Grimsley keeps Offense Rolling in 41-15 Win At Reagan
courtesy of Michael Fanning, covering Grimsley Whirlies Football for GreensboroSports.com
The home crowd had seen enough. Many began to make their way down the bleachers and out to the exits early in the fourth quarter. They had just witnessed the Whirlies score yet another touchdown to make it a 41-9 game and many felt it was time to go home. And it was hard to blame them. Grimsley took control and never looked back, scoring a touchdown on the final play of the second quarter and sucking all the momentum out of the sell-out crowd. After three straight touchdown drives to start the third quarter, the Whirlies watched the home bleachers empty and tail lights fill the parking lot.
For Grimsley, it has been an incredible start to the season. For head coach Darryl Brown, it is exactly what he wanted. Mount Tabor, Rolesville and then tonight, Reagan, all sported playoff level defensive units. All three became blow-outs. Grimsley’s 41-15 over Reagan showed the offense is rolling and that this team can play with anyone.
The Raiders were hosting the Whirlies for their first home game of the year in front of a sold-out electric crowd. Reagan returned an experienced, seasoned defense. The Raiders secondary measured up as one of the best in the State led by outstanding cornerback Landon Callahan. After a frustrating 14-13 loss to Mooresville last week to drop them to 0-2, the Raiders vowed to be more physical and control the line of scrimmage. Hungry to set the tempo of the game, Reagan won the toss and chose to receive the opening kick.
After picking up two first downs on their opening drive Grimsley forced a punt and set up to start their first drive at the Raiders 20 yard line. Three plays later, Mitchell Summers broke free on 60 yard touchdown run to give the Whirlies an early 7-0 lead. The Raiders would then take the next possession down the field and kick a field goal to make it 7-3 with 2:09 left in the first quarter. Grimsley would answer right back, this time a one-yard touchdown run by Faizon Brandon. The extra point would be mishandled and the holder then threw the ball into the waiting arms of Jamaire Davis to make it 15-3.
The next drive would result in a three and out for the Raiders and then a three and out for Grimsley before the Raiders would set up for their fourth possession at mid-field. This time Reagan running back Jaylen Moore would break several tackles and scamper in from 26 yards out to make it 15-9 with 2:05 left to play before halftime. The crowd was rocking, and the momentum was back with the Raiders. Then Grimsley went to work. Starting at their own 25 yard line, the Whirlies executed the two-minute drill to perfection. A combination of out-routes and deep passes down the sidelines put Grimley at the Reagan 20 yard line with time to run one last play before half. That play was fade route to Alex Taylor in the back right corner of the end zone. A great throw and a spectacular catch as the clock hit zero quieted the crowd and swung the momentum right back to Grimsley. Just like that, it was 21-9 at the break with the Whirlies set to receive the second half kickoff.
After starting on the 15 yard line to begin the third quarter, the Whirlies would go the length of the field and score on a ten yard run from Mitchell Summers to make it 28-9. Then following a three and out by Reagan, Grimsley would score again on a 48 yard drive capped off by a two yard touchdown run by Summers to make it 35-9. Another three and out by Reagan was followed by yet another touchdown drive. This time Brandon hit a cutting Alex Taylor from 16 yards out to make it 41-9. The route was on, the Grimsley starters were removed and the home fans had seen enough. Reagan would punch it in the fourth quarter to make the final score 41-15.
Grimsley head coach Darryl Brown wanted to use these three games as a way to gauge the offense against quality defenses. Last week against Rolesville, Grimsley scored touchdowns on 9 of 11 possessions. Tonight, the Whirlies scored touchdowns on 6 of 7 possessions before the second string took over in the fourth.
Mitchell Summers led the Whirlies with 219 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Brandon chipped in 66 yards rushing to go along with 204 yards passing and two passing touchdowns, both to Alex Taylor.
Grimsley improved to 3-0 while Reagan dropped to 0-3. With the three non-conference games in the books, the Whirlies have a bye next weekend before starting conference play.