Core of WSSU team will be back next season

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Built to last.

That’s a good way of describing what’s ahead for the Winston-Salem State football program.

The Rams, who lost on Saturday 48-41 to Long Island Post in the first round of the Division II playoffs, made tremendous progress this season. After the Rams’ 6-5 season in 2015, there weren’t a lot of people expecting the Rams to make it to the Division II playoffs.

Three weeks into the season, the Rams were 1-2 heading into CIAA play but a remarkable turnaround took place as they ran off eight straight wins to capture their second straight CIAA championship. And a bonus was getting a bid to the D-II playoffs for the first time under head coach Kienus Boulware.

Boulware, who has been with the Rams since 2010, has been the head coach for three seasons. The luxury for Boulware heading into next season is strength in numbers at key positions.

The Rams will lose four starters from this season to exhausted eligibility. The biggest loss will be All-CIAA punter/placekicker Will Johnson, a four-year starter. Another loss will be tight end Demeeko Jones, who was also the long snapper on punts and field-goal attempts.

CONTINUE READING