Rams will try to end skid

By: By John Dell | JOURNAL REPORTER
Published: October 17, 2009

Maybe playing in a different time zone will help Winston-Salem State find its groove.

WSSU (0-5) will play at California Davis today, with kickoff set for 9 p.m. EDT.

It will be the first game between the programs, and only WSSU's second against a team from California. The first was in 1978, when quarterback Kermit Blount helped the Rams defeat California Polytechnic 17-0 in the first round of the Division II playoffs.

Blount, now in his 17th season as the Rams' coach, is stuck in the longest losing streak of his career -- seven games dating to last season.

"I would think this game gives us an opportunity to play in an arena where we have nothing to lose," Blount said. "UC Davis has everything to lose, so we just want to go out and play well because we're still hunting for that first win."

To have any chance at defeating the Aggies (2-3), the Rams will have to contain quarterback Greg Denham, who has completed 141 of 235 passes for 1,361 yards and seven touchdowns, with five interceptions.

"He's a good one," Blount said. "Our defense is really going to have to play well, but our defense has played well all season. I'm just looking forward to them playing even a little better."

Blount says he hopes that UC Davis, an FCS team, will look past WSSU, especially because it's homecoming.

"Don't count on it," said Coach Bob Biggs, who has a record of 126-64-1 in 17 seasons at his alma mater. "We aren't that good to be looking past anybody. We're a good football team, but not a great one. We've seen (WSSU) on film, and they've really been snake-bitten to have not won a game…. They have a very good defense, and we know that."

The Rams had an open date last weekend, but several players remain on the injury list, and linebacker Juan Corders (shoulder) and running back Ced Hickman (shoulder) are among those not expected to play. The Rams also lost running backs Brandon McRae and David Ahola, who quit the team earlier this week.

Also, tight end Austin Higgins, wide receiver Jarrin Wooten, linebacker Mario Dawson, defensive lineman Josh Newkirk and fullback John Thompson are among those listed as questionable.

"We're banged up pretty good, but a lot of teams have the same kind of issues," Blount said. "With that being said, we don't use injuries as excuses. We just have to find a way to get it done."

jdell@wsjournal.com | 727-4081