REIDSVILLE, N.C. – Last year was the first-ever meeting between Reagan and Reidsville in football. That matchup was a 35-0 shutout victory for the Raiders.
Although there wasn’t a shutout in Friday’s rematch, the visitors put their foot on the gas to reach a running clock margin again. The #16 team in the HighSchoolOT statewide top 25 dominated in all three phases of their 57-13 victory over the Rams.
It’s the first time since the 2015 season that Reidsville has dropped back-to-back games. Similar to last year’s game, the Raiders defense set the tone early and often.
On the second play from scrimmage, Tyson Broadway’s first pass attempt of the night was picked off by Reagan cornerback Keston Greene. However, the Rams defense was up to the challenge early as they forced a turnover on downs thanks to back-to-back tackles for loss by Damarion Brown.
After a three-and-out from the hosts, the Raiders tried to establish the run early with John Evans Jr. and Seven Glover leading the charge. However, despite a second trip into Rams territory, a fumble by Glover, forced by Jayden Stone, ended their chances.
After being forced to punt on their next drive, the Rams attempted a fake, but Reagan was ready. Tyler Carson stopped Derek Lyons short of the line to gain, putting the Raiders in business.
Reagan was once again unable to capitalize on good field position, settling for a 26-yard field goal from Damian Gutierrez. Despite the tough start offensively, the Raiders defense was on the front foot early.
A Rams fumble was recovered by Malachi Solomon for the opening turnover of the contest. This time, the visitors found the end zone as an Evans Jr. scored one play after the fumble to make it 9-0 Raiders.
Reidsville’s offensive struggles continued late in the first as another interception by Broadway found the hands of Antonio Kelly, who returned it to the 10. After falling to reach pay dirt on the first three tries, Jaikoda Harrington found Eli Davis for a six-yard touchdown to add to the Reagan lead.
Damarien Whitted tried to get the Rams going with a good kickoff return to near midfield. After Broadway found Lyons for a big gain down the sideline, the senior quarterback went up top to Jorden Robinson for a 37-yard score to put Reidsville on the board early in the second.
The Rams would try a pooch kick on the ensuing kickoff, but a penalty negated their recovery of the football. Reagan would take advantage of the mistake with a quick touchdown drive. Glover atoned for his earlier turnover with a long run to the five-yard line and also finished the possession with a score of his own.
Reidsville’s attack began to find rhythm as the first half went on. Broadway connected with Whitted on a 27-yard strike for a touchdown to keep the Rams close.
However, after early struggles to take advantage of field position, the Raiders also found their groove. Evans Jr. countered with his second rushing touchdown of the opening half to put the Raiders up by three scores.
Special teams got in on the act as kicker Damian Gutierrez executed an excellent pooch kick that the Raiders recovered to get their offense back on the field. Reidsville needed a stop, and they got a big one thanks to a pass breakup from Whitted on fourth down.
Reidsville continued to build after regaining possession late in the first half. Broadway connected with Richard Brathwaite on three straight completions to put the Rams in the red zone.
Despite their progress, an intentional grounding penalty cost Reidsville points. A 25-yard loss and a loss of down forced fourth-and-33, and an incomplete pass forced a turnover on downs. Antonio Kelly had a key pass breakup to prevent a Reidsville score.
Then, a massive gut punch put an exclamation point on a dominant opening 24 minutes for the road team. On fourth-and-seven from the Rams' 35, Harrington found Kelly for a touchdown with 12 seconds left in the second quarter.
There was no drop-off from the Raiders after halftime. They took their opening drive of the third quarter down the field and finished it off with a four-yard rushing touchdown from Evans Jr.
The Rams weren’t able to generate the same momentum they had during parts of the second quarter. After being forced to punt, Glover ran for his second touchdown of the evening to summon the running clock with 1:36 left in the third.
Harrington would add his third passing score of the night with a 58-yard strike to James McClung nearly halfway through the fourth quarter.
Reagan (3-0) looks to continue their undefeated start to the season in a road clash with Northern Guilford next Friday. Reidsville (1-2) looks to regroup when they face Eastern Guilford in week four.
Box Score
| 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | F |
| Reagan | 16 | 21 | 13 | 7 | 57 |
| Reidsville | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
Scoring Plays
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter