Nov. 14, 2009

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WINSTON-SALEM, NC - The Winston-Salem State Rams (1-9) came up short in a battle of tough defensive teams, Saturday, taking an 18-10 loss to the rival North Carolina Central Eagles (3-7). Though the Rams played tough for all four quarters, key injuries and proved costly in the emotional loss.

Both teams struggled to find offense combining for 28 points and 416 yards of total offense in the game, but the Rams couldn't seem to get the plays that counted in the loss. The Rams' struggles started early as the team committed three first half turnovers, including a fumble and an interception that led to a pair of Eagle touchdowns.

As a team, the Rams managed 191 yards of offense, but did see some strong play by running back John Harris who led the WSSU rushing attack with 12 carries for 71 yards. The Rams were forced into using a trio of quarterbacks as senior Jarrett Dunston suffered a concussion in the first quarter while redshirt-freshman Branden Williams was sidelined by an ankle injury. Though Williams made an effort to return to the game, the Rams were forced to insert redshirt-sophomore Jean Julmiste, who made the switch from quarterback to wide receiver earlier this season. Williams had the best day of the three, connecting on 8-of-24 passes for 62 yards and a touchdown.

The Rams defense kept the team in the game for all four quarters as the unit held North Carolina Central to 225 yards of offense and four turnovers. WSSU defensive lineman Joshua Newkirk led the way for the Rams with seven total tackles. Defensive back Cameron Demps had the sole interception of the day for the Rams.

Both teams struggled in the game's early going with the teams trading punts and fumbles for much of the first quarter. The Rams were able to strike first, however, when freshman kicker Landen Thayer nailed a 37-yard field goal to put the Rams ahead 3-0 with 2:20 left in the first quarter.

The second quarter turned out to be a busy one for both teams with NCCU striking first with a 24-yard field goal and a five-yard touchdown run that left the Rams with a 9-3 deficit. It was a WSSU fumble that sparked the Eagle touchdown. Undaunted, the Rams would bounce back, however, when Williams connected with junior wide receiver Omar Kizzie for an 11-yard touchdown. The ensuing Thayer PAT kick left the Rams with their first lead of the game, 10-9 with 3:02 left in the second quarter. the turnover bug would strike the Rams once again, when a WSSU interception would set up an Eagle touchdown in the final minute of the half and left the Rams trailing, 15-10 at the half.

After a see-saw battle in the first half, both teams would turn up their defensive efforts as an NCCU third quarter turned out to be the sole score of the half for either team. It was early in the fourth quarter that Williams suffered an ankle injury that temporarily sidelined him. Though he would battle through the pain and return to the field, he was unable to continue and the Rams ended the day with Julmiste returning under center.

The Rams will close out the 2009 season when they head to Norfolk, Va. to take on the Norfolk State Spartans. For more information on Rams football, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.