Maynor: This is the greatest team in school history

For the first time in Winston-Salem State's history the Rams are 12-0.

 "This is the greatest team in school history," Head Coach Connell Maynor said.

Cooper said that the National Championship is the goal that the team is playing for.

"It's good to be known as the greatest team in school history but we want to be the greatest team in the country," Cooper said.

WSSU avoided a second half comeback by California University of Pennsylvania Vulcans and won 35-28.

The Rams defense took control early forcing an interception on a tipped pass. The interception was caught by senior defensive back Jonathan Setzer. That was the first of three interceptions.

"Our defense had a great performance," Maynor said.

"They have been playing that way all season."

The offense took advantage of the opportunity by scoring on a five play 20-yard drive. The Rams scored on a run by running back Nicholas Cooper. The score gave the Rams a 7-0 advantage.

Cooper had 102 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries.

The Vulcans answered back scoring on a run by running back Jeff Knox Jr. tying the score at seven.

The Rams next drive was halted when quarterback Kameron Smith fumbled.

The Vulcans took advantage of the Rams miscue needing only seven plays to score and carried the 14-7 lead into the second quarter.

WSSU's next scoring drive was saved by a 15-yard catch by wide receiver Dominique Fitzgerald on a fourth and 12. Cooper bowled his way into the end zone for his first score. Kicker Alejandro Suarez missed the extra point and the Rams trailed 14-13.

            On the next drive WSSU intercepted junior quarterback Peter Lalich for the second time.

 "They [Rams] were a good defensive team," Vulcans offensive coordinator Mike Keller said. 

            "Their defense made some great plays on the ball," Lalich said.

            The offense took advantage of the defenses gift by scoring on a pass from Smith to fullback Cedric Hickman. The Rams faked the extra point attempt and converted on a pass from quarterback Jamie DeGeare to tight end Jerry Chandler.

The Rams led after the two-point conversion 21-14.   

Smith went 20-30 for 267 yards passing and two touchdowns.

            After the Rams forced the Vulcans to punt, they only needed five plays to travel 62 yards and score. The Rams scored on a 26-yard pass from Smith to wide receiver Jamal Williams. The Rams took the 14-point advantage into halftime 28-14.

            The second half started the way the first half ended for the Vulcans. When Lalich threw his third interception that was caught by senior linebacker Antonio Gates.

After the interception, Cooper scored his third touchdown on a 1-yard run. The Rams increased their lead 35-14.

            On the ensuing drive for the Vulcans, Lalich needed seven plays to score. The touchdown was scored on a pass from Lalich to running back Lamont Smith. The Rams lead was cut by seven 35-21.

            The Vulcans forced a fumble on the next Rams drive and the Cal (Pa.) offense only needed three plays to capitalize. The Vulcans scored on a pass from Lalich to Smith for the second time. The Rams took the seven point lead in to the fourth quarter 35-28.

            The fourth quarter started off with both defenses taking away chances to score from the other team. The Rams blocked a field goal attempt and the Vulcans intercepted a Smith pass.

            "It was a hard fought game," Maynor said.

            "We got bogged down a little bit."

            The Rams defense did not let the Vulcans score in the fourth quarter.

            "It feels good to win in the postseason," said wide receiver Jameze Massey.

            "I've never won in the postseason. In high school my team always lost in the first round."

            The Rams next opponent is the New Haven Chargers. They boast an 11-1 record.