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RALEIGH -- The Reidsville Rams blazed through the regular season and the first four rounds of the NCHSAA playoffs virtually unchallenged.

East Lincoln provided the Rams their first true test Saturday morning at Carter-Finley Stadium in the 2-AA championship game, but the tradition-rich Rams trumped the upstart rookies 24-7 to defend their state title.

It was the 14th NCHSAA trophy for the Rams (16-0), who extended the state's longest winning streak to 32 games. By contrast, West Region champion East Lincoln (14-2) was making its first title appearance in school history.

The victory gave the Rams their fourth trophy in seven years. They also won it all in 2002, '03 and '07. Additionally, Reidsville won three regional titles (1963, '69 and '70) before there was an official state championship game, giving the program 17 titles overall, tops in the state.

The Mustangs provided the Rams their toughest test of the season, but Reidsville's defense and special teams came through in the final minutes.

With the Rams clinging to a 14-7 lead with just under six minutes left, senior placekicker A.J. Williams was summoned for his first field-goal attempt of the season.

The left-footed kicker lined up on the right hash mark and split the uprights from 23 yards out to give the Rams a 17-7 lead with 5:09 left.

"I was a little nervous, but as long as (my teammates) had faith in me it was all good," Williams said.

Williams' field goal was set up after linebacker Aaron Easton's sack of East Lincoln quarterback Josh Wilson resulted in a fumble. The Rams recovered inside the red zone, but the drive stalled to set up Williams' kick.

The Mustangs were caught napping on the ensuing drive when Wilson's first pass was dropped.

The pass was actually a lateral however and Rams linebacker Michael Stacey alertly scooped up the ball before it rolled out of bounds at the 12 and ran in for a TD for the final score.

"Our defense did a great job bailing us out a few times and the offense did just enough to get the win," Reidsville coach Jimmy Teague said.

The Mustangs showed off their passing attack to open the game, going 80 yards in just six plays to lead 7-0.

But Reidsville put the clamps on East Lincoln from then on, forcing three fumbles and sacking Wilson seven times. Senior defensive lineman Damien Lee was named MVP after finishing with 10 tackles and 1½ sacks.

"At a fireworks show, you're supposed to save the finale for the end," East Lincoln coach Mike Byus said of his offense. "But I guess our first drive was our finale."

Wilson went 5 of 7 for 88 yards and a touchdown in the opening quarter, but just 3 for 18 the rest of the way.

Reidsville finally got on the board when junior quarterback Tyrell Houghton scored on a 17-yard run with 4:48 left in the first half. It was the longest an opponent had held the Rams scoreless all season and the teams went into halftime tied 7-7.

The Rams benefited from some luck to open the second half when Houghton dropped a shotgun snap. The ball took a friendly bounce straight back to the Houghton and he recovered nicely to hit a wide-open E.J. Foster in the flat for a 25-yard TD and a 14-7 lead.

"It was a blessing," Houghton said of the bounce. "It got through my hands but I didn't want to fall on it because I know we needed to stick one (in the end zone). I saw E.J. open and I knew he was going to come through for a touchdown."

Rams players were proud to ensure their legacy alongside the back-to-back championship teams of the early part of the decade.

"It's the best feeling in the world," Lee said with a grin. "It feels good to follow in their footsteps."

Houghton made the argument that this time around was even more impressive.

"This team is history," he said. "We're the first team to go back-to-back undefeated for state championships and that's special."

EL -- Austin Culp 19 pass from Josh Wilson (Brandon Strupp kick)

R -- Tyrell Houghton 17 run (A.J. Williams kick)

R -- E.J. Foster 25 pass from Houghton (Williams kick)

R -- Williams 23-yard field goal

R -- Michael Stacey 12 fumble recovery (Williams kick)