WSSU loses final game of the season in a 14-6 defensive slugfest to Fayetteville State

On Saturday on Invoice Hayes Area at Bowman Grey Stadium the Broncos beat the Rams 14-6 in a defensive slugfest that wasn’t determined till a late interception by quarterback Bryce Jackson of the Rams.

The Broncos (8-2, 7-1 CIAA) proved to be the very best defensive crew all season within the CIAA and so they lived as much as that billing.

After permitting the Rams (3-6, 3-4 CIAA) to attain on a 70-yard, 4-play drive on the primary possession of the sport the Broncos’ protection dominated. After that preliminary drive the Rams generated simply 87 yards of offense on 12 possessions.

“We type of acquired somewhat stale on offense and we tried to guard our quarterback somewhat bit as a result of he’s so younger,” Coach Robert Massey of the Rams stated in regards to the lack of offense. “We’ve to discover a approach as he will get somewhat older to have a greater passing sport.”

Jackson wound up simply 5 of 13 passing for 87 yards and had two interceptions and the shortage of a operating sport didn’t assist. The Rams ran simply 47 performs on offense and punted 9 occasions.

Conserving the Rams within the sport as common was their protection, which allowed simply the 2 touchdowns. Each landing drives got here as quarterback Caden Davis, a redshirt freshman and Reynolds Excessive Faculty graduate, did sufficient to get them into the tip zone.

“We simply had some inconsistency,” stated nostril guard Octavis Mclaurin of the Rams. “We have to do higher and that’s what we’ll concentrate on subsequent season.”

Coach Richard Hayes of the Broncos, whose uncle is Invoice Hayes, knew this sport could be a dogfight. Hayes received on his uncle’s area and the Broncos will hopefully have some momentum going into the CIAA championship sport subsequent week.

“I’m actually pleased with my crew,” Hayes stated. “Winston-Salem got here out and scored straight away and we bounced again and held on, child, and now we’re going to the championship sport.”

Davis, who’s listed as 6-foot-4 and 250 kilos, bullied his approach into the tip zone on the primary landing from 3 yards out. He later accomplished a go for a 5-yard landing that was tipped on the line of scrimmage because it bounded excessive into the air. Possibly as a result of he was in his hometown, however no matter it was, the ball was caught by extensive receiver David Baros for a landing to make it 14-6 within the first half.

Davis was all smiles afterwards as he helped the Broncos get the win. He and Demari Daniels shared the quarterback spot the complete sport, a method that’s labored since midseason.

“I promise you I’ve the very best protection within the nation and once we are down they will choose us up,” Davis stated. “No matter it’s, our protection goes to do the job.”

As for coming again to play for the primary time in school in his hometown, Davis stated it was a giant win.

“This implies all the pieces and seeing all my folks out right here it’s large,” Davis stated. “It simply feels good.”

On the Rams’ first possession of the sport they wanted simply 4 performs to attain on a Jah’Twon Stafford 1-yard run, however Ivan Caro missed the additional level try for a 6-0 lead. After that the Rams acquired previous midfield simply as soon as and by no means got here near scoring.

A number of seniors had been acknowledged earlier than Saturday’s sport for the Rams.

Amongst these acknowledged had been Ivan Caro, Jobanni Esparza, Octavis McLaurin, Caleb Lowery, Cam’Ron Perkins, Freddie Johnson II, Deiontate Jones, Jasahn Rankin, Karron Keter, Kemai Parker, Darrick McLean, Tyshawn Miller, Elijah Banks, Ramar Thomas, Anthony Berry Jr. and Narique Smith.

Smith, who has one other 12 months of eligibility, may elect to return again and play subsequent season. He’s been a key cornerback and return man since he returned from damage 4 video games into this season.

Brian “BDaht” McLaughlin, who has been the public-address announcer for WSSU for the final a number of years, labored his final sport on Saturday. His rising portfolio that features the official sixth man of the North Carolina basketball program, received’t permit him to work frequently beginning subsequent season.

BDaht, a WSSU graduate, didn’t rule out engaged on a homecoming sport.

WSSU honored him after the sport by presenting him with a sport ball signed by the WSSU administration.

The Broncos can be heading to their fifth straight CIAA championship sport subsequent Saturday and can play Chowan, the Jap Division champions. The Broncos are 0-4 below Coach Richard Hayes in championship video games.

“We are able to’t take into consideration these previous losses,” stated Hayes, who’s in his sixth season the place he’s compiled an impressive 40-21 report. “It’s about this season and this crew in order that’s our mindset heading into the championship sport.”

Chowan, which clinched a spot within the championship sport after its 54-8 win over Elizabeth Metropolis State on Saturday, and Fayetteville State performed throughout the regular-season with the Broncos successful 13-10 on Sept. 29 in Fayetteville.

The championship sport, which can be performed in Salem, Va., will air dwell on Aspire Community.

W – Jah’Twon Stafford 1 run (kick missed)

F – Caden Davis 3 run (Andrew Elton kick)

F – David Baros 5 go from Davis (Elton kick)