WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Reidsville Rams captured the school’s 16th state championship to go along with three regional titles they won in the 1960’s when play didn’t culminate in a full state champion as they blew past John A. Holmes 58-12. Jaron Letterlough accounted for five touchdowns, four rushing and one receiving on his way to M.V.P. honors in the game.
Letterlough opened the scoring with a five yard run in the first quarter, then adding an 18-yard TD to put the Rams up 14-0 early. The Aces struck back with Keimon Bailey streaking for 55 yards and a score, but the point after failed and Holmes trailed 14-6.
Letterlough added a 45-yard touchdown reception and the Rams tacked on a pair of field goals in the second quarter while the Aces got a 7-yard touchdown run by Mitjanta Stanley to make the halftime score 27-12.
The second half was all Reidsville as Letterlough added an 18-yard touchdown run in the third to stretch the Rams lead to 34-12. He added another five-yard touchdown run to take the lead to 44-12 and cement his spot as the game’s M.V.P.
Letterlough was credited with 153 yards rushing on 15 carries, scoring four times on the ground. He added three catches for 47 yards and a receiving touchdown as well.
Reidsville’s Most Outstanding Offensive Performer award went to the kicker Brad Green who was 7 for 7 on the night for point after attempts and converted field goals from 21, 25 and 34 yards. The Ram’s Most Outstanding Defensive Performer was Jaquan Hairson with two second half tackles and a fumble recovery in the second half. He added a sack and a forced fumble in the first half.
Reidsville Quarterback Tanner Wilson was steady all night completing 10 of 16 passes for 108 yards and a score.
The Aces finished the season 13-3 as the tri-champions of the Northeastern Coastal 2A Conference. They made their first appearance in an NCHSAA State Championship in the modern era (since 1972). Holmes was paced offensively by Bailey who had 14 carries for 81 yards and a score. He was the Aces Most Outstanding Offensive Performer. Zakeem Brooks was tapped as the Aces Most Outstanding Defensive Performer with seven tackles on the night to lead the team.
Reidsville completed a perfect 16-0 season, winning the Mid-State 2A conference and the program’s record-holding 16th championship. The Rams returned to the State Championship for the first time since winning the 2AA title over Newton-Conover in 2009.
