The debate is over. Tonight’s dominating victory by the Golden Lions settles it.
And Reidsville STILL has not won a unified state title. NONE.
Reidsville never won or appeared in a title game before the two rival associations existed.
Shelby did.
Reidsville never won or appeared in non subdivided classification title game from 1977 to 2001. Shelby did. 3 Titles, 5 appearances.
And now with one title in play for 2A in 2021, they are no-shows again.
Why does it matter?
Because Reidsville claims to be something it is not.
The paths to all of their State titles has always been at the avoidance of many of the better programs in the state.
Shelby has won 6 of the last 8 titles. Twice beating Reidsville convincingly along the way in 13 and 14. In 15, Shelby crushed Kinston, who had beaten Reidsville. In 16, Reidsville won 2A while never facing Shelby, who won 2AA AND NEVER TRAILED ALL SEASON. Reidsville would have never gotten there.
In 17, both programs lost to the eventual champs.
In 18 and 19, Shelby dominates in the 2AA Title games, while Reidsville escapes Shelby again on the way to titles in 2A.
So three titles for Reidsville thanks to subdivisions.
2020/21 covid year was odd, with top talent leaving early, some not, spring season, and some weird scheduling and questionable subjective seeding.
After tonight, it is no reach to claim that had Reidsville had to face Shelby in 16,18, and 19, Reidsville would have 3 less titles. That would be 19.
Shelby has 18, and is still playing.
The day will come soon when Shelby officially matches Reidsville in Total Championship Titles.
If Reidsville had not ducked Shelby since 1930…..it would have already happened.
We have proven to have the stronger program now, on the field, again.