This is a month of firsts for the Shepherd University football team. On Saturday, the Rams won their first region championship. Their reward — their first airplane flight to a road game and their first appearance on national television. On Saturday, Shepherd (12-1) will play Delta State (10-3) in Cleveland, Miss., in the Division II semifinals. The Rams look to continue their literal rush to glory. In the postseason, Shepherd has outrushed opponents 763 yards to 178, scoring at least 40 points in each of its three victories.
The ground game has been fueled by D.C.-area products. While junior Tommy Addison (Quince Orchard) has rushed 53 times for 452 yards (8.5 yards a carry) in the playoffs, Nate Hoyte (McDonough) has been the go-to guy in the red zone, carrying 45 times for 270 yards and seven touchdowns.
“Tommy’s our home run threat,” offensive coordinator Ernie McCook said.
Starters paving the way up front include tackle Geoff Fry (Frederick) and guards Steve Baisey (Damascus) and Josh Spring (Loudoun Valley).
“When we have confidence in a play it builds,” McCook said.
The Rams’ ground attack has a cumulative effect, like the lake-effect snow that fell Saturday in Erie, Pa., in Shepherd’s 49-14 victory at Mercyhurst. After outscoring the Lakers 35-0 in the second half, the Rams piled snow in a cooler and dumped it on coach Monte Cater.
Afterward, the Rams experienced another first: a police escort back to Shepherdtown.
