Grimsley survives Charlotte Hough, 42-35

By Joe Daniels, Peacemaker Sports / November 23, 2023

Charlotte Hough came into Jamieson Stadium Friday night, November 17, and gave the unbeaten Grimsley Whirlies all they could handle. The Whirlies escaped with a 42-35 win. With the victory, they advanced to the fourth round of the 4A NCHSAA State playoffs. Grimsley will travel to Charlotte Waddington (11-2) this Friday, Nov.24.

The Huskies scored first on a quarterback Trey Blakeney pass to Jacob Dossey. The teams traded touchdowns during the first half with the score tied at 21 all.
The Grimsley defense stepped up during the second half with two huge interceptions to stop the Huskies’ scoring drives. Interceptions were made by senior linebackers Deon McLaughlin and Jason Mabry. A goal-line stand on fourth down was impressive. Punter Jackson Henry, punting out of his own end zone, had a 63-yard kick that got the Whirlies out of trouble.

A Faizon Brandon 75-yard touchdown gave the Whirlies a 27-21 third-quarter lead. Summers capped an 80-yard scoring drive, lifting Grimsley to a 35-21 lead starting the fourth. Hough closed the score to within eight. With two minutes remaining, Summers scored his fourth touchdown at the 1:27 mark thanks to a break-a-way 78-yard run. On the ensuing kickoff, Hough returned it 98 yards to move to within seven with 97 seconds left. Their onside kick-off failed.

For the Whirlies to advance further, they will have to play better defense against the run and pass. They allowed a 98-yard punt return with 1:27 left in the game as they closed the score, 42-35.

Grimsley’s highlights included sophomore quarterback Faizon Brandon completing 10-of-18 passes for 241-yards and two touchdowns. Mitchell Summers, a junior running back, had a game to remember with 30 carries for 204-yards and four touchdowns. Receivers Alex Taylor and Terrell Anderson combined for seven catches, 179-yards and two touchdowns. Kicker Jackson Henry had six PAT’s.