Southwestern Randolph quarterback Keaton Reed throws the ball against visiting Polk County during the Class 2-A state playoffs in Asheboro on November 5, 2021. PJ WARD-BROWN/NORTH STATE JOURNAL
ASHEBORO — The historic season came to an end for Southwestern Randolph with a 29-14 loss to Polk County on Friday night.
Across the county, Providence Grove lost to Forest Hills. Randleman fell at traveled Reidsville.
The 16th-seeded Cougars (8-3) finished a historic season where they defeated rival Asheboro at Lee J. Stone Stadium for the first time in school history, set the school record for wins, and was the home team for the first time in the state playoffs.
Eighth-seeded Providence Grove (8-3) is 0-10 all-time in football playoff games.
The Patriots were undefeated against Class 2-A competition this season. Their losses came to teams (Eastern Randolph and Ledford) with a combined 16-3 record. The Patriots have reached the eight-win mark in each of the past two full seasons (not counting the abbreviated 2020 season that was shifted to this past spring). The Patriots lost 27-26 in overtime to Forest Hills.
Randleman (4-7) made the field as the No. 29 seed in the Class 2-A West Region, earning the Tigers a chance at fourth-seeded Reidsville (10-0). The Rams have made 27 appearances in state championship games and have won state titles the past three seasons. The chance to play another game was a reward for the Tigers, who picked up some momentum in the middle of the season after beginning with an 0-3 start. The Tigers fell in Reidsville by 49-7.
The lone remaining local football team is No. 1 seed Eastern Randolph (9-0) in the Class 1-A West Region. The Wildcats had a bye and will face 16th-seeded Draughn (6-5) next week in Ramseur.
