The day after Thanksgiving, our Lafayette Rams had to face off against I.C. Norcom in the Region 3 A Finals. The weather was cold, the field conditions were dry, and fans were scant in the stands. This didn’t stop our football players’ power as they persevered and played a high-quality game. But you know the saying, “Two things can be true at once.” I will not be giving the standard rundown of the game, but will instead focus on the great stats our Rams racked up.
I’m going to begin by discussing Sebastian Nix, the Defensive Player of the Game. The Rams gained excellent field position when Nix had an interception five minutes into the first quarter. With 7 solo tackles, 2 assist tackles, and a fumble recovery, Sebastian definitely earned the accolades as the best defender of the game. I didn’t come to the decision that he was defensive player of the game solely on my own beliefs, his own teammates unanimously said he was the best defender on the field Friday night. With four tackles, a 10-yard reception for a touchdown, and one sack, Daniel Jackson was the second highest vote-getter for Defensive Player of the Game. Naye’Ron Hudson finished third in defense with four tackles, two receptions worth 16-yards, and a fumble recovery. O’Brian Canady, who had six tackles and one tackle for loss, and Kordell London, who had two tackles and one fumble recovery, both received honorable mentions for their defensive play.
Tyree Wilson, our Player of the Game, is the next Ram to receive accolades. A transfer from downtown Newport News’s Heritage High School, Wilson has been a great addition to the team. After an arduous transition to a new school, he eventually warmed up and developed a deep affection for the Ram Nation and school spirit. Tyree’s big game began in the third quarter with a 63 yard rush that put the Rams in fantastic field position, which set up the play allowed him to score later on that drive. Tyree finished the game with 28 carries, 237 yards (an average of 8 yards per run), and a touchdown. This honor was given to him unanimously by all 10 of the Lafayette starters. When I interviewed them, they all said Tyree was the best on offense and mentioned the amazing game he played.
Wearing #1 Brayden Smalls, finished second in the Offensive Player of the game category. On consecutive drives, he scored the game’s first two touchdowns. giving Lafayette the boost it required after the first half ended scoreless in terms of touchdown. Brayden ended with two touchdowns and 110 yards.
The Rams always play with heart and soul, and as we can see from the stats, score and accolades, this is team that knows how to win as a team.
