Week #4 For the WSSU Rams

Week #4 for the WSSU Rams
The #5 ranked Winston-Salem State University Rams (3-0) are coming off of a 55-21 blowout win over Morehouse College in Cleveland, Ohio at the 2012 Cleveland Classic at Cleveland, Brown  Stadium.  

WSSU moves into conference play this week, hosting the Virginia Union University Panthers (2-1).

Virginia Union is coming off of a 28-17 loss at the hands of Fayetteville State University last week.

The Series
This is the 42nd meeting between these two CIAA schools, dating back to 1946.

Since 1946: 20-20-1
Largest WSSU Win: 50 (67-17), 2011
Largest VUU Win: 33 (40-7), 1983
Longest WSSU Win Streak: 10, 1990-2000
Longest Morehouse Win Streak: 6, 2 times, most recently 1981-86.

Last Five Contest in Series
2011    Away     42-3     Win
2010     Home     28-13     Win
2005    Away    31-0    Win
2004    Home    20-13    Win
2003    Away    29-17    Lost

Kameron Smith, Markus Lawrence Earn CIAA Player of the Week Honors
For the second week in a row, Winston-Salem State University football players have earned CIAA honors for their play on the field. This time, quarterback Kameron Smith and his center, Markus Lawrence have earned Player of the Week Honors for their positions.

Markus Lawrence (6-4, 290, Sr, Charlotte, NC ) helped guide the WSSU offensive unit that racked up an astounding 90 plays for 677 yards in WSSU's 55-21 blowout win over Morehouse College in the 2012 Cleveland Classic.

Kameron Smith (5-11, 190, R-Sr, Garner, NC) had another monster game for WSSU, completing 21 of 41 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns in just three quarters. Smith connected with eight different receivers in the Rams' 55-21 blowout win over Morehouse College.

Winston-Salem State University amassed 677 total offensive yards on 90 plays, rushing for 276 and two touchdowns and passing for 401 and six touchdowns in the contest.

Maynor, Smith and Massey Earn CIAA Weekly Honors
For the second straight week, WSSU players have earned conference honors. Winston-Salem State University players Kameron Smith and Jameze Massey, along with head football coach Connell Maynor, have been announced this as this week's CIAA Offensive Back, Wide Receiver and Coach of the Week respectively for their play against Concord University.

Kameron Smith (Quarterback, R-Senior, 6-1, 187, Garner, NC) helped lead the Rams to a win after passing for 229 yards and two touchdowns, on 12 of 23 throwing with one interception.  In the win, Smith became WSSU's All-Time leading passer (4,647 yds), surpassing Tory Woodbury (1997-00; 4,493 yds).

His favorite target on the afternoon, Jameze Massey (Wide Receiver, Senior, 5-8, 170, Monroe, NC), had a monster game for WSSU, with six catches for 173 yards and one touchdown, including a 73 yard score in the win.

Connell Maynor, is his third season at the helm of the #8 ranked WSSU Rams, is 23-3 in his tenure at Winston-Salem State University.

Maurice Lewis Earns CIAA Honors
Winston-Salem State University running back, Maurice Lewis, has been named the CIAA Offensive Back of the Week for his play in #9 WSSU's 28-23 season opening win over the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Lewis (5-11, 190, So, Lumberton, NC/Lumberton HS), led the Rams rushing attack with 134 yards on 27 carries with two rushing touchdowns Saturday vs. UNC-Pembroke.

Picking and Grinning
DB Larry Hearne is ranked t-6 in interceptions in NCAA DII through the first two weeks of the season. Hearne has two interceptions.

Stout Rushing Defense
The WSSU Ram rushing defense is ranked 10th overall in the DII football, giving up a meager 48.5 yards per game. They are coming off of a game against Concord University where they gave up -3 yards rushing on 19 carries.

Best in the Land
The WSSU Rams lead the NCAA DII in kickoff returns, averaging 41.33 per return.

Top 25 Rusher
WSSU's Maurice Lewis is ranked 24th in the NCAA DII in rushing through the first two weeks. Lewis is averaging 114 yards per game.

Ram Keys To Victory
The Winston-Salem State University Rams will get a stern test Sautrday in Cleveland, Ohio against he Morehouse Maroon Tigers.  Morehouse brings in a solid rushing attack, which has produced 632 rushing yards in two games.

WSSU has gotten off to slow starts in each of its first two games, and needs to correct that mistake from the very outset.  Ball control and the ability to move the chains on 3rd down, as well as getting off the field on 3rd down, will be key for the Rams this week.

Last Week For The Morehouse Maroon Tigers
Concord University defeated Lenoir-rhyne 24-21 on On the way to becoming the all-time leading rusher in Morehouse history, running back David Carter rushed for 208 yards and three touchdowns, powering the Maroon Tigers to a 39-18 lead over the Edward Waters College Tigers.

Carter, now with 3,848 yards, surpassed the previous career rushing record of 3,669 yards by John David Washington (2002-2005), in the second quarter.

In a game, marred by driving rain and two long lightning delays, the Maroon Tigers kept the ball on the ground, punishing the EWC defense with six rushing touchdowns. Of Morehouse's 444 yard, 414 came on the ground.

Sophomore running back Shelton Hamilton had a career day, rushing for 113 yards and a touchdown.

Quarterback Donnay Ragland also got into the running game, scoring two one-yard touchdowns. His back-to-back quarterback sneaks, at the start of the second quarter, put Morehouse ahead, 27-7.

Richard Sanders and Latavius Watts paced the Morehouse defense with eight tackles apiece.

Antoine Easterling and Justin Oliver each picked off a pass. Oliver returned his interception for 50 yards.

WSSU Rams Picked to Repeat
The WSSU Rams place seven student-athletes on preseason team

The CIAA has released the 2012 All-CIAA Football Preseason team and Predicted Order of finish as voted on by the CIAA Football Coaches Association, and the Winston-Salem State University Rams were picked to repeat as CIAA Southern Division Champions and to repeat as CIAA Champions.

This year's press conference featured the 2012 season theme, "One Century Down," a tribute to the continued celebration of the conference's 100th Anniversary.

"We had a great run last season", says third year head coach, Connell Maynor. "But last season is last season. We can't live off of that. That season is over and we have to work to prepare for those teams in front of us this season, and that starts with UNC-Pembroke", says Maynor.

The WSSU Rams placed seven (7) players on the preseason All-CIAA team. The WSSU contingent is led by senior quarterback, Kameron Smith (5-11, 190, Sr, Garner, NC), who was the All-CIAA quarterback in 2011, as he passed for 2,706 yards and 33 touchdowns, while rushing for 226 yards and two scores. Joining Smith on offense is linemen Markus Lawrence (6-4, 290, Sr, Charlotte, NC) and Daven Gray (6-3, 310, Jr, Kernersville, NC).  Lawrence was an All-CIAA selection in 2011 for the Rams at the center position, while Gray was a second team selection last fall.  Kicker Alejandro Suarez (5-6, 145, So, Liberty, NC) rounds out the WSSU offensive selections on the preseason team. Suarez was the member of the All-rookie team in the fall of 2011, as he connected on 57 of 61 PAT attempts and one of three field goal attempts to finish second on the team in scoring.

Defensively, Carlos Fields, Jr (6-2, 220, Jr, Henderson, NC) was selected as a linebacker on the preseason team. Fields was a second team selection in the fall of 2011.  He finished the season as the second leading tackler on the team last fall with 81 total tackles (51 solo). He also has 12 tackles for losses, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, 11 pass breakups and two quarterback hurries.  Joining Fields on the defensive team is free safety, Malcolm Rowe (6-2, 200, Sr, Fayetteville, NC). The hard hitting defensive back was third on the team in tackles last season with 66 total tackles (42 solo). Rowe also had 2.5 tackles for losses, one sack, four interceptions, six pass breakups, one blocked kick, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. The Rams final selection on the 2012 CIAA Preseason Team is punter, Landen Thayer (6-0, 200, Sr, Clemmons, NC). Thayer was a special team weapon for WSSU last season, as he averaged 41 yards per punt (3rd in the CIAA). Thayer also doubles as the Rams long distance field goal kicker.

The Head Ram
The Rams are coached by third-year coach, Connell Maynor, a veteran of more than 22 years of football experience both as a player and coach - and most recently as the offensive architect of the 2009 CIAA Champion Fayetteville State University Broncos offense, serving as both Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach - who was named the eighth head football coach at Winston-Salem State University on Dec. 15, 2009. Maynor is 21-3 as a head coach.

Predicted Order of Finish
**As selected by the CIAA Football Coaches Association

2012 CIAA Predicted Order of Finish
Winston-Salem State University
Elizabeth City State University
Saint Augustine's College
Fayetteville State University
Shaw University
Bowie State University
Virginia State University
Johnson C. Smith University
Virginia Union University
Chowan University
Lincoln University
Livingstone College

Northern Division
1)      Elizabeth City State University
2)      Bowie State University
3)      Virginia State University
4)      Virginia Union University
5)      Chowan University
6)      Lincoln University of PA
 
Southern Division
1)      Winston-Salem State University
2)      St. Augustine's College
3)      Fayetteville State University
4)      Shaw University
5)      Johnson C. Smith University
6)      Livingstone College

The Polling Place
2012 American Football Coaches Association Division II Coaches' Poll – September 17, 2012
Rank    School (1st)     Rec.     Prv
1.  Pittsburg St. (29)         3-0     1
2.  Minnesota-Duluth         3-0     2
3.  Colorado St.-Pueblo         3-0     3
4.  Grand Valley St.          3-0     4
5.  Winston-Salem St.(1)     3-0     5
6.  California (Pa.)         3-0     6
7.  Missouri Western St.         3-0     8
8.  New Haven (Conn.)         3-0     7
9.  Washburn (Kan.)         3-0     9
10. Humboldt St. (Calif.)         3-0     11
11. Bloomsburg (Pa.)         3-0     12
12. NW Missouri St.         2-1     13
13. Ouachita Baptist          2-0     15
14. Indiana (Pa.)         3-0     17
15. Midwestern St. (Tx)         1-1     16
16. Valdosta St.          2-1     18
17.Ashland              3-0     22
18.Col. School of Mines         3-0     23
19.Abilene Christian          2-1     20
20.Saginaw Valley St.         2-1     10
21.Wayne St. (Mich.)         1-1     19
22.Minnesota St.-Mankato     3-0     NR
23.West Alabama         2-1     24
24.Henderson St. (Ark.)         3-0     NR
25.West Texas A&M         2-1     NR

D2Football.com Top 25 Poll Results
September 18, 2012
  Team             Record    LW
1. Pittsburg State         3-0    1
2. Minnesota Duluth         3-0    2
3. Grand Valley         3-0    3
4. CSU-Pueblo         3-0    4
5. Missouri Western         3-0    5
6. California             3-0    6
7. Minnesota State         3-0    7
8. Winston-Salem         3-0    8
9. New Haven         3-0    10
10. Northwest Missouri         2-1    11
11. West Alabama         2-1    12
12. Bloomsburg         3-0    14
13. Washburn         3-0    15
14. Abilene Christian         2-1    16
15. Hillsdale             2-1    17
16. Midwestern State         1-1    18
17. West Texas A&M         2-1    19
18. Valdosta State         2-1    20
19. Humboldt State        3-0    21
20. Saginaw Valley         2-1    9
21. IUP            3-0    22
22. Central Missouri        2-1    24
23. Texas A&M-Kingsville         2-1    13
24. Ouachita Baptist        2-0    25
25. Ashland            3-0    NR

Sheridan Broadcasting Network Black College Football Poll
Team (First-place votes)       Rec   Pts   Prv
1. Bethune-Cookman (17)        2-1    271        2
2. Winston-Salem State (8)        3-0    243    3
3. Tennessee State (3)            3-0    202        4
4. Alabama A&M             3-0    192        5
5. Norfolk State             2-1    157        1
6. South Carolina State            1-2    142        6
7. Alabama State            2-1    98        7
8. Jackson State            1-2    74        8
9. Howard             2-1    56      NR
10. Fort Valley State         2-1    39        10

2012 Boxtorow HBCU Football Media Top 10 Poll Week 3 (Records through September 15)
        School            W-L    LW
1. Bethune-Cookman (9)        2-1    1    
2. Alabama A&M        3-0    4
T-3 Winston-Salem State (6)*    3-0    3
T-3 Tennessee State (1)        3-0    5
5. Norfolk State         2-1    2
6. Alabama State        2-1    7
7. South Carolina State        1-2    6
8. Howard             2-1     NR
9. Jackson State         1-2     8
10. Arkansas-Pine Bluff         2-1     NR

Wings To Go/USN Black College Football
2012 Poll: Week 3
1. Winston-Salem State Rams    3-0
2. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats    2-1
3. Alabama A&M Bulldogs        3-0
4. Alabama State Hornets        2-1
5. Tennessee State Tigers        3-0
6. UAPB Lions        2-1
7. Howard Bison        2-1
8. Norfolk State Spartans        2-1
9. Tuskegee Crimson Pipers    2-1
10. Bowie State Bulldogs        3-0

HSRN Division II
School (First Place Votes)    Rec        LW
1. Winston-Salem St. Rams (13)    3-0    1
2. Morehouse Tigers         1-2    2
3. Miles Golden Bears        2-1    5
4. St. Augustine's Falcons (1)    2-1    10
5. Elizabeth City State Vikings    1-2    9
6. Albany State Rams        1-2    4
7. Bowie State Bulldogs        3-0    7
8. Kentucky States Thorobreds    1-1    8
9. Virginia Union Panthers        2-1    3
10. Ft. Valley State Wildcats    2-1    NR
Others:
Tuskegee-35; Langston-31; Fayetteville State-22; Virginia State-19; J.C. Smith-15; Shaw-13.

NC Is Where The Heart Is
The 2012 WSSU Rams know a thing about staying close to home and playing in front of family and friends. WSSU had 67 players on the 2011 roster that call the Tar Hill state home.

WSSU earns top 10 preseason pick after historic season
The Winston-Salem State Rams were picked ninth in the American Football Coaches of America (AFCA) Division II Coaches' Poll. After posting a 13-1 record in 2011 and finishing at #3 in the final AFCA poll of the 2011 season, the expectations remain high for the Rams heading into this season.

Though the team will head into the season with a top-10 ranking, the team still has a lot to prove after finishing the season ranked third and coming just one game shy of competing for the NCAA Division II National Championship.

The Rams will begin their quest to move up the rankings on September 1st when the team hosts the UNC-Pembroke Braves in a 6:00 p.m. game at Bowman-Gray Stadium. For more information on Rams football, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2152 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.

A Glance Back at Last Year's Matchup
Game #2
September 10, 2011
WSSU 67, Virginia Union 16
Richmond, V.A.
Hovey Field (7,055)

RICHMOND, V.A. – The Winston-Salem State University Rams used a 34 point third quarter outburst to blowout the Virginia Union University Panthers, 67-16 Saturday night at Hovey Field in Richmond, VA.
    The 67 points is the most points scored in the two year Connell Maynor era, and it also represented the most points scored against Virginia Union since 1984.  It is also the most points scored since 1990 when Winston-Salem State beat Johnson C. Smith 73-6.
    With the win the Rams move to 2-0, while the Panthers fall to 2-1.
    The WSSU Rams reached the endzone 11 times in the blowout win, and accumulated 493 total offensive yards, while holding the Virginia Union Panthers to 195 yards.
    It didn't take WSSU long to get on the scoreboard, as Kameron Smith the Rams on an opening drive that went 69 yards in seven plays, and ended with Smith hitting tight end Michael Byrd for a one yard score to give the Rams an early 7-0 lead.
    Later in the quarter, Smith would hook up with wide receiver Dominique Fitzgerald on a 4 yard scoring pass to push the Ram lead to 14-0 in the first period of play.
    Virginia Union would get on the scoreboard early in the second quarter, going 58 yards in 12 plays and coming away with three points on a Stephen Velasquez 28 yards field goal.
    The Rams would close out the first half scoring, when Nicholas Cooper capped off six play, 28 yard scoring drive after a Virginia Union miscue, running the WSSU lead to 20-3.
    The Rams defense would bend, but not break after allowing the Panthers to march down the field, but Virginia Union missed a 46 yard field goal attempt as time expired in the first half, and the Rams took the 17 point lead, 20-3 into the half.
    The second half began with a series of punts from both teams as neither the Rams nor Panthers could muster much of a drive.
    But with 8:08 left in the quarter and the Rams taking over on offense after a Panther punt, the flood gates would open and nothing but Rams flowed through.
    Kameron Smith would connect with Dominique Fitzgerald on another long score, this time a one play drive of 45 yards to push the Rams lead to 26-3.
    Virginia Union would take the kickoff and on the second play of the drive, VUU's Cheston Hickman would be picked off by Cameron Demps and returned 48 yards, but a penalty would back the Rams up.  Kameron Smith would connect with Tehvyn Brantley for 28 yards and Nicholas Cooper would rush 15 yards to the endzone for another WSSU score.
    After the kickoff, Union would go just two plays and out once again, as Carrson Oxendine would force a Panther fumble that was recovered by Carlos Fields at the Virginia Union 45 yard line.
    On the fifth play of the drive, WSSU's Smith would hook up with Patrick Terry for a 35 yard scoring strike, pushing the Rams out in front 38-3 with a little less than five minutes left in the third quarter.
    With the proverbial snowball already starting down the hill, the Rams would kickoff and a fumble by Union's Trevon Winston on the return was scooped up Keith Ferguson and returned 29 yards for another Rams touchdown.
    After the kickoff, it took just another two plays before the Rams were in business once again, as VUU's Winston would put the ball on the ground again and recovered by George Horton who scooped up the ball and returned it to the Union 36 yard line.
    With the Rams up 45-3, Jamie DeGeare would replace Kameron Smith and he would guide the Rams on a 7 play 13 yard drive that culminated with a 25 yard Larry Hearne field goal.
    The fumble bug would bite the Panthers once again, as Trevon Winston would cough up the ball on the kickoff and the Rams Darryl Thomas would this time scoop and score from 25 yards out to push the WSSU lead to 54-3 at the end of the third quarter.
    After a Virginia Union six play 26 yard drive after a long kickoff return from Jerell Washington, the Panthers would finally put some points on the board after a long scoring drought.
    The next WSSU possession would see a combination of Maurice Lewis rushing and Jamie DeGeare passing that ended with DeGeare hitting Eric Wolff in the back of the endzone for another Ram score, pushing the lead to 60-10.
    The WSSU defensive unit would once again lock down the Panthers but on the ensuing punt, Jameze Massey would muff the punt and Union's Anthony davis would scoop and score from seven yards out to end VUU scoring on the night.
    But he Rams were far from done, as Maurice Lewis' rushing and DeGeare's passing would once again hit paydirt for WSSU, as he hooked up with Darryl Freeney with 5:27 remaining to give WSSU a 67-16 lead and end the scoring on the night.
    WSSU Racked up 178 rushing yards, led by Nicholas Cooper's 113 yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries. Maurice Lewis added 40 yards on nine carries.
    Kameron Smith had a monster night throwing, completing 15 of 28 passes for 238 yards and four touchdowns.  Reserve quarterback, Jamie DeGeare, came in late and completed four of five passes fo9r 77 yards and two touchdowns.
    10 different WSSU Rams caught passes on the night, with Dominique Fitzgerald leading the way with five catches for 87 yards and two scores.  Fitzgerald regrouped after a slow start, where he dropped two passes after getting behind the Virginia Union secondary on consecutive plays.  Tehvyn Brantley had three catches for 42 yards; Patrick Terry had two catches for 70 yards and one touchdown; Eric Wolff finished with two catches for 37 yards and one touchdown;
    Landen Thayer had a good night punting, as he had three punts for an average of 43 yards per punt.
    Defensively for WSSU, Alton Keaton led the Rams with six tackles, one pass breakup and one sack.  Akeem Ward also had six tackles and one sack.  Malcolm Rowe finished with five tackles anc oen tackle for loss yardsm while Khendra Reid, Cameron Demps and Brian Williams each had four tackles.  Demps had the Rams only interception on the night and returned it 48 yards, while Williams also registered a sack.
    The Rams finished the night with five sacks (season high) and a season high eight pass breakups.

Program History
The 2012 season is the 70th in Winston-Salem State
University history. Through 70-plus years of play, WSSU owns a 383-290-25

About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina, is a public university founded in 1892 in Winston-Salem, NC. WSSU is a historically black university that today is a recognized regional institution offering baccalaureate and graduate programs to a diverse student population. U.S. News and World Report has ranked the university among Top Public Comprehensive Colleges in the South -- Bachelor's Category for the last nine years (2001-2009). WSSU currently offers more than 40 baccalaureate and 10 master's degree programs to a student population of more than 6,400.

Working Credentials
All requests for working credentials, scouting passes, and photographer passes should be made at least two days (48 hours) in advance of any scheduled game.  The WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations reserves the right to deny requests made past that time constraint.  All requests, made in writing (via email or fax) on company letterhead should be directed to:

WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations
WSSU Department of Athletics
200 CE Gaines Center
Winston-Salem, NC 27110
Office:  (336) 750-2909, 2152
Mobile: (336) 529-0867 (Manns);
(336) 416-7220 (Goodwin)
Fax:  (336) 750-2144
E-Mail:  mannskj@wssu.edu, goodwintq@wssu.edu

Should requests be made in advance, passes will be mailed, with time permitting.  A will-call window is located at the South entrance of Bowman Gray Stadium.  Priority is given to daily newspapers, radio/TV sports directors, and other media members who cover WSSU Athletics and their opponents on a regular basis, in addition to national print and electronic media.  Spouses, dates, non-workers, and anyone 16 years-of-age and younger are not permitted in any working media area.  Guests are not permitted in any working media area.  If you wish to bring a guest to any game, contact Kevin Manns or Trevin Goodwin regarding the availability of reserved seat tickets.

WSSU Football Practices
The WSSU football team practices at the dual-field practice facility located adjacent to the Bowman Gray Stadium Fieldhouse (at the former Civitan Park site).  The new state-of-the-art practice facility officially opened in the spring of 2009.  Practices are open to the media and are the opportune time for lengthy print or television interviews.  Practice times vary according to academic schedules, so please contact the Office of Athletic Media Relations and Assistant Director of Athletics, Kevin Manns for the specifics.

Weekly Football Press Conferences
The Winston-Salem State University football team will hold a weekly press conference/media day every Wednesday during the season at 11:00 a.m. in the Media and Hospitality Lounge of the WSSU Athletic Fieldhouse, located on the upper level of the WSSU Athletic Fieldhouse.  The weekly press conference is open to any member of the working media.  The first press conference of the season will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 30th with the remainder of the weekly press conferences to be held every Wednesday prior to a Saturday game.  At all weekly press conferences head coach Connell Maynor and select players will be on hand to give general comments and field questions.  Requests for the attendance of specific players must be made no later than Monday at 11:00 am prior to the upcoming press conference.  Following the press conference, a complimentary lunch will be served to all members of the working media.

Student-Athlete Contact
Home and cellular telephone numbers for student-athletes will not be provided and players have been instructed not to accept calls from media members without prior notice from the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations.  Please do not attempt to make contact with WSSU student-athletes or coaches without scheduling the interview through the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations.

Injury Information
Winston-Salem State University's Department of Athletics abides by HIPAA, a federal privacy act with regard to the release of injury information.  WSSU athletes are required to sign a waiver before injury information is released to the media.  If the athlete chooses to withhold that information, WSSU officials will be restricted to informing media members of their playing status (playing, probable, doubtful or out).
Postgame Procedures
The WSSU locker room is closed to the media.  At all home games, the post-game interview format will be as follows: After a 10 minute, NCAA mandated cooling off period the visiting coach will be escorted to the media room/area.  After all visiting interviews are completed, WSSU Head Coach Connell Maynor and all requested WSSU players will report to the media room/area.  The media room is located on the upper level of the WSSU Athletic Fieldhouse which is located in the north end zone of Bowman Gray Stadium (contact a WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations staff member for additional information).  If the visiting team's locker room is closed to the media, interviews with opposing-team players are generally held outside the locker room in the hallway (contact the opposing team's SID for additional information).

Media Services
A media packet including, but not limited to, a game program, game notes, lineups, roster cards and statistics will be available for each media member before the game.  During the game, quickie statistics will be distributed after each quarter of play.  Complete play-by-play, scoring summaries, individual, and team statistics will be distributed following each half and at the conclusion of the game in the postgame package.  A media meal is provided and is usually served 60 minutes prior to kick-off.  Only credentialed media will be allowed in the media dining room.  A fax machine will be provided for media use on a first-come, first-serve basis.  There is no charge for this service.  Statistical monitors will be provided for live TV, both radio stations, the Winston-Salem Journal, and the Associated Press.  High-speed Internet access is available in the media room and in all press areas.

Official Website
Parents, fans, and alumni from around the world can tune into Winston-Salem State University football on the official Internet site of Winston-Salem State University athletics, WSSURAMS.com.  In addition to having all the up-to-date information on WSSU athletics, all games that are streamed live (select games) on the web with a real-time statistical broadcast being available as well.

WSSU Athletics & Advanced-Online Combine For New Rams Online Store
Winston-Salem State University Athletics and Texas based, Advanced-Online are pleased to announce the formation of a new and exciting online apparel and gift store for the WSSU Department of Athletics.

www.GoRamsGear.com is the official online store for Winston-Salem State University Department of Athletics. A new home for parents, students and alumni to purchase all their branded merchandise.  The store will feature a wide product range near 800 and will continue to add new merchandise to provide you with a fresh variety.

WSSU's Kameron Smith, Markus Lawrence Earn Boxtorow Preseason All-American Nods
FUQUAY-VARINA, NC -  Winston-Salem State University's Kameron Smith and Markus Lawrence highlight the 2012 Boxtorow Preseason All-American team as announced yesterday.  The preseason team is made up of 27 of the top HBCU football players in the country. The voters are comprised of some of America's writers and media members who cover HBCU football.
    Winston-Salem State quarterback Kameron Smith gets the nod in a very close vote for preseason honors. In 2011, Smith completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,706 yards with 33 touchdowns, while registering a pass efficiency of 147.7. Smith helped to lead the Rams to the Boxtorow HBCU National Championship (media).
    Joining Smith in the backfield is Mayhew and Morehouse's David Carter. A 2011 Boxtorow All-American, Mayhew followed up a 1,000-yard sophomore season with a 1000-yard junior season last year, leading the MEAC in rushing (1,120 yards) on 231 carries with nine touchdowns. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry. Carter, who was named the SIAC preseason Player of the Year, has also rushed for over 1,000 yards each of the last two season and led all HBCU players in rushing yards per game (149.5) Carter rushed for 1,495, leading the SIAC and averaging 6.1 yards per carry, while coring 19 touchdowns.
    The offensive line is led by two Boxtorow All-Americans from a year ago. Grambling's Sanford Banks, a two-time Boxtorow All-American. helped running back Dawrence Roberts rush for a SWAC-leading 110.2 yards per game (1,102 yards and eight touchdowns). It was the second-straight year that the Tigers had a 1,000-yard back. Norfolk State guard Blake Matthews was the anchor of the Spartans offensive line that ranked second in the MEAC in total offense (393.8) and helped quarterback Chris Walley to MEAC Offensive Co-MVP honors last season.
    Joining Banks and Matthews on the offensive line is Jamal Johnson-Webb of Alabama A&M, Terren Jones of Alabama State, Markus Lawrence of Winston-Salem State, and Steven Robinson of Florida A&M.
    2011 Boxtorow All-American Xavier Boyce of Norfolk State and Jackson State's Rico Richardson makeup the wide receiver corps. Boyce was instrumental in the Spartans run to the MEAC Championship last year, recording 68 receptions for 750 yards and four touchdowns. Richardson had just 36 receptions but for 853 yards and he caught 11touchdown passes. His 23.7 yards per reception led the SWAC.
    The tight ends are E.J. Drewery of Jackson State and Joseph Hawkins of Norfolk State. Drewery recorded 26 receptions for 356 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 13.6 yards per reception. Hawkins had 17 receptions for 236 yards and 3 touchdowns and averaged 13.9 yards per reception.
    Defensively, Howard linebacker Keith Pough leads the defensive unit. A Boxtorow All-American last year, Pough tied for lead in the MEAC in tackles (120) and stopped opponents behind the line of scrimmage 21 times, while also registering three sacks. Pough has registered more than 100 tackles the last two seasons and is on the prestigious Buchanan Award Watch List for the most outstanding defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision.
    Joining Pough is Prairie View A&M linebacker Raheem Cardwell and Bethune-Cookman linebacker Jarkevis Fields. Cardwell registered 66 tackles (44 solo) and seven tackles for loss, while Fields registered 76 tackles (31 solo) and six tackles for loss.
    The players on the defensive line had 42 sacks between them in 2011. Leading the unit is LeBeau who is the SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and is also on the Buchanan Award Watch List. LeBeau registered 15.5 sacks last year which was second in the SWAC, 24.5 tackles for loss, and 75 tackles (44 solo).
    Justin Blah of Albany State was first team All-SIAC in 2011 when he registered six sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, 43 tackles (24 solo) and four pass breakups. Lincoln's (Pa.) Tim Green had a dominating year in the CIAA as he led the league in sacks (15.5), tackles for loss (22), while also registering 56 tackles (42 solo). Carlton Jones of Alabama State rounds out the defensive line, having recorded 38 tackles (18 solo), 11 tackles for loss and five sacks in 2011.
    Riley is the headliner of a very talented secondary. A Boxtorow All-American in 2011 he is also on the Buchanan Award Watch List. Riley led all HBCU players in interceptions (9), while registering 75 tackles (46 solo) and four pass break-ups.
    Joining Riley in the defensive backfield is Qua Cox of Jackson State who had nine pass breakups, three interceptions, 34 tackles (24 solo) and 2.5 tackles for loss, DeVontae Johnson of Florida A&M who led the MEAC with five interceptions, registered five pass breakups and 32 tackles (25 solo), and Vernon Marshall of Alabama A&M who 75 tackles (44 solo), 9.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and broke up three passes, round out the secondary.
    The specialists are all newcomers to the team. Norfolk State kicker Everett Goldberg and punter Bobby Wenzig of Alabama State.
    Tennessee State's Weldon Garlington embodies the term return specialist. He led the OVC in punt return average (19.4) and returned a punt for a touchdown, while also averaging 20.9 yards per kick return and scoring a touchdown.





    
2012 Boxtorow Preseason HBCU All-American Team
Offense
QB: Kameron Smith, Winston-Salem State, 6-0, 180. Sr., Garner, N.C.
RB: David Carter, Morehouse, 5-10, 225, Sr., Marietta, Ga.
RB: Mike Mayhew, North Carolina A&T, 5-10, 205, Sr., Charlotte, N.C.*
OL: Sanford Banks, Grambling State, 6-4, 319, r-soph., Columbus, Ga.**
OL: Jamal Johnson-Webb, Alabama A&M, 6-6, 306, Sr., Atlanta, Ga.
OL: Terren Jones, Alabama State, 6-7, 320, Sr., Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
OL: Markus Lawrence, Winston-Salem St., 6-4, 280, Sr., Charlotte, N.C.
OL: Blake Matthews, Norfolk State, 6-4, 315, r-Sr., Manassas, Va.*
OL: Steven Robinson, Florida A&M, 6-3, 300, r-Sr., Tallahassee, Fla.
TE: E.J. Drewery, Jackson State, 6-6, 220, Sr., Chesapeake, Va.
TE: Joseph Hawkins, Norfolk State, 6-3, 245, Sr., Chicago, Ill.
WR: Xavier Boyce, Norfolk State, 6-4, 220, r-Sr., Virginia Beach, Va.*
WR: Rico Richardson, Jackson State, 6-1, 185, Sr., Natchez, Miss.

Defense
DL: Justin Blah, Albany State, 6-5, Sr., Alma, Ga.
DL: Tim Green, Lincoln (Pa.), 6-0, 225, Jr., Plainfield, N.J.
DL: Carlton Jones, Alabama State, 6-3, 230, Jr., Shreveport, La.
DL: Joseph LeBeau, Jackson State, 6-1, 245, Sr., New Orleans, La.*
LB: Raheem Cardwell, Prairie View A&M, 6-2, 225, r-Jr., Alexandria, Va.
LB: Jarkevis Fields, Bethune-Cookman, 6-0, 230, r-Jr., Sanford, Fla.
LB: Keith Pough, Howard, 6-3, 225, r-Jr., Orangeburg, S.C.*
DB: Qua Cox, Jackson State, 6-0, 185, r-Sr., Tuskegee, Ala.
DB: DeVontae Johnson, Florida A&M, 6-0, 183, Soph., Tallahassee, Fla.
DB: Vernon Marshall, Alabama A&M, 5-11, 188, Sr., Birmingham, Ala.
DB: Kejuan Riley, Alabama State, 6-0, 182, Jr., Wetumpka, Ala.*

Specialists
PK: Everett Goldberg, Norfolk State, 6-4, 210, Sr., Mesa Ridge, Col.
P: Bobby Wenzig, Alabama State, 6-2, 180, Jr., San Diego, Calif.
RS: Weldon Garlington, Tennessee State, 5-10, 160, Soph., Antioch, Tenn.

*2011 Boxtorow All-American
**2010 and 2011 Boxtorow All-American