Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
In a low-scoring, defensive slugfest, the Grimsley Whirlies held off a formidable challenge from Weddington to secure a hard-fought 13-7 playoff victory at home on Thursday. The Whirlies’ defense proved to be the difference-maker.
Grimsley managed the only points of the opening quarter with a 3-point field goal from Chase Huellmantel, giving them a narrow 3-0 lead. The score remained locked until the third quarter.
Weddington briefly seized momentum early in the third, finally cracking the Grimsley defense to take a 7-3 lead. However, the Whirlies responded with a decisive 10-point swing. Sophomore running back Ty Shoemake provided the game’s sole offensive touchdown for Grimsley, punching it into the end zone. The crucial 10 points in the third quarter—a touchdown and Huellmantel’s second field goal—put Grimsley up 13-7, a lead they would not relinquish.
The Grimsley defense was impenetrable down the stretch, highlighted by a commanding performance in the trenches and the secondary. The Whirlies logged three total sacks, one each by senior Drew Searls, junior Jaiden Wardlaw, and senior Cassius Bostic. Senior linebacker Kyrie Millner led the charge with 10 total tackles (8 solo, 2 assists) and a whopping 3.0 tackles for loss (TFL).
The secondary added three key interceptions—one each by Millner, Kosci Barnes (Sr.), and Evander Davis (Jr.)—with Davis recording a 14-yard return.
While quarterback Faizon Brandon (Sr.) efficiently managed the passing game (7/17 for 110 yards, connecting with Kosci Barnes (Sr.) for a 35-yard long), it was the ground attack that chewed up clock and yardage. The Whirlies compiled 251 total rushing yards. Ty Shoemake was the workhorse with 17 carries for 147 yards (an 8.6 average), while Brandon added 81 yards on 8 carries, showcasing his dual-threat ability.
Despite Weddington’s solid passing game from Walker Powell (Sr) (11/24 for 86 yards), they struggled to establish a consistent running threat, netting just 81 total rushing yards.
The Grimsley Whirlies (14-0) leaned on their tough defense and effective rushing attack to secure a 13-7 victory, advancing to the state championship to face the Clayton Comets (12-2) of Clayton, N.C. Game time is 8 p.m. at Kenan Stadium on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
