Rams Force Six Turnovers In 27-14 Win Over Chargers
Snow Hill – In a thrilling bounce-back performance following last week's disheartening 46-12 defeat to Southwest Edgecombe, Greene Central Rams showcased a formidable defense, forcing six turnovers against the Ayden-Grifton Chargers, ensuring a solid 27-14 victory in front of a spirited homecoming crowd on Friday night.
The Rams, clearly smarting from their previous loss where they coughed up the ball six times, seemed to have flipped the script this time around, showcasing a defense that was nothing short of spectacular. The Chargers, on their part, were eyeing a redeeming conference win after a 60-26 drubbing by Farmville Central in their conference opener.
The contest got off to a sluggish start with both teams struggling to find their offensive rhythm. The first half saw the Chargers being held to a mere 73 passing and 59 rushing yards. The Rams’ defense capitalized on this, with Jalen Sutton forcing and recovering the game's first turnover. The tide seemed to shift late in the second quarter when a deflection by Jordan Scott led to a Michael Suggs interception, stalling a promising Chargers’ drive. However, it was the Chargers who went into the break with a 7-0 lead, having held the Rams to 69 passing and 38 rushing yards.
Head Coach and defensive mastermind Jay Wilson's halftime address was clear and concise, "I told them they had to play better and do better, and play like the Rams know how to play," he said. And play better they did.
The second half saw a renewed Rams' defense with Michael Suggs grabbing another interception, alongside Jaylen Wynn and Corde Harper each making key interceptions that stifled the Chargers’ offense. It was late in the third quarter when the Rams' offense finally sprung to life, when Rams QB Will Radford hit Jaylen Wynn on a 30 yard touchdown.
A mishap on a Chargers’ punt attempt led to Corde Harper recovering a fumble for a touchdown, propelling the Rams ahead 21-7 as the game headed into the final quarter. Quarterback Will Radford displayed a clean, efficient game with 12 completions on 24 attempts for 97 yards and a touchdown, also rushing for 21 yards and a touchdown on 6 carries, including a 19-yard touchdown run that sealed the game. James Ballard who delivered 101 rushing yards on 19 carries and one touchdown had a solid game for the Rams.
Christian Tavarez and Jaylen Wynn contributed to the passing game with 36 and 46 receiving yards, respectively, while sophomore Kimez Coppedge and freshman Trey Melton added to the defensive tally with two and one sacks.
Coach Wilson praised his offensive coordinator, Demarcus Whitehurst, for the adjustments made in the second half, noting, "Big fella made great adjustments in the second half, we got the ball in the end zone, he took a lot of criticism from the people in the media, he came in here and did his job tonight."
Wilson who is known for creating ballhawk defensive backs commended senior Corde Harper for his game-changing plays and leadership, and appreciated Jaylen Wynn for his consistent playmaking ability throughout the season, labeling him an "explosive" asset whenever he had the ball.
Rams face conference opponent Washington next week at home.
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