October has not been a good month to be a Ram. After early district losses to Lake Highlands and Skyline, the Rams lost their third game of the month by dropping a 14-11 decision to the Richardson Eagles at Ram-Wildcat Stadium. In what proved to be a hard fought battle between two teams trying to secure a playoff berth, the Eagles capitalized on their opportunities and improved their playoff chances. Neither team mounted much offense in the first half but the Rams did manage a field goal as Zack Olen banged a 47 yd. FG to put the Rams up 3-0 at the break. The Eagles countered with an impressive drive to open the second half that ended with a DJ Jackson 40 yd. TD run to make it 7-3 Eagles in the third quarter.
The game took a controversial turn as Eagle defensive lineman A.K. Akindumilia interecepted a Ram screen pass and rumbled 65 yards for a score. The game was stopped as a sideline official collided with members of the Eagle football team during the play and referees and coaches met to determine if the score counted or the play was dead. After close to 5 minutes of conferencing, the score was given and the Eagles took a 14-3 lead.
The Rams responded with an impressive drive that ended with a 10 yd. TD reception by Spencer Edmond from QB Aric Stock. RB Jamaal McShane added the 2 pt. conversion run and the score was cut to 14-11 with 3 mintues remaining. The Rams forced a late Eagle stop deep inside Ram territory with over 1 minute remaining but the offense was unable to reach field goal range.
The loss dropped the Rams to 5-4 overall and 3-3 in district play. The last two remaining playoffs will be decided this final week of the regular season as the Rams need a Thursday night win over WT White to remain in the playoff hunt. Richardson battles Creekview and tiebreaking formulas might come into play, particularly if Creekview wins. The Rams beat Creekview 32-0 early in district play and that outcome could prove helpful in a tiebreaker formula. The bottom line is the Rams need to focus on the task at hand and prepare for a 4-5 WT White team that hopes to spoil the Rams playoff dreams. The Longhorns are coming off a 62-3 loss against the Skyline Raiders and will close out their season at Loos Stadium against the Rams. Game time set for 7pm on Thursday, November 5.

Coach Scott Sellers
Nov. 1, 2009