After a dominant victory over Assumption University in round one, the Rams traveled to Long Island and defeated the LIU Post Pioneers 40-21.
Shepherd and Post battled hard in the first quarter each scoring once. The Rams found the end zone on their first drive taking the ball down the field in just over 3 minutes and capping off the drive with a 31-yard touchdown run by Brandon Hlavach. The Pioneers would capitalize on a short field and tie the game at 7 after one quarter of play.
After a split first quarter, the Rams dominated the second, finding the end zone three times, with every score coming from the right arm of Shepherd quarterback Jeff Ziemba. Ziemba hit Billy Brown for the first score of the quarter, followed by a 33-yard pass to CJ Davis, and a second grab from Brown capping off the first half giving Shepherd the lead 26-7, after 2 missed extra points, going into halftime
After remaining scoreless for the first 8 minutes of the second half the Pioneers would be the only team to find the end zone in the third quarter as they would draw closer, shrinking the Rams lead to 26-14 with one quarter remaining.
With a combined three scores between the two teams the fourth quarter of the second round game, it left fans hoping that the Rams could hold on and advance. The Rams scored early in the quarter extending the lead back to a three-score game at 33-14. LIU Post would score on the ensuing possession but could not stop the explosive Shepherd offense that would add another score sealing the victory at 40-21 and advancing to the Regional Finals.
Ziemba added to his all ready impressive senior season in the win over the Pioneers finishing the day 25-35 for 375 yards and four touchdowns. As has been the case for much of the season the dual receiving threat on the outside tore up the stat sheet Brown and Davis combined for 316 yards on 20 receptions and four touchdowns
Hlavach led the Rams ground attack finishing the day with 177 yards on 21 carries, for his most impressive outing of the season and of his young career
The Rams defense again shined hurrying the Pioneers offense and slowing down and explosive offense.
The Rams will face the winner of IUP and California(PA) in the regional final game Saturday, Dec. 3. And date and time will be determined based on the winner of that game.