WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – It was a beautiful day at Bowman Gray Stadium as the Winston-Salem State University football team picked up its first win over Shaw University with around 3,000 fans Saturday afternoon.

The Rams moved to (1-5, 1-3 CIAA), while the Bears are now (2-5, 2-3) in the season.

How it Happened
WSSU got on the scoreboard first after Octavis McLaurin intercepted the ball at the Shaw 23-yard line and returned it for 22-yards to the Shaw one-yard line to set up the Rams' offense. The Rams ended the drive with a 22-yard field goal to give Winston-Salem a 3-0 lead with 2:44 seconds left in the first quarter.

In the second quarter freshman quarterback, Nicholas Jackson who earned his first career start ran the ball from the one-yard line to score, and with the extra point, the Rams went up 10-0.

Shaw eventually tied the game at 10-10 going into halftime.

The Rams' special team had a huge play when Narique Smith blocked a punt and senior Willy Blackstock recovered the ball and returned it 68-yards for a touchdown. With the extra point, the Rams went up 17-10 with 10:19 left in the third quarter.

With 25 seconds remaining in the game Shaw's quarterback was sacked by Karron Jeter to help secure the victory for Winston-Salem State University.

Inside the Numbers

• Nicholas Jackson was 5-for-12 for 54 yards passing and rushed eight times with one touchdown in his first career start.
• Asa Barnes ran for 137 yards on 22 attempts. JahTwan Strafford ran for 25 yards on nine carries.
• On defense, Deiontae Jones had 8 tackles, two solo, and one sack. Freddie Johnson, Jr. had six tackles, four solo, and one interception for 81-yards.

Up Next
WSSU is back in action on Saturday, October 22nd traveling to Raleigh, N.C. to take on St. Augustine's University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.