The 4A final is a rarity: a matchup where both teams enter with outstanding records, but only one carries the heaviest historical weight in the state. The Reidsville Rams (12-2) are in a place they call home, a state championship game. This marks their 29th appearance in an NCHSAA title contest, a state record that may never be broken, and they come in with a 20-7-1 all-time record in championship games.
Current coach Erik Teague, in his third year and second championship appearance, continues the winning tradition forged by his father, Hall of Famer Jimmy Teague. The elder Teague led the Rams for 28 years, winning 339 games and eight state championships, establishing Reidsville as one of the sport's true dynasties. Erik has proven himself a worthy successor with a 38-4 record and an 18-0 conference mark, demonstrating the program's sustained excellence across generations.
This Rams team is arguably one of the most talented in recent memory, boasting a roster full of explosive playmakers, particularly the senior duo of Kendre Harrison and Dionte Neal. Harrison, a massive 6-foot-6, 250-pound tight end/defensive end, is a nightmare matchup who has hauled in a staggering 20 receiving touchdowns while also posting 5.5 sacks and 35 quarterback hurries on defense. His combination of size, speed, and skill makes him nearly impossible to defend and equally difficult to block.
Neal, equally versatile, leads the team with 24 total touchdowns, is the top receiving threat at 85.2 yards per game, and even contributes on the ground with seven rushing touchdowns. Defensively, he's recorded six interceptions from his cornerback position, showcasing elite ball skills and football IQ. The Rams' potent offense is managed by sophomore QB Braxton Johnson, who has thrown 24 touchdowns with a 63.7% completion rate, showing poise beyond his years.
Junior Kadence Pruitt anchors the defensive line with 12.5 sacks, giving Reidsville a formidable pass rush that can disrupt any opponent. Senior linebacker Anthone Peele leads the team with 8.9 tackles per game, while senior Michael Smith provides steady production from the running back position at 60.5 yards per game. Reidsville has averaged an impressive 39.9 points per game this season while allowing 17.3.
The Rams' path included a dramatic 23-21 semifinal victory over West Craven, a game that required them to hold on in the final moments. That victory, and their ability to win close games, speaks to their championship experience and composure under pressure.
Their opponents, the Brevard Blue Devils (14-0), have put together a flawless season of their own in the mountains of Transylvania County. Head Coach Luke Coleman, in his fourth season with a 40-12 record, has built Brevard's identity around a punishing, dominant run game and an equally ferocious defense. This is the Blue Devils' first championship appearance since 1982, a 43-year wait that rivals any in the state.
In the regional final against Pisgah, the Blue Devils' defensive dominance was on full display, limiting their opponent to a paltry three yards per carry and generating five sacks. The performance exemplified Brevard's physical approach and technical excellence in the trenches.
Their ground success is spearheaded by senior Braylon Thompson, who rushed for 122 yards and two touchdowns in the regional victory, averaging 7.6 yards per carry. The team collectively rushes for at least 165 yards in five consecutive games, averaging 6.2 yards per carry as a team. Junior receiver Tristan Thompson-Wynn is the aerial threat, averaging a remarkable 95.2 yards per game with 22 total touchdowns and 1,237 receiving yards, making him one of the state's most productive receivers. He also contributes on defense with 4 interceptions.
On defense, senior linebacker Karter Macfie leads the team with 12.8 tackles per game, while senior defensive end/tight end Jax Whitmire provides pass-rushing ability with 4.0 sacks. In the regional final, Whitmire was everywhere, picking up 12 tackles and a sack in a dominant performance. Defensive tackle Peyton Owen and nose guard Chandler Niven, both three-year varsity players, anchor the interior and stuff the run.
Brevard's offense runs through senior quarterback Christian Conley, a three-year starter who manages the game efficiently and makes plays when needed. The Blue Devils average 47.8 points per game while allowing 19.3, with four shutouts demonstrating their defensive capabilities. They've shown the ability to win close games, including a 30-27 playoff victory over Burns and a 36-30 regular season win over Pisgah.
The Matchup: The key for Brevard is slowing the multi-faceted attack of Reidsville, particularly the dual-threat capability of Harrison and Neal. They must play disciplined, gap-sound defense and not allow explosive plays. The key for Reidsville is cracking the code of a Blue Devils defense that hasn't allowed a loss all year and has been dominant in the trenches.
Reidsville leads the all-time series 5-1-1, with the teams playing to a 0-0 tie in 1963. However, this Brevard team is the most dangerous one they have faced in years, featuring athletes who can match Reidsville's speed and a physicality that can match their toughness. The Rams' experience in championship games could be the difference, but Brevard's perfect season and dominant performances suggest this will be a battle until the final whistle.
Both teams have traveled from small towns, Reidsville (population 14,583) and Brevard (population 7,744), where football is more than a sport; it's the fabric of the community. One town will celebrate a championship Saturday evening; both will have given everything on the field at Moretz Stadium in Hickory.
Reidsville Rams (12-2) vs. Brevard Blue Devils (14-0)
December 13 (Sat) at Moretz Stadium
Kickoff: 11:00 a.m.
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