Reidsville’s redemption churns out 23rd state title

Rams down Clinton 28-18 behind Lee, Harrison

Reidsville’s redemption churns out 23rd state title

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – A year later, there were changes for Reidsville.

Most importantly to the Rams, there was an altered end of the season.

They’re back as state champions after winning the Class 2-A title Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium.

“It’s something they’ve been thinking about since last December,” first-year coach Erik Teague said of the players. “Winning it your senior year probably means a little bit more to you.”

They’ll remember this one forever, topping previously undefeated Clinton 28-18 as Al Lee threw four touchdowns.

Reidsville (15-1) never trailed, but the outcome didn’t appear safe until Lee hooked up with Cam’ron Jones for a 45-yard touchdown play with 9:11 remaining. That was the longest play of the game for the Rams.

So the team’s motto panned out: State title No. 23 in Year 2023.

“We had to go get it,” defensive end Devin Shryock said. “There was no other choice.”

No school has won more North Carolina High School Athletic Association football titles.

Some members of Reidsville’s senior were last part of a title team as freshmen.

Reidsville contained Clinton’s offense, holding the Dark Horses (15-1) to 297 yards of offense despite Josiah Robinson’s 110 rushing yards and Amaris Williams’ 77 yards and one touchdown on the ground and one receiving touchdown.

But the Rams had more options, spearheaded by Lee.

“Looking at our roster, we knew we can be really explosive offensively if we could come together as a team,” Teague said. “Al is lucky to have a bunch of guys to throw to. They come down with the ball a lot of times.”

Lee was 17-for-27 for 258 yards, with 102 receiving yards and one touchdown compiled by Dionte Neal on eight catches. Tight end Kendre Harrison had two touchdown catches and 95 yards, while running back Jarie Cobb gained 145 yards on 24 carries.

Reidsville scored on the game’s opening possession, with Lee throwing 12 yards to Neal. After Brandt Sumner’s 23-yard field goal for Clinton, Harrison bullied his way to the end zone on an 18-yard touchdown play.

Clinton was within 14-10 with eight minutes left in the third quarter. Six plays and 60 yards later, Harrison’s 24-yard touchdown catch padded the lead.

This marked Reidsville’s first state championship since the spring 2021 season. Last year, the Rams fell 24-21 to East Duplin in the title game.

“Let it sting,” linebacker Paul Widerman said. “I felt like that kind of resonated to everybody. It pushed us to get better.”

The Rams worked through injuries to several players early in the season and lost a non-conference game at Eastern Alamance. When healthy, they often weren’t seriously challenged.

In the postseason, it was time to make amends.

“We learned from it and we used it to our advantage,” Lee said. “It was a great opportunity and we capitalized and just played Reidsville football.”

Widerman was Reidsville’s Defensive MVP. He won’t have a break, planning to report Sunday to Spartanburg, S.C., in preparation for next weekend’s Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas.

Some new pieces

Erik Teague took the Reidsville coaching reins after last season, replacing his father, Jimmy Teague. So it’s his responsibility to keep the tradition going.

He’s off to a good start.

“He’ll definitely remember this one, being No. 1,” Widerman said.

Linebacker Aidan Mansfield said he and Widerman are in a mid-morning math class with Teague the teacher. That has been a worthy experience.

“It has helped us bond together as a group,” Mansfield said.

The Rams restocked from a year ago, aided by a couple of transfers. Jones, formerly of Burlington Williams, and defensive back Johnniyus Sharpe, who played quarterback at Burlington Cummings, were summer additions.

They both played critical roles, landing Mid-State 2-A Conference all-star honors. They’re proud of the team accomplishment.

“We didn’t just buy in in the playoffs, we bought in in August,” Sharpe said.

Jones said he was told that he could be the difference maker. So he took satisfaction in his title-game role with his TD play.

“That’s probably the one,” Jones said. “I feel that sealed the game.”

Yet to Jones, becoming a state champion “it’s like shocking,” he said.

Around Reidsville, not so much. It’s back to business as normal.