Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
The No. 1 seed Grimsley Whirlies were on home turf at Jamieson Stadium as they defeated the No. 5 seed Hough Huskies in a 35-28 gridiron battle during the semifinal (fourth) round of the NCHSAA 4A football playoffs. The Whirlies remain undefeated after 14 games.
This was a rematch between the two football powerhouses, where the Whirlies defeated the Huskies in 2022, 40-37 and in 2023 by a score of 42-35.
Grimsley running back Mitchell Summers (senior) rushed for 186 yards and scored two touchdowns in the first half. By halftime the Whirlies led the Huskies 21-6. of his season-high 298 rushing yards and both of his two touchdowns in the first half, before the Huskies tied the game at 21 with two touchdown runs and a two-point conversion pass in the third quarter.
With less than a minute to go in the game, Grimsley quarterback Faizon Brandon (junior) threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to junior tight end D.J. Howerton to break a 28-28 tie. Brandon threw for 118 yards and three touchdowns.
The Huskies possessed the ball with a final opportunity to score. At this point, Grimsley senior Bryce Davis bulldozed through with a sack, which ultimately dimmed Hough’s chances of scoring.
During the game, Hough senior running back Jamison Funderburk rushed for 20 yards and two touchdowns and picked up 30 receiving yards and a touchdown. Hough’s Ralph (Trey) Blakeney threw for 181 yards and a touchdown.
Up next, the Whirlies will face the defending state champions, the Weddington Warriors, in the 4A West regional final this Friday, Dec. 13. The Warriors reached the finals by defeating No. 3 East Forsyth Eagles, 37-21.
