Even Mother Nature could not stop the clash of two area titans as the Rams battled the Desoto Eagles at Ram Wildcat Stadium last Friday. The Eagles came in fresh off a 45-15 thumping off the Plano Wildcats and two weeks removed from a nationwide ESPN broadcast of their narrow 44-41 loss to the # 1 state ranked Cedar Hill Longhorns. But luckliy, the weather proved to be a non factor and the deciding factor was a couple of Ram mistakes as the Desoto Eagles escaped with a 13-10 win. A Ram fumble inside Desoto's 10 yard line and a missed field goal in the first half proved costly as the Eagles posted a 13-3 lead at the half. Eagle RB Marcus Murphy scored on a 60 yard reception in the first quarter and also returned a kickoff 90 yards for a score in the second quarter to give the Eagles all the points they would need on the night. Zack Olen booted a 23 yd. field goal in between the Murphy scores to get the Rams on the scoreboard. Despite trailing at half, the Rams had a slight edge statistically and began the second half optimistic. The Ram defense was stellar and kept the game close with 3 interceptions of Desoto QB Ryan Polite. Grant Nakwaasah, Jamal McShane, and Brennan Dichiara ended Eagle drives with key interceptions. Defensive end Kentarius Caldwell also recovered a fumble at midfield to end another Eagle possession. The Eagles also racked up a dozen penalties, including numerous of the personal foul/unsportsmanlike conduct variety. Despite numerous opportunities, both teams failed to score in the third quarter and the stage was set for an exciting 4th quarter finale. The major obstacle was that the Ram defense was on the field for 23 plays in the thrid quarter but their ability to end Eagle drives kept the Rams comeback hope alive.
With under 3 minutes remaining, the Rams resorted to a little trickery as Nakwaasah tossed a 61 yard Halfback pass to WR/TE Spencer Edmond as the Rams pulled with 13-10. An attempted onside kick for the Rams was unsuccessful and the Eagles were able to run the clock out and leave with a big win.
The Rams fell to 2-1 on the year with the loss and will be off for a week before traveling to Kincaide Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 24 for their district opener against the pesky Molina Jaguars. The Jaguars are -20 and coming off a 3-0 loss to Ft. Worth Northside. The Rams next home game will actually be Homecoming 2009 as they host the Creekview Mustangs on Friday, October 2.

Click here to check out the Dallas Morning News area football rankings-----the Rams are #15
http://www.hsgametime.com/dfw/sharedcontent/dws/spt/highschools/football/polls/stories/091409dnspohsrankings.2f53e98.html

Coach Scott Sellers
9-12-2009