Triple-option offense gets going for Rams

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on September 13, 2008 11:32 PM

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SNOW HILL -- The offense at Greene Central may finally be putting first-year head coach Ken Grantham's triple-option system to practice.

The Rams scored three touchdowns in the first half and held on for a 19-12, non-conference victory over Ayden-Grifton on Friday.

"It was good to get a win, I think the kids needed it," said Grantham. "I was really pleased with how well we played tonight and how we limited turnovers."

Greene Central capitalized on three early miscues by the Chargers.

After the first Ayden-Grifton drive ended in a fumble, the Rams marched 42 yards in six plays. Senior tailback Reggie Sanders capped the drive with 12-yard scoring scamper.

A poor snap on a Charger punt presented the Rams their second opportunity to put points on the board early in the second quarter. Greene Central took possession on the Chargers' 3-yard line and scored one play later on an Aaron Harper run.

"Our guys played with a lot of poise," said Grantham. "Even when we did someting wrong, the kids didn't let it get them down, which was good to see."

After having success on the ground throughout the first half, the Rams caught the Chargers looking into the backfield on their final touchdown. Quarterback Ben Parrish made the most of a rare opportunity to throw the football, and found Stephen McDonald for a 68-yard scoring strike.

"We definately caught them looking for the run on that play," said Grantham. "In our system, the quarterback has to be a good decision maker and I like how our quarterbacks have progressed so far this year."

Malcolm Dawson led the Ram defense with the best performance of his young career. The sophomore defensive lineman made 10 tackles, tallied two sacks and recovered a fumble.

Greene Central (1-2 overall) will host Kinston on Friday.

Box Score:

Ayden-Grifton 0 0 6 6 -- 12

Greene Central 6 13 0 0 -- 19

GC AG

First downs 6 9

Rushes-yds. 31-80 43-115

Passing-yds. 68 52

Total yards 148 167

C-A-I 1-4-0 3-14-0

Fumbles-lost 2-1 4-2

Penalties-yds. 9-55 7-55

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING -- Greene Central -- Reggie Sanders 7-21, TD; Aaron Harper 6-23, TD; Ben Parrish 6-10; Marquis Graham 9-19; Blake Jones 1-7; Dan Whitaker 1-0.

PASSING -- Greene Central -- Ben Parrish 1-3-0, 68, TD; Aaron Harper 0-1-0, 0.

RECEIVING -- Greene Central -- Stephen McDonald 1-68, TD.