Millbrook football
Gray powers Millbrook
to comeback win
Sometimes, it really is just about coaching. And sometimes, it is the simplest change which affects an entire ball game.
For Millbrook football coach Clarence Inscore, that simple change Friday night was moving senior WR Scott Gray (pictured) to the second running back position, and the switch completely changed the nature of the Wildcats' contest — a 45-19 come-from-behind victory — at Northern Durham.
In the first half, sophomore RB Keith Marshall was the focal point of a successful Wildcat offense, carrying the ball 17 times for 133 yards and a score. However, as the half progressed, Northern Durham started to key on the talent running back, and Inscore made an adjustment.
The familiar and simple shotgun offense, usually resulting in draw plays to Marshall, was changed when Gray moved to the backfield. Positioned beside senior QB Michael Thornton — playing in place of an injured Trey McFarland — and Marshall, Gray helped confuse the Knights' defense.
“That’s one of our formations that we have,” Inscore explained, referring to the double-back shotgun formation. “We haven’t shown it a whole lot, but we knew we had to do something a little different to get our running game going.”
Trailing 19-14 at the break — Northern Durham returned the opening kick for a score, and a 41-yard pass-and-run play resulted in another Knights' touchdown just 15 seconds before halftime — the Wildcats made their simple move, and it altered the game’s complexion, pace and, most importantly, lead.
With their new offense, which Thornton later said was typically used to run out the clock, the Wildcats scored three times, all coming from Gray. Carrying the ball just eight times in the half, Gray ran for 140 yards, averaging 17.5 yards per carry. He also caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Thornton.
With 140 yards on the ground, four catches for 40 yards and three scores, Gray put together one of the most memorable games of his career.
“This game ranks pretty high for me,” Gray said with a smile afterward. “It definitely wouldn’t have been possible without my line blocking, my receivers down field blocking and working hard, but it ranks up there for one of my top halves in my career.”
As a precaution due to a concussion suffered in Millbrook’s loss to East Wake last week, McFarland — Millbrook regulars quarterback — was forced to watch from the sidelines Friday. Without the junior QB, the Wildcats focused on a rushing attack against the Knights' defense.
Between Marshall, Thornton, Gray and senior back Dustin Demery, the Wildcats put together a jaw-dropping 406 yards of offense on the ground — which averages out to 7.1 yard per carry.
Great rushing attacks always start with the offensive line and the Wildcats' line had an exceptional night inside the trenches. Inscore praised his boys upfront for coming through and putting the offense in motion.
“They played outstanding,” Inscore said. “I was real proud of they were able to get some push and we were able to use angles and open up some lanes. Our backs did a great job seeing the holes and hitting them.”
Knowing all week he'd start at quarterback, Thornton prepared himself mentally to be the offense's leader.
“I haven’t played quarterback in a while,” the wideout explained. “Usually, I’d be nervous, but tonight for some reason I just felt comfortable out there. I had a ton of pressure on me. I just did what I had to do. I stepped up for my team. I had to make plays.”
It wasn’t just about offense for the Wildcats Friday as the defense made several key stops as well. Millbrook held the Knight’s scoreless in the second half, and also put points on the scoreboard.
With 6:39 remaining, Gray scored his third touchdown to put the Wildcats up 19 points. On the first play of the Knights' next possession, senior corner Jarrick Feaster hailed in an interception and began to run it back. During the return, Feaster was hit and the ball came free. Fortunately for the Wildcats, senior linebacker Austin Merrit scooped up the loose ball and took it to the end zone. The score and extra point from sophomore Jonathan Bowman — who also added two field goals — gave the Wildcats a 45-19 advantage.
Overall, Inscore was thrilled with his team’s performance, especially in the second half.
“It’s just execution,” Inscore explained when asked about his team's success. “We had some mistakes in the first half and Northern capitalized on them. Our kids responded well in the second half, especially going in there without our starting quarterback.”
The Wildcats return to the Durham Friday, Sept. 18, for a showdown with Southern Durham. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
