WINSTON-SALEM, NC — The perfect season for the Winston-Salem State University Rams came to an end today, as the Wayne State University Warriors defeated the Rams, 21-14 in the NCAA DII Semi Finals at Bowman Gray Stadium.
The Rams finish their season at 13-1, while Wayne State (12-3) advances to next week?s NCAA DII Championship Game. They will face the winner of the Delta St./Pittsburg St. winner.
Wayne State would take little time to get on the scoreboard, as they took the opening kick, and four plays later Mickey Mohner would find Josh Renel and we would make the Rams miss tackles on his way to a 25 yard touchdown reception.
The WSSU Rams would take the ensuing kickoff and on the first play Kameron Smith would go up top to an open Jameze Massey deep in Warrior territory, but he ball glanced off of Massey?s fingertips. WSSU would pick up a first down on a Smith to Juhuann Butler 13 yard pass, but the Rams would stall and have to punt.
Neither team would be able to do much on their next possession and after a series of punts, Wayne State would take over with 2:54 l4ft in the first quarter. But Mohner would drop back and his pass downfield to would be picked off by WSSU?s Darryl Pulliam.
The Rams would move into Warrior territory as the second quarter began, but on fourth and 11, Smith?s pass to Jamal Williams would sail high and WSSU would turn the ball over on downs.
Wayne State would take the ball and march downfield, going 80 yards in 12 plays, capped by a Mickey Mohner one yard run, pushing Wayne State?s lead to 14-0.
Down by their largest deficit of the year, WSSU would take the kickoff and march downfield once again deep into WSU territory, but on fourth down, Kameron Smith?s pass to Tehvyn Brantley would be broken up on a hard hit near the goal line, giving the ball back to Wayne State.
Winston-Salem State would hold and force a punt. On their first play Nicholas Cooper would bust through the defense for a 20 yard gain and Kameron Smith would find Dominique Fitzgerald for a 10 yard pass and catch before Smith would find Juhuaan Butler on a 26 yard corner pattern for a score.
Wayne State would take a 14-7 lead into the locker room at the half, and the Rams would be looking to make some adjustments while also regrouping to take the ball first in the second half.
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