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.