A swarming and relentless defense led Ramsay to a 50-0 win over West Point in the opening round of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs at Legion Field in Birmingham on Thursday.

“Our defense takes pride and tries to shut everyone out,” Rams head coach Ronnie Jackson said after his squad’s third shutout in the past four games. “We are out to defend the state championship.”

QB Reese had eight tackles, two sacks and forced the Warriors quarterback to run out of the end zone for a safety. Defensive back O’Conner Jones intercepted a pass and returned it 47 yards for a score for Ramsay. The second-ranked Rams held West Point to one first down and 14 yards of total offense in the opening half.

Meanwhile, Ramsay’s offense rolled to 276 yards before intermission. Quarterback Kameron Keenan, who completed his first seven passes, was 9-of-10 for 141 yards through the air. Keenan fired touchdown passes of 38 and 4 yards.

Running back Ashton Ashford ran 11 times for 129 yards. The senior scored on runs of 27 and 23 yards.

“Kameron is our leader and makes things happen for us,” Jackson said. “Ashton is our bell cow. He has been so focused this year and committed to becoming a great back.”

While the Rams celebrated the victory, Warriors coach Don Farley had his last on-the-field meeting with his team. After 25 years of coaching at West Point, Farley is stepping aside as the head coach.

Game ball: Sophomore Tremell Washington mishandled a punt, but he recovered to race 72 yards for a touchdown. Washington added a pair of catches for 20 yards.

End of an era: Farley ended a 10-year stint as West Point’s head coach. He spent 15 years an assistant at West Point before he became the head man in 2013.

They said it: “They are the defending state champions for a reason. Our kids fought hard to make the playoffs. I just hope they continue to get better.” – West Point coach Don Farley

Coachspeak: “We know that teams are going to try and surprise us. We are going to get everyone’s best game.” – Ramsay coach Ronnie Jackson

Next: Ramsay, 9-2 and winners of five straight, will face the winner of the Arab/Leeds game in the second round. West Point’s season ends at 5-6.