons were inside their opponents’ 20-yard line looking to score and failed to come away with points.

Those drives were crucial when a close contest turned into a 33-15 defeat for the Gryphons, who lost to Apex Middle Creek for a third consecutive season.

Special teams also played a role in the loss, as two extra points were missed, a bad snap resulted in a safety, and the unit allowed a number of high-yardage kickoff returns.

“We’re inexperienced and young in some places, but we played extremely hard,” Battle said. “We have to continue to get better and learn to finish in the end.”

It wasn’t all bad for the Gryphons (0-1). Sophomore quarterback Jaquan Lynch made his first varsity start and made a number of plays.

“My expectations of him are high,” Battle said. “He did some things I thought he wouldn’t do, and in some tough situations he made the perfect throw.”

The Gryphons will be home Friday against Greenville Conley, and Battle said he isn’t down about the first loss of the season.

“We have a lot of room for growth, but I still feel good about us,” Battle said.