The Shepherd University Rams continue to dominate the Mountain East Conference following their 42-7 win in Ohio against the Urbana University Blue Knights.
The Rams, who went into the week ranked #11 in Division Two, jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. The team has now outscored their opponents 45-0 in the first quarter alone across three games. The team is 3-0 on the season.
Sophomore quarterback Jeff Ziemba had yet another strong showing, completing 17 of his 22 pass attempts for 239 yards, two passing touchdowns and zero interceptions. He added a two yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter, his first on the season. Ziemba connected on passes to junior wide receiver Dalton Boyd and senior wide receiver William McKenzie to get those scores.
McKenzie led Shepherd receivers in both receptions, four, and receiving yards, 52. Ziemba spread the ball, as eight different players recorded at least one reception.
Shepherd was able to produce 187 yards and four touchdowns on the ground against Urbana. Sophomore running back Jabre Lolley anchored the running game by rushing for 95 yards on 19 attempts and two touchdowns, both of which came in the first quarter. Lolley is now up to seven touchdowns in the first three games of the season.
The other touchdown out of the backfield came from freshman running back Trenton Cannon, when he scored on a three yard run in the fourth quarter. He ended up with 31 yards in addition to his score.
The defense held Urbana to 212 total yards and forced three turnovers. Comparatively, Shepherd had 426 total yards on offense and committed zero turnovers.
The Rams were constantly in the Blue Knights’ backfield. The team recorded nine tackles for loss and two sacks. Junior defensive end Shaneil Jenkins and senior defensive lineman Bernard Wolley recorded both sacks. Sophomore inside linebacker Octavius Thomas, who recorded 1.5 tackles for loss, also led the team with nine total tackles.
Shepherd was able to come away with two interceptions. Sophomore defensive back CJ Davis recorded his third interception of the season, picking off Cale Burdyshaw in the first quarter. Senior defensive back David Carter added the game’s other interception in the second quarter.
Last year, these teams met for the first time and Shepherd came away with the win 28-21. The Rams now hold a 2-0 edge over the Blue Knights.
The Rams return home for next week and will go against West Virginia Wesleyan, who is 1-2 for the year. Last year, Shepherd won the match on the road 45-10. The game will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27 at noon.
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