By Danielle Achin
The crisp air and sunny weather made for a perfect day for the FSU football game against Western Connecticut State University on home turf Oct. 16.
Within the first few minutes of the game, the Rams were the first on the board after sophomore running back Devaun Ford completed a six play drive with a two-yard touchdown run.
The extra point scored by freshman kicker Matthew Farley led the Rams in a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
WestConn made it on the board within the last four minutes of the opening quarter when an opening in the end zone by the Rams allowed the other team to complete a two-yard touchdown, tying the game 7-7.
The second quarter kicked off with the Rams pushing the defense, stopping WestConn from connecting with the ball and scoring.
With 10 minutes remaining in the first half, junior quarterback Nicolas Goffredo completed his pass to Ford on a 59-yard catch, leading the Rams 21-7.
With just over six minutes left in the second, WesternConn brought in their defensive strategies, holding the Rams on the clock and returned with an interception.
This was followed by a 40-yard drive to the end zone scoring a touchdown making it a 21-14 game.
The Rams responded with a 27-yard touchdown pass completed by sophomore EJ Nichols from Goffredo leading FSU 28-14 into the second half.
The third quarter was kept stagnant with both teams on the defense not allowing the other team to score.
WestConn cut this short scoring within the last 30 seconds of the third when a 16-yard touchdown was completed by freshman Julian Ferguson for a 28-21 score.
The Rams answered and their defense took over. With a 21-yard pass from Goffredo to graduate Devaughn White the Rams scored the final touchdown of the game – a 35-21 victory.
With an overall of 5-2 this season, Nichols’ response to these wins was he and his team sticking together.
“Having each other’s backs is the biggest part. We got the game plan now. It’s just executing what we do during those games,” he said.
Nichols said the returners make for a dynamic that just works with his team and is ready to keep working with the new members to fit that dynamic.
“We have a lot of young guys. We just have to control our emotions – staying calm in heated moments,” Nichols said. “If we control that we’ll definitely be a better team and win more games.”
Teaghin Andre said the team feels confident in their performance each week, influenced by their Head Coach Tom Kelley.
He added, “They always show what they’re capable of. I’m proud of every one of them.”
Andre said his goal for upcoming games is to put a 0 on the board and to “score more goals and allow less.”
Next, the Rams face off against the Bridgewater State Bears for the last home game of the season on Bowditch Field Nov. 6.