Box Score TUSKEGEE, ALA. – Winston-Salem State battled for four quarters, but their late rally came up short, as the Rams fell 28-13 to the Tuskegee Golden Tigers at Abbott Memorial Stadium in Tuskegee, Alabama.
With the loss, Winston-Salem State falls to 0-3, while the #24 Tuskegee Golden Tigers improve to 3-0.
This is the first time since 2009, that WSSU has started a season 0-3.
For the third consecutive week, the WSSU Rams got on the scoreboard first, as they would covert an 11 play, 77 yard drive into a touchdown as
Tyree Massey would score from eight yards out to give WSSU a 7-0 lead.
Tuskegee would answer back in the second quarter with two passing touchdowns, one of 24 yards and the other 18 yards to take a 14-7 lead into the locker room at the half.
As the third quarter took shape, the Golden Tigers would increase their lead to 14 points, when they were able to find the endzone on a one yard run, going up 21-7 through three quarters.
WSSU was not ready to give in, and with 12:00 remaining in the contest, WSSU would become opportunistic with a turnover, and Will Johnson would connect on a 32 yard field goal to cut the Golden Tiger lead to 21-10.
With just over four minutes left to play, the Winston-Salem State Rams would inch closer, and within striking distance of tying the game with another field goal from Will Johnson. This time Johnson would connect from 45 yards out to cut the lead to just eight points, at 21-13.
The Rams defense would step up to the challenge and would force a punt, but a momentary lapse in judgment from the Rams punt returner, would force a turnover from WSSU on the return and the Golden Tigers would recover the muffed punt at the WSSU one yard line.
Tuskegee would score on the next play, ending the Rams hopes of a late rally.
Offensively for Winston-Salem State, Tyree Massey led the rushing attack with 15 carries for 65 yards and one touchdown, while Justin Johnson finished with eight carries for 58 yards.
Justin Johnson went nine of 21 through the air for 50 yards, while Rashad Cooper went six of 10 with one interception for 46 yards.
Marcel Caver led the Rams in receiving with six catches for 24 yards, while William Belcher finished with three catches for 23 yards. Rashan Williams, Eric Williams, Reggie Wilkins, Trey Foggie, Brandon Ojikutu and Malik Moseley each had one catch on the afternoon.
Will Johnson had a solid afternoon punting, with seven punts for 294 yards for a season best average of 42 yards per punt.
Defensively, Michael Bloomfield led the way for WSSU with seven tackles, one forced fumble and one quarterback hurry, while PJ Clyburn and Phillip Williamson each finished with five tackles each. Williamson also had one tackle for a loss, one sack and one quarterback hurry, while Clyburn also had a tackle for a loss. Brandon Dixon had four tackles and a tackle for a loss. Six other Rams defenders finished with three tackles each, six finished with two tackles and 13 different WSSU players had one tackle apiece.
Winston-Salem State will continue wrap up its early season road games when they travel to Rocky Mount, NC next week to take on the Vikings of Elizabeth City State in the Down East Viking Football Classic. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00pm.
