'Defense impressive,' Red defeats White 10-6

The Red team defeated the White team 10-6 in the spring football game at Carver High School's David L. Lash Stadium April 9 in Winston- Salem.

The Red team consisted of freshman and sophomores while the White team featured some of the Rams starters on offense and defense.

Head Coach Connell Maynor coached the White team.

The Red team was coached by a team of assistant coaches.

This is Maynor's second spring football game as head coach. This is the second spring game since 2005 for Winston-Salem State.

The game was a defensive struggle, with both teams offenses missing opportunities and not capitalizing on good field position.

"The defense was way ahead of the offense," Maynor said.

"I expect that at this point, especially since the offense was split up [between the two teams]."

In the first half, only the Red team was able to put points on the board. They scored on a 59-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Vernon Brandon to junior wide receiver Patrick Terry putting the Red team ahead after the extra point 7-0.

The next score came in the third quarter on a field goal by junior kicker Landon Thaylor, increasing the Red team's lead 10-0.

"We just wanted to come out and play hard and showcase our talents," said wide receiver Jamal Williams.

Williams is a transfer from UNC-Pembroke. The Rams face UNC-P on Nov. 5 in Pembroke.

In the fourth quarter, the White team marched down the field and scored on a one-yard touchdown run by freshman running back DeQuan Leak.

Leak rushed for 53 yards and one touchdown in 2010.

The White team missed the extra point attempt because of a bobbled snap, and the score remained 10-6.

"The game was very competitive and fun," said defensive back Keith Ferguson.

"The defense was flying around, and we were just trying to make plays."

The Red team took possession afterward and did not let the White team score again.

The Red team, behind the running of Tyrone Goldston milked the remainder of the time off of the game clock and came away with the victory.

"I believe that either of these teams could go into the CIAA and win," Maynor said.

"We plan to win the CIAA, to get into the playoffs and to win a national championship. Those are our goals. We have two good squads, and we aren't going to apologize for it."

The Rams start next season playing their first seven games against conference opponents, including the homecoming game against Johnson C. Smith, Oct. 1.