Rams dominate Blue Bears 58-0, largest win in 32 years

The Rams 7-1(5-1) bounced back after their first loss to St. Augustine's by defeating the Livingstone Blue Bears 0-8 (0-4) Oct. 16.

The 58-0 thumping of CIAA Southern Division rival Livingstone, was the largest margin of victory for the Rams since 1978 when they defeated Shaw 78-0, and the largest win against the Blue Bears since 1986 when the Rams won 82-8.    

The first quarter saw both teams punting on their first drives. The Rams made good on the Blue Bears inefficient offense in the first quarter by holding them to 57 yards on 18 plays and only three first downs.

The Rams offense scored touchdowns on two of their first three drives and amassed 99 yards on 10 plays.

The second quarter started with Rams freshman defensive lineman David Harris sacking Jamel Moore of the Blue Bears for a 25-yard loss.

That sack forced Livingstone to punt the ball, and the punt was returned 35 yards for a touchdown by junior wide receiver Dominique Fitzgerald.

"We just wanted to come out and play hard and continue to play with a lot of energy and hype," sophomore wide receiver Jahuann Butler said.

The Rams scored on a 53-yard touchdown pass from Kameron Smith to wide receiver Jahuann Butler with 4:02 remaining in the half.

The Rams defense forced a three and out and the offense scored on the first play of their next drive.

Nicholas Cooper broke a 54-yard rush that put the Rams ahead 35-0. The Rams added a field goal to end the half with the score 38-0.

"The guys just came out and played Ram football," Head Coach Connell Maynor said. "That was no turning the ball over and giving up any big plays."

The Rams out gained the Blue Bears 256-49 in total offense in the first half with 128 passing and rushing yards each.

In the third quarter, the Rams scored on a 12-play 50-yard drive that took about six minutes off the clock.

The touchdown was scored on a run by Nicholas Cooper from the Livingstone 5-yard line. After a missed pat-attempt the Rams were in the lead 44-0.

On the next drive Livingstone attempted a fake punt that would eventually turn into a fumble on a tackle by sophomore defensive back Keith Ferguson. That tackle ended a potential first down in Ram territory.

The Rams scored one more time in the third on a 6-yard rush by junior running back Kayvone Spriggs. That touchdown made the score 51-0.

The Rams scored once in the fourth quarter on a 20-yard pass from junior quarterback Octavious Hawkins to senior wide receiver Jonathan Kinzer.

This win puts the all-time record between these two teams at 33-11-1 with the Rams leading. The Blue Bears last victory over the WSSU came in 1998 when they won 38-33.

The Rams next opponent is the homecoming game against UNC Pembroke 5-2 who is a NCAA Division II Independent.

"It's just another game for us, and we will prepare for them just like any other opponent," running back Nicholas Cooper said.

"Our goal for the next game is to win homecoming and continue to execute the way we did tonight," Maynor said.

The Rams are ranked No. 21 in the AFCA Top 25.