Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
The Grimsley Whirlies left no doubt about their championship intentions, steamrolling the Jack Britt Buccaneers 55-12 in a playoff victory Friday night at home. The game was decided in a relentless first-quarter blitz that saw Grimsley jump out to a commanding lead, showcasing their offensive depth and defensive intensity.
Grimsley’s offense exploded from the opening whistle, hanging 28 points on the board in the first quarter alone. Running back Ty Shoemake (#24) needed just moments to break free for a huge 54-yard rushing touchdown to open the scoring.
The defense quickly got in on the action, snatching an interception and recovering a fumble on consecutive Jack Britt possessions, giving the offense premium field position. Quarterback Faizon Brandon (#11) wasted no time capitalizing on the turnovers, firing two quick touchdown passes: a 52-yard strike to DJ Howerton (#9) and a 14-yard completion to Kaden Catoe (#1).
Before the first quarter ended, Khyan Battle (#5) added a 12-yard rushing touchdown. Jack Britt managed a single rushing touchdown late in the period but failed on the two-point conversion, leaving the score 28-6 heading into the second.
The second quarter saw Grimsley continue their aerial assault, building an insurmountable halftime lead of 42-6. Brandon connected with Kaden Catoe for two more passing touchdowns, demonstrating the duo’s unstoppable chemistry. The halftime break provided no relief for the Buccaneers, as Grimsley’s defense shut down the Buccaneers in the second quarter.
With the running clock in effect for the second half, the pace slowed, but Grimsley’s dominance continued. Ty Shoemake added his second rushing touchdown of the night with a 38-yard burst in the third quarter, extending the lead to 48-6.
Jack Britt managed a passing touchdown in the fourth quarter, followed by a final rushing touchdown from Grimsley to close the scoring at 55-12.
The Grimsley Whirlies now enter the fourth round of the state playoffs and extend their winning streak to 12-0, while Britt’s season ends at 7-5. Next, in their quest for an NCHSAA 7A Football Championship, the Whirlies will play on their home turf of Jamieson Stadium against the Raiders of Reagan High School (Winston-Salem). The Raiders squeaked by Mooresville last week, 32-31. The game kickoff is 7 p.m.
