(THE PICKET) – The #6 Shepherd Rams became one step closer to an undefeated season Saturday with a commanding 44-10 win over the West Liberty University Hill Toppers.
The Rams gained momentum early and never let it go.
The first drive of the game was highlighted by a long pass from Jeff Ziemba to Billy Brown giving Shepherd an early first goal. The drive was capped off by a 3 yard run from Allen Cross giving Shepherd a 7-0 lead less than 2 minutes into the game. The Rams next drive was again highlighted by a long pass from Ziemba to Dalton Boyd for a 40-yard touchdown giving the Rams a 14-0 lead halfway through the first quarter. Field goals were added by West Liberty and Shepherd to make the score 17-3 at the end of the 1st quarter.
The second quarter was dominated by the Rams who scored twice and extended the lead and the momentum. Ziemba found Billy Brown from 11 yards out to give Shepherd a 24-3 score at the halfway mark of the second quarter. Ziemba found the end zone using his legs on the next drive giving the Rams a 31-3 going into the half.
The second half was much of the same, the Rams dominating both sides of the ball.
The Shepherd University Ram Band plays in the bleachers during the game against West Liberty.
West Liberty scored their lone touchdown of the game on the opening drive of the second half when quarterback Dakota Conwell found Daree Goodwin from 24 yards out to make the score 31-10. Shepherd added two more rushing touchdowns on the day, from Cross at the 7:58 mark of the third from 2 yards out, and Jabre Lolley from 13 yards out at the 7:58 mark of the fourth making the score 44-10 and giving the Rams their eighth straight victory of the season.
The Rams offense put in another impressive day at the office finishing the day with 512 yards of total offense and scoring 40 or more points for the seventh time in eight games.
Quarterback Ziemba finished the day 17-25 for 289 yards and 2 touchdowns, His favorite target again was receiver Brown who recorded eight catches for 185 yards and a touchdown.
The dual threat backfield of Lolley and Cross combined for 193 yards and three touchdowns
The Rams defense kept West Liberty to 195 yards of total offense and intercepted three passes on the day while also forcing two fumbles.
Billy Brown, #81, runs the football down the field to get a first down against West Liberty.
“We played well but we still have more to accomplish,” said defensive tackle James King
Shepherd has a short week to prepare for Fairmont State, who they will play Thursday night Nov. 5 at 7 p.m .
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