By Patrick Peterson
The Rams’ outstanding 2018 season has reached its end with a 40-27 loss to the Brockport State Golden Eagles in the opening round of the NCAA Division III championship playoffs.
Brockport’s elite defense proved to be too much in the first half, as they allowed 0 points and collected two costly interceptions.
Meanwhile, the Rams’ defense struggled, allowing 24 points and failing to force a turnover.
However, the team attempted a comeback in the second half. Senior defensive back DeSean Hart intercepted a pass on Brockport’s first drive, giving the offense the opportunity to gain some momentum.
They answered the call, driving 40 yards in five plays and scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run by Rufus Rushins to cut the lead down to 17.
But the comeback was cut short, as the Golden Eagles responded with a 68-yard touchdown on the second play of the ensuing drive, extending their lead to 30-7.
A 13-yard run by receiver Napoleon Miller put the Rams on the board again, but the Golden Eagles continued to answer, scoring again to go up 37-13 early in the fourth.
Two late touchdown passes from quarterback Adam Wojenski to wideout Shaquille Joseph tightened the gap, but it did not prove to be enough.
Although the team will not advance to the next round of the playoffs, there are more individual
accomplishments worth mentioning.
Wojenski finished the game with 450 passing yards, by far his most of the season. Additionally, senior defensive back Rashaun Rivers was announced as a selection to the 2018 New England Football Writers’ Division II/III All-New England team.
The Rams finish the 2018 season with an 8-3 record.