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GREENSBORO - In the first game of the season, Ragsdale accomplished two things that it didn't do all last season.

First, the Tigers shut out their opponent in a 48-0 drubbing of Morehead. Second, they scored a defensive touchdown when junior defensive back Chris Armwood returned an interception 52 yards in the first quarter to give Ragsdale a quick 13-0 lead.

"We only have four seniors on defense. You never know what to expect," Ragsdale coach Tommy Norwood said. "I was really impressed with the kids. They kind of stepped up."

The interception was one of three turnovers that Morehead gave up in the first half, leading to 21 Ragsdale points. Meanwhile, the Tigers didn't commit a single turnover all game.

"That's how you win high school football games," Norwood said. "I don't care what you hear, if you don't turn the ball over, you are going to win football games. We won the turnover battle 21-0."

Norwood also saw his offense, under the leadership of first-year starter Tim Romer make quick work of the Panthers defense. On their first possession, the Tigers marched 60 yards in 13 plays to score when Romer connected with tight end Ian Jenkins for a 3-yard touchdown.

After Armwood's interception return, Morehead fumbled the kickoff and Ragsdale recovered. The Tigers made the Panthers pay for the mistake when Charles Thomasson scored from 13 yards out, pushing the lead to 21-0.

Romer connected with Jenkins again, this time for a 20-yard touchdown pass late in the second quarter that gave the Tigers a 28-0 lead.

"That is one of our main plays, and I'm looking for the tight end as my main read," Romer said. "It felt good to finally get a chance to prove myself."

Norwood said he thought Romer, who threw for 89 yards and four touchdowns, made the most of his first opportunity. And he did it behind a rebuilt offensive line that had four new starters.
"We've been very fortunate in my years here that we have almost always had a two-year starter," Norwood said. "Tim waited for his time and had a great game."

The Tigers completed the scoring in the first half with another impressive drive. This time Romer connected with receiver Cedric Miller on a 42-yard pass play. Miller caught the pass over the middle and broke a couple of tackles before sprinting down the sideline.

Romer said he was also impressed with the play of his offensive line.

"They really got after it tonight," Romer said. "They kind of struggled in the preseason. I think they are going to have a good year."

The Panthers had only three first downs in the first half and didn't cross midfield until late in the half.

Ragsdale's defense made some big plays, but the Panthers also executed poorly, especially in the passing game, completing five throws.

Morehead made one last effort to avoid the shutout with 2:34 left. The Panthers drove to the 3-yard line, but couldn't put it in the end zone. Ragsdale's Walt Sparks intercepted the pass at the goal line.

R - Ian Jenkins 3 pass from Tim Romer (Casey Redfern kick)
R - Chris Armwood 52 interception return (kick fails)
R - Charles Thomasson 13 run (Luke Sonricker pass from Romer)
R - Jenkins 20 pass from Romer (Redfern kick)
R - Cedric Miller 42 pass from Romer (Redfern kick)
R - Miller 4 pass from Romer (kick fails)
R - Daiquan Thomasson 5 run (Redfern kick)