Ryan Sturdivant, Sports Writer
After four quarters of fast-paced offense, the Shepherd Rams defeated the Notre Dame Falcons by a score of 54-49 Saturday afternoon.
Despite the cool, rainy weather, the Rams had a successful day throwing the football. Senior quarterback Connor Jessop threw for an eye-popping 476 yards and five touchdowns. He also added two rushing touchdowns.
Former Virginia Union transfer Hakeem Holland, a sophomore wide receiver, pulled in 10 receptions for 134 yards and three touchdowns, while fellow wide receiver Ryan Feiss, a senior, caught 11 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown.
Malik Grove had a good day through the air for the Falcons, completing 21 of 29 passes for 216 yards and three touchdowns. Running back DJ Greene bullied his way to 121 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while wide receiver Emmanuel Smith grabbed 14 passes for a total of 98 yards. Offensively, the Falcons had a good game, tallying over 389 yards of total offense and scoring 49 points.
The Rams’ defense was led by senior defensive end Myles Humphrey. Humphrey had 10 tackles, three for a loss, and two sacks. Fellow senior captain James Gupton, an inside linebacker, also tallied 10 tackles, two tackles for a loss, a sack, and recorded a forced fumble.
Senior defensive tackle James King said he felt like he and his team could have played better. “I felt like we didn’t play the way we play, we have to get everybody on the same page and be more crisp in everything we do, including practice,” he said.
The Rams have a bye next week, which will give them a lot of time to watch film and prepare for the Glenville State Pioneers. As for the Falcons, an 0-1 start will make it difficult for them to clinch a spot in this year’s D2 playoffs.
Ryan Sturdivant is a Sports Writer for The Picket. He can be reached at rsturdivant19@gmail.com