Rams Football Review
A two-game losing streak since the mid-point of the Bluefield College football season has the Rams sitting at 3-5 on the 2018 campaign with just three regular season games remaining on the schedule.
The loss on October 13 – a 48-6 defeat at home to nationally ranked Reinhardt University – was the Rams’ first in Midsouth Conference play this year. The most recent loss on October 20 – a 50-17 setback at University of the Cumberlands (KY) – set BC on a two-game losing streak in conference with all three remaining games on the schedule also against conference opponents.
The Rams’ three wins in 2018 include a 26-14 victory at home against Cumberland (TN) University in the season opener, a 45-7 road win at Cincinnati Christian University on September 8, and 45-0 shellacking of Allen University at home on October 6. Last year’s freshman Defensive Player of the Year DaMarcus Wimbush spoke on the season so far.
“We’re starting off a little rough, but our guys are making up for it, and we’re coming along as a young team,” said Wimbush. “I think we have a chance at doing something great.”
Key contributors on offense this season include junior Malik Brown who leads the team in rushing yards, kickoff return yards, receptions, and all-purpose yards. Senior Charles Black and sophomore Antonio Strickland are leading the team in receiving. Black has 12 receptions for 151 yards and three touchdowns, and Strickland has 10 receptions for 262 yards and four touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, sophomore Mike Everett is having a breakout season leading the team in tackles, tackles for a loss, sacks, and forced fumbles. He is second in the nation in forced fumbles and is ranked in the top 20 for three other categories, including tackles per games, total tackles for loss, and tackles for loss per game.
Wimbush and junior Tyrice Henry are also huge contributors on the defensive side of the ball.
Wimbush is a close second on the team in total tackles and sacks and is the anchor of the defense at middle linebacker. Henry leads the team in interceptions and interception return yards. He’s also a punt return specialist and has even returned one punt for a touchdown.
“It’s frustrating, but we are making progress,” said associate head coach and defensive coordinator Dino Kaklis about the limited wins and the defense’s play so far. “We are really young up front, and everything starts up front with the D-line and works its way back.”
Despite being just 3-5 thus far, the Rams still have a shot at turning their season around and reaching post season play by winning out on the season. Senior Devon Jackson is encouraged by the effort so far, but hoping for better results in the last three games.
“I am happy that we keep fighting,” he said, “but I’m not too excited about the results we’ve been getting.”
The Rams were in a somewhat similar position last year at this point in the season as their record was 4-3 and they went on to finish 6-5, just barely missing post season play. When asked what improvements need to be made to ensure a strong finish, Coach Kaklis said “communication.”
“We have to be more consistent,” Coach Kaklis added. “We play hard and guys are getting better. We have to take things step by step.”
The Rams finish the season at Union (KY) College on October 27, at home against University of Pikeville (KY) on November 3 (Homecoming), and at home against Point University on November 10 (Senior Night).
“We’re probably right where we should be,” said head coach Dewey Lusk. “We have a lot of freshmen starting up front, and with all the injuries across the board we are right where we need to be.”