Rams Win Home Opener Over North Crowley; 2-0 Rams Get Ready for Desoto

The Rams welcomed the North Crowley Panthers to Ram Wildcat Stadium and when the dust settled the Rams had claimed a 24-6 victory. QB Lawrence Williams led the Rams with 101 yds rushing and scored on a 14 yd. run. Slotback Terry Gilbert scored on a 15 yd run and the Rams led 14-0 @ the half. For the second game in a row, the defense shined and held North Crowley in check for the majority of the game. After a Zack Olen's 22 yd field goal, the defensive play of the night occured as LB Deontae Crosby and a host of other Rams recovered a Panther fumble in the end zone to make the score 24-6 midway through the 4th quarter. DT/DE Quincy King and LB's Corey White, Deontae Crosby, Grant Nakwaasah led a stellar effort by the front seven. For the box score and stats, click on the Dallas Morning News link below.

http://www.hsgametime.com/dfw/schoolinfo.htm?infoType=boxScore&schoolId=0&sportId=3&propertyId=1&y=2008&m=09&eventId=156279

The Rams (2-0 on the season) hit the road next Friday (Sept. 12) as they will face their toughest test to date in the Desoto Eagles @ Eagle Stadium. Desoto (1-1 on the season) is coming off a tough 28-20 loss to the Plano Wildcats and are led by Sophmore QB Ryan Polite, RB Marcus Murphy and an attacking defense that is one of the best in the area.

In subvarsity action, the JV Green beat North Crowley 41-2 and were led by QB Aric Stock and a strong defensive team effort that was capped off by a defensive touchdown by DE Raegan Lucio.
The JV White lost 21-6 to North Crowley but played hard after failing behind 14-0 ealry in the first quarter. The defense was led by DE Micah Taylor and DB Stephen Bell and overall the Panthers accumulated less than 100 total yards.

The Freshmen Green lost to North Crowley 12-8 and scored their lone touchdown on a TD Pass from QB Xavier Thomas to TE Emmanuel Anderson. The Freshmen White 6-0 on a 5 yd run by RB Rashard Lewis.

The BHS Football Players of the Week for North Crowley are as follows:

JV Green vs North Crowley
MVP Offense – Ashdon Hopkins
MVP Defense – Raegan Lucio

JV White vs North Crowley
MVP Offense – Jamaal McShane
MVP Defense – Micah Taylor & Steven Bell

Freshman White vs North Crowley
MVP Offense – Rashard Lewis
MVP Defense – Matthew Flores

Freshman Green vs North Crowley
MVP Offense – Gerald Gafford
MVP Defense – Max Olen

The Rams began their 2008 season in "grand" fashion by shuting out the South Grand Prairie Warriors 38-0. The game seemed to turn in Berkner's favor with less than a minute before halftime as QB Lawrence Williams threw a 25 yd. TD pass to TE Mark Harrison and the lead was 13-0 heading into halftime. Williams scored on a 50 yd. run in the opening minutes of the game and RB's Jerome Regal and Christian Corbitt added short TD runs. Slotback Terry Gilbert scored on a 70 yd. run in the 4th quarter to complete a strong offensive showing. The defense was led by a swarming front seven which posted 7 sacks and held SGP to 151 total yards. Amazingly, the SGP offense did not cross the 50 yard line until the fourth quarter. Safety Trey McGee intercepted a pass and overall the defensive unit posted a strong performance. K/P Zack Olen provided an added boost as he avg. 43.5 per punt and kicked a couple of kickoffs out of the end zone.

The JV Rams beat SGP 21-14 behind two touchdown passes from QB Nic Thompson to WR Spencer Edmonds.

The Freshmen Green team rallied late to beat SGP 14-12; The Freshmen White team fell short 20-6 in their matchup with SGP.

The Rams home opener will be this Friday night (Sept. 5) as we host the North Crowley Panthers. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm.
GO RAMS!!

The JV Green team will host the SGP JV Warriors on Friday, August 29 @ 5:30pm @ the Berkner "B" Field. And on the same night, The Freshmen White and Green teams will travel to the campus of SGP HS to take on the Warriors @ 5:30 and 7pm, respectively.

The Varsity Rams will still open their 2008 season on Thurs. Aug. 28 @ 7pm @ the Gopher/Warrior Bowl in Grand Prairie.

GO RAMS!!

The Rams looked solid in their scrimmage last Friday @ Jesuit HS and now focus their preparations and efforts on their Week Zero opponent--the South Grand Prairie Warriors. The two schools will meet on Thursday, Aug. 28 @ the Gopher-Warrior Bowl in Grand Prairie. Kickoff is set for 7pm and it will be a matchup of two schools that look to get back into the playoffs in 2008. Both teams have tremendous speed on offense and defense and should be an awesome ball game.

Do you need a football schedule or an athletic form? Do you need info on other BHS sports, such as basketball or tennis? Visit our BHS Rams Blackboard site, sponsored by the RISD. Click on the following link to check it out today.

http://elearn.risd.org/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_8670_1%26url%3d

You can also visit the RISD Central Athletics Blackboard site for announcements, forms, parent guides, and overall general info. regarding our school district.

http://elearn.risd.org/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=community&url=%2Fbin%2Fcommon%2Fcourse.pl%3Fcourse_id%3D_5307_1

Dear Berkner Ram Community,

The beginning of another school year at Berkner High school is upon us and the new 2008-09 RAM CARD is here!! For only $10, you can purchase the new card and begin SAVING MONEY immediately at many of our local restaurants and businesses. You can save money each time you make a purchase at any of the businesses on the card. The card is valid for one year and can be used as many times as you wish. Sonic, Dickeys BBQ, Pappasitas, Applebees, Texas Land and Cattle, Humperdink’s and CiCi’s are just a few of the local Richardson businesses that have teamed up with the Rams to make this card one of the best deals in the Metroplex. The proceeds of each card sold benefits the Berkner Ram Football Program as well as Berkner Booster Club athletic scholarships. We need your help to ensure that our student-athletes have a great school year and by purchasing a card, you will help make a difference. And remember, “It is a Great Time to Be a RAM” and it is also a great time to purchase a Ram Card. You may purchase RAM CARD from a football player, the front office at Berkner High School, or by contacting Brett Sawyer at 469-593-7153 or by email at brett.sawyer@risd.org. Thanks for all of your support and with your help we can ensure another great year for Berkner Ram Athletics.

Thanks for your support and GO RAMS,

Ram Football Coaching Staff

The Rams enjoyed slightly cooler temperatures and some light rain on their first day of team workouts. The players will workout for 4 days in helmets before strapping on the full gear on Friday, Aug. 15. The Rams will scrimmage the Jesuit Rangers on Friday, Aug. 22 @ Haggar Stadium beginning @ 5pm with the freshmen scrimmages. Click on the following link to see what Rivals.com is saying about the 2008 Rams.

http://theoldcoach.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=836315

We will have a freshman, sophomore, junior, & senior parent meeting (players do not have to attend) on August 10th in the BHS Gymnasium at 3:00 p.m. (Enter the facility off Yale Street, behind the baseball stands – the door will be open). This meeting is a must, as we will be informing your parents of equipment issues, practice times, team rules, reserved seating at the stadium, locker rooms etc. Also we want to let our parents tour our facilities so that they know exactly the areas in which you will be located and areas in which to reach the coaches. It is very informative and important, not only that but we want your parents to be involved this year.

July 18, 2008


Dear Ram Athlete:

The summer is quickly coming to a close and I hope you have had a productive one. There are several items I want to talk with you about, so I need you to read this carefully.

Captain’s practice will begin on August 4th at 8:00 a.m. We want all 10th, 11th, and 12th graders to attend.
This will help you before fall practice begins on Aug 11th. It’s your choice – pay me now or pay me later.

Since equipment issue is in less than 3 weeks let me remind you of some very important things: First, seven years ago many forgot to do their summer reading for their English class and we had at least 20 fail that class the first 6 weeks. We want to eliminate that issue totally. Go to the RISD web site to view your choices for your summer reading. Do NOT report to football practice without having read your assigned reading!!!!!!!!

Second topic is Physicals: Our team Doctor’s gave physicals on April 25th. Only 70 of 250 players took advantage of this opportunity. This must be done and turned in before August 11th. Do not show up for two-a-days and say you don’t have your physical. I don’t want to hear it. If you need a form go to the UIL website at uil.tx.edu and pull one off .There is no excuse for not having this completed!!!

Third topic is equipment issue: The date for that is Friday, August 8th. Seniors 8 to 9 a.m. Juniors 9 to 10 a.m. Sophomores 10 to 11 a.m. Freshmen 11 to 12 p.m. To get your equipment bring $25. This will cover your practice shorts, practice shirt, socks, jock, and mouth-piece. This is a great price and all will be yours to keep. You can wear them anytime. We have to do it this way because many of you choose to wear those shorts & t-shirts to just about everything. That is considered a UIL violation if you have not paid for them. If you would like to purchase extra shorts they are $20, shirts are $5. Also, bring your completed physical forms and every other item that needs to be signed and turned in. If you are unable to attend, you will receive yours on Monday the 11th. Just show up before 6:30 a.m. Do not call and ask me if you can get your equipment early because of some problem. The UIL tells us when we can issue equipment and it has to be done on that date otherwise we are in violation.

Fourth topic is a mandatory parent meeting: We will have a freshman, sophomore, junior, & senior parent meeting (players do not have to attend) on August 10th in the BHS Gymnasium at 3:00 p.m. (Enter the facility off Yale Street, behind the baseball stands – the door will be open). This meeting is a must, as we will be informing your parents of equipment issues, practice times, team rules, reserved seating at the stadium, locker rooms etc. Also we want to let our parents tour our facilities so that they know exactly the areas in which you will be located and areas in which to reach the coaches. It is very informative and important, not only that but we want your parents to be involved this year.

Fifth topic is 1st day of two-a-days:
The first practice begins on Monday August 11th at 7:00 a.m. till 9:00 a.m. for all Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Do not be late! Evening practice will begin at 4:00 p.m. and end at 6:00 p.m. First day in pads is Friday August 15th.

Sixth topic is Labor Day September 1st, Fair Day October 6th, & Oct. 7th is a student holiday: All Varsity & JV players will practice on September 1st and Oct 6th & 7th at 7 a.m. You must remember we have a JV game that week on Thursday night and the varsity game is on Friday (Don’t forget the week of Oct 6th is LHHS & we certainly want to be at full strength). No practice, no playing time, that’s the rules. Four years ago we had 9 varsity players that challenged us on this during Labor Day. All 9 sat out that game and five were starters and we lost the game. Don’t challenge me on this as you will lose! Last year everyone but one showed up! If you don’t believe me ask Tampa Bay DB, Aqib Talib..

Seventh topic is new Freshman:
We will have 90 new ninth grade football players on campus when practice begins. We want each and every Varsity athlete to make them feel welcome and help make their transition from JH to HS as smooth as possible. This is really a good group of athletes and we expect great things!!

**Eight topic is reserved ticket sales: Be sure and tell your parents about this!!!
Reserved ticket seats go on sale beginning the 4st, 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th of August from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. each day in the front office (Mr. Griffen’s secretary – Jan Flesch). We have had many of our parents interested in purchasing those, so be sure and get yours early. We are expecting a great year and you do not want to be left out. The cost is $35 for five games per seat. You have the ability to pick where you sit and renew early with the same seats each year. We have had several band and bando parents already inquire. Keep that in mind if you want to pick you seating.

I hope you have been running this summer and are in shape. I promise you we will be in shape when we play South Grand Prairie. Begin now getting up early, so it will not be so hard in the fall. You know what that means, Go to Bed Earlier!!!!

Love you guys and can’t wait for the season to begin!




Coach Ledford

BERKNER RAMS FOOTBALL 2008
"the NEW District 9-5A"




Berkner Rams
2008 Varsity Football Schedule

Date Opponent Place Time
Fri. Aug. 22 Jesuit (Scrimmage) Haggar Stadium 6pm
Thurs.Aug. 28 South Grand Prairie Gopher Bowl 7:00
Fri. Sept. 5 North Crowley Home 7:30
Fri. Sept. 12 Desoto Eagle Stadium 7:30

Sept. 19 OPEN

Fri. Sept. 26 Molina **Homecoming 7:30
Thurs. Oct. 2 Carrollton Creekview * Standridge Stadium 7:00
Fri. Oct. 10 Lake Highlands * Home 7:30
Fri. Oct. 17 Skyline * Forester Field 7:30
Fri. Oct. 24 Sunset * Home 7:30
Fri. Oct. 31 Richardson * Eagle/Mustang 7:30
Fri. Nov. 7 W.T. White * Home 7:30

* Denotes District Games ** Denotes Homecoming Game
### Sites & times subject to change




Berkner Junior Varsity Football Schedule


JV White

Fri. Aug. 22 at Jesuit (scrimmage) 6pm
Wed. Aug. 27 South Grand Prairie @ Berkner "B" Field 7pm
Thurs. Sept. 4 at North Crowley 7pm
Thurs. Sept. 11 Desoto @ Berkner "B" Field 7pm


JV Green

Fri. Aug. 22 at Jesuit (scimmage) 6pm
Wed. Aug. 27 South Grand Prairie @ BHS "B" 5:30 pm
Thurs. Sept. 4 at North Crowley 5:30 pm
Thurs. Sept. 11 Desoto @ BHS "B" 5:30 pm
Thurs. Sept. 18 OPEN
Thurs. Sept. 25 at Molina @ Forester Field 7pm
Wed. Oct. 1 Creekview @ BHS "B" 6pm
Thurs. Oct. 9 at Lake Highlands @ Ram-Wildcat Stadium 6pm
Thurs. Oct. 16 Skyline @ BHS "B" 7pm
Thurs. Oct. 23 at Sunset @ Jones 7pm
Thurs. Oct. 30 Richardson @ BHS "B" 6pm
Thurs. Nov. 6 at WT White @ Couch
7pm



Berkner Freshmen Football Schedule


Berkner 9th White and 9th Green

Fri. Aug. 22 at Jesuit (Scrimmages) 5pm
Wed. Aug. 27 at SGP 5:30 (White) 7:00 (Green)
Thurs. Sept. 4 North Crowley @ BHS "B" 5:30 (White) 7:00 (Green)
Thurs. Sept. 11 at DeSoto
5:30 (White) 7:00 (Green)
Thurs. Sept. 18 OPEN

Thurs. Sept. 25 v.s Richardson @ BHS 5:30 (White)
v.s.Molina @ Forester 5:30 (Green)
Wed. Oct. 1 at Creekview @ SITE TBA 5:30 (White) 7:00 (Green)
Thurs. Oct. 9 Lake Highlands @ BHS "B"5:30 (White) 7:00 (Green)
Thurs.Oct. 16 Creekview @ Greenville Stadium Time TBA (White)
Skyline @ BHS "B" 5:30 (Green)
Thurs.Oct. 23 Sunset @ Jones 5:30 (Green only)
Thurs. Oct. 30 at Richardson
5:30 (White) 7:00 (Green)
Thurs. Nov. 6 LHHS @ BHS "B" 5:30 (White)
at WT White @ Couch 5:30 (Green)

*****Please check back for updates as ALL schedules are subject to changes in date, time, and site