Rams battle out with Carson-Newman

It was week two. That was something that Winston-Salem State football players had to get through their minds. Only a week after dropping a tough 21-14 contest to non-conference rival Carson Newman in their opener, the Rams couldn’t be looking over their shoulders because things weren’t getting any easier in the future. The Rams would travel to Macon, Georgia to face the Fort Valley State Wildcats. “I want to win every game we play,” Linebacker Tony Robinson said. “You are not a true player if you are satisfied with losing.” “I imagined myself having a better game (against Carson Newman). It’s just the fundamental things that we have to keep up. I am not concerned if we do what we are supposed to do.” Robinson, who had 18 tackles and was D2football.com defensive player of the week, and his Ram teammates did exactly that against the Wildcats. The Rams defense gave up a touchdown on the opening possession for the Wildcats. At first glance it seemed as if the Fort Valley State team that the Rams had beaten in their two previous contests had the upper hand. But the Rams began to trudge back.The Rams offense began to show dominence and swagger early in the first quarter that was not visible a week prior. The Josh McGee to Brandon Free and Brandon Hussey aerial assault proved to be a potent form of opening the offense, and allowed the running lanes for Willie “Pedie” Byrd, Martin Hicks, and Jed Bines to get seemingly wider. The Rams at one point in the first half led by 14, after a 29-yard reception from Josh McGee to Brandon Free made the score 21-7. Key Ram defensive breakdowns led to two unanswered touchdowns to make the halftime score 21-21. The second half was a defensive display by both squads. Quarterback Rodney Milbourne scored the only points of the second half on a one-yard fourth down touchdown run after leading the Rams on an 11play, 46-yard drive. “I want to control the tempo of our team,” said Coach Kermit Blount. “If we can control our mistakes and control the flow of the game then our chances are very good.”The Rams controlled the ball completing 14 of 19 passes through McGee and Milbourne collectively. Fumbles were also eliminated by the Rams offense, contrary to the prior week against Carson Newman when the Rams fumbled three times.The defense, anchored by Tony Robinson who had 14 tackles, forced 7 fumbles and recovered one. The Wildcats potent running attack was neutralized with the Rams holding Duron Croson and Derrick Wimbush, who gained over 250 yards collectively a week prior against Morehouse, each under 100 yards. After tough competition from both Carson-Newman and Fort Valley State the Rams have played the basic strength of their schedule. If they can continue to grow as a team unit, Winston-Salem State may soon be able to boast the title of CIAA champions.