By Patrick Peterson
The Rams kicked o/ their season-ending two-game road trip on Saturday night with a swift dethroning of the previously undefeated Western Connecticut State Colonials.
It was yet another complete e/ort by the Rams featuring touchdowns on offense, defense, and special teams all coming within the first six minutes of play.
Fullback Rufus Rushins kicked things o/, rumbling into the end zone from two yards out on fourth down to give the Rams a 7-0 lead.
On the following possession, the Rams’ defense forced a three-and-out. Then, the Colonials’ punt was blocked by Rashaun Rivers and returned for a touchdown by Cawin Dixon.
Immediately after, linebacker Ryan Quinn intercepted a pass on the first play of the drive and returned it for a touchdown, putting the Rams up 21-0.
Another one-yard score from Rushins gave the team a shocking 28-0 lead after just the first quarter.
The Colonials answered with a touchdown of their own early in the second, but two more scores by Rushins sent the Rams to halftime up 41-6.
The team mercifully took their foot o/ the gas in the second half, allowing a handful of scores but ultimately icing the game in the fourth with a 12-yard run for a touchdown by running back Quron Wright.
With a final score of 48-26, the Rams traveled home with a win.
Additionally, Framingham State swept the MASCAC Player of the Week awards.
Rushins was awarded Offensive Player of the Week after his four-touchdown performance. Joshua Smiley was awarded Defensive Player of the Week after recording seven tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Rivers was awarded Special Teams Player of the Week for his early blocked punt, and Ryan Quinn was awarded Rookie of the Week for his 22-yard pick-six and fumble recovery in the win.
The Rams jumped up into Brst place in the MASCAC with the win, and are now 7-2 on the season.
With a chance at a trip to the Division III championship on the line, the Rams will close out the regular season against Worcester State.