Grimsley Looks Sharp; Defeats Western Guilford 63-0
Courtesy of Mike Fanning, in coverage of Western Guilford at Grimsley, for GreensboroSports.com…
Grimsley offense and defense looked primed for a deep playoff run, as the host Whirlies scored touchdowns on each of their first nine possessions to cruise to a 63-0 win over the visiting Hornets in the first round of playoffs. Grimsley quarterback Fazion Brandon accounted for 5 first half touchdowns, and Grimsley’s defense was in “Take over mode.” Grimsley built a 28-0 lead at the end of the first quarter and 49-0 lead by halftime. The top team in the state looked the part as the Whirlies dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
Grimsley’s opening drive went 79 yards and was capped off by a 1 yard touchdown run by Mitchell Summers, the 102 of his career. After the ensuing kickoff, Western Guilford wide receiver Elijah Hayes was stripped and the fumble was picked up by Grimsley linebacker Drew Searls and returned to the Hornets 2 yard line. One play later, Summers would rush in for this second touchdown of the game all in the course of about 7 seconds of game clock.
The rest of the first half was dominated by the special play making of Fazion Brandon. He found Grimsly receiver Khyan Battle wide open down the left side for a 41 yard touchdown and on the next drive connected with Patrick Carter from 12 yards away for his second passing touchdown of the game. On the ensuing drive, Brandon faked the handoff and took it himself for a 40 yard rushing touchdown. The rout was on.
While Grimsley’s offense looked unstoppable the defense looked just as good. Senior Bryce Davis had two big first half sacks and countless quarterback pressures as the Hornets were unable to get their offense going. Grimsley’s front four constantly harassed Western quarterback Caleb Moore. The Hornet ground game could not get to the second level as the “Grave Digger” Andre Hill came up with two TFL and closed down the inside run game.
Grimsley halftime advantage stood at 49-0, scoring on every first half possession. They decided to only play the second string in the second half. With the running clock now in effect, Grimsley was still able to find a way to add on. Backup running backs Micah Williams and Ty Shoemaker scored touchdowns runs. Shoemaker’s 63 yard touchdown run was especially impressive, as the big freshman outran the angle down the far sideline showing off his speed.
Grimsley now gets ready to face Southeast Guilford who defeated Reagan in overtime.