Field Position Pays Off
Play calling highlights a balanced offense with rushing (158 yards) and passing (193 yards)
Special to PhotoSports.Com
Nick Hamilton
The story of the night unfolded in the space between pre-game remarks from Rhode Island’s special teams coach and post-game reflections from the head coach. Only minutes before kickoff at last night’s homecoming game at Meade Stadium, special teams coach Vince Sinagra was asked how many field goals his kicker would get today? He replied, “I hope as many as we try. But really, I don’t want any attempts, just four or five extra-point kicks (PAT’s).” His words proved prophetic, as the Rams cashed in with 4 TD’s and 4 extra points by Garth White.
Post game, URI Head Coach Jim Flemming remarked that the coaches were emphasizing the importance of field position all week. And that really paid off as 6 punts by James Allen (avg 44 yards) kept the Long Island Sharks from having any short field drives. One of the kicks in the third quarter was a 53-yard punt by Allen that was downed at the 1 yard line by the RI special teams. That punt eventually led to a score by RI for a 21- 7 lead midway through the 3rd quarter.
First Qtr TD for URI Breaks the Ice
Rhode Island’s offense delivered four touchdowns on the night, three of them coming once the Rams penetrated the red zone. The lone exception was a second-quarter strike from Devin Farrell to Marquis Buchanan from the LIU 35. The over the head “Willy Mays” style of catch by Buchanan was a quick-hitting play that scored from outside the 20. Once URI did get into close quarters, they were flawless — 3-for-3 in the red zone with three touchdowns. LIU, meanwhile, faltered when it mattered most, converting just one of three red-zone trips and coming up empty on both a missed field goal and a big fourth-down stop at the 13. That contrast in efficiency highlighted the gap between the two sides, with URI perfect inside the 20 while LIU left points on the field.
Rhode Island Defense Comes Up Big Again
Rhode Island’s defense delivered a deep, team-wide effort against LIU, with contributions spread across nearly every position group. Rohan Davy and Mitchell Garner anchored the unit with seven tackles apiece, each adding a stop behind the line of scrimmage. Ethan McCann-Carter was close behind with six tackles, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hurry, while John Boyles posted five stops and notched the Rams’ first sack of the night. Moses Meus matched Boyles with five tackles of his own, and Trey Lubin added four tackles and a pass breakup in coverage. Up front, A.J. Pena was the most disruptive force, finishing with 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two quarterback hurries. Leisaan Hibbert also chipped in four stops, and Ayinde Johnson made three tackles while hurrying the quarterback twice. Patrick Conserve added three tackles and split a sack, while Case Mankins contributed three stops of his own.
Depth played a big role as well. DJ Cureton, Tremel States-Jones, Chaas McCoy, Christian Smith, and Aaris Bethea each recorded a tackle, with Bethea adding a tackle for loss. The secondary was opportunistic, highlighted by Justin Carcel, who came up with two interceptions, and he added a pass breakup. The defensive front saw contributions across the board, with Tosin Akinsulire registering a quarterback hurry to close out the effort. Together, the Rams’ defense showcased both top-end playmakers and steady depth, combining for 3 sacks, turnovers, and timely stops to stifle the Sharks’ potent rushing / option offense.
Offense Continues to Improve
Rhode Island’s offense found its stride after a slow start, piecing together four touchdown drives that showcased both quick strikes and sustained marches. Showing significant improvement with far fewer penalties, the Rams’ highlights included an 8-play, 55-yard drive in the first quarter to open the scoring, followed by a 9-play, 79-yard march capped by a second-quarter touchdown. In the third, URI capitalized on field position with a 2-play score from the LIU 4, then delivered their longest possession of the night — a 14-play, 86-yard drive that chewed up nearly eight minutes and ended in the end zone. The mix of efficiency and balance demonstrated the offense’s ability to finish drives when it mattered most.
Quarterback Devin Farrell directed a balanced attack, completing 19 of 32 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns while avoiding any sacks. His top target was Marquis Buchanan, who hauled in seven catches for 103 yards and a 35-yard score. Connor Finer (4 receptions, 35 yards), Greg Gaines (2 for 31), and Aboraa Kwarteng (1 catch, 5 yards, 1 TD) provided steady support, while backs Matt Smith, Jamall Mensah, and Antwain Littleton Jr. added short receptions to keep drives alive. On the ground, Littleton powered the rushing game with 29 carries for 119 yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt. Farrell chipped in 26 yards and a rushing score on five keepers, with Gabe Winowich contributing 13 yards on three carries. Behind the protection of Thomas Buxton, Damon McMillian Jr., Brock Bethea, and Tre Alexander, the Rams piled up 351 total yards, mixing an efficient passing game with a punishing run game to finish off four scoring drives.
“All About Field Position”
Backed up to their own one-yard line, LIU’s offense stalled after three plays, forcing a punt deep in their own territory. Marquis Buchanan made the most of it, fielding the kick at the LIU 35 and slicing through coverage as he directed players into blocking positions as he ran for a dazzling 31-yard return that set Rhode Island up at the Sharks’ 2-yard line. The Rams wasted no time capitalizing on the short field — Antwain Littleton Jr. powered to almost the goal line, and on the next snap Devin Farrell kept it himself for the touchdown. In the span of just two plays, Buchanan’s big return flipped the game’s momentum and extended URI’s lead.