The Reidsville Rams recorded their worst playoff finish in two decades, falling to East Rutherford, 27-26, in the Round of 32.
This is undeniably a tough pill to swallow for a team that has lived in the final eight for the past decade. With Dionte Neal and Kendre Harrison in their junior year and seeking their second championship, Reidsville squandered a big opportunity.
In the first quarter, Dionte Neal recorded an interception to break the record for most interceptions by a Reidsville Ram all-time. But, the gold and navy failed to capitalize, and at the half, they were down by two touchdowns. They eventually fell down, 21-0, but came roaring back, and had an opportunity with less than two minutes to go. Down by just one, they looked to drive it down field and complete a storybook finish, but unfortunately, Neal threw his third interception of the year, ending the season for the Rams.
The team dealt with some issues this season, namely the loss of Jariel Cobb and reintegrating Kendre Harrison into the offense after he left the team. Though they seemed to have a couple of chinks in the armor, specifically their run defense, and East Rutherford exploited that. After their interception to Neal, they didn’t throw the ball again, and let Blake McClellan and Brandon Pinkerton loose, who rushed for 136 and 186 yards, respectively.
It is an unfortunate end to the high school careers of Juhkari Pinnix, Bryson Miller, Kori Rhodes, Cam’Ron Jones, Johnniyus Sharpe, Lucas Gengler, Tyrese Turner, Noah Ware, Grady Barrett, and more. May they all go on to do greater things.
However, there is plenty to be excited about, as the Rams still have a title to defend in basketball. And, the team is comprised of plenty of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, and the main guys, Kendre Harrison and Dionte Neal will be returning. Hopefully, they use this as fuel and come back stronger and hungrier than ever next year. It’s easy to get comfortable when you have won forty games in the past three years, and this may be the kick that they need to get another chip in 2025.