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Rhode Island 56, Hampton 7The Hampton University Pirates were defeated by the Rams of the University of Rhode Island (No. 7) in their final non-conference contest of the 2001 season. The Rams, who scored 14 points in each of the four quarters, remain undefeated with a 5-0 overall record, while the Pirates drop to 3-2 overall. The Pirates, a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) remain undefeated in conference play, 2-0.The Rams started their offensive attack against the Pirates early in the first quarter. With just 21 seconds off the clock, the University of Rhode IslandÕs defensive back Chuck Wesley, who finished with three interceptions for 97 yards, intercepted a pass from HU quarterback Ataveus Cash, returning it for a 36-yard touchdown. "The quick touchdown boosted our momentum on offense and defense," stated RamÕs senior defensive back Chuck Wesley. URIÕs next scoring drive would come just a minute and thirty seconds later, yielding a 7-play, 34 yard drive in three minutes. Place kicker Shane LaisleÕs successful extra point attempt gave the Rams the 14-0 first quarter lead. "We just did not execute on offense," said Pirate Head Coach Joe Taylor. "2/3 of the players simply did not seem ready at game time." The second quarter would bring no relief for the struggling Pirates. A 3 play, 48-yard drive by Nedimyer scored the Rams third touchdown on a 1-yard rush. Kicker Shane Laisle would add the extra point, 21-0. Another interception by Chuck Wesley later in the quarter led to a 1 play scoring drive and a 28-0-halftime lead for the Rams. Second half play presented a dominant RamsÕ offense, rendering 215 offensive yards in the final two quarters. After a 72-yard rush by Rams running back Wendall Williams, increasing the lead to 35, the Pirates next two possessions would result in turnovers, one of which lead to another URI touchdown, 42-0. At the start of the final quarter, the Rams would score on a three-yard touchdown rush by Nedimyer and take a 49-0 lead over the Pirates. The Pirates would not be shut out of this contest as they managed to put the ball into the end zone with 4:32 left in the game following a five-yard pass from junior quarterback Timothy Frazier, who saw significant minutes for the second consecutive contest, to junior tight end David Blount. The extra point by place kicker Tellis Bolden would give the Pirates their only score of the game, 49-7. With one minute and four seconds left in the game, URI would find the end zone for their final score of the game, 56-7, capping a nine-yard rush by freshman running back Jason Ham. The Pirates will travel across the bridge next week to battle in state rival, Norfolk State University, in the annual "Battle of the Bay" Classic. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
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