Whirlies’ Wall: Grimsley Defense Stops Weddington to Punch Return Ticket to State Championship

Whirlies’ Wall: Grimsley Defense Stops Weddington to Punch Return Ticket to State Championship
from Mike Fanning, following Grimsley Whirlies football State Championship Run, for GreensboroSports.com

For the second consecutive year, the road to the State Championship went through Jamison Stadium. And for the second consecutive week, it was the Grimsley defense that paved the way.

In a physical, grind-it-out Regional Playoff clash on Thursday night, the Grimsley Whirlies leaned on a suffocating defensive performance to edge the visiting Weddington Warriors 13-7. Despite a wild second half momentum swing that threatened to derail the evening, Grimsley’s defense stood tall in the red zone when it mattered most, sending the Whirlies back to the title game.

The narrative entering the game promised a defensive battle, and the first half delivered exactly that. Weddington’s front seven lived up to their billing, consistently pressuring Grimsley quarterback Faizon Brandon and disrupting the Whirlies’ rhythm.

Grimsley struck first on their opening possession. After the defense forced a quick Weddington three-and-out, the offense marched downfield, capping the drive with a 30-yard Chase Huellmantel field goal for a 3-0 lead.

That score would remain the only points of the first half. The Whirlies’ offense suffered a significant blow when standout receiver Kaden Catoe—who posted over 170 receiving yards against Weddington a year ago—exited with an injury after just two catches for 31 yards. With Catoe sidelined, the passing game struggled to find traction.

Grimsley’s special teams provided a spark when Patrick Carter blocked a Warriors punt, recovering it at the Weddington 20-yard line. However, the offense stalled, moving backward and eventually turning the ball over on downs after a failed 4th-and-25 attempt. Despite the offensive sputtering, the Grimsley defense was impenetrable, limiting Weddington to just three first downs and forcing four 3-and-outs in the first 24 minutes.

Clinging to a slim 3-0 lead at the break, Grimsley’s coaching staff made crucial halftime adjustments, shifting the focus to the run game. The offensive line began to win the battle at the point of attack, opening lanes for running back Ty Shoemake.

Shoemake, who would finish the night with a workmanlike 17 carries for 143 yards, finally broke the game open in the third quarter. He burst around the line for a 37-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 10-0 and shifting the momentum firmly to the home sideline.

When Weddington threatened to respond, driving into Grimsley territory, Whirlies defensive back E.J. Davis came up with the first of his two massive plays, intercepting a Walker Powell pass at the 4-yard line.

Pinned deep in their own shadow, Grimsley flipped the field thanks to the legs of Faizon Brandon. Facing a 3rd-and-12, Brandon escaped the pocket for a stunning 67-yard run. While the drive stalled short of the end zone, Huellmantel connected on a 21-yard field goal, stretching the lead to 13-0 late in the third.

The game’s complexion changed violently at the end of the third quarter though. It initially appeared Grimsley had put the nail in the coffin when Kosci Barnes intercepted Powell and returned it for an apparent “Pick-6.” However, a penalty on the return nullified the touchdown, placing the ball at the Weddington 25.

Disaster struck on the very next play. Grimsley fumbled, and Weddington’s KD Cotton scooped up the loose ball, racing 75 yards for a touchdown. In a blink, a potential 19-0 knock-out transformed into a nail-biting 13-7 game.
The tension mounted as Grimsley fumbled again on their ensuing possession, giving the Warriors the ball at the Whirlies’ 34-yard line. With momentum on their side, Weddington drove deep into the red zone, looking for the go-ahead score.

But defense wins Championships. With 4:43 remaining and the season on the line, the Grimsley defense delivered its signature moment. The drive started with runs of 7 yards and 8 yards as the Weddington’s size up front looked to be wearing Grimsley down. Once inside the red zone it looked as if Weddington would continue to run between the hash marks. But the Grimsley front four dug in. After a short run to both the left and right mixed in with a short completion and penalty, Weddington was faced with a 4th-and-goal from the 8-yard line. On the snap, Grimsley brought pressure and forced Powell to roll out of the pocket and try to throw on the run. Being chased to the right his pass to the endzone was too high giving the defense a signature stop and offense the ball back. The crowd went crazy, but it was not over yet.

Grimsley, hoping to run out the last 4:37 of game clock nearly did as Kosci Barnes hauled in a huge 37 yard completion when Grimsley took over on their own 8. But a few plays later, Grimsley was forced to punt. Weddington had one final chance, starting from their own 24-yard line with 1:41 left. The Warriors crossed into Grimsley territory, but it was the championship defense that rose to the occasion.. Powell looking to push the ball down field was intercepted by E.J. Davis who played the hero once more, snagging his second interception of the night to seal the victory and ignite the celebration at Jamison Stadium, sending Grimsley back to the State Championship.