As the clock ticked down to zero last Thursday at Deaton-Thompson, the Reynolds Rowdies were able to chant “undefeated” for the first time in years. In fact, the Reynolds football team is off to their best start since 2012, beginning the 2017 season 3-0.

Unlike the demons’ 3-0 start in 2012, they’ve done it in dominant fashion this year. After trailing 12-0 at halftime at Southwest Guilford, they scored 15 straight points to edge out the cowboys and win the first game of the year. They haven’t looked back since, going on to trounce Atkins 47-13, and then do the same to Winston-Salem Prep last week, winning 53-6 in the first home game of the year.

    The difference between this year and past years? Attitude.

    “They’re going to fight until the last whistle blows,” said Assistant Coach Jawaren Blair.

   He also described the team as “hard-nosed,” and “gritty,” two characteristics that have been apparent to anyone who has seen them play this season.

   Senior safety Dimaggio Wilson takes the team’s hard-nosed attitude to a whole new level as the defensive anchor. Wilson was a menace against Atkins, tearing them up with three touchdowns and three interceptions, one of which was a pic-six.

   An improved offensive line has allowed the demons to run an explosive, high powered offense behind junior quarterback Charlie Mensh. Mensh, in his first year as QB #1, is already looking like a veteran.

    In his first game, Mensh lead his offense down the field at SW Guilford on a game-winning drive with three minutes left. He hit wide receiver Joseph Harrison on a 15-yard slant and then ran it in himself on a two-point conversion to ultimately win the game.

   After the first game, the team hasn’t had to face much adversity. Things will be different this Friday as Reidsville High School comes to Deaton-Thompson.

   “Reidsville is a well coached team, they have 19 state championships,” said Coach Blair. “But I wouldn’t pick them over these guys any day.”

   After beating Winston Salem Prep on Thursday, players were excited and humbled to still be undefeated.

   “It’s an honor to be the quarterback on the first 3-0 team since 2012,” Mensh said after singing the alma mater amongst friends and teammates. “We’ve got a great team this year.”

   The excitement in the air was palpable, not only from the team but the fans too.

   “Since being a [dancing] boot my freshman year, we never really won,” senior dancing boot Parker Burrows said. “Finally being able to win, the football games are so energetic and the Rowdies are so much fun.”

   If Reynolds can remain undefeated through four games, it will be the best start since the magical undefeated 2009 season. Come out and support your Demons this Friday at 7:30 at Deaton-Thompson, as they try to reach the 4-0 mark for the first time in nine seasons.