High School Football Preview for Rockingham County Schools
By Jason “Jay” Ramey, Jr.
High school football season is nearly upon us. Juniors and seniors across Rockingham County are getting their pads ready for the next season on the gridiron, which begins in just a few short weeks.
In this preview, I’ll be detailing last postseason’s outcomes, players to watch out for, and the big night to circle on the schedule for the McMichael Phoenix, Morehead Panthers, Reidsville Rams, and Rockingham Cougars, the four high school football teams in Rockingham County.
McMichael Phoenix
Last Season’s Record: 7-4 Overall, 4-2 Conference | 16 Seed
________________________________________
Postseason
Opening Round – eliminated by 17 Providence Grove Patriots, 14-48
________________________________________
Jace Dunne is a winning quarterback. It’s as simple as that. With Dunne on the field, McMichael went 6-2. Without him, they went 1-2. If Dunne can play the way he did in the six wins throughout next season, the Phoenix could become a serious contender.
Another huge piece for McMichael was Jayden Moore. He had 22 rushing touchdowns, nearly 6 yards per carry, and over 134 yards per game. If he even sniffs those numbers in 2023, McMichael should be thrilled.
McMichael’s defense is led by defensive end Hayden Meeks, who had a monstrous ten sacks last fall.
________________________________________
Game to Mark
West Stokes Wildcats @ McMichael Phoenix – Friday, October 13th – In a low-scoring affair last September, the Phoenix barely got the best of the Wildcats, 17-12. This year, they’ll try to defeat them once again when West Stokes comes to town.
Morehead Panthers
Last Season’s Record: 4-7 Overall, 2-4 Conference | 30 Seed
________________________________________
Postseason
Opening Round – eliminated by 3 Burns Bulldogs, 13-62________________________________________
Corey Philson hauled in an insane 16.3 yards per reception last season, and coming back as a senior for the Panthers, he should only get better. He may seem to be flying under the radar for now, but by the end of the season, everyone could know his name.
Brittyn Barnes is another guy to keep your eye on this season, and Dominique Hairston, at the wide receiver position, also showed some amazing flashes. Watch these three guys during the fall, as they could make some massive leaps over the course of the season.
________________________________________
Game to Mark
Morehead Panthers @ T.W. Andrews Red Raiders – Thursday, October 5th – The Panthers and Red Raiders competed in an absolute slugfest in 2022, in a game which Morehead won, 28-27. T.W. Andrews will be searching for revenge this time around, on their home turf, and Morehead is going to have to bring everything they’ve got for this conference rivalry game.
Reidsville Rams
Last Season’s Record: 14-2 Overall, 6-0 Conference | 2022 NCHSAA 2A West Regional Champions | 1 Seed
________________________________________
Postseason
Opening Round – defeated 32 Madison Patriots, 76-14
Second Round – defeated 17 Providence Grove Patriots, 51-25
Regional Quarterfinals – defeated 8 Chase Trojans, 30-0
Regional Semifinals – defeated 5 Maiden Blue Devils, 35-7
Regional Finals – defeated 3 Burns Bulldogs, 32-14
State Championship – eliminated by 2 East Duplin Panthers, 21-24
________________________________________
As usual, the Reidsville Rams were dominant last year, and they will accept nothing less than a championship in 2023. If Reidsville doesn’t come away with jewelry this year, they will undoubtedly be disappointed.
The Rams had a busy summer. Between a new field, dozens of Division I offers for players, and summer workouts, the expectations have only ascended higher and higher.
NCHSAA Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Teague retired, and his son, offensive coordinator Erik Teague, is taking the reins. Hopefully, Erik can guide quarterback Al Lee to the same success he had last year, when he threw 31 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions, completed 63.5% of his throws, and passed for 2,360 yards. Lee, a senior, will continue to develop alongside 2026 five-star tight end Kendre Harrison, and one of the best receiving duos in the state in Dionte Neal and Que’shyne “Flip” Flippen.
On the ground, returning senior Jeremiah Redd averaged 6.2 yards per carry. Let’s also talk about defense , where the man who led the state in tackles, linebacker Paul Widerman, wreaked havoc with 144 tackles and 9 per game. He’s joined on that list by Aidan Mansfield, who was third in the state with 134 tackles.
The astounding defensive prowess doesn’t stop there. Harrison, who is only a sophomore, had 9 sacks in his freshman season! The interception game is on point, too, with the lethal receiving duo being just as aggressive on the other side of the ball. Neal led the state with a jaw-dropping 12 interceptions, and Flippen followed with 4 INTs, just outside of the top ten in the state. Also with 4 picks was the aforementioned Mansfield, who terrifies every offense Reidsville faces.
This stacked roster is why Reidsville will continue to have the sustained success that they’ve had since the beginning of time.
________________________________________
Game to Mark
Page Pirates @ Reidsville Rams – Friday, August 25th – The Rams are likely itching to avenge their one regular season loss last year, a brutal eight-point game that hurt badly, when they face Page at home in their second game of the season.
Rockingham Cougars
Last Season’s Record: 3-7 Overall, 2-5 Conference
________________________________________
Failed to attain Postseason spot
________________________________________
Two-time all-conference quarterback Brice Baker, and number one receiver Maleek Bryant, were two high spots in a challenging 2022 season for the Cougars. They’re both returning, and will likely be better than ever after an offseason of being able to work together and build even more chemistry.
________________________________________
Game to Mark
Rockingham Cougars at Morehead Panthers – Friday, August 25th – Last year, Rockingham failed to build momentum off of an opening win over McMichael, losing to Morehead, 30-13, in the second week. They’ll get a shot at retribution when they come to Eden in late August.