With the winter sports season well under way, the North State 2-A Conference recently announced its all-conference teams for the fall 2007 season.
Reidsville High School landed 26 of its student-athletes on this year's North State 2-A All-Conference team - led by the Rams' football team, which brought home 11 selections.
Reidsville, winners of the North State Conference and the 2-AA state championship, swept the big three awards in the North State 2-A Conference with Tayon Graves being named offensive player of the year, John Connally named defensive player of the year and Jimmy Teague being named coach of the year.
Also named to the team were tight end Mike Brown, quarterback Ray Ray Butchee and offensive linemen Lance Spivey, Jazz Totten and Rashard Williamson on offense. Defensively, Connally, fellow linebacker E.J. Foster, secondary players Jordan Gunter and Kerry Hammock and defensive lineman Damien Lee were also selected.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Game HighlightsLetter of appreciation
To the Editor
As the president of the Reidsville Ram Football Booster Club, I want to take this time and space to give the Reidsville Review two big thumbs up for their coverage of the Rams' state title quest.
The coverage the sports staff and the paper in general gave Reidsville High School was unprecedented. As a former sports editor at the paper, i know the time it takes to put into making this effort a success. I think the staff did a tremendous job. A tip of the ol' helmut goes out to Steve Canulli, Steve Williams, Robert Ross, Brett Knight, and John Trump (and any others I don't know about) for the work they put in.
I also want to thank Coach Jimmy Teague and his great staff for the thankless hours they put in throughout the season. Fans only see the games on Friday, they don't see what Teague does behind the scenes. And, he's got the best coaching staff in North Carolina, which is what makes Reidsville the Football Capital of North Carolina with its 16 state championships.
As president of the booster club, I can't begin to name all those that help out during the preseason and throughout the four-month season. You know who you are and I greatly appreciate the job you do.
Closure to a great season can't be done without mention of the youth program I supervise at the Reidsville Parks & Recreation Department. Future Rams and borne out of this program every year and that can't be done without a great group of volunteer coaches. Thanks guys for all you do.
In closing, when the dust finally settled on Reidsville's 28-20 state 2-AA championship win over Shelby Dec. 8 in Raleigh, Reidsville school teams (Raiders, Baby Rams, Rams) finished with a combined 33-0 record. And, our Rec league 10-12 all-stars went undefeated in winning the USFA championship in King on Thanksgiving weekend.
By all indications there's plenty of reason to believe we'll see the Rams adding to their state record of 16 championships in years to come.
Dale Hagwood
308 Maple Ave
Reidsville
349-6251
As the president of the Reidsville Ram Football Booster Club, I want to take this time and space to give the Reidsville Review two big thumbs up for their coverage of the Rams' state title quest.
The coverage the sports staff and the paper in general gave Reidsville High School was unprecedented. As a former sports editor at the paper, i know the time it takes to put into making this effort a success. I think the staff did a tremendous job. A tip of the ol' helmut goes out to Steve Canulli, Steve Williams, Robert Ross, Brett Knight, and John Trump (and any others I don't know about) for the work they put in.
I also want to thank Coach Jimmy Teague and his great staff for the thankless hours they put in throughout the season. Fans only see the games on Friday, they don't see what Teague does behind the scenes. And, he's got the best coaching staff in North Carolina, which is what makes Reidsville the Football Capital of North Carolina with its 16 state championships.
As president of the booster club, I can't begin to name all those that help out during the preseason and throughout the four-month season. You know who you are and I greatly appreciate the job you do.
Closure to a great season can't be done without mention of the youth program I supervise at the Reidsville Parks & Recreation Department. Future Rams and borne out of this program every year and that can't be done without a great group of volunteer coaches. Thanks guys for all you do.
In closing, when the dust finally settled on Reidsville's 28-20 state 2-AA championship win over Shelby Dec. 8 in Raleigh, Reidsville school teams (Raiders, Baby Rams, Rams) finished with a combined 33-0 record. And, our Rec league 10-12 all-stars went undefeated in winning the USFA championship in King on Thanksgiving weekend.
By all indications there's plenty of reason to believe we'll see the Rams adding to their state record of 16 championships in years to come.
Dale Hagwood
308 Maple Ave
Reidsville
349-6251
Monday, December 10, 2007
Rams' Connally selected to Shrine Bowl
By STEVE WILLIAMS
Special to the Review
John Connally has one more game to play and several more tackles to make in his high school football career.
The four-year Reidsville High School defensive superstar was named to the 71st annual Shrine Bowl Friday and will be part of the North Carolina team that battles a squad from South Carolina this Saturday at 1 p.m. The game will be played at Gibbs Stadium in Spartanburg, S.C.
Connally got on the team as a replacement for a linebacker from West Charlotte who was injured in the playoffs.
"We recommended him early on," Reidsville coach Jimmy Teague said. "They kept saying they liked him but they weren't sure about his size."
Connally checks in at 230 pounds but he's a shade under 6-feet tall. "When the initial team came out, I really wasn't surprised they didn't take him because they kept talking about his size. We thought all along he was deserving. They are going to be pleased with him."
Connally was the defensive ring-leader for the Reidsville defense that was crucial in the Rams' 16-0 season that ended Saturday with a 28-20 victory over Shelby in the 2-AA state championship game.
He had 15 tackles in the game, pushing his season total to 162 and his career total to 523. He ended the year with 3.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Connally had 14.5 sacks for his career to go with 51 tackles for loss, 15 fumble recoveries and four interceptions.
"He had the best nose for the football for anybody we've ever had at least since I've been here," said Teague, who just wrapped up his 16th season at RHS. "It a natural, God-given ability to have instincts for where the ball is going to be. He was excellent in covering underneath routes in the pass game too.
"He's just a great kid overall. He works hard and he's an intelligent young man."
Connally was named defensive MVP of the state championship game for Reidsville. He's also been named defensive player of the year in the North State 2-A Conference for the second straight year and was named all-conference for the third straight year.
Connally is destined to play college football and he's getting plenty of offers, mostly from smaller schools.
"He's getting a lot of attention, but again his height is keeping the Division I folks away. He's a good student and he'll get an opportunity, I feel certain. I'm not exactly sure where right now."
Any colleges that need verification of Connally's prowess can ask anybody from Shelby. He also left an impression on the Golden Lions as a sophomore in the 2005 state championship game with 14 tackles and two sacks.
And if they want an additional look at a linebacker who makes tackles all over the field, they can watch this Saturday's Shrine Bowl.
RHS Shrine Bowl Selections
Player Year
John Connally 2006
Jerome Simpson 2003
Justin Bridges 2002
Rashad Slade 1996
Randolph Galloway 1995
Na Brown 1994
Ronald Wilson 1993
Pete Glidewell 1963
Ted Lamb 1959
Don Coker 1955
Pete Chaney 1949
Bobby Peters 1948
Arlon Brande 1945
Bill Perry 1945
Tom Fetzer 1943
Charles Nichols 1943
Burnelle Cook 1938
Claude Reynolds 1938
Coaches Year
Jimmy Teague 2002
George Wingfield 1953
Special to the Review
John Connally has one more game to play and several more tackles to make in his high school football career.
The four-year Reidsville High School defensive superstar was named to the 71st annual Shrine Bowl Friday and will be part of the North Carolina team that battles a squad from South Carolina this Saturday at 1 p.m. The game will be played at Gibbs Stadium in Spartanburg, S.C.
Connally got on the team as a replacement for a linebacker from West Charlotte who was injured in the playoffs.
"We recommended him early on," Reidsville coach Jimmy Teague said. "They kept saying they liked him but they weren't sure about his size."
Connally checks in at 230 pounds but he's a shade under 6-feet tall. "When the initial team came out, I really wasn't surprised they didn't take him because they kept talking about his size. We thought all along he was deserving. They are going to be pleased with him."
Connally was the defensive ring-leader for the Reidsville defense that was crucial in the Rams' 16-0 season that ended Saturday with a 28-20 victory over Shelby in the 2-AA state championship game.
He had 15 tackles in the game, pushing his season total to 162 and his career total to 523. He ended the year with 3.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Connally had 14.5 sacks for his career to go with 51 tackles for loss, 15 fumble recoveries and four interceptions.
"He had the best nose for the football for anybody we've ever had at least since I've been here," said Teague, who just wrapped up his 16th season at RHS. "It a natural, God-given ability to have instincts for where the ball is going to be. He was excellent in covering underneath routes in the pass game too.
"He's just a great kid overall. He works hard and he's an intelligent young man."
Connally was named defensive MVP of the state championship game for Reidsville. He's also been named defensive player of the year in the North State 2-A Conference for the second straight year and was named all-conference for the third straight year.
Connally is destined to play college football and he's getting plenty of offers, mostly from smaller schools.
"He's getting a lot of attention, but again his height is keeping the Division I folks away. He's a good student and he'll get an opportunity, I feel certain. I'm not exactly sure where right now."
Any colleges that need verification of Connally's prowess can ask anybody from Shelby. He also left an impression on the Golden Lions as a sophomore in the 2005 state championship game with 14 tackles and two sacks.
And if they want an additional look at a linebacker who makes tackles all over the field, they can watch this Saturday's Shrine Bowl.
RHS Shrine Bowl Selections
Player Year
John Connally 2006
Jerome Simpson 2003
Justin Bridges 2002
Rashad Slade 1996
Randolph Galloway 1995
Na Brown 1994
Ronald Wilson 1993
Pete Glidewell 1963
Ted Lamb 1959
Don Coker 1955
Pete Chaney 1949
Bobby Peters 1948
Arlon Brande 1945
Bill Perry 1945
Tom Fetzer 1943
Charles Nichols 1943
Burnelle Cook 1938
Claude Reynolds 1938
Coaches Year
Jimmy Teague 2002
George Wingfield 1953
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Ram 28 - Golden Lions 20
By STEVE WILLIAMS
Special to the Review RALEIGH – Sweet, sweet 16. Reidsville put a cap on a perfect 16-0 season and claimed the school’s historic 16th state championship Saturday night with a 28-20 victory over Shelby. While spoiling Shelby’s hopes for a three-peat, the Rams got a measure of revenge for the 2005 championship game that the Golden Lions won 26-18. This time, the Golden Lions couldn’t overcome a 28-7 deficit but made a spirited rally that kept the fans on both sides of the Carter-Finley Stadium on the edge of their seats until a fourth down pass fell harmlessly to the turf with 1:06 remaining. "The Lord has blessed us so much to be able to do this,” RHS coach Jimmy Teague said. "Except for a couple of plays, our game plan was pretty good defensively. We tried to get them out of the wing T ... they weren't ready to execute that part of the offense." The Rams have now won three 2-AA state championships in the six years that the NCHSAA subdivided the state’s four classes. They beat Bandys back to back in 2002 and 2003 with the last one also coming at Carter-Finley. Shelby gave the Rams their toughest game of the season and held them to a season-low in points. A 34-28 victory over Northeast Guilford was their closest previous game. The Rams did all their scoring during a 13-minute stretch that began with 8:03 left in the first quarter and ended with 7:27 left in the third. That was an impressive scoring spree when you note that Shelby had not allowed more than 15 points in a game all season. Shelby struck first as quarterback Howard Thompson broke free for 68 yards on an option keeper on the third play of the second quarter. It marked only the third time all season the Rams had been on the short end of the scoreboard. But the Rams fired back with 21 points in the final 8:03 of the half. With the Golden Lions stacking the line to stop Tayon Graves, the Rams opened up the passing lanes. Butchee first hit Kerry Hammock for 12 yards and then connected with Mike Brown for 52, the 6-4 tight end making a nice over-the-shoulder finger-tip catch and carrying ball to the 15. The Rams were set back to the 20 on a penalty and after an incompletion and a Butchee scramble back to the line of scrimmage, Butchee connected with Hammock on a short post pattern for the touchdown. James Scheer added the extra point to tie the score at 7-7 with 8:03 before the half. After a Shelby punt, the Rams were back in business. Butchee immediately connected with Marlon Roach along the left sideline for 37 yards and Graves broke off his longest gain of the night for 13 yards. After a sack and intentional grounding pushed the Rams back to the 30, Butchee hit Brown over the middle with a perfect pass for 30 yards and the TD. On Shelby’s next play, Donovan Gidney’s plunge up the middle turned into the game’s first big break. Jazz Totten stripped the ball and made the recovery at the Golden Lion 12. Two carries by Graves, the second one from eight yards out gave the Rams their third TD. Scheer’s PAT made it 21-7 2:26 before the half. Shelby had the first possession of the second half and after one first down, the were forced to punt. The Rams hit Shelby with one from their bag of tricks as wide receiver Hammock took a reverse and then launched a pass to Niko McGirt for 45 yards. With first down at the 12, the Rams called on Graves four straight times and he plunged over from the one on a first-down play. Reidsville looked to be in command when the forced the Golden Lions to punt, but the Rams returned the favor of the first half fumble when Butchee was hit from behind and Lanston Tayni recovered at the 21. Shelby got the TD four plays later on Gidney’s 7-yard surge up the middle. But Marcus Pickard blocked the extra point and the Rams’ lead was 28-13 with 2:48 left in the third quarter. The Golden Lions took advantage of the momentum shift to stop Reidsville’s next possession and forced a punt. They methodically worked their way down the field, mainly on the passing of Thompson and the receiving of Tim Gullatte. The TD came on a Thompson-to-Gullatte pass into the end zone for 14 yards. Turner Almond’s kick cut it to 28-20 with 7:50 remaining. Reidsville needed a clutch drive to melt away most of the remaining clock and they were able to take 5:20 away on some clutch passing by Butchee. He hit Jarrett Barnett for 14 yards and Hammock for 11 and 13, all producing drive-saving first downs. When the drive stalled, Anthony Wooten came through a super punt that pinned the Golden Lions back on their 1-yard line. Shelby immediately escaped the shadow of their own end zone on Thompson’s 18-yard keeper on first down but three straight incompletions and a 3-yard completion apparently stopped their drive. But a 5-yard face mask penalty kept them alive. Shelby picked up a first down on the next play to keep their hopes alive but four more incompletions ended it. Butchee, a junior lefty, was named the game’s MVP for his gutty performance and superb passing. Playing at less than 100 percent after suffering a badly bruised knee in last week’s victory over Southern Vance, he completed 10 of 17 for 190 yards. Teague said Butchee would have been held out of the game if it had been a regular season game. "It was a factor. We like to run him a lot ... we decided to run him one time and we had a turnover ... not a smart move on my part." Graves was named offensive player of the game as he ended with 94 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries. Hammock finished with four catches for 52 yards and also threw for 45 yards. The Rams outgained Shelby 311 to 254 and had a small edge in time of possession, 25:35 to 22:25. John Connally, who was named to the Carolinas Shrine Bowl game Friday, capped his brilliant career with 14 tackles. Jordan Gunter added seven tackles, Damien Lee had five and E.J. Foster four.
REIDSVILLE-SHELBY (Second half)
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 6 plays, -7 yards (1:54)
Result: 40 yard Punt
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 5 plays, 57 yards (2:37)
Result: Tayon Graves 1 yard TD run
James Scheer kicks PAT, Reidsville 28, Shelby 7
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 6 plays, 14 yards (1:51)
Result: 42 yard Punt
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 2 plays, 0 yards
Result: Fumble (Lanston Tanyi recovers)
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 4 plays, 21 yards (1:53)
Result: Donovan Gidney 7 yard TD run
PAT blocked, Reidsville 28, Shelby 13
END OF THIRD QUARTER, Reidsville 28, Shelby 14
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 7 plays, 19 yards (2:48)
Result: 32 yard Punt
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 8 plays, 67 yards (4:02)
Result: Tim Gullatte 14 yard TD pass from Thompson
Turner Almond kicks PAT, Reidsville 28, Shelby 20
2:51 LEFT IN FOURTH QUARTER
Reidsville 3rd down and 15 from Shelby 42
Reidsville 28, Shelby 20
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 11 plays, 28 yards (5:14)
Result: 47 yard Punt
1:45 LEFT IN GAME
Shelby 4th down and 2 from 27
6 YARD PASS THOMPSON TO GULLATTE
THOMPSON INCOMPLETE
THOMPSON INCOMPLETE
THOMPSON INCOMPLETE
Fourth down and 10 from 33
THOMPSON INCOMPLETE
Reidsville takes over on downs (1:06)
FINAL SCORE
REIDSVILLE 28, SHELBY 20
Shelby 6 plays, -7 yards (1:54)
Result: 40 yard Punt
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 5 plays, 57 yards (2:37)
Result: Tayon Graves 1 yard TD run
James Scheer kicks PAT, Reidsville 28, Shelby 7
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 6 plays, 14 yards (1:51)
Result: 42 yard Punt
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 2 plays, 0 yards
Result: Fumble (Lanston Tanyi recovers)
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 4 plays, 21 yards (1:53)
Result: Donovan Gidney 7 yard TD run
PAT blocked, Reidsville 28, Shelby 13
END OF THIRD QUARTER, Reidsville 28, Shelby 14
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 7 plays, 19 yards (2:48)
Result: 32 yard Punt
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 8 plays, 67 yards (4:02)
Result: Tim Gullatte 14 yard TD pass from Thompson
Turner Almond kicks PAT, Reidsville 28, Shelby 20
2:51 LEFT IN FOURTH QUARTER
Reidsville 3rd down and 15 from Shelby 42
Reidsville 28, Shelby 20
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 11 plays, 28 yards (5:14)
Result: 47 yard Punt
1:45 LEFT IN GAME
Shelby 4th down and 2 from 27
6 YARD PASS THOMPSON TO GULLATTE
THOMPSON INCOMPLETE
THOMPSON INCOMPLETE
THOMPSON INCOMPLETE
Fourth down and 10 from 33
THOMPSON INCOMPLETE
Reidsville takes over on downs (1:06)
FINAL SCORE
REIDSVILLE 28, SHELBY 20
Reidsville-Shelby Summary
Shelby 0 7 7 7 -- 20
Reidsville 0 21 7 0 -- 28
FIRST QUARTER
No Scoring
SECOND QUARTER
SHS - Howard Thompson 68 run (10:52), Turner Almond kick
RHS - Kerry Hammock 20 pass from Ray Ray Butchee (8:03), James Scheer kick
RHS - Mike Brown 30 pass from Butchee (3:29), Scheer kick
RHS - Tayon Graves 8 run (2:26), Scheer kick
THIRD QUARTER
RHS - Graves 1 run (7:27), Scheer kick
SHS - Donovan Gidney 7 run (2:48), Almond kick
FOURTH QUARTER
SHS – Tim Gullatte 14 pass from Thompson (7:50), Almond kicks
Reidsville 0 21 7 0 -- 28
FIRST QUARTER
No Scoring
SECOND QUARTER
SHS - Howard Thompson 68 run (10:52), Turner Almond kick
RHS - Kerry Hammock 20 pass from Ray Ray Butchee (8:03), James Scheer kick
RHS - Mike Brown 30 pass from Butchee (3:29), Scheer kick
RHS - Tayon Graves 8 run (2:26), Scheer kick
THIRD QUARTER
RHS - Graves 1 run (7:27), Scheer kick
SHS - Donovan Gidney 7 run (2:48), Almond kick
FOURTH QUARTER
SHS – Tim Gullatte 14 pass from Thompson (7:50), Almond kicks
Reidsville-Shelby
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 12 plays, 38 yards (5:16)
Result: 37-yard Field Goal (Missed left), 0-0
6:44 left in first quarter
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 5 plays, 22 yards (2:31)
Result: 36-yard Punt
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 4 plays, -2 yards (1:00)
Result: 37-yard Punt
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 4 plays, 5 yards (2:21)
Result: 27-yards Punt
END OF FIRST QUARTER, 0-0
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 4 plays, 7 yards
Result: 31-yard Punt
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 1 play, 68 yards (:14)
Howard Thompson 68-yard TD run
Turner Almond kicks PAT, Shelby 7-0
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 6 plays, 81 yards (2:49)
Result: Kerry Hammock 20 yard TD pass from Ray Ray Butchee
James Scheer kicks PAT, Shelby 7, Reidsville 7
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 6 plays, 34 yards (3:06)
Result: 28-yard Punt
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 5 plays, 70 yards (1:20)
Result: Mike Brown 30 yard TD pass from Butchee
Scheer kicks PAT, Reidsville 14, Shelby 7
3:23 left in the first half
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 1 play, 0 yards (:04)
Result: Fumble (Jazz Totten recovers)
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 2 plays, 12 yards (:45)
Result: Tayon Graves 8 yard TD run
Scheer kicks PAT, Reidsville 21, Shelby 7
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 4 plays, 8 yards (2:18)
Result: 53 yard Punt
HALFTIME
Reidsville 21, Shelby 7
Reidsville 12 plays, 38 yards (5:16)
Result: 37-yard Field Goal (Missed left), 0-0
6:44 left in first quarter
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 5 plays, 22 yards (2:31)
Result: 36-yard Punt
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 4 plays, -2 yards (1:00)
Result: 37-yard Punt
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 4 plays, 5 yards (2:21)
Result: 27-yards Punt
END OF FIRST QUARTER, 0-0
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 4 plays, 7 yards
Result: 31-yard Punt
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 1 play, 68 yards (:14)
Howard Thompson 68-yard TD run
Turner Almond kicks PAT, Shelby 7-0
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 6 plays, 81 yards (2:49)
Result: Kerry Hammock 20 yard TD pass from Ray Ray Butchee
James Scheer kicks PAT, Shelby 7, Reidsville 7
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 6 plays, 34 yards (3:06)
Result: 28-yard Punt
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 5 plays, 70 yards (1:20)
Result: Mike Brown 30 yard TD pass from Butchee
Scheer kicks PAT, Reidsville 14, Shelby 7
3:23 left in the first half
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 1 play, 0 yards (:04)
Result: Fumble (Jazz Totten recovers)
DRIVE SUMMARY
Reidsville 2 plays, 12 yards (:45)
Result: Tayon Graves 8 yard TD run
Scheer kicks PAT, Reidsville 21, Shelby 7
DRIVE SUMMARY
Shelby 4 plays, 8 yards (2:18)
Result: 53 yard Punt
HALFTIME
Reidsville 21, Shelby 7
Reidsville-Shelby
Live from N.C. State's Carter-Finley Stadium.
Both teams on the field warming up.
16:00 until kickoff
2-A Results
Lincolnton 28, South Columbus 14
3-AA Results
Greensboro Dudley 28, Charlotte Catholic 20
3-A Results
Western Alamance 62, North Gaston 36
4-A Results
Wilmington Hoggard 28, Mount Tabor 0
1-A Results
Plymouth 20, North Duplin 13
Both teams on the field warming up.
16:00 until kickoff
2-A Results
Lincolnton 28, South Columbus 14
3-AA Results
Greensboro Dudley 28, Charlotte Catholic 20
3-A Results
Western Alamance 62, North Gaston 36
4-A Results
Wilmington Hoggard 28, Mount Tabor 0
1-A Results
Plymouth 20, North Duplin 13
Friday, December 7, 2007
For many Rams, it's the final practice in Reidsville
For many Rams, it's the final practice in Reidsville
By Heather J. Smith
Staff writer
REIDSVILLE – It’s almost time. It’s Christmas, birthday, first car and recess rolled into one. It’s just hours away. It’s the worst case of butterflies and the longest drive to Raleigh.
The Reidsville High School Rams are going to the state championships Saturday. If they succeed, they return with the Rams’ 16th state title.
Football is not something the school, or its coaching staff, takes lightly. The leisurely way the team took the field for their next to last practice here Wednesday didn’t betray that gravity.
At least, not until pads went on and Coach Jimmy Teague’s voice hardened into a commanding bark. Before, they were a crowd of teenage boys, stretching on the cold turf, They were talking manly talk about interceptions, fumbles and failed romantic attempts.
“‘Night’s last time we practice on this field,” was uttered by a senior player, almost unbelieving. Saturday night’s championship game rematches the Rams against their 2005 championship opponent, the Shelby High Golden Lions. The senior Rams still remember when the title escaped them.
This, however, is a chance for revenge.
“I think we all really want to win this one,” said senior Phillip McLaughlin. “If we all really want to win, we just have to.”
Play over. Tackling drills followed rushing drills followed footwork drills followed punt drills. Tackles smacked together with unsettling crunches. Envy and awe swell with the thought their warm-up is more exertion anyone else chooses in a week.
Maybe it’s something they put on the turf — Miracle Grow or football pixie dust. Something must explain why anyone would run in this cold. Perhaps, if the average person scuffed around on the grass long enough, they would grow cheetah fast, fox sharp, bull strong.
A few minutes of watching reveals the team is not perfect, but near it. Coaches catch and correct missteps. Teague warns them to judge each movement of their opponent. What seems like a feint may be blind drives downfield.
In 16 seasons as the Rams’ head coach, Teague has amassed 180 victories against only 41 losses – a winning percentage of .814.
A Southern Alamance graduate, Teague came to Reidsville in 1992 and replaced Mark Barnes, who was 23-12 in three seasons.
“Outside, outside, stay outside,” was yelled simultaneously with “Gotta be better than that. State championship weekend. Move.”
While coaches always had an improvement suggested for defensive plays, offense was beautifully aggressive. The ball was no sooner in the air before other hands took it. Practice tackles were not softened by mutual friendship.
Special events call for special traditions. Curiosity sprouted around the blue and white box carried to every game and kept just on the sideline this fall. As the season wore on, the mysterious box became more of an enigma, especially when players wouldn’t say what was kept inside.
Safety Jordan Gunter explained its significance.
“Used to, in the past, we’d spray paint our cleats blue,” Gunter said. “This year we wanted to do something different.”
The box houses whatever meaningful things the players added over the fall. Gunter said the first entry was each player’s definition of a team.
“We wrote down a team’s characteristics, how they act, and why they win,” he said.
Gradually, players added newspaper clippings, obituaries, souvenirs from games and tokens from the school year.
And like all traditions, the Rams will pass the box on to sit on sidelines for years to come.
“Maybe we’ll pull it all out to look at during class reunions, look back at all the fun things,” Gunter said.
Like any good team, the Rams don’t hope, they know they’ll win. A good, hard game will make the state championship theirs.
“We’ve gonna go and we’re gonna win so hard,” Damien Lee said. “It’s gonna be 62 to 0.”
Staff writer Heather J. Smith can be reached at hsmith@reidsvillereview.com or 349-4331, ext. 16.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Go Rams!
By JOHN TRUMP
Managing Editor
Sixteen teams in North Carolina will vie this weekend for one of eight state titles, and the Reidsville Rams, in case you haven't heard, are among them. The Rams have compiled an incredible record since 1969, winning 324 games and four state titles. Shelby, their opponent Saturday in Raleigh, is equally impressive during that time, collecting 398 wins and 10 state titles, including a 26-18 victory two years ago against Reidsville.
Remember, however, that the Rams won 11 state titles prior to 1969, and Jimmy Teague's 2007 version appears to among Reidsville's best. Quarterback Ray Ray Butchee, who bruised a knee against Southern Vance, likely will play, so injuries won't be a factor. Reidsville's offense is spectacular, but Shelby is allowing fewer than 8 points per game. Something, as they say, has got to give. Our guess: Shelby will fail to match Reidsville's speed or keep up with its multiple weapons, tire and struggle late. But, hey, we're biased.
We've done our best to follow the Rams throughout their playoff run, even establishing a blog complete with slideshows, stories and polls. Access it through our Web site, www.reidsvillereview.com, and cast a vote predicting Saturday's winner. As of Thursday afternoon, 69 people had voted, and 84 percent are going with the Rams. Good choice. If you can't make it to Raleigh on Saturday night, follow the Rams' progress on the blog.
Rockingham County's four high schools are natural rivals and, during any respective sports season, that's the way it should be. But some 93,000 people live in the county, and they all should be wearing blue and gold.
Managing Editor
Sixteen teams in North Carolina will vie this weekend for one of eight state titles, and the Reidsville Rams, in case you haven't heard, are among them. The Rams have compiled an incredible record since 1969, winning 324 games and four state titles. Shelby, their opponent Saturday in Raleigh, is equally impressive during that time, collecting 398 wins and 10 state titles, including a 26-18 victory two years ago against Reidsville.
Remember, however, that the Rams won 11 state titles prior to 1969, and Jimmy Teague's 2007 version appears to among Reidsville's best. Quarterback Ray Ray Butchee, who bruised a knee against Southern Vance, likely will play, so injuries won't be a factor. Reidsville's offense is spectacular, but Shelby is allowing fewer than 8 points per game. Something, as they say, has got to give. Our guess: Shelby will fail to match Reidsville's speed or keep up with its multiple weapons, tire and struggle late. But, hey, we're biased.
We've done our best to follow the Rams throughout their playoff run, even establishing a blog complete with slideshows, stories and polls. Access it through our Web site, www.reidsvillereview.com, and cast a vote predicting Saturday's winner. As of Thursday afternoon, 69 people had voted, and 84 percent are going with the Rams. Good choice. If you can't make it to Raleigh on Saturday night, follow the Rams' progress on the blog.
Rockingham County's four high schools are natural rivals and, during any respective sports season, that's the way it should be. But some 93,000 people live in the county, and they all should be wearing blue and gold.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Saturday's matchup different from 2005 game
By STEVE CANNULI
Sports Editor
The teams are the same and their coaching staffs are basically the same and not much has changed in their offensive and defensive approaches, but Golden Lions head coach Chris Norman knows Saturday's Reidsville-Shelby 2-AA state championship game is different from two years ago.
"These are two different football teams from 2005," said Norman. "Our base offense and defense has not changed much, but we are different from two years ago. The one thing that has not changed about Reidsville is that they still have speed."
The two storied programs, who have combined to win 25 state championships, return very few players from that 2005 meeting - won by Shelby 26-18.
Despite all that, Saturday's title game still has the same feel.
"In the 2005 game, the kids really got after each other," said Norman. "It was a game between two class organizations and I have no doubt Saturday will be no different."
Trying to stop a Reidsville offense that has produced 742 points (49.5 per game) and 6,286 yards (419 per game) is something the Golden Lions' head coach knows is tough to do.
"You expect speed at the skill positions," he said. "They have speed everywhere. The first thing I said when I watched them on tape is 'wow.'"
One could say 'wow' when looking at the Shelby defense, a unit that has allowed only 7.8 points per game and has not surrendered more than 15 points in any one contest.
"We have hung our hats on defense," said Norman. "We have won a bunch of games we shouldn't have because of the defense."
Shelby's defense is going to have to do something that only Reidsville has done and that is slow down senior tailback Tayon Graves. Graves, who up until last week, saw little time in the second half of the first three Reidsville postseason games. Despite that, Graves has amassed 2,079 yards and 43 touchdowns - both career highs.
"If you want to put guys on the line of scrimmage, they say we'll throw it to these good receivers," said Norman. "If you want to play soft coverage, they'll hand it to 42 (Graves) 40 times and let him score 15 touchdowns."
The lone Reidsville starters from the 2005 meeting are Kerry Hammock, Marcus Pickard and Graves. For Shelby, only right tackle Casey Burnett and defensive tackle Quevalas Murray are back.
Linebacker Corey Brooks, Sr., 6-0, 171 pounds, leads the Golden Lions defense with 114 tackles and seven blocked kicks. Cornerback Roderick Black leads the team with six interceptions.
Defensive end Lanston Tanyi (Sr., 6-3, 230), a Shrine Bowl selection, and Calvin Gullatte (Sr., 6-4, 173) anchor the defensive end spots.
"Reidsville is not a one-dimensional football team," said Norman, who has compiled a 118-26-1 record to go along with three state championships. "The key to offensive football is making first downs and moving the chains. It doesn't matter how."
With Reidsville quarterback Ray Ray Butchee in the shotgun Saturday, the Golden Lions defense will have to be wary of a signal caller, who has thrown for 1,885 yards and 21 touchdowns and rushed for 824 yards and 17 TDs.
"Both offenses start there, with the quarterback position," said Norman.
Where it all ends, no one knows, but someone on Saturday will be crowned 2-AA state champion.
Sports Editor
The teams are the same and their coaching staffs are basically the same and not much has changed in their offensive and defensive approaches, but Golden Lions head coach Chris Norman knows Saturday's Reidsville-Shelby 2-AA state championship game is different from two years ago.
"These are two different football teams from 2005," said Norman. "Our base offense and defense has not changed much, but we are different from two years ago. The one thing that has not changed about Reidsville is that they still have speed."
The two storied programs, who have combined to win 25 state championships, return very few players from that 2005 meeting - won by Shelby 26-18.
Despite all that, Saturday's title game still has the same feel.
"In the 2005 game, the kids really got after each other," said Norman. "It was a game between two class organizations and I have no doubt Saturday will be no different."
Trying to stop a Reidsville offense that has produced 742 points (49.5 per game) and 6,286 yards (419 per game) is something the Golden Lions' head coach knows is tough to do.
"You expect speed at the skill positions," he said. "They have speed everywhere. The first thing I said when I watched them on tape is 'wow.'"
One could say 'wow' when looking at the Shelby defense, a unit that has allowed only 7.8 points per game and has not surrendered more than 15 points in any one contest.
"We have hung our hats on defense," said Norman. "We have won a bunch of games we shouldn't have because of the defense."
Shelby's defense is going to have to do something that only Reidsville has done and that is slow down senior tailback Tayon Graves. Graves, who up until last week, saw little time in the second half of the first three Reidsville postseason games. Despite that, Graves has amassed 2,079 yards and 43 touchdowns - both career highs.
"If you want to put guys on the line of scrimmage, they say we'll throw it to these good receivers," said Norman. "If you want to play soft coverage, they'll hand it to 42 (Graves) 40 times and let him score 15 touchdowns."
The lone Reidsville starters from the 2005 meeting are Kerry Hammock, Marcus Pickard and Graves. For Shelby, only right tackle Casey Burnett and defensive tackle Quevalas Murray are back.
Linebacker Corey Brooks, Sr., 6-0, 171 pounds, leads the Golden Lions defense with 114 tackles and seven blocked kicks. Cornerback Roderick Black leads the team with six interceptions.
Defensive end Lanston Tanyi (Sr., 6-3, 230), a Shrine Bowl selection, and Calvin Gullatte (Sr., 6-4, 173) anchor the defensive end spots.
"Reidsville is not a one-dimensional football team," said Norman, who has compiled a 118-26-1 record to go along with three state championships. "The key to offensive football is making first downs and moving the chains. It doesn't matter how."
With Reidsville quarterback Ray Ray Butchee in the shotgun Saturday, the Golden Lions defense will have to be wary of a signal caller, who has thrown for 1,885 yards and 21 touchdowns and rushed for 824 yards and 17 TDs.
"Both offenses start there, with the quarterback position," said Norman.
Where it all ends, no one knows, but someone on Saturday will be crowned 2-AA state champion.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Butchee upgraded to probable
Staff Report
Reidsville quarterback Ray Ray Butchee, injured in the Rams' victory over Southern Vance last Friday, has improved and is now listed as probable for Saturday's state championship game against Shelby.
Butchee, a junior and two-year starter, suffered a knee injury late in the first half and didn't return. An MRI Monday revealed a bone bruise.
He will be held out of practice Wednesday and will be fitted with a knee brace. He's expected to return to live practice Thursday with no contact.
"I guess we won't know for sure until we actually see him practice, but I would list him as probable now," Teague said. "He's walking basically with no limp. It's swollen some but hopefully as days pass some of the swelling will go down.
"Ray's tough. A bone bruise might take somebody else out but I really don't think it will keep him out."
Butchee is a threat running or passing out of the Rams' shotgun offense. He has completed 88 of 146 passes (.603) for 1,885 yards and 21 touchdowns with just four interceptions. He has also run 127 times for 824 yards and 17 TDs.
Sophomore Tyrell Houghton is the Rams' No. 2 quarterback.
Reidsville quarterback Ray Ray Butchee, injured in the Rams' victory over Southern Vance last Friday, has improved and is now listed as probable for Saturday's state championship game against Shelby.
Butchee, a junior and two-year starter, suffered a knee injury late in the first half and didn't return. An MRI Monday revealed a bone bruise.
He will be held out of practice Wednesday and will be fitted with a knee brace. He's expected to return to live practice Thursday with no contact.
"I guess we won't know for sure until we actually see him practice, but I would list him as probable now," Teague said. "He's walking basically with no limp. It's swollen some but hopefully as days pass some of the swelling will go down.
"Ray's tough. A bone bruise might take somebody else out but I really don't think it will keep him out."
Butchee is a threat running or passing out of the Rams' shotgun offense. He has completed 88 of 146 passes (.603) for 1,885 yards and 21 touchdowns with just four interceptions. He has also run 127 times for 824 yards and 17 TDs.
Sophomore Tyrell Houghton is the Rams' No. 2 quarterback.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Shelby stands in way of Reidsville title No. 16
By STEVE CANNULI
Sports Editor
Two of this state's most storied prep football programs are set to square off when the Reidsville Rams (15-0) and the Shelby Golden Lions (14-1) meet for the NCHSAA 2-AA State Championship on Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh.
Since 1969 - the first year of the Reidsville Ram era - these two schools have combined for 722 wins (Shelby 398, Reidsville 324) and 14 championships (Shelby 10, RHS 4). Reidsville won 11 state championships prior to 1969, giving the city 15 total - the most in state history.
The two teams met in the 2005 2-AA state finals, with Shelby taking home championship gold, 26-18 - in the first-ever meeting between these two successful programs.
After rattling off wins over Freedom (14-10) and Ashbrook (14-7), Shelby dropped its first game to Crest, 14-7. The Shelby Golden Lions, who have won 12 straight since that loss.
Eight of the team's 14 opponents finished the season with at or above .500 records.
Winners of the last two 2-AA state championships, the Golden Lions advanced to Saturday's finals with a 17-0 win over Mount Pleasant. Shelby won last year's title defeating Southern Vance, the team that fell to the Rams 49-19 Friday night in the semifinals.
Since the loss to Crest, Shelby's defense has answered the call - allowing no more than 15 points in any one game. The Golden Lions pitched three shutouts along the way, against Brevard, Chase and Mount Pleasant.
For the season, the Lions have allowed 118 points (7.9 per game) and the offense has posted 443 points (29.5).
Conversely, Reidsville has been nearly as impressive on defense - allowing 165 points (11.0) and scoring a staggering 742 points (49.5).
The Shelby offense is led by a three-headed rushing attack that features three 600-plus yard rushers. Larry Raper (Jr., 5-11, 160) leads the group with 698 yards and 10 touchdowns. Marc Williams (Sr., 6-1, 180) has gained 673 yards and 11 TDs and Donovan Gidney (Sr., 5-11, 206) comes in with 661 yards and 10 TDs. Raper (7.5) and Williams (8.9) are both well over seven-yards per carry. Gidney, the team's fullback, gained 107 yards on 19 carries during Friday's win over S. Vance.
Senior QB Howard Thompson (5-10, 165), who was not the starter during the 2005 meeting, has thrown for 910 yards and 11 touchdowns - on 50 of 95 completions (.526 percentage). Thompson was 4 of 7 through the air with two touchdowns and 82 yards.
O'Bryan Gullatte (Sr., 6-1, 152) hauled in both of Thompson's TD passes and finished with 68 yards receiving.
The Golden Lions are coached by Chris Norman, who has a record of 118-26-1 (82 percent) and three state titles to his credit.
His counterpart, Reidsville head coach Jimmy Teague has a record of 180-41 (.814) and two state championships (2002 and 2003).
Saturday's finals will be the fourth straight for Shelby, who lost in the 2004 championship game - a 49-21 defeat at the hands of Southwest Onslow.
While the Rams have won 28 of their last 30 games, the Golden Lions have won 35 of their last 36 - including an undefeated 16-0 campaign last year.
Reidsville QB Ray Ray Butchee was a freshman during the 2005 game, but RB Tayon Graves, played and gained 61 yards on nine carries and scored once.
Linebacker John Connally, who eclipsed the 500-tackle mark last week, finished the 2005 game against Shelby with 14 tackles.
SHELBY AT A GLANCE
Opponent Scores
Freedom W, 14-10
Ashbrook W, 14-7
Crest L, 7-14
Lincolnton W, 35-13
Brevard W, 7-0
Watauga W, 34-15
Burns W, 30-13
Kings Mountain W, 41-14
R-S Central W, 27-3
Chase W, 42-0
E. Rutherford W, 40-6
2-AA State Playoffs
West Stokes W, 54-2
W. Henderson W, 41-7
Pisgah W, 40-14
Mt. Pleasant W, 17-0
Sports Editor
Two of this state's most storied prep football programs are set to square off when the Reidsville Rams (15-0) and the Shelby Golden Lions (14-1) meet for the NCHSAA 2-AA State Championship on Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh.
Since 1969 - the first year of the Reidsville Ram era - these two schools have combined for 722 wins (Shelby 398, Reidsville 324) and 14 championships (Shelby 10, RHS 4). Reidsville won 11 state championships prior to 1969, giving the city 15 total - the most in state history.
The two teams met in the 2005 2-AA state finals, with Shelby taking home championship gold, 26-18 - in the first-ever meeting between these two successful programs.
After rattling off wins over Freedom (14-10) and Ashbrook (14-7), Shelby dropped its first game to Crest, 14-7. The Shelby Golden Lions, who have won 12 straight since that loss.
Eight of the team's 14 opponents finished the season with at or above .500 records.
Winners of the last two 2-AA state championships, the Golden Lions advanced to Saturday's finals with a 17-0 win over Mount Pleasant. Shelby won last year's title defeating Southern Vance, the team that fell to the Rams 49-19 Friday night in the semifinals.
Since the loss to Crest, Shelby's defense has answered the call - allowing no more than 15 points in any one game. The Golden Lions pitched three shutouts along the way, against Brevard, Chase and Mount Pleasant.
For the season, the Lions have allowed 118 points (7.9 per game) and the offense has posted 443 points (29.5).
Conversely, Reidsville has been nearly as impressive on defense - allowing 165 points (11.0) and scoring a staggering 742 points (49.5).
The Shelby offense is led by a three-headed rushing attack that features three 600-plus yard rushers. Larry Raper (Jr., 5-11, 160) leads the group with 698 yards and 10 touchdowns. Marc Williams (Sr., 6-1, 180) has gained 673 yards and 11 TDs and Donovan Gidney (Sr., 5-11, 206) comes in with 661 yards and 10 TDs. Raper (7.5) and Williams (8.9) are both well over seven-yards per carry. Gidney, the team's fullback, gained 107 yards on 19 carries during Friday's win over S. Vance.
Senior QB Howard Thompson (5-10, 165), who was not the starter during the 2005 meeting, has thrown for 910 yards and 11 touchdowns - on 50 of 95 completions (.526 percentage). Thompson was 4 of 7 through the air with two touchdowns and 82 yards.
O'Bryan Gullatte (Sr., 6-1, 152) hauled in both of Thompson's TD passes and finished with 68 yards receiving.
The Golden Lions are coached by Chris Norman, who has a record of 118-26-1 (82 percent) and three state titles to his credit.
His counterpart, Reidsville head coach Jimmy Teague has a record of 180-41 (.814) and two state championships (2002 and 2003).
Saturday's finals will be the fourth straight for Shelby, who lost in the 2004 championship game - a 49-21 defeat at the hands of Southwest Onslow.
While the Rams have won 28 of their last 30 games, the Golden Lions have won 35 of their last 36 - including an undefeated 16-0 campaign last year.
Reidsville QB Ray Ray Butchee was a freshman during the 2005 game, but RB Tayon Graves, played and gained 61 yards on nine carries and scored once.
Linebacker John Connally, who eclipsed the 500-tackle mark last week, finished the 2005 game against Shelby with 14 tackles.
SHELBY AT A GLANCE
Opponent Scores
Freedom W, 14-10
Ashbrook W, 14-7
Crest L, 7-14
Lincolnton W, 35-13
Brevard W, 7-0
Watauga W, 34-15
Burns W, 30-13
Kings Mountain W, 41-14
R-S Central W, 27-3
Chase W, 42-0
E. Rutherford W, 40-6
2-AA State Playoffs
West Stokes W, 54-2
W. Henderson W, 41-7
Pisgah W, 40-14
Mt. Pleasant W, 17-0
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Reidsville to play in 21st state championship game
It will be Reidsville-Shelby Part II next Saturday night at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, following the Rams’ 49-19 win over Southern Vance Friday night at Community Stadium.
Reidsville (15-0) running back Tayon Graves set four school records with his 40 rushing attempts, 285 yards and seven touchdowns as the Rams won the 2-AA East Regional finals.
Shelby (14-1) defeated Mount Pleasant, 17-0 in the 2-AA West Regional finals.
The two teams met back in the 2005 state championship game, with Shelby coming away with a 26-18 victory.
Graves set new RHS marks for points in a game (42), yards rushing (285), rushing attempts (40) and touchdown runs (7).
In the win, Reidsville starting quarterback Ray Ray Butchee was injured during the first half and did not return.
No word on the severity of the injury was known as of Friday night.
Southern Vance (13-2) turned the ball over four times – two fumbles and two interceptions.
Next week’s championship game is slated for 7:30 p.m. in Raleigh.
Tayon Graves’ Night
· Point in a game (42) – Old mark was 30 set by Dominique Watkins (1996) and Victor Salde (1999)
· Yards rushing (285) – Old mark was 245 set by Anthony Wilson (1975)
· Rushing Attempts (40) – Old mark was 30 by Greg Dillard (1983)
· TD runs (7) – Old mark was 5 by Watkins (1996) and Slade (1999)
Reidsville (15-0) running back Tayon Graves set four school records with his 40 rushing attempts, 285 yards and seven touchdowns as the Rams won the 2-AA East Regional finals.
Shelby (14-1) defeated Mount Pleasant, 17-0 in the 2-AA West Regional finals.
The two teams met back in the 2005 state championship game, with Shelby coming away with a 26-18 victory.
Graves set new RHS marks for points in a game (42), yards rushing (285), rushing attempts (40) and touchdown runs (7).
In the win, Reidsville starting quarterback Ray Ray Butchee was injured during the first half and did not return.
No word on the severity of the injury was known as of Friday night.
Southern Vance (13-2) turned the ball over four times – two fumbles and two interceptions.
Next week’s championship game is slated for 7:30 p.m. in Raleigh.
Tayon Graves’ Night
· Point in a game (42) – Old mark was 30 set by Dominique Watkins (1996) and Victor Salde (1999)
· Yards rushing (285) – Old mark was 245 set by Anthony Wilson (1975)
· Rushing Attempts (40) – Old mark was 30 by Greg Dillard (1983)
· TD runs (7) – Old mark was 5 by Watkins (1996) and Slade (1999)
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Ram Game Notes
Reidsville (14-0) and Southern Vance (13-1) will both be hoping for another shot at a state championship when they square off tonight at Community Stadium in the 2-AA East Regional finals.
At stake is a trip to Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh for the 2-AA state championship game against the winner of tonight’s West Regional game with Mount Pleasant (14-0) playing at Shelby (13-1).
Reidsville, which has won 15 state titles in its storied history, last appeared in the state title game in 2005 and lost to Shelby. Southern Vance made its first-ever state title appearance a year ago and also lost to Shelby.
Reidsville and Southern Vance are very similar on offense and defense.
Both operate out of the shotgun attack and have prolific, diversified offenses. On defense, both the Rams and Raiders rely on team speed to shut down opponents.
Reidsville features the field generalship of junior Ray Ray Butchee and the slashing running of senior Tayon Graves. In last week’s 63-6 romp over St. Pauls, Butchee surpassed the 4,000-yard career mark in passing and Graves went over 5,000 yards rushing.
Butchee looks to a variety of receivers led by Kerry Hammock, Mike Brown, Jarrett Barnett, Marlon Roach and Niko McGirt.
The offensive line of Phillip McLaughlin, Rashard Williamson, Jazz Totten, Devin Sessoms and Lance Spivey will hold the key to slowing a fierce Southern Vance pass rush. Raider defensive end Shelton Gill made several huge plays against Northwood last week, adding to his already impressive season resume.
Another match-up to watch will be Reidsville’s passing attack against the Raiders’ quick secondary. Butchee has thrown just four interceptions all season while Southern Vance picked off Northwood three times last week.
Reidsville’s defense will face its biggest challenge of the season as Southern Vance brings in a 33.5 average to the game. Since a 28-13 loss to 3-A Southwest Edgecombe in mid-September, the Raiders have scored no less than 26 points during its current nine-game winning streak.
Senior Jamere Pugh, who quarterbacked Southern Vance as a freshman when the Raiders came to Community Stadium for a third-round game in 2004, is a threat running or passing. He has six receivers with at least 16 catches, a cast headed by senior standout D.J. Person.
The Raiders also feature a strong running attack with Jeremy Davis and O’Darren Gill both over 1,000 yards for the season.
The RHS defensive front four has a seven or eight-player rotation and is led by junior tackle Damien Lee, who has 10 sacks. Overall, the Rams have 34 sacks with Greg Black, Mike Brown, Jazz Totten, Travis Dean and Anthony Wooten also strong pass rushers.
Ram middle linebacker John Connally, who needs one tackle for 500 in his career, has three sacks, 12 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions.
E.J. Foster and Tayon Graves are the outside linebackers and Jordan Gunter (four interceptions), John Cooper (three interceptions), Kerry Hammock and Marcus Pickard make up the RHS secondary.
The key for the RHS defense will be containing Pugh’s scrambling and his ability to throw on the run.
The Rams come into the game healthy. Kickoff man A.J. Williams, who was questionable earlier in the week, has made progress with his thigh bruise and will be able to handle the kickoffs. His deep kicks in the first three rounds of the playoffs have helped provide Reidsville with a field position advantage.
THE COACHES: Since coming to Reidsville in 1992, coach Jimmy Teague has compiled a 180-40 record, including a 35-12 mark in the playoffs. His teams have made the playoffs every year except 1999. Southern Vance is under the direction of first-year coach Mark Perry.
TEAGUE SAYS: “Southern Vance has several quality wins. They beat Oxford Webb (which is playing Greensboro Dudley in the 3-AA East Regional tonight), Durham Hillside and they beat Northwood pretty handily last week. All of those are quality wins and indicate what kind of team they really have. And they made it all the way to the state finals a year ago, so they’ve got some experience playing in this type of game.
TEAGUE SAYS, PART II: “I think because of playing people like Cummings, we’ve got an idea of what we need to do to try to slow them down. It’s a preparation we’ve had in the past and not really new for us. We feel pretty good about what we’re going to do. When you play a team like Southern Vance, you’re not going to completely stop them but we’ve got to make them nickel and dime their way and limit the big plays.”
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE: The 2-AA title game is set for 7:30 at Carter-Finley on Saturday, Dec. 8, as the third game of a tripleheader. The 1-A game will kick off at 11 a.m. and the 2-A championship game at 3:30 p.m.
REIDSVILLE PLAYOFF HISTORY: The Rams are in the final four for the sixth straight year since the NCHSAA subdivided the four classifications in 2002. They have two state titles, one runner-up finish and two fourth-place finishes in that span.
In Reidsville playoff history, including the Golden Lion era, there have been 20 appearances in state championship games and 15 state titles.
SOUTHERN VANCE HISTORY: Southern Vance High School opened in 1990 when Henderson Vance High School was split into Southern and Northern. The Raiders have made six appearances in the NCHSAA playoffs and have an 11-6 record, highlighted by an advance to the state finals in 2006 where they lost to Shelby 27-24.
THE 2004 MEETING: Reidsville and Southern Vance met in the third round of the 2-AA playoffs and the Rams shut down the Raiders’ vaunted running game in a 50-7 victory. Southern’s Reggie Hicks, now on the team at James Madison University, entered the game with almost 2,000 yards but was held to a season-low 71 yards on 19 carries by a Reidsville defense led by Gary Pickard, Dwayne Jones, Ernest Blackwell and then freshman John Connally, who had seven tackles. Southern Vance ended its season at 12-2 while Reidsville lost in the regional final to Western Alamance the following week and finished 12-3. Jerere Pugh, then a freshman, accounted for Southern’s lone TD with a 46-yard pass.
DID YOU KNOW?: Reidsville assistant coach Al Hendricks played at Henderson Vance and was a member of the 1981 regional finalist team coached by Reidsville native Kelly Minyard.
TOP-SCORING TEAMS: Reidsville, averaging 49.5, is the top scoring team in the state in all classifications, according to statistics compiled by NCPreps.com. There are eight other schools averaging better than 40 points per game: West Montgomery (45.3), Plymouth (44.0), Mt. Airy (43.1), Pittsboro Northwood (42.4), Hickory (42.1), South Columbus (41.5), North Gaston (40.9) and Charlotte Independence (40.6).
MARGIN OF VICTORY: Reidsville leads the state in average margin of victory at 39.1. South Columbus is second with 37.0. Last week’s 57-point decision over St. Pauls was the largest playoff margin in school history. Previously, the 68-12 romp over Bandys in the 2003 championship game was at the top of that list.
STREAKS: Reidsville ranks second in the state in consecutive games not being shut out with 144. Greenville Rose tops that list with 146. Reidsville is second in games scoring in double figures with 92. Charlotte Independence leads that list with 131. The last time Reidsville was shutout was the 14-0 loss to West Brunswick in the opening round of the 1997 playoffs and the last time they were held below double digits was the 31-7 first-round playoff loss to Lincolnton in 2001.
BEST START EVER: At 14-0, the Rams are off to their best start. They can tie the school record for wins tonight. Both the 2002 and 2003 team finished 15-1. The only undefeated team in Ram history was the 1970 squad that finished 12-0-1.
RANKINGS: N.C. Preps (Baker’s Dozen) has Reidsville ranked No. 1 and Southern Vance No. 6. The Fantastic 50 2-A computer profile lists Reidsville No. 3 behind South Columbus and Shelby with Southern Vance at No. 5. Massey Ratings has Reidsville 2nd behind South Columbus and Southern Vance sixth.
PREDICTIONS: Fantastic 50 has Reidsville listed as an 8-point favorite; Massey Ratings has Reidsville favored by 14.
At stake is a trip to Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh for the 2-AA state championship game against the winner of tonight’s West Regional game with Mount Pleasant (14-0) playing at Shelby (13-1).
Reidsville, which has won 15 state titles in its storied history, last appeared in the state title game in 2005 and lost to Shelby. Southern Vance made its first-ever state title appearance a year ago and also lost to Shelby.
Reidsville and Southern Vance are very similar on offense and defense.
Both operate out of the shotgun attack and have prolific, diversified offenses. On defense, both the Rams and Raiders rely on team speed to shut down opponents.
Reidsville features the field generalship of junior Ray Ray Butchee and the slashing running of senior Tayon Graves. In last week’s 63-6 romp over St. Pauls, Butchee surpassed the 4,000-yard career mark in passing and Graves went over 5,000 yards rushing.
Butchee looks to a variety of receivers led by Kerry Hammock, Mike Brown, Jarrett Barnett, Marlon Roach and Niko McGirt.
The offensive line of Phillip McLaughlin, Rashard Williamson, Jazz Totten, Devin Sessoms and Lance Spivey will hold the key to slowing a fierce Southern Vance pass rush. Raider defensive end Shelton Gill made several huge plays against Northwood last week, adding to his already impressive season resume.
Another match-up to watch will be Reidsville’s passing attack against the Raiders’ quick secondary. Butchee has thrown just four interceptions all season while Southern Vance picked off Northwood three times last week.
Reidsville’s defense will face its biggest challenge of the season as Southern Vance brings in a 33.5 average to the game. Since a 28-13 loss to 3-A Southwest Edgecombe in mid-September, the Raiders have scored no less than 26 points during its current nine-game winning streak.
Senior Jamere Pugh, who quarterbacked Southern Vance as a freshman when the Raiders came to Community Stadium for a third-round game in 2004, is a threat running or passing. He has six receivers with at least 16 catches, a cast headed by senior standout D.J. Person.
The Raiders also feature a strong running attack with Jeremy Davis and O’Darren Gill both over 1,000 yards for the season.
The RHS defensive front four has a seven or eight-player rotation and is led by junior tackle Damien Lee, who has 10 sacks. Overall, the Rams have 34 sacks with Greg Black, Mike Brown, Jazz Totten, Travis Dean and Anthony Wooten also strong pass rushers.
Ram middle linebacker John Connally, who needs one tackle for 500 in his career, has three sacks, 12 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions.
E.J. Foster and Tayon Graves are the outside linebackers and Jordan Gunter (four interceptions), John Cooper (three interceptions), Kerry Hammock and Marcus Pickard make up the RHS secondary.
The key for the RHS defense will be containing Pugh’s scrambling and his ability to throw on the run.
The Rams come into the game healthy. Kickoff man A.J. Williams, who was questionable earlier in the week, has made progress with his thigh bruise and will be able to handle the kickoffs. His deep kicks in the first three rounds of the playoffs have helped provide Reidsville with a field position advantage.
THE COACHES: Since coming to Reidsville in 1992, coach Jimmy Teague has compiled a 180-40 record, including a 35-12 mark in the playoffs. His teams have made the playoffs every year except 1999. Southern Vance is under the direction of first-year coach Mark Perry.
TEAGUE SAYS: “Southern Vance has several quality wins. They beat Oxford Webb (which is playing Greensboro Dudley in the 3-AA East Regional tonight), Durham Hillside and they beat Northwood pretty handily last week. All of those are quality wins and indicate what kind of team they really have. And they made it all the way to the state finals a year ago, so they’ve got some experience playing in this type of game.
TEAGUE SAYS, PART II: “I think because of playing people like Cummings, we’ve got an idea of what we need to do to try to slow them down. It’s a preparation we’ve had in the past and not really new for us. We feel pretty good about what we’re going to do. When you play a team like Southern Vance, you’re not going to completely stop them but we’ve got to make them nickel and dime their way and limit the big plays.”
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE: The 2-AA title game is set for 7:30 at Carter-Finley on Saturday, Dec. 8, as the third game of a tripleheader. The 1-A game will kick off at 11 a.m. and the 2-A championship game at 3:30 p.m.
REIDSVILLE PLAYOFF HISTORY: The Rams are in the final four for the sixth straight year since the NCHSAA subdivided the four classifications in 2002. They have two state titles, one runner-up finish and two fourth-place finishes in that span.
In Reidsville playoff history, including the Golden Lion era, there have been 20 appearances in state championship games and 15 state titles.
SOUTHERN VANCE HISTORY: Southern Vance High School opened in 1990 when Henderson Vance High School was split into Southern and Northern. The Raiders have made six appearances in the NCHSAA playoffs and have an 11-6 record, highlighted by an advance to the state finals in 2006 where they lost to Shelby 27-24.
THE 2004 MEETING: Reidsville and Southern Vance met in the third round of the 2-AA playoffs and the Rams shut down the Raiders’ vaunted running game in a 50-7 victory. Southern’s Reggie Hicks, now on the team at James Madison University, entered the game with almost 2,000 yards but was held to a season-low 71 yards on 19 carries by a Reidsville defense led by Gary Pickard, Dwayne Jones, Ernest Blackwell and then freshman John Connally, who had seven tackles. Southern Vance ended its season at 12-2 while Reidsville lost in the regional final to Western Alamance the following week and finished 12-3. Jerere Pugh, then a freshman, accounted for Southern’s lone TD with a 46-yard pass.
DID YOU KNOW?: Reidsville assistant coach Al Hendricks played at Henderson Vance and was a member of the 1981 regional finalist team coached by Reidsville native Kelly Minyard.
TOP-SCORING TEAMS: Reidsville, averaging 49.5, is the top scoring team in the state in all classifications, according to statistics compiled by NCPreps.com. There are eight other schools averaging better than 40 points per game: West Montgomery (45.3), Plymouth (44.0), Mt. Airy (43.1), Pittsboro Northwood (42.4), Hickory (42.1), South Columbus (41.5), North Gaston (40.9) and Charlotte Independence (40.6).
MARGIN OF VICTORY: Reidsville leads the state in average margin of victory at 39.1. South Columbus is second with 37.0. Last week’s 57-point decision over St. Pauls was the largest playoff margin in school history. Previously, the 68-12 romp over Bandys in the 2003 championship game was at the top of that list.
STREAKS: Reidsville ranks second in the state in consecutive games not being shut out with 144. Greenville Rose tops that list with 146. Reidsville is second in games scoring in double figures with 92. Charlotte Independence leads that list with 131. The last time Reidsville was shutout was the 14-0 loss to West Brunswick in the opening round of the 1997 playoffs and the last time they were held below double digits was the 31-7 first-round playoff loss to Lincolnton in 2001.
BEST START EVER: At 14-0, the Rams are off to their best start. They can tie the school record for wins tonight. Both the 2002 and 2003 team finished 15-1. The only undefeated team in Ram history was the 1970 squad that finished 12-0-1.
RANKINGS: N.C. Preps (Baker’s Dozen) has Reidsville ranked No. 1 and Southern Vance No. 6. The Fantastic 50 2-A computer profile lists Reidsville No. 3 behind South Columbus and Shelby with Southern Vance at No. 5. Massey Ratings has Reidsville 2nd behind South Columbus and Southern Vance sixth.
PREDICTIONS: Fantastic 50 has Reidsville listed as an 8-point favorite; Massey Ratings has Reidsville favored by 14.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Information on Friday night's RHS playoff game
Rams pre-game tailgate party set for Friday
Reidsville High School’s Community Stadium will again play host to a Reidsville Rams pre-game tailgate part from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday night – prior to the team’s state semifinal playoff game.
Tickets to the tailgate will be $5 in advance and $6 on Friday.
Those in attendance will get chili or a half-dozen chicken wings, chips, drink and a dessert.
Proceeds will go toward the Reidsville swimming teams, girls’ softball, wrestling, cheerleading and SGA (Student Government Association).
For more information, call Don or Arleen Settles (342-2690), Caroline or Ken McKinney (432-4839), Dr. John Ferguson (342-6063, weekdays), Mike Armstrong (349-6361), Marie Connally (349-6361), Wanda Totten (951-4510).
Tickets for Friday’s game on sale at RHS
Tickets for Friday’s game are also being sold this week at the high school’s main office.
Tickets are $6 in advance at $7 at the game. They will remain on sale through noon on Friday.
For more information on tickets, call the school at 349-6361.
Reidsville High School’s Community Stadium will again play host to a Reidsville Rams pre-game tailgate part from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday night – prior to the team’s state semifinal playoff game.
Tickets to the tailgate will be $5 in advance and $6 on Friday.
Those in attendance will get chili or a half-dozen chicken wings, chips, drink and a dessert.
Proceeds will go toward the Reidsville swimming teams, girls’ softball, wrestling, cheerleading and SGA (Student Government Association).
For more information, call Don or Arleen Settles (342-2690), Caroline or Ken McKinney (432-4839), Dr. John Ferguson (342-6063, weekdays), Mike Armstrong (349-6361), Marie Connally (349-6361), Wanda Totten (951-4510).
Tickets for Friday’s game on sale at RHS
Tickets for Friday’s game are also being sold this week at the high school’s main office.
Tickets are $6 in advance at $7 at the game. They will remain on sale through noon on Friday.
For more information on tickets, call the school at 349-6361.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
One-loss Southern Vance stands between Rams and state title shot
By STEVE CANNULI
Sports Editor
Three down and one to go for the Reidsville Rams, who are one win away from their 21st appearance in a state championship game. In the Rams' rearview mirror are three teams - St. Pauls, Cedar Ridge and Orange, who have learned the hard way that speed kills.
In addition to Reidsville's 165-30 advantage in the playoffs, the Rams have not allowed a single point (126-0) during the first halves of those three games.
Welcome into Community Stadium, Southern Vance (13-1) - winners over Northwood, 33-15 Friday night in a 2-AA Eastern quarterfinals contest.
The Raiders, the No. 2 seed in the east, were impressive on both sides of the ball, limiting Northwood running back and North Carolina State-bound Tobias Palmer to 25 yards on 14 carries.
Northwood's 15 points were a season-low. The Chargers had not been held to under 30 points all season.
Southern Vance's defense limited Northwood to 171 yards of total offense.
Raider head coach Mark Perry spoke highly of his team's next opponent - the Rams.
"We'll be on the road next week in Reidsville," said Perry to the Henderson Dispatch. "...Somebody will go home and somebody will go on to the state championship game. That's a powerhouse up there. They're a tremendous football team."
The lone Raiders loss came in week five, a 28-13 loss to Southwest Edgecombe. On the season, Southern Vance has outscored its opponents, 469-216 (33.5-15.4). In their playoff run, the Raiders have been equally impressive. In addition to the win over Northwood, the Raiders beat Richland (47-14) and West Stanly (44-14).
Friday's win over the Chargers was led offensively by Southern Vance's rushing attack that produced 200 yards on 42 attempts (4.7 per attempt). Jeremy Davis gained 71 yards on 16 carries and scored once, but O'Darren Gill accounted for three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) and 117 yards of total offense.
Gill (5-10, 165, Sr.) scored on runs of 58 and 10 yards and also hauled in a 24-yards touchdown pass from quarterback Jamere Pugh.
Pugh (5-10, 160, Sr.) was 8 of 16 passing for 140 yards and two TDs. His other touchdown pass - a 17-yarder to Rashod Campbell (6-0, 175, Sr.) - closed out the third quarter scoring.
The Raiders outscored the Chargers, 14-0 in the third quarter.
Southern Vance also intercepted Northwood QB Joaquin Green two times. Patrick Crews (5-11, 160, Jr.) hauled in two interceptions and Daric Hawkins (6-1, 160, Sr.) added the other. Palmer attempted one pass, but it was intercepted.
According to the Henderson Dispatch, it was the relentless pressure of junior defensive end Shelton Gill (6-1, 190, Jr.) that created the most problems for the Chargers' passing attack. Gill also blocked a 34-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds of the first half.
The FG would have cut Southern's lead to 12-10. Instead, the Raiders took a 12-7 lead into the intermission.
Green was just 9 of 19 passing for 99 yards.
The Raiders, champions of the Northern Carolina 2-A Conference, enter Friday's semifinal game riding a nine-game winning streak.
Reidsville, which has outscored its opponents 693-146, is averaging 49.5 points per game.
Rams running back Tayon Graves eclipsed the 5,000-yard rushing mark Friday night - finishing with 168 yards. Graves currently has 5,092 for his career to go along with 85 touchdowns.
Friday's winner will meet the winner of No. 2 Mount Pleasant (14-0) and No. 1 Shelby (13-1) in next Saturday's 2-AA NCHSAA State Championship game at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mount Pleasant edged North Lincoln 18-13 on Friday and Shelby defeated Pisgah, 40-14.
It was Shelby who defeated the Rams in the 2005 NCHSAA State Championship.
Reidsville and Southern Vance have met once before, a 50-7 Reidsville victory in the 2004 state playoffs. Pugh, this year's Viking QB, was a freshman starter in that game.
Southern Vance at a Glance
Opponent Score
Dur. Hillside W, 26-16
S. Granville W, 35-32, OT
Webb W, 37-27
N. Vance W, 21-9
SW Edgecomb L, 28-13
N. Nash W, 34-9
Bunn W, 26-14
Roanoke Rapids W, 43-15
NW Halifax W, 35-0
Warren Co. W, 34-9
Franklinton W, 41-14
2-AA State Playoffs
W. Stanly W, 44-14
Richlands W, 47-14
Northwood W, 33-15
Sports Editor
Three down and one to go for the Reidsville Rams, who are one win away from their 21st appearance in a state championship game. In the Rams' rearview mirror are three teams - St. Pauls, Cedar Ridge and Orange, who have learned the hard way that speed kills.
In addition to Reidsville's 165-30 advantage in the playoffs, the Rams have not allowed a single point (126-0) during the first halves of those three games.
Welcome into Community Stadium, Southern Vance (13-1) - winners over Northwood, 33-15 Friday night in a 2-AA Eastern quarterfinals contest.
The Raiders, the No. 2 seed in the east, were impressive on both sides of the ball, limiting Northwood running back and North Carolina State-bound Tobias Palmer to 25 yards on 14 carries.
Northwood's 15 points were a season-low. The Chargers had not been held to under 30 points all season.
Southern Vance's defense limited Northwood to 171 yards of total offense.
Raider head coach Mark Perry spoke highly of his team's next opponent - the Rams.
"We'll be on the road next week in Reidsville," said Perry to the Henderson Dispatch. "...Somebody will go home and somebody will go on to the state championship game. That's a powerhouse up there. They're a tremendous football team."
The lone Raiders loss came in week five, a 28-13 loss to Southwest Edgecombe. On the season, Southern Vance has outscored its opponents, 469-216 (33.5-15.4). In their playoff run, the Raiders have been equally impressive. In addition to the win over Northwood, the Raiders beat Richland (47-14) and West Stanly (44-14).
Friday's win over the Chargers was led offensively by Southern Vance's rushing attack that produced 200 yards on 42 attempts (4.7 per attempt). Jeremy Davis gained 71 yards on 16 carries and scored once, but O'Darren Gill accounted for three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) and 117 yards of total offense.
Gill (5-10, 165, Sr.) scored on runs of 58 and 10 yards and also hauled in a 24-yards touchdown pass from quarterback Jamere Pugh.
Pugh (5-10, 160, Sr.) was 8 of 16 passing for 140 yards and two TDs. His other touchdown pass - a 17-yarder to Rashod Campbell (6-0, 175, Sr.) - closed out the third quarter scoring.
The Raiders outscored the Chargers, 14-0 in the third quarter.
Southern Vance also intercepted Northwood QB Joaquin Green two times. Patrick Crews (5-11, 160, Jr.) hauled in two interceptions and Daric Hawkins (6-1, 160, Sr.) added the other. Palmer attempted one pass, but it was intercepted.
According to the Henderson Dispatch, it was the relentless pressure of junior defensive end Shelton Gill (6-1, 190, Jr.) that created the most problems for the Chargers' passing attack. Gill also blocked a 34-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds of the first half.
The FG would have cut Southern's lead to 12-10. Instead, the Raiders took a 12-7 lead into the intermission.
Green was just 9 of 19 passing for 99 yards.
The Raiders, champions of the Northern Carolina 2-A Conference, enter Friday's semifinal game riding a nine-game winning streak.
Reidsville, which has outscored its opponents 693-146, is averaging 49.5 points per game.
Rams running back Tayon Graves eclipsed the 5,000-yard rushing mark Friday night - finishing with 168 yards. Graves currently has 5,092 for his career to go along with 85 touchdowns.
Friday's winner will meet the winner of No. 2 Mount Pleasant (14-0) and No. 1 Shelby (13-1) in next Saturday's 2-AA NCHSAA State Championship game at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mount Pleasant edged North Lincoln 18-13 on Friday and Shelby defeated Pisgah, 40-14.
It was Shelby who defeated the Rams in the 2005 NCHSAA State Championship.
Reidsville and Southern Vance have met once before, a 50-7 Reidsville victory in the 2004 state playoffs. Pugh, this year's Viking QB, was a freshman starter in that game.
Southern Vance at a Glance
Opponent Score
Dur. Hillside W, 26-16
S. Granville W, 35-32, OT
Webb W, 37-27
N. Vance W, 21-9
SW Edgecomb L, 28-13
N. Nash W, 34-9
Bunn W, 26-14
Roanoke Rapids W, 43-15
NW Halifax W, 35-0
Warren Co. W, 34-9
Franklinton W, 41-14
2-AA State Playoffs
W. Stanly W, 44-14
Richlands W, 47-14
Northwood W, 33-15
Friday, November 23, 2007
'Butter' Williams held in check
First I want to thank the 18 people that voted in our poll about how many yards St. Pauls' Bernard 'Butter' Williams would rush for Friday night.
Williams was held to 64 yards on 16 carries and 55 percent of those who voted selected between 50 and 100 yards.
Nice job!
Williams was held to 64 yards on 16 carries and 55 percent of those who voted selected between 50 and 100 yards.
Nice job!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
By STEVE CANNULI
Sports Editor
For the sixth year in a row and the 13th time overall, the Reidsville Rams will be hosting a prep football game on Thanksgiving weekend. This year the Rams will host St. Pauls at Community Stadium in a NCHSAA 2-AA quarterfinal playoff game.
This will be the first ever meeting between the two schools and the 74th different opponent to battle the Rams.
"It's fun to be playing this time of the year," said Reidsville head coach Jimmy Teague from his home Tuesday night. "Everyone associates Thanksgiving with football and there's a lot at stake right now."Teague said heading into the team's 2006 Thanksgiving weekend game, "home field advantage is a big factor, especially around this one [weekend]."
The Rams' first taste of turkey and football took place in 1969 when Reidsville defeated Mount Airy, 35-12 to win the Western 3-A Championship. One year later, the Rams defeated Pisgah, 10-7 at Kiker Stadium to repeat as state champion.It took 20 years for Reidsville to appear in another Thanksgiving weekend game.
In 1990, the Rams lost a 21-16 thriller to Southern Nash - the first of three straight 'turkey weekend' losses.
Reidsville got back on track in 1998 with one of its two most dramatic and memorable Thanksgiving weekend wins.
The Rams scored a 34-33 win over two-time defending state champion Clinton and current Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker. The other win was last season's 30-29 last-second victory over Newton-Conover, when many of the Ram faithful had made their way to the parking lot in the face of defeat.
Following a loss to Southwest Onslow (47-13) in 2000, the Rams have gone on their current five-game Thanksgiving weekend winning streak. Reidsville's 1998 win over Clinton was special because the Rams had their championship hopes dashed three previous times in the decade in the third round.
The win, at that time, got Reidsville to its furthest point in the state playoffs since the 1970 Western 3-A State Championship - won by the Rams, 10-7 over Pisgah.Trailing 21-14 late in the first half, the Rams got a second quarter touchdown pass from Josh Duncan to Kenyon Laughlin (11 yards) that tied the game at 21-21 heading into halftime.
Clinton, despite 401 yards rushing - 203 from Parker on 25 carries, could not overcome three fumbles.The Rams won although they were outgained, 475-339. Victor Slade's nine-yard touchdown run and a 19-yard touchdown reception by Isaiah Robinson from Duncan gave the Rams a 34-27 lead. Duncan was 12 for 22 for 239 yards and three touchdowns. With 2:03 remaining, Clinton turned a Reidsville interception into a Bryan Peterson TD run and narrowed the deficit to 34-33.
Having already missed one extra point earlier in the game, Brent McGirt missed wide right on the game-tying PAT - due to a low snap from center. McGirt had converted 29 straight heading into the game.
"Their three turnovers helped a great deal," said Teague, following the game. "We never stopped them but two or three times; they stopped themselves."
Clinton, which had won 20 straight games, finished the season at 12-1.Reidsville, which is in search of its 16th state championship and 21st state championship appearance, found itself in another historic game last season.
Newton-Conover stood toe to toe with the Rams on a muddy Community Stadium field in the 2006 quarterfinal playoff game. A 16-point third quarter got the Red Devils back into the contest (leading 23-17), after falling behind early 14-0.
With 4:31 left in the game, Reidsville led 24-23 following a one-yard plunge from quarterback Ray Ray Butchee. Marc Tuttle added his third extra point to go along with a 22-yard field goal in the third quarter.
The Red Devils answered back with a Devon Danner 25-yard TD run that came with just 1:34 left. After a pair of big catches from Julius Graves that got the Rams into Newton territory, Graves was hit from behind and fumbled, turning the ball over to N-C with 56 seconds left on the clock.
At that point, Ram fans headed for the parking lot, the Newton-Conover band began to play "Na na na na, hey, hey, hey goodbye" and the P.A. announcer at the Burlington Cummings game announced that Newton-Conover would battle their Cavaliers the following week. That's when the "Miracle in the Mud" happened.
With a 29-24 lead, the Red Devils had the ball at their own 45. Reidsville had its full allotment of timeouts; prompting N-C head coach Nick Bazzle to try to run for the first down instead of taking three kneel-downs and punting. After two plays netted the Red Devils four yards, the visitors were faced with a third and six from N-C 49.
With 43 seconds left on the clock, Newton fullback Brian Sullivan was stacked up at the line of scrimmage by E.J. Foster, Larry Blackwell and Kwame Graves. Just then, Reidsville linebacker John Connally yanked the ball out and raced down to the N-C 2-yard line. Butchee scored on the next play, giving the Rams an improbable 30-29 lead.
Jordan Gunter intercepted Danner on the Red Devils' last-ditch effort and the Rams were on to the state semifinals.
"You can't play in a better atmosphere than we played tonight," said Teague following last year's game. "That's what high school football is all about."Like in 1998, the opposing team's fumbles - two by Newton-Conover - helped the Rams record their dramatic victories.
Reidsville is 8-4 all-time on Thanksgiving weekend.
Sports Editor
For the sixth year in a row and the 13th time overall, the Reidsville Rams will be hosting a prep football game on Thanksgiving weekend. This year the Rams will host St. Pauls at Community Stadium in a NCHSAA 2-AA quarterfinal playoff game.
This will be the first ever meeting between the two schools and the 74th different opponent to battle the Rams.
"It's fun to be playing this time of the year," said Reidsville head coach Jimmy Teague from his home Tuesday night. "Everyone associates Thanksgiving with football and there's a lot at stake right now."Teague said heading into the team's 2006 Thanksgiving weekend game, "home field advantage is a big factor, especially around this one [weekend]."
The Rams' first taste of turkey and football took place in 1969 when Reidsville defeated Mount Airy, 35-12 to win the Western 3-A Championship. One year later, the Rams defeated Pisgah, 10-7 at Kiker Stadium to repeat as state champion.It took 20 years for Reidsville to appear in another Thanksgiving weekend game.
In 1990, the Rams lost a 21-16 thriller to Southern Nash - the first of three straight 'turkey weekend' losses.
Reidsville got back on track in 1998 with one of its two most dramatic and memorable Thanksgiving weekend wins.
The Rams scored a 34-33 win over two-time defending state champion Clinton and current Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker. The other win was last season's 30-29 last-second victory over Newton-Conover, when many of the Ram faithful had made their way to the parking lot in the face of defeat.
Following a loss to Southwest Onslow (47-13) in 2000, the Rams have gone on their current five-game Thanksgiving weekend winning streak. Reidsville's 1998 win over Clinton was special because the Rams had their championship hopes dashed three previous times in the decade in the third round.
The win, at that time, got Reidsville to its furthest point in the state playoffs since the 1970 Western 3-A State Championship - won by the Rams, 10-7 over Pisgah.Trailing 21-14 late in the first half, the Rams got a second quarter touchdown pass from Josh Duncan to Kenyon Laughlin (11 yards) that tied the game at 21-21 heading into halftime.
Clinton, despite 401 yards rushing - 203 from Parker on 25 carries, could not overcome three fumbles.The Rams won although they were outgained, 475-339. Victor Slade's nine-yard touchdown run and a 19-yard touchdown reception by Isaiah Robinson from Duncan gave the Rams a 34-27 lead. Duncan was 12 for 22 for 239 yards and three touchdowns. With 2:03 remaining, Clinton turned a Reidsville interception into a Bryan Peterson TD run and narrowed the deficit to 34-33.
Having already missed one extra point earlier in the game, Brent McGirt missed wide right on the game-tying PAT - due to a low snap from center. McGirt had converted 29 straight heading into the game.
"Their three turnovers helped a great deal," said Teague, following the game. "We never stopped them but two or three times; they stopped themselves."
Clinton, which had won 20 straight games, finished the season at 12-1.Reidsville, which is in search of its 16th state championship and 21st state championship appearance, found itself in another historic game last season.
Newton-Conover stood toe to toe with the Rams on a muddy Community Stadium field in the 2006 quarterfinal playoff game. A 16-point third quarter got the Red Devils back into the contest (leading 23-17), after falling behind early 14-0.
With 4:31 left in the game, Reidsville led 24-23 following a one-yard plunge from quarterback Ray Ray Butchee. Marc Tuttle added his third extra point to go along with a 22-yard field goal in the third quarter.
The Red Devils answered back with a Devon Danner 25-yard TD run that came with just 1:34 left. After a pair of big catches from Julius Graves that got the Rams into Newton territory, Graves was hit from behind and fumbled, turning the ball over to N-C with 56 seconds left on the clock.
At that point, Ram fans headed for the parking lot, the Newton-Conover band began to play "Na na na na, hey, hey, hey goodbye" and the P.A. announcer at the Burlington Cummings game announced that Newton-Conover would battle their Cavaliers the following week. That's when the "Miracle in the Mud" happened.
With a 29-24 lead, the Red Devils had the ball at their own 45. Reidsville had its full allotment of timeouts; prompting N-C head coach Nick Bazzle to try to run for the first down instead of taking three kneel-downs and punting. After two plays netted the Red Devils four yards, the visitors were faced with a third and six from N-C 49.
With 43 seconds left on the clock, Newton fullback Brian Sullivan was stacked up at the line of scrimmage by E.J. Foster, Larry Blackwell and Kwame Graves. Just then, Reidsville linebacker John Connally yanked the ball out and raced down to the N-C 2-yard line. Butchee scored on the next play, giving the Rams an improbable 30-29 lead.
Jordan Gunter intercepted Danner on the Red Devils' last-ditch effort and the Rams were on to the state semifinals.
"You can't play in a better atmosphere than we played tonight," said Teague following last year's game. "That's what high school football is all about."Like in 1998, the opposing team's fumbles - two by Newton-Conover - helped the Rams record their dramatic victories.
Reidsville is 8-4 all-time on Thanksgiving weekend.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Splitting divisions
“Why would you have eight playoffs?” It was question posed by our boss, Editor John Trump, the other day. They do things differently here in the Ol’ North State than they do in Steelers country where he’s from.
The North Carolina High School Athletic Association has four classifications for high school football teams during the regular season. However, they divide those up again come playoff season so there are eight classifications – the NCHSAA does not refer to them as divisions.
Thing is, if you’re in the 2A classification in the regular season you will play the let’s say Bulls as an example. But when the playoffs come around and they split those classes the Bulls may be in the 2AA class while you’re in the 2A.
All of the classifications are based on schools average daily attendance. NCHSAA Associate Executive Director Rick Strunk said there is a major difference in the size of a school ranked at the top of the 1A class versus a school ranked at the top of the 1AA.
The NCHSAA evaluates classifications every four years and adjust during that time for new schools. Because the NCHSAA is a membership organization the schools help determine the system.
Still, it’s okay during the regular season so why not in the playoffs. What can happen is your Bears may defeat the bigger Bulls team in a truly amazing regular season game. The two teams perform really well for the rest of the season but then when the playoffs come around and you should have a chance to knock those guys out….you have to settle with for some other rivalry.
This week as we worked on our next slideshow installment, this time focusing on the fans, two things kept coming up. Rams fans love their team’s winning legacy and their rivalries. Our question is, how would either of those be affected if the regular season classifications remained in place during the playoff season?
The North Carolina High School Athletic Association has four classifications for high school football teams during the regular season. However, they divide those up again come playoff season so there are eight classifications – the NCHSAA does not refer to them as divisions.
Thing is, if you’re in the 2A classification in the regular season you will play the let’s say Bulls as an example. But when the playoffs come around and they split those classes the Bulls may be in the 2AA class while you’re in the 2A.
All of the classifications are based on schools average daily attendance. NCHSAA Associate Executive Director Rick Strunk said there is a major difference in the size of a school ranked at the top of the 1A class versus a school ranked at the top of the 1AA.
The NCHSAA evaluates classifications every four years and adjust during that time for new schools. Because the NCHSAA is a membership organization the schools help determine the system.
Still, it’s okay during the regular season so why not in the playoffs. What can happen is your Bears may defeat the bigger Bulls team in a truly amazing regular season game. The two teams perform really well for the rest of the season but then when the playoffs come around and you should have a chance to knock those guys out….you have to settle with for some other rivalry.
This week as we worked on our next slideshow installment, this time focusing on the fans, two things kept coming up. Rams fans love their team’s winning legacy and their rivalries. Our question is, how would either of those be affected if the regular season classifications remained in place during the playoff season?
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Rams take liking to playing on Thanksgiving weekend
Rams on Thanksgiving Weekend
Year Opp. Score
1969 Mt. Airy 35-12
1970 Pisgah 10-7
1990 S. Nash 16-21
1993 W. Brunswick 3-21
1996 Ragsdale 21-24
1998 Clinton 34-33
2000 SW Onslow 21-48
2002 W. Alamance 47-13
2003 W. Alamance 51-33
2004 So. Vance 50-7
2005 Cummings 21-7
2006 Newton-Conover 30-29
8-4 all-time on Thanksgiving Friday
Year Opp. Score
1969 Mt. Airy 35-12
1970 Pisgah 10-7
1990 S. Nash 16-21
1993 W. Brunswick 3-21
1996 Ragsdale 21-24
1998 Clinton 34-33
2000 SW Onslow 21-48
2002 W. Alamance 47-13
2003 W. Alamance 51-33
2004 So. Vance 50-7
2005 Cummings 21-7
2006 Newton-Conover 30-29
8-4 all-time on Thanksgiving Friday
Monday, November 19, 2007
Ram Thanksgiving week schedule
Tuesday, Nov. 20
Practice 3:45 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 21
Practice 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, No. 22 (Thanksgiving Day)
Practice 9 a.m.- 11 a.m.
Friday, No. 23
Home vs. St. Pauls (playoffs) - 7:30 p.m.
Practice 3:45 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 21
Practice 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, No. 22 (Thanksgiving Day)
Practice 9 a.m.- 11 a.m.
Friday, No. 23
Home vs. St. Pauls (playoffs) - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Rams send Cedar Ridge packing
On the heels of Friday night’s 54-12 romp of Cedar Ridge, the Reidsville Rams will now welcome St. Pauls into Community Stadium Friday night in the 2-AA quarterfinals of the NCHSAA prep football playoffs.
St. Pauls, a No. 4 seed, knocked off Southern Guilford 43-27 Friday night in its second-round game.
The Rams, who jumped out to a 35-0 first-quarter lead, were led by Ray Ray Butchee’s 213 yards passing and two touchdowns on just eight completions (8 for 10).
Mike Brown hauled in two catches – both touchdowns – for 102 yards.
Friday’s game will mark the 13th time the Rams will play a football game on Thanksgiving weekend.
Last year’s dramatic 30-29 win over Newton-Conover improved Reidsville’s Thanksgiv-ing record to 8-4.
The Rams will be playing in their sixth straight Thanksgiving weekend game.
Reidsville senior running back Tayon Graves finished the night with 71 yards and three touchdowns – leaving him 76 yards shy of 5,000 yards for his career. Graves now has 32 touchdowns for the season, his highest total ever.
Friday’s game with St. Pauls (9-4) gets under way at 7:30 p.m.
St. Pauls, a No. 4 seed, knocked off Southern Guilford 43-27 Friday night in its second-round game.
The Rams, who jumped out to a 35-0 first-quarter lead, were led by Ray Ray Butchee’s 213 yards passing and two touchdowns on just eight completions (8 for 10).
Mike Brown hauled in two catches – both touchdowns – for 102 yards.
Friday’s game will mark the 13th time the Rams will play a football game on Thanksgiving weekend.
Last year’s dramatic 30-29 win over Newton-Conover improved Reidsville’s Thanksgiv-ing record to 8-4.
The Rams will be playing in their sixth straight Thanksgiving weekend game.
Reidsville senior running back Tayon Graves finished the night with 71 yards and three touchdowns – leaving him 76 yards shy of 5,000 yards for his career. Graves now has 32 touchdowns for the season, his highest total ever.
Friday’s game with St. Pauls (9-4) gets under way at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Ram Playoff Notes
The Reidsville Rams will play their 58th playoff game when another Hillsborough team - Cedar Ridge comes into Community Stadium tonight... The Rams, who are 40-17 all time, enter tonight's game 12-0, No. 1 in the NCHSAA 2-A state poll, No. 1 again according to www.masseyratings.com's 2-A classification and the top seed in the 2-AA East Regional bracket... The last Reidsville 12-0 start came in 1993... Cedar Ridge opened its doors in 2002, so tonight's meeting will be the first ever between the two... The Red Wolves are the 73rd different team to face the Rams all-time... Head coach Jimmy Teague, who is 178-40 (.817) all-time at Reidsville, has guided the Rams to a 32-12 (.727) playoff mark... Over the past five seasons, Teague's teams have won 21 of the last 24 playoff games (.875)... Four of Reidsville's 11 regular-season opponents this year are in still alive in playoff action tonight - Northeast Guilford, Southern Guilford, Winston-Salem Atkins and Burlington Cummings... Wilmington Hoggard (1) and Scotland County (11) - both 4-A schools - are the two teams the Rams scrimmaged back in August and those two are in action tonight... The Red Wolves are led by Domonic Currie, referred to as one of the best running backs in the Hillsborough area... Currie has rushed for 1,793 yards and 19 touchdowns this season for the Cedar Ridge (7-5).... Reidsville running back Tayon Graves is just 147 yards shy of 5,000 for his career... Only two running backs - McMichael's Kenny Harris and Southern Guilford's William Graves - have gone over 100 yards against the Rams' defense, which is allowing 175.1 yards per game and 10.7 points per game to its opposition...
Monday, November 12, 2007
Rams prepare for yet another tough RB
By STEVE CANNULI
Sports Editor
On their way to a perfect 12-0 record, the Reidsville Rams have made a very good living shutting down featured running backs. Friday night will be another challenge for the Rams, who will play host to the second round of the state 2-AA playoffs at Community Stadium.
Cedar Ridge, which knocked off Warren County, 31-18 Friday night, will showcase Domonic Currie and pit him against a defense that has allowed 175.1 yards per game and 10.7 points per game to its opposition.
Currie, referred to as one of the best running backs in the Hillsborough area, has rushed for 1,425 yards and 17 touchdowns this season for the Red Wolves (7-5).
So far this season, Reidsville has put the clamps of such running backs as KaShaun Johnson (Morehead), Audi Smith (Cummings), J.R. McGee (Rockingham County), Kendall Bratcher (Northeast Guilford), Jonathan Adams (West Stokes), Gerrod Herbin (Eastern Guilford) and Mike Williams (Orange).
In Friday's win over Warren County, Currie rushed 30 times for 209 yards and scored four times. The Red Wolves also got a 22-yard field from Jeremy Gerlach, who was 4 for 4 in point after attempts.
Through 12 games this season, the Rams have only allowed two 100-yard rushers - William Graves (Southern Guilford) and Kenny Harris (McMichael).
Orange attempted to bring its one-dimensional Wing-T offense into Reidsville and found out how difficult it was to handle the Rams' defense. The Panthers were held to 116 yards on 51 carries (2.3 per rush) and Williams was held to 10 yards on 13 attempts.
Through the air against Warren County, Cedar Ridge was 3 of 6 passing for minus-five yards. The Red Wolves are quarterbacked by Alex Gregory.
Gregory, in the regular season finale against Orange (won by Orange, 15-14), was 7 of 18, but for just 44 yards. Currie rushed for 144 yards on 25 attempts in the loss.
Cedar Ridge's season did not get off to the start the Red Wolves had hoped it would. At least that's what it looked like. Cedar lost to Chapel Hill in its opener, but it was found Chapel Hill had an ineligible player the Red Wolves went from 0-1 to 1-0. Three more wins moved the team to 4-0 heading into a date with Eastern Guilford. The Red Wolves dropped back-to-back games with Eastern Guilford and Eastern Alamance before rebounding with wins over Cardinal Gibbons and Graham.
A late-season three-game slide (Cummings, Northwood and Orange) put Cedar Ridge at 6-5, but in the playoffs.
The Red Wolves have allowed just 203 points all season (16.9 per game), but the offense has not posted gaudy numbers, scoring 230 points in 12 games (19.2).
Reidsville, with one of the best scoring teams in the state, has piled up 576 points (48.0) and has not been held to under 30 points since last season's state semifinal loss to Cummings.
Following the team's win over Warren County, Cedar Ridge head coach Lou Geary told the Henderson Dispatch, "to tell you the truth, we're just happy to be in the playoffs. We had lost three games in a row on a downward spiral, but things were clicking for us tonight."
Warren County had the more balanced offense, rushing for 160 yards and passing for 191, but all three Currie touchdowns came before halftime as the Red Wolves built a 21-12 lead.
Geary also told the Dispatch, "we're going against the number one team and we feel like if you're going to be a championship quality team, you have to go up against those guys. We hope we can go up there and have a good showing and who knows what can happen."
The winner of Friday's game will face either St. Pauls or Southern Guilford in next week's quarterfinals. The Rams defeated the Storm, 46-14 three weeks ago.
All-time, Reidsville is 7-6 against Southern Guilford. The Rams have never faced St. Pauls in football.
Sports Editor
On their way to a perfect 12-0 record, the Reidsville Rams have made a very good living shutting down featured running backs. Friday night will be another challenge for the Rams, who will play host to the second round of the state 2-AA playoffs at Community Stadium.
Cedar Ridge, which knocked off Warren County, 31-18 Friday night, will showcase Domonic Currie and pit him against a defense that has allowed 175.1 yards per game and 10.7 points per game to its opposition.
Currie, referred to as one of the best running backs in the Hillsborough area, has rushed for 1,425 yards and 17 touchdowns this season for the Red Wolves (7-5).
So far this season, Reidsville has put the clamps of such running backs as KaShaun Johnson (Morehead), Audi Smith (Cummings), J.R. McGee (Rockingham County), Kendall Bratcher (Northeast Guilford), Jonathan Adams (West Stokes), Gerrod Herbin (Eastern Guilford) and Mike Williams (Orange).
In Friday's win over Warren County, Currie rushed 30 times for 209 yards and scored four times. The Red Wolves also got a 22-yard field from Jeremy Gerlach, who was 4 for 4 in point after attempts.
Through 12 games this season, the Rams have only allowed two 100-yard rushers - William Graves (Southern Guilford) and Kenny Harris (McMichael).
Orange attempted to bring its one-dimensional Wing-T offense into Reidsville and found out how difficult it was to handle the Rams' defense. The Panthers were held to 116 yards on 51 carries (2.3 per rush) and Williams was held to 10 yards on 13 attempts.
Through the air against Warren County, Cedar Ridge was 3 of 6 passing for minus-five yards. The Red Wolves are quarterbacked by Alex Gregory.
Gregory, in the regular season finale against Orange (won by Orange, 15-14), was 7 of 18, but for just 44 yards. Currie rushed for 144 yards on 25 attempts in the loss.
Cedar Ridge's season did not get off to the start the Red Wolves had hoped it would. At least that's what it looked like. Cedar lost to Chapel Hill in its opener, but it was found Chapel Hill had an ineligible player the Red Wolves went from 0-1 to 1-0. Three more wins moved the team to 4-0 heading into a date with Eastern Guilford. The Red Wolves dropped back-to-back games with Eastern Guilford and Eastern Alamance before rebounding with wins over Cardinal Gibbons and Graham.
A late-season three-game slide (Cummings, Northwood and Orange) put Cedar Ridge at 6-5, but in the playoffs.
The Red Wolves have allowed just 203 points all season (16.9 per game), but the offense has not posted gaudy numbers, scoring 230 points in 12 games (19.2).
Reidsville, with one of the best scoring teams in the state, has piled up 576 points (48.0) and has not been held to under 30 points since last season's state semifinal loss to Cummings.
Following the team's win over Warren County, Cedar Ridge head coach Lou Geary told the Henderson Dispatch, "to tell you the truth, we're just happy to be in the playoffs. We had lost three games in a row on a downward spiral, but things were clicking for us tonight."
Warren County had the more balanced offense, rushing for 160 yards and passing for 191, but all three Currie touchdowns came before halftime as the Red Wolves built a 21-12 lead.
Geary also told the Dispatch, "we're going against the number one team and we feel like if you're going to be a championship quality team, you have to go up against those guys. We hope we can go up there and have a good showing and who knows what can happen."
The winner of Friday's game will face either St. Pauls or Southern Guilford in next week's quarterfinals. The Rams defeated the Storm, 46-14 three weeks ago.
All-time, Reidsville is 7-6 against Southern Guilford. The Rams have never faced St. Pauls in football.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Ram Playoff Notes
The Reidsville Rams will play their 57th playoff game when Hillsborough Orange comes into Community Stadium tonight… The Rams, who are 39-17 all time, enter tonight’s game 11-0, No. 1 in the NCHSAA 2-A state poll and the top seed in the 2-AA East Regional bracket… Reidsville is off to its best start since the 1993 – a season where the Rams started 12-0 before losing to West Brunswick in the third round of the playoffs… Orange head coach Dick Schock, was scheduled to be the offensive coordinator at Wake Forest Rolesville, but the departure of Panther head coach Tim Bennett opened the way for Schock and his Wing-T offense… Schock’s old team, W-F Rolesville (No. 2, 11-0) opens postseason play tonight at home against Cary… Orange and Reids-ville have never met before – making the Panthers the 72nd different team to face the Rams all-time… Head coach Jimmy Teague, who is 177-40 (.816) all-time at Reidsville, has guided the Rams to a 31-12 (.721) playoff mark… Over the past five seasons, Teague’s teams have won 20 of the last 23 games (.870)… This year’s senior class at RHS were in the eighth grade the last time the Rams won a state championship (2003)… However, in the last three years, Reidsville has lost once in the championship game (Shelby, 2005) and twice in the state semifinals (2006, 2004)… Eight of Reidsville’s 11 opponents this year are in playoff action tonight – only McMichael, Rockingham and Magna Vista (still in regular season) are not… The Panthers’ offense is orches-trated by quarterback Luke Hawksworth and running backs Mike Williams, B.J. Riley, Kirk Haas and Cedric Leonard… The heart and soul of the Orange squad are captains Ben Brink (TE), Artimus Stewart (LB), Robby Dow (DB) and Larry McDonald (OL/DL)… Reidsville running back Tayon Graves is just 340 yards shy of 5,000 for his career…
The legacy continues
As Reidsville High School Varsity Football team makes its run at a state football championship we look at how that competition affects the lives of current players, former players, coaches and fans.
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