Rams Football Gearing up for Fall ’19

The Bluefield College Rams football team recently completed its spring training in preparation for the fall 2019 football season.

The Rams are coming off a 4-7 record this past fall, which was a slight drop from their previous 6-5 record in 2017. However, the team seems ready to get back on track after a productive spring 2019.

“Spring ball went good despite being low on numbers,” said starting defensive back Jonathan Green, who will be entering his junior season this fall. “We made a lot of improvements and got some new guys that are going to help us a lot. We were able to get them familiar with the schemes on both sides of the ball.”

While the spring practice session was productive, it also had drawbacks with a handful of injuries, but none too severe. As a result of the spring injuries, fewer player numbers and scheduling conflicts, there were some practices in which the defense had less than 11 players on the field. The defensive line, in particular, was a point of concern this spring due to the lack of numbers.

“It was tough, but it helped get us in shape for the season, and I feel like that’s what we needed,” said starting outside linebacker Shaun Kolb, who will be entering his senior season in the fall. “I believe we have our main core of starters here, but we will have a few starters come in with the new group of freshmen.”

The offensive line made major strides this spring compared to last spring when the group consisted of six or fewer active members at a time. Several transfers have made an impact on the offensive line along with 2018 freshmen who now have a year of experience under their belt.

“I thought spring ball went well, and the o-line played pretty good until we got tired,” said rising senior MacLaine Kirkley, a starter on the offensive line. “We were all a little out of shape, but I feel that we made improvements this spring as a group.”

One of the focal points this spring was to unite players and to play as a family. With all the new players coming in this spring, not to mention the freshman class entering this fall, it will be important for the team to band together quickly for what will be a tough 2019 season.

“I think that the main focus truly is on the team itself, as in the team coming together and reaching our goal of winning a championship,” said team manager Savannah Dame.

The expectations for the Rams in 2019 some say are at the highest they’ve been in program history. The team will be seeking its first conference championship as well as a possible playoff berth.

“We are looking to play into late November. That’s the goal,” said associate head coach Dino Kaklis.                  

The Rams will open the 2019 season at Faulkner University on August 31 in Montgomery, Alabama. The first of six home games will be on September 7 at 6 p.m. against Bethel University. For ticket and broadcast information, visit bcrams.com.