WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- The Kienus Boulware era of Winston-Salem State University football got off to a great start, as the #14 WSSU Rams scored 31 first half points, enroute to a convincing 38-7 win over #21 UNC Pembroke on Saturday night in Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, NC.With the win, WSSU recorded their 400th all-time win, moving to 1-0, while UNC Pembroke falls to 0-1 on the season.
Winston-Salem State got on the scoreboard first, when Tyree Massey reached the end zone from eight yards out, and with Alejandro Suarez's PAT, the Rams went up 7-0.
The WSSU Rams would not take long to score again, after a quick series from UNCP, the Rams' Marcel Caver would haul in a 64 yard pass from wide receiver, Donovan Rasberry, and with the PAT WSSU was off and rolling 14-0.
Winston-Salem State's defense was spectacular all night and with 5:50 to go in the first quarter, the might Ram defense stepped up big time, as UNCP's quarter scramble but could not avoid WSSU's Alfy Hill, and Hill not only sacked the quarterback, but also forced a fumble and Danny Bunn would pounce on the ball in the end zone for another WSSU touchdown, giving the Rams a 21-0 lead.
The stifling WSSU defense would once again make a big play, when on the third play of the next series, WSSU's Aliquan Bullock would force a fumble and would be recovered by Lakevious Battle.
After the 13 play, 53 yard series for WSSU would break down, the Rams would attempt something that they rarely did over the past few years, kick a field goal. Alejandro Suarez would connect on a career long 44 yard attempt to give the Rams a commanding 24-0 lead early in the second quarter.
But the Braves were not going to go away easy, as LJ Stroman would take the ensuing kickoff, and return it 100 yards for a touchdown to cut the score to 24-7.
With 5:45 left in the first half, Rudy Johnson would find an open QB turned tight end, DeShean Townsend for an 8 yard scoring strike to give WSSU a 31-7 advantage heading into the locker room at the half.
And a halftime it was. As a severe storm approached Bowman Gray Stadium, the venue had to be evacuated because of lightning, and the normally 20 minute half, would be extended to an hour and 15 minutes before play could be resumed. Although the lightning ceased, a steady rain would invade Bowman Gray for the rest of the evening.
The second half was more of the same for UNCP, as Winston-Salem State's defense kept the pressure on, and did not allow a score.
WSSU would reach the end zone once more, as Maurice Lewis would find the goal line from 10 yards out with 2:17 left in the third quarter to give the Rams the eventually final score of 38-7.
Offensively for WSSU, Rudy Johnson led the rushing attack with five carries for 48 yards, while Maurice Lewis rushed 11 times for 46 yards and a score. Tyree Massey carried the ball seven times for 29 yards and a score in his WSSU debut. The Rams rushed for 135 yards on the night.
Rudy Johnson finihsed 14 of 22 passing for 122 yards and one score, while Phillip Sims went 10 of 16 for 107 yards.
Defensively, Duvontae Covington led the way with six tackles, while James Hickman and Alfy Hill had five tackles each. Hill also finished with a game high 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Michael Bloomfield finished with four tackles and 1.5 sacks, and Danny Bunn finished with four tackles and a fumble recovery for a score. Aliquan Bullock finished with a forced fumble and Jerron Jamerson intercepted a pass.
The WSSU Defense held UNC Pembroke to just 146 yards on the ev
ening, while keeping them out of the end zone, while the Ram offense finished with 428 yards. It was not all glowing however, as WSSU surrendered 291 kickoff return yards including a 100 yards return for a score.
Winston-Salem State will watch the film and make adjustments, as they will travel to Powder Springs, GA next week for a rematch of the 2012 NCAA DII National Title Game, as they will face the Valdosta State Blazers at Cantrell Stadium, at McEachern High School for a 4:00 pm kickoff.
Box Score
PHOTOS
COURTESY WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
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