Bronx, NY—The Fordham Rams (10-1, 6-0) won a very one sided, 52-7, victory over the Georgetown Hoyas (2-8, 0-5) to complete their Patriot League season with an undefeated mark. It was the first undefeated season for the Rams in Patriot League play. The conference championship gives the Rams an automatic bid to the NCAA FCS championship. It was also the 13th straight home win for the Rams.
Both the offense and defense contributed mightily to the overwhelming win. Their point total of 52 marked the eighth game of the 10 played in which the Rams scored 42 points or more. The Fordham defense has held three of its opponents to single digit point totals and six teams to under 20 points. Fordham coach Joe Moorhead praised the defenders, “I think our defense d an outstanding performance today and has all year. I couldn’t be more proud. When you hold the opposition to 20 points or less with our ability to score, you have a great chance to win.”
The game was scoreless for less than four minutes of the first quarter when Fordham running back Kendall Pearcey carried the ball one yard for the first score of the contest. The sophomore also scored the final touchdown of the first half on a one yard run at 3:41 of the second quarter, and the last touchdown of the third quarter with 1:41 on the clock. The graduate of Steinbrenner high school in Lutz, Florida added more luster to that unforgettable name in the Bronx by running three touchdowns in a single game.
Fordham quarterback Mike Nebrich, the pre-season favorite as Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year, had not seen action during the previous two games, after undergoing an emergency appendectomy on October 29. Nebrich was forced to leave the game early in the second quarter after falling on his knee. Moorhead said, “He’ll be evaluated tomorrow.”
As in the past two weeks, back-up quarterback Peter Maetzold was called upon to lead the offense, and again was instrumental in producing the Fordham victory. The senior connected on 15 of 19 pass attempts for 285 yards and two touchdowns, a 34 yard touchdown to Brian Wetzel in the second quarter and a 54 yard score to Sam Ajala.
Both receivers gained more than 100 yards during the contest and are nearing 1,000 for the season. Wetzel gained 103 to raise his total this season to 854 and Ajala’s 124 moved him up to 932 yards. The two seniors rank second (Wetzel) and third (Ajala) in career receiving yards gained.
Moorhead said of Maetzold, “Pete’s up for relief pitcher of the year. He stepped up and he did a great job.” The quarterback credited his recent opportunities, “It helps when you played the last two weeks.”
The ground game was also valuable as freshman sensation Chase Edmunds broke the Fordham season mark by running his 21st touchdown in the third quarter.
Michael Marando’s 27 yard field goal in the second quarter was his 41st for Fordham, which tied the school’s career record.
Moorhead cited the reasons his team was motivated despite having clinched the Patriot League title in their most recent game, “Senior Day, a chance to be undefeated in the Patriot League and at home.”
The Rams travel to West Point for their final regular season game of the year next week. The #7/8 ranked Rams will then learn of their seeding and first game opponent in the upcoming NCAA FCS championship.