State-ranked Gryphons manhandle So. Wayne

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on September 28, 2008 12:12 AM

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ROCKY MOUNT -- No. 2-ranked Rocky Mount lived up to its billing Friday evening in a 63-6 victory over Southern Wayne.

"They are a very, very good football team all the way around," said Saints head coach Bob Warren. "Every facet of their game is strong, and they are senior oriented, which makes them even tougher."

The once-beaten Gryphons built a 35-0, first-quarter lead.

Southern Wayne (1-5 overall) avoided the shutout on Desmond Raiford's 51-yard, touchdown fumble return.

"Our kids played hard all night, and to their credit they never quit," said Warren. "But the reality is, that (Rocky Mount) is the best team we have seen up to this point."

The Gryphons held a 49-6 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Rocky Mount turned its attention to ball control and kept the Southern Wayne offense on the sideline. The Saints ran just 36 offensive plays in the 48-minute contest.

James Jones led Southern Wayne's rushing attack with 25 yards on 13 carries. Raiford added 14 yards on three attempts.

The non-conference season over, Warren is focused on the future.

"We play a really good non-conference schedule. in hopes that it will prepare us for the teams in our league," said Warren. "We have some things to work on, but again, a lot of the problems tonight were because Rocky Mount is a good football team."

The Saints entertain Eastern Wayne on Oct. 10. It's the Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference opener for both teams.