(THE PICKET)—The Shepherd University Rams, currently ranked number six, will play in this week’s Mountain East Conference game Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. against the Fairmont State University Falcons.
The Rams come in the Mountain East Conference with an undefeated record of 8-0 and are eying a trip to the 2015 playoffs, while the Falcons come into this week at 5-3, “playing their best football off the season,” according to head football coach Monte Cater.
Shepherd comes into Thursday’s game leading the conference in scoring, passing, yards per game and points allowed. They are also ranked in the top four of every other major statistical category.
The Rams had several injuries to starters last week. Senior defensive back Philip Rhoden has been ruled out with a season-ending knee injury he received defending a pass in the end-zone last week. Offensive lineman William Smith and inside linebacker James Gupton will both be playing Thursday night after leaving Saturday’s game with injuries.
This week’s game will be played on a Thursday night instead of on a Saturday afternoon, unlike previous football games this season.
Before starting practice, the football players stretch throughly in order to perform their best.
“Obviously we would prefer it be on the weekends not only for more practice time but also academic wise, but we will certainly be ready to play,” Cater said.
“I don’t think the lights are going to have an effect on us being just an overall dominant football team; we could play (the game) on Saturday afternoon like the rest of the teams, and you will still get the same result,” defensive lineman James King added.
Last year, Shepherd’s performance last year was impressive, scoring 56 points and holding the Falcons to less than 100 yards of offense in a shutout victory. However, it is a new season. With every win, the pressure becomes greater as the Rams strive for an undefeated regular season and a trip to the playoffs.
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