South Granville (@SGHSVikingFB) at North Davidson
— by Jeff Jenkins, WIZS
Friday, November 24, 2017 — South Granville is still alive in the 2AA East bracket of the playoffs, after defeating outclassed West Craven in Creedmoor last Friday night by a lopsided 50-12 final score. Meanwhile, 1A Granville Central was soundly trounced in its playoff game 45-0, leaving the Vikings the lone team to carry the Northern Carolina Conference banner into the third round.
With basically two warmup playoff games behind them, the #3 seed Vikings (13-0) will give up home field advantage this Friday when they square off against #2 seed North Davidson (12-1) in Lexington – about a 150-mile trip (one-way) for South Granville’s team and their fans. This game will be the toughest test of the season for both teams, and the winner will play for the 2AA east regional championship on December 1 against either #1 East Duplin or #4 Randleman (which eliminated Roanoke Rapids in the opening round).
The Knights of North Davidson won their first playoff match 52-18 over the #15 seed, and then barely avoided an upset loss to #7 seed with a 17-10 squeaker. Matching up very closely on paper with the Vikings, the Knights are a true “football school,” with a huge (for 2A) 76-man roster. They won their Central Carolina 2A title with a perfect 8-0 record (like South Granville). They average scoring 41 points per game (to the Vikings’ 43), and their defense allows 8.2 points per game (even better than the Vikings’ 8.9). ND’s running game is highly effective (like SG’s), but is pretty much a 1-man show: Senior RB T. J. Boyce (5-11, 190 lb) leads the conference with 2000 yards on the season, 32 rushing TDs and 206 total points. SG has their own dominant runner in Allajah Mitchell (1700 yards, 26 TDs), BUT the Vikings have at least three other experienced and effective runners, including QB Tucker Brown, who ran for 4 TD’s last week to raise his total to 14 on the ground.
The major difference is in the passing game, and this could determine the outcome. Unlike South Granville, the Knights gain almost as many yards per game through the air as on the ground, and their QB has over 1800 yards passing on the season for 21 TD’s. By contrast, because the Vikings’ rushing attack has been so consistent and dominant, QB Brown has thrown for under 500 yards and just 6 touchdowns. This should be a great game between two real champions — it’s a shame it is not closer to home.
Rabid Skunk (Beaver Creek Lane)
Vance County Animal Control contacted WIZS News with the following:
ANIMAL SERVICES RESPONDED TO A CALL ON 11/15/2017 IN REFERENCE TO A POSSIBLY RABID SKUNK ON BEAVER CREEK LN OFF OF SOUTHERLAND MILL RD. THE SKUNK WAS SENT OFF FOR TESTING AND HAS TESTED POSITIVE FOR RABIES.
AT THIS TIME, ANIMAL SERVICES IS ASKING TO PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT ALL CATS AND DOGS ARE UP TO DATE ON THEIR RABIES VACCINE.
The Vance County Animal Shelter offers the rabies vaccine for $5, Monday 12:30-4:30 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Officer Involved Shooting Follow Up
Press Release
Henderson, NC- On Saturday, November 18, 2017, the District Attorney’s Office was contacted by Chief Marcus Barrow of the Henderson Police Department, regarding an officer involved shooting. Chief Barrow asked for our assistance in requesting the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) conduct an investigation into the incident. The SBI promptly arrived and began processing the scene for forensic evidence and conducting interviews. The SBI preliminarily reported to our office that they concluded evidence collection as of late Saturday evening, but were continuing with interviews of witnesses today.
The District Attorney’s Office will await the results of the SBI investigation before making any determination about whether the use of force was appropriate.
Three individuals have been charged with respect to the incident that preceded the officer involved shooting. Randolph Jones, Jr. and O’Sha Dyshon Jones are in the currently in the custody of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office. A warrant for the arrest of Devontay D. Richardson remains unserved. This is a pending investigation and these defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Shooting; Police Take Enforcement Action; Suspect Sought
Press Release from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow
Today, Saturday November 18, 2017, Officers of the Henderson Police Department were handling a Domestic Juvenile call within the 400 Block of Orange Street. While officers were in the yard speaking with the family gunshots were heard in extremely close proximity.
In visible sight of their location, gunfire was occurring at the intersection of Walnut Street and Pettigrew Street where a 33 year old female was shot. She was transported by personal vehicle to a local medical facility where she is receiving treatment for her injury.
A gold colored Lexus that was actively involved in the shooting sped towards the officers at a high speed with the passenger still brandishing his firearm.
One of our officers fired his weapon at the gold in color Lexus while the second officer returned to his vehicle and began pursuing. Less than a block away, a passenger exited the vehicle and ran from the car.
The car continued on and within the next block the vehicle stopped, and both the driver and rear passenger were taken into custody without further incident.
The driver received a single gunshot wound to his lower leg and was treated and released back into our custody in a short amount of time by a local medical facility.
Due to the officer discharging his firearm during the incident, the District Attorney’s Office was immediately called and the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) was requested. The SBI is currently handling the investigation of the incident and the officer has been placed on administrative leave per our departmental policy.
We are extremely grateful for the valuable information and cooperation that has been given by our citizens.
Both of the individuals taken into custody have been charged in the shooting of the 33 year old female and information on the whereabouts of the third individual that fled from the vehicle is being sought.
If anyone should have any additional information about this incident, he or she is encouraged to contact the SBI or Henderson Police Department. Callers may also call Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or by using the P3 app on a smartphone or tablet device. Callers may remain anonymous.
While this remains open and an ongoing investigation the release of any further details about this incident will be at the discretion of the District Attorney’s.