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Full house sees Shepherd stampede much-troubled Lock Haven

By Bob Madison - For the Chronicle | Oct 14, 2022

Shepherd University receiver E.J. Morgan (1) goes for 29 yards on a second quarter reception last Saturday. David Pennock

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Pageantry, sights of the season, thousands bundled against the day’s persistent chill and breeze and an all-day flood of Shepherd touchdowns spiced last Saturday’s dominant, 72-7, win by the Rams over much-troubled Lock Haven in a conference game staged before a jammed crowd of 5,251 at celebratory Ram Stadium.

Smoke from chimneys and fireplaces burning hardwood and chunks of apple wood on the nearby streets of High and Duke brought a familiar smell of autumn to the many thousands thronged into the South end zone on their folding chairs, along the standing room area in front of the press box on the home side, flocked into the Smallwood and Small pavilion on the visitor’s side and seated everywhere a pew was located in the permanent stands.

Not counting the Lock Haven pep band, its cheerleaders and hardy fans, just about everybody in the overflow crowd came to celebrate another Shepherd victory.

And celebrate they did. Even JC, the live Rams mascot — fully clad in pink to acknowledge that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month — were kept busy trying to remember the 10 Shepherd touchdowns and a successful field goal attempt.

It was cold when the sun hid behind the curtain of leaden clouds. But people could become animated and cheer when Shepherd took complete control and sped out to a 48-0 lead by halftime.

Shepherd University cheerleaders lift up a little girl to help them cheer at their football team's recent game against Lock Haven. David Pennock

The Rams eventually sent out numbers and numbers of players seeing their first action of the six-game season.

All manner of “firsts” came to those first-seen faces.

Scoring their first TDs of the season were running backs Blake Hartman, Avaughn Holley and Nazhir Russell. Daryl Harper had a 60-yard pass/run score on Christian Etchison first scoring throw of the year.

Reserve quarterbacks Etchison and Lek Powell completed their first passes of 2022. Etchison went 2-for-2 and Powell 3-for-4 in helping move the busy scoreboard. Ethan Krolow had his first catch.

Place kicker Garrett Hutchison booted his first two extra points.

Alphonso Foray (0) starts the Shepherd University scoring exhibition in last Saturday's game, with this 19 yard touchdown reception from Tyson Bagent. David Pennock

Many in number were the defenders receiving their initial playing time — teaming on field when Harry Jennings and Mike Forbes shared their first sack of the year.

Most of the appreciative crowd was in place when Tyson Bagent found Alphonso Foray on a 19-yard pass to begin the generous scoring. It was Foray’s first scoring catch. He added a second TD with a seven-yard reception of a Bagent pass.

After Donte Harrison returned a 79-yard intercepted pass (his first TD) and Ryan Beach was credited with a five-yard TD grab, the Rams already led, 20-0 and the opening quarter still played on.

The Rams added 28 points before the half closed.

Foray scored again. Bagent forced his way into the now popular Bald Eagle end zone on a one-yard carry. Hartman bulled in from the two and open-field genius Ronnie Brown rambled 85 yards for a still-building 48-0 lead at the break.

Shepherd already had 330 yards of its game-total 592 of offense.

Hartman ran for 54 yards on Shepherd’s first play of the last half. He didn’t score, but seconds later, Holley did from the four.

Harper pierced the Bald Eagle secondary on a 60-yard score on a completion from Etchison. The count was already at 62-0 with seconds left in the third quarter.

After Lock Haven finally avoided a shutout, the Rams were back at it with Holley running for 33 yards and then Russell finishing the quick-strike drive on his 42-yard run.

Powell had pass completions leading to Jacob Haynie’s 42-yard field goal.

There were three Shepherd pass interceptions and ready reserves JT Kouame-Yao (seven tackles) and the active Isaiah Farmer (five tackles) paced the unbeaten (6-0) Rams on defense.

Several thousand of those who braved the chilled winds of the victory will return tomorrow to Ram Stadium to witness the Homecoming afternoon conference game against Millersville.

The crimson, orange and bright purple leaves of the maples, dogwoods and gum trees surrounding the grounds will be waiting.

And the Rams will be playing the Marauders, now 2-4 overall, in an attempt to cement their No. 4 ranking in the NCAA Division II polls.