RICHMOND COUNTY - This week, Richmond County Schools’ four middle schools (Cordova, Ellerbe, Hamlet and Rockingham) got their fall sports seasons started after a lengthy delay from Hurricane Florence.
ROSports’ “Middle School Sports Report” is a sports brief that compiles any game information sent in by area middle schools. It’s ROSports’ desire to cover as many local athletic events as possible. All coaches and athletic directors are encouraged to email game scores and game details to sports editor Kyle Pillar at kpillar@richmondobserver.com.
Ellerbe golf places second in season opener at Twin Valley
On Tuesday, the Ellerbe Wildcat golf team traveled to Twin Valley Golf Club in Wadesboro, as Anson Middle School hosted the tournament. Ellerbe placed second overall, with the Rockingham Rockets taking first place with a team score of 208.
Ellerbe eighth grader Bryce Goodwin led the Wildcats with a score of 51 through nine holes. Gavin Applewhite shot a 54, Vance Goodwin had a 58, and Brent Hayes rounded out Ellerbe’s performance with a 59. Finishing in third place was Hamlet, followed by Hoke and Anson middle schools.
Rockingham volleyball sweeps Ellerbe in doubleheader
Also in action for the first time Tuesday were area middle school volleyball teams, and the Lady Rockets defeated the Lady Wildcats to open the 2018 campaign. Playing a doubleheader, Rockingham won both matches in straight sets. Scores for the first match were 25-17, 25-10, and scores for the second match were 25-8, 25-7.
Leading the way for coach Teresa Mason’s Lady Rockets was Catherine Dennis, who racked up 36 points between the two matches. Three other Rockingham players reached double-digit points on the afternoon, as Joy Styles had 15 points, Allie Rodgers had 12 points, and Jamiya Lindsey finished with 10 points.
Also getting on the board were Keyoni Nichols and Bobbi Faircloth (nine points each), Kenleigh Locklear (five points) and Edriana Davis (four points). The next game for Rockingham will be Thursday at rival Hamlet at 4 p.m.
Rocket football earns conference win against West Hoke
The Rockingham Rocket football team capped off a successful week for the school's sports teams, as it defeated West Hoke Middle School by a final score of 12-8 Wednesday. Though the game was close, head coach Phillip Waddell's team earned its first win of the season.
There were several players who had a big day on both offense and defense, as Emerson Wall collected 125 rushing yards on 16 carries, scoring both of Rockingham's touchdowns. Eighth grader Jeffery Linton had 10 pancake blocks in the game. On defense, the Rockets were led by Brandon Askins, who racked up seven tackles and recovered on fumble. Jeremiah Jenks also managed to scoop up a loose ball for the Rockets, and also made his way into the backfield for one sack. Noah Jenks had the team's only interception in the win.
