Hunt tops Gryphons for Big East lead

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From the opening minute, the game was played at a blistering pace with both teams pressing the attack offensively. The Gryphons had the better of the play through the first 10 minutes, challenging the Hunt defense and senior keeper Will Jacobs repeatedly. But they were unable to find the net.

Defensively, Rocky Mount had trouble adjusting to the speed of Hunt's attack. Warrior midfielder Eli Inscoe was able to find room down the right side of the field and delivered a beautiful cross to forward Aaron White in front of the Gryphon goal. 

With the Rocky Mount defense stretched out, White created space and punched home the first goal of the game at the 14:00 mark. 

Both teams continued to attack, but fatigue began to show as the foul totals started to mount. 

With the Gryphons playing without starting defender Matt Boudreaux and several others playing at less than full speed, Hunt's depth became a factor. 

Warrior freshman Craig Edwards delivered a well-placed cross that was headed home by senior Zach Houchins for the second Hunt goal with nine minutes remaining in the half.  First half play ended with Hunt holding a 2-0 lead.

Early in the second half, White was taken down by an ill-advised Gryphon foul on the left edge of the 18, leading to a penalty kick opportunity which White drilled home for a 3-0 Hunt advantage. 

The Gryphon defense was very solid for the remainder, with goalie Drew Gorham turning away several well placed shots.

Rocky Mount continued to create good scoring opportunities, but could not crack the Hunt goal until the 70^th minute when Matt Williams delivered a crossing pass from the right corner to Andrew Morales, who finished for the goal. 

The effort from the Gryphons continued at a high level for the final 10 minutes.  It appeared on numerous occasions that Rocky Mount would close the margin only to be turned away by several outstanding keeper saves by Jacobs or close misses.

As the Gryphons and Warriors exchanged hand shakes after the game, there was no doubt that two of the better 3-A teams in the state had battled passionately at a very high level for the full 80 minutes.