Crusaders Overwhelm Vikings 44-0
Braxton Ross was a bright spot for Vikings. Photo by O'Brien Taylor
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Leading up to Friday’s football game with Union Pines, Cardinal Gibbons’ head coach Steven Wright stressed to his team the importance of getting off to a fast start.
The visiting Crusaders (2-1) apparently got the message as they unleashed an early offensive onslaught to capture complete control of the nonconference contest on the way to earning a 44-0 win.
Cardinal Gibbons, of the 3-A Carolina Conference, scored on each of its first four possessions to take a 26-0 lead through one quarter.
Just nine seconds into the second quarter, the Crusaders found the end zone for a fifth and final time during the first half. The score came on a 22-yard run by junior tailback Benjamin Grazen.
“The Vikings are a talented football team,” Wright said, “so my request to our guys all week was that we needed to get off to a fast start.
“Union Pines has got athletes, and if you allow them to hang around, they will give you all you want. So I asked my guys all week to help us get off to a fast start and they did that.”
Gibbons finished the first half with 227 yards of total offense on its way to building a 32-0 halftime lead.
Crusader quarterback John Burton was on target all night.
The 6-foot-3 senior completed seven of his 13 first-half attempts, for 174 yards and three touchdowns. On the night, he finished 12-of-23 for 258 yards, four TDs and one interception, while connecting with nine different Crusader receivers.
Conversely, Union Pines totaled 41 yards on 29 plays in the first half. The Vikings also committed three costly turnovers — including a fumbled punt on a live ball that hit a Viking, an interception on a tailback toss and a fumble by junior signal caller Braxton Ross, as he was sacked at the Vike 14.
Viking head coach Ryan Riggan tipped his hat to the Crusaders after the game.
“We knew from watching Gibbons on film that they were going to be a really good football team,” he said, “and they did not disappoint. They came out here and did a great job.
“They came out, played hard, and did exactly what we thought they would do. You just can’t plan for that speed, size and strength during practice — we can show our guys but not at the speed or level they are going to run their offense at.”
Between the first and second quarters, Riggan called a timeout and huddled his entire team near midfield, where he took them to task by challenging their collective heart and appealing to their competitive spirit.
The speech seemed to inspire the Vikings, as they began making some sound football plays.
“I told them that they had better play or it was going to get ugly,” Riggan said. “From there I feel like our offense responded well and our defense played pretty much lights out, except for maybe three plays.”
One developing story that gained some verve in the second half is the steady progression of Vike junior quarterback Braxton Ross.
At the start of the season, Union Pines was going with a two-man rotation at quarterback with Ross and sophomore Emmitt Carden.
Over the past two weeks, it has become clear that Ross is the Vikings’ starting signal caller.
By the second half of Friday’s game, he seemed to settle down — displaying poise in the pocket, tossing the ball on target and demonstrating an ability to move the ball on the ground with consistency.
“We know Braxton is a super athlete,” Riggan said, “and is great when he has the ball in his hands. So it was encouraging to see him respond by coming out and making plays against an especially strong defensive unit in Cardinal Gibbons.”
Ross carried the ball eight times in the second half to tally a tough 53 yards. Four of those rushes resulted in Vike first downs.
“Braxton makes great decisions and is a strong competitor,” Riggan said. “If he can come out and make plays like that week in and week out, then we are going to be pretty good. He just has to continue to grow in the system and we have to continue to find ways to allow him to hurt opponents on the edge with that run-throw option.”
With the loss, Union Pines’ record fell to 1-2 on the season. Next week the Vikings hit the road to take on 1-A East Montgomery (1-1) in Biscoe.
Cardinal Gibbons 26 6 6 6 — 44
Union Pines 0 0 0 0 — 0
Scoring: (CG) Timothy Nalesnik 47–pass from Burton (Daniel Baker kick); (CG) Grazen 35-pass from Burton (Baker kick); (CG) Drew Henderson 59-pass from Burton (fumbled snap); (CG) Grazen 13-run (failed kick); (CG) Grazen 22-run (muffed snap); (CG) Trevor Zaruba 57-pass (failed kick); (CG) Isaiah Whitten 57-run (muffed snap).
Team stats: Rushing – CG 11-111, 3 TD; UP 37-85; Passing – CG 12-23 258yds 4 TD INT; UP 5-17, 17yds 2 INT; First Downs – CG 12; UP 6; Penalties – CG 6-70; UP 6-60; All-Purpose (Total) – CG 398; Union Pines 157. Fumbles/Lost – CG 0/0; UP 3/2. Individual stats: Rushing – (CG) Grazen 6-42, 2TD, Whitten 4-55 TD; (UP) Ross 11-53, A.J. Ritter 10-27; Passing – (CG) Burton 12-23-1, 258, TD; (UP) Ross 4-16-1 17; Receiving – (CG) Henderson 1-59 TD, Zaruba 1-57 TD, Nalesnik 1-47 TD, Grazen 2-42 TD, Nicholas Holloway 2-20; (UP) Zak Rodriguez 2-11, Parris Manning 3-3
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Comments
RD28327 1 year, 8 months ago
UP just flat out stunk versus Cardinal Gibbons. I was surprised that UP even got over 100 yards of total offense. It seems like after CG scored its first touchdown, the Vikes just rolled over and played dead. It's very hard to come back after soundly being beat in the first quarter and not even Vince Lombardi or Bear Bryant could get a team fired up enough to even try to make a comeback.
If UP is to have a chance to win against a 3A team, the players need to get fired up and want to win. Unfortunately, the coaching staff can't get the players fired up much less get themselves fired up. And Lord knows the Viking Nation needs to get fired up. There's wayyyy too much apathy in Vikingville.
bigT 1 year, 8 months ago
I wished UP could of played Pinecrest this year because UP would stomp them this year.Metzger probably pulled some strings last year with the school board and told them that he didnt want to play them this year because he new that he would of have got his but handed to him
gardak 1 year, 8 months ago
Union Pines will probably not win another game this year. Back to losing as usual in Vikingviille. Other than tennis, sports have never been at the top of anyones list over there.
fwm2 1 year, 8 months ago
@Gradak : JUST TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT: Union Pines' Athletic Program won its 2010-2011 league Wachovia Cup by collecting the most points over the fall, winter and spring Cape Fear Valley sports seasons: CURRENTLY at UP: VB is undefeated this season (9-0)...boy's cross country is a contender for the crown (as always) this year and has won three straight league titles and 10 in the past 12 years. LAST YEAR at UP Softball won the conference, baseball went to the third round of the state playoffs, girls swimming won the conference, (boys placed second), Lady Vike Basketball made it's second straight regional semi-final appearance. Wrestling won the conference (for like the fourth straight year) and was ranked in the top 1 or 2 of the dual and team 3-A polls all season) and placed second as a team in the NCHSAA 3A STATE Individual Championship, Boy's golf won its conference title. Girl's soccer won its conference for third time in six years and went to third round in 2010....track is always competitive. Girl's Golf was the 1A-3A (1A/2A/3A) back to back state champions in 2007 and 2008...and yes tennis wins too..both the boy's and girl's teams are riding a six-year conference championship streak. The cheerleaders and band programs have also won many competitions over the pass several odd years -- as has the drama club. ... .... SO either you don't have your facts straight, you forgot about all these winning teams -- OR you are simply anti-UP and that is your prerogative.
RD28327 1 year, 8 months ago
How the heck would UP even have a chance of beating Pinecrest if they can't even move the ball or score versus Cardinal Gibbons???
HeelsHoopFan 1 year, 8 months ago
Every one needs to take a step back. No way UP was expected to beat CG. True the coach for CG had his boys ready for UP and they may go undefeated in their conference; solid program with high expectations. On the other hand UP struggles to get it largest and best athletes to play football. Even the ones that play are often nicked up and injured.
There are bright spots on the defense, the offensive line and at the QB position. All others need to challenge themselves and realize you are playing high school football. It's the high light of the social season. You have a great band, good cheerleaders, good announcers, countless volunteers and a brand new concession stand. Every one is pulling for you. There comes a time in any program that you need to challenge yourselves collectively and individually for a common goal. Learn how to play well and correct your mistakes. If you give it all you can, then that's all any one can expect.
Come on dudes this is Friday Night Lights, it don't get no better than this. You can play better football. You can run and hit and tackle, you can continue to get stronger and healthier. You can become a good football team, but man you can't give up. One day you'll look back and realize these are your days, Glory days playing high school sports......grab that brass ring and go on the ride of your life.
Meanwhile, you backs have got to hit the line of scrimmage flying, find a crack and run for daylight....otherwise we got to get someone else to run with the ball. Too much finger pointing your team mates need encouraging just like you.
Best of luck guys.
RD28327 1 year, 8 months ago
And didn't that Cardinal Gibbons head football coach bear a scary resemblance to ol' Saint Metzger down at PC??? LOL
Swagg 1 year, 8 months ago
Big T you are a very funny guy.... UP beating PC and you can't beat Cardinal Gibbons a team that PC beat 2 years in a row. Do the math last year you got beat 69-14 and was down 35-0 in the first quarter where dey do that at. So to that comment i laugh at you !!!
HeelsHoopFan 1 year, 8 months ago
That's nothing to be proud of Swagg. At least CG coach knew when to take the foot off the gas unlike PC who decided to onside kick and go for two late against UP.
Swagg 1 year, 8 months ago
HeelsHoopFan didn't say it was a good move... But when u put your foot in your own mouth like UP did at the JV game last year thats wat happens. I really don't understand the deal when PC was gettin pounded 70-0 it was all good what was so different. Its old news not sayin it was the best thing to do but um it was UP's job to stop them not PC's. Their second string scored that last few touchdowns so. Doesn't make sense to me if you watched the NBA finals taking your foot off the gas is what got teams beat whats the point of playin the game you might as well be playing volleyball
GoldenEagle 1 year, 8 months ago
Gardak - sports doesn't seem to be the greatest priority at the County level, but UP values its teams. I think they win, or place close to the top, annually for the Wachovia Cup (I think that's still the sponsor). They have many great teams and many great athletes. Football on this level takes a lot of work and luck. It takes a village, including the players, potential players, coaches, parents, community, etc. This core is developing, but it needs more commitment from all of the above, starting with the coach-parent-supporter network. Look at the successful teams (at UP or other schools) and steal their plan for success, and work with them to build all teams at the school.
The UP-Pinecrest thing needs to go away. Both sides can find LOTS to point out about why it happened and who is to blame. I remember an occasion where a UP team (not football) dominated Pinecrest, after which the teams shook hands, pat on the back, heck even a few hugs, and went home. The kids are alright. We need to support them all. I can say that I support UP for good reason, mostly past, and also support some great athletes I know at the other local schools. It takes a village.
fwm2 1 year, 8 months ago
@Gardak : JUST TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT: Union Pines' Athletic Program won its 2010-2011 league Wachovia Cup by collecting the most points over the fall, winter and spring Cape Fear Valley sports seasons: CURRENTLY at UP: VB is undefeated this season (9-0)...boy's cross country is a contender for the crown (as always) this year and has won three straight league titles and 10 in the past 12 years. LAST YEAR at UP Softball won the conference, baseball went to the third round of the state playoffs, girls swimming won the conference, (boys placed second), Lady Vike Basketball made it's second straight regional semi-final appearance. Wrestling won the conference (for like the fourth straight year) and was ranked in the top 1 or 2 of the dual and team 3-A polls all season) and placed second as a team in the NCHSAA 3A STATE Individual Championship, Boy's golf won its conference title. Girl's soccer won its conference for third time in six years and went to third round in 2010....track is always competitive. Girl's Golf was the 1A-3A (1A/2A/3A) back to back state champions in 2007 and 2008...and yes tennis wins too..both the boy's and girl's teams are riding a six-year conference championship streak. The cheerleaders and band programs have also won many competitions over the pass several odd years -- as has the drama club. ... .... SO ......yeah....it is a priority over there to quite a few people it would seem (especially the student athletes)
RD28327 1 year, 8 months ago
GoldenEagle, it does take a village to build a football program as well as an athletic program. It also takes a lot of $$$ also, and I bet UP is missing that huge gate that PC brings. No schools on the current UP schedule comes even close to bringing in the crowd and $$$ PC brings.
AbdominalDohMan 1 year, 8 months ago
When you see student athletes giving up, look no further than the coaching staff. This coaching staff came here thinking they could implement "Pinecrest Football" and win. Well, how's that working out for you? This coach is in over his head.