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Winston-Salem State 14, Fayetteville State 2Fayetteville, NC Ð The Winston-Salem State University Rams took advantage of three Fayetteville State turnovers, to walk away with a 14-2 victory at Luther ÒNickÓ Jeralds Stadium, putting the Rams at the head of the pack in the race for the CIAA Western Division crown. The Rams improved to 3-2, 1-1 in conference play, handing Fayetteville State (3-2, 1-1) its first CIAA loss of the season.Following a first quarter that saw neither team produce any points, the Broncos began the second period with excellent field position at the RamsÕ 25-yard line following a facemask penalty. However, the Ram defense remained solid and on fourth and goal from the WSSU 4-yard line, the RamsÕ Victor White blocked Jonathan MaxwellÕs 21-yard field goal attempt to keep the game scoreless. The Ram offense, now being led by freshman Joshua McGee formerly of West Forsyth High School who was replacing injured starter Aubrey Jones, gained minimal yardage following the blocked punt, but punter William NewtonÕs career long 62-yard kick pinned the Broncos deep in their own territory at the 5-yard line. And on FSUÕs first play from scrimmage, Dameon Workman recovered a Nathaniel Benton fumble, giving WSSU the ball in excellent scoring position. From there, all it took was one was play as John Holloman, who finished the day with 132 yards rushing for his third consecutive game going over the century mark, rumbled in from five yards out to give the Rams a 7-0 advantage with 7:37 to play before the half. McGee (5-of-12, 86 yds, TD) would lead WSSU on another scoring drive before the break, finding tight end Arnell Wooten (6 rec, 92 yds) in the flats for his first career touchdown pass. Wooten caught the ball well short of the goal line but dove over two Bronco defenders to find the end zone. Led by junior linebackers Workman and Calvin Bryant, the Ram defense kept Fayetteville State in control for the entire game with the Broncos converting on a mere 3-of-13 third down attempts. Bryant led the Rams with 11 tackles, while the Fayetteville native Workman recorded 10 stops, one tackle for loss, and two fumble recoveries. FSUÕs only points came at the 5:46 mark in the fourth quarter when the Rams, pinned deep in their own territory, elected to take a safety rather than risk a blocked punt. The win may have been costly for WSSU with the injury to starting quarterback Aubrey Jones who left the game early in the second quarter with a knee injury. The severity of the injury was unsure, however there is a possibility that Jones may miss next weekÕs contest at Livingstone College. |
