Stout defense, big plays on offense lead Grayson over Central.
Robert Nkemdiche carries during his team's victory over visiting Central (Fla.).
Photo by Dennis Carter
In one of the country's
biggest games of the weekend Grayson (Loganville, Ga.),
ranked No. 2 in the Xcellent 25, routed South Florida powerhouse
Central (Miami, Fla.) 35-3.
Big plays on offense combined with a smothering defense gave Grayson a surprisingly easy victory.
Grayson opened up showing its prowess through the air before quickly fumbling away its first possession—a problem it also encountered last week against McEachern.
After forcing Central to punt, Grayson got the ball back and again turned to the air. This time it found success as Quarterback
David McTier connected with
Wayne Gallman for a 38-yard pass.
Grayson returned to its rushing roots as it approached the goal line.
Robert Nkemdiche nearly fumbled twice, but eventually found the end zone to give Grayson a 7-0 lead with less than six minutes left in the first.
After a nice return by Central brought the Rockets inside Grayson's red zone, Nkemdiche struck again. Due to a hard hit, Central running back Joseph Yearby fumbled and Nkemdiche was there to fall on the football.
That set up Grayson's passing attack once again, as McTier hit Gallman for a 54-yard touchdown to put Grayson up 14-0.
Grayson quarterback David McTier.
Photo by Dennis Carter
Central finally got on the board with six minutes left in the half thanks to a 51-yard field goal by star kicker Emilio Nadelman.
Thanks to a costly Miami Central pass interference penalty on third down, Grayson added to its lead with a short touchdown plunge by Nkemdiche to make it 21-3.
It would be more of the same for Grayson in the second half. Its defense completely bottled up Central star running backs
Yearby and
Dalvin Cook while its offense continued to produce big plays. Running back
Jordan Germany went 66 yards as Grayson took a commanding 28-3 lead. Grayson later added another touchdown without allowing Central into the end zone.
Grayson has a bye next week before taking on Parkview on Sept. 14. Central's brutal early season schedule will continue with a game against Booker T. Washington followed by a match up with No. 1 Manatee.
