The “open” week was a great time to reflect on the non-district successes and the difficult district schedule that lies ahead.  After a hard fought 20-10 home loss to the Southlake Carroll Dragons, the Rams (2-1) used the off week to heal some bruises and take a little extra time to study the Skyline Raiders.  The Raiders (3-0) enter the game having beaten Arlington Bowie, Memphis Ridgeway (Tennessee), and Cocoa (Florida) in three televised contests.  The Raiders are led by several Division I level athletes, with Peter Jinkens, David Green, Thomas Johnson, and Davante Kincaide dominating the statistics.  The Raider offensive line is massive with the starting five averaging  about 280 lbs. per man.  The challenge of slowing down the high octane Raider offense is a large one and the equally large task of moving the ball against the speedy Skyline defense has the Rams spending extra time on the chalkboard.

Kickoff is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 23rd at Forester Field and should occur at 7:30pm sharp.

In subvarsity action, the 9th Green team will host the Raiders at the Berkner “B” Field at 6pm on Thurs. Sept. 22 followed by the JV game at approximately 7:30pm.  The 9th White team will actually travel to Ram-Wildcat Stadium for a 5:30 pm kickoff against the LH Wildcats

Congrats to Ram DB/WR Michael Norwood as he was named the Dallas News Defensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performance in the Rams’ 29-23 win over South Garland.  His 8 tackles and 2 interceptions, the last of which sealed the win, were a greatr way to start the season for the Berkner defense.

Click below to read the Dallas News article about Michael.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/high-schools/all-area/20110829-defensive-player-of-the-week-829-richardson-berkner_s-michael-norwood.ece

The Varsity Rams will look to go 2-0 on the season as they play host to the North Crowley Panthers on THURSDAY night at 7pm at Ram-Wildcat Stadium. The Panthers fell short in their Week Zero matchup against Irving Nimitz 33-27. The Panthers are led by dual-threat QB Josh Price and a very speedy group of receivers and backs. The Rams and Panthers have met the past three years with the Rams going 3-0, including last season’s shutout at Panther Stadium.

The JV Rams will travel to North Crowley HS this WEDNESDAY for a 6pm game.

The FRESHMEN Rams will host two games this WEDNESDAY at 5:30 and 7pm at the Berkner “B” Field.

Trey Caldwell KO return for TD

In what could have possibly been the hottest game in Berkner history, the Rams battled the South Garland Colonels at HBJ Stadium in Garland.
Check out the Dallas News article on the Rams come-from-behind 29-23 win.

www.dallasnews.com/sports/high-schools/football-news/headlines/20110825-roundup-read-recaps-of-thursday_s-zero-week-games.ece

The Freshmen Rams notched a hard fought 8-6 win over the Colonels.

The JV Rams let a late 6-6 tie slip away and they fell to the Colonels 18-6 at Greenville Stadium.

Not a bad week to be a Ram……….

Despite 106 degree temps, the Rams and Friars 9th, JV, and Varsity squads battled for over 3 hours at Friar Stadium.  The freshmen and JV teams battled on opposite ends of the field for about an hour and 15 minutes.  At 7:15, the varsity teams began a controlled scrimmage.  The Rams did not allow a TD during 40 defensive plays and the offense tallied one score.  During a “live” 20 minute half, the Rams won 10-0.  The first score was a 36 yd. FG by sophomore kicker Keith Tobin followed by a late TD on a 5 yd pass from QB Yeddidiah Louis to WR Michael Weaver.  Dozens of Rams turned in strong performances and it is apparent that the 2011 Rams have lots of team speed and athleticism to offer.  The season opener is only days away against the South Garland Colonels.  The game is scheduled for Thursday, August 25 at Homer B. Johnson Stadium.  Kickoff is set for 7pm.

 The 9th, JV, and Varsity football scrimmages at Bishop Lynch’s Friar Stadium will be Friday, August 19th beginning at 6pm.  The staff at Bishop Lynch HS has informed us that they would like to make everyone aware of the gate situation on Friday night.  They WILL NOT be charging admission for the scrimmages.  But they WILL be accepting donations to contribute to the memorial scholarship funds of Daniel Carey and Ally Alexandrou, two Bishop Lynch students who were killed in a car accident approximately two weeks ago.  We encourage the entire Ram nation to support their efforts in this scholarship fundraiser.

The start of the 2011 season is upon us as the 9th, JV, and Varsity Rams will travel to Bishop Lynch HS on Friday, August 19 for a season-opening scrimmage v.s. the Friars.  The 9th and JV squads will be involved in half-field scrimmages beginning at 6pm and lasting for about an hour.  The varsity will begin their scrimmage with the Friars at 7pm and it will last about 90 minutes.  For directions to Friar Stadium, please click on our DIRECTIONS TO GAMES/STADIUMS tab.  We hope to see you there on Friday night.

The Rams have returned to the practice fields and after 4 days of non-contact practice, the team looks eager to strap on the pads and do some hitting.  Despite the 100 plus degree temps, the practices have been sharp and the overall effort level and positive attitudes have impressed Coach Ledford and the entire coaching staff.  The preparations have begun both on the field and in the classroom for the Week 0 showdown v.s. the South Garland Colonels.  The varsity will travel to HBJ Stadium in Garland on Thursday, August 25 for a 7pm kickoff v.s. the Colonels.  The memory of last year’s contest still lingers throughout the Ram program as South Garland rallied from a 17-0 second half deficit to defeat the Rams 24-17 in overtime.  Stay tuned for more news from the Ram practice field………………….