Defense Key as Football Blanks Fitchburg State 35-0

Fitchburg, Mass. – The Framingham State University football team recorded its second consecutive shutout as the Rams defeated Fitchburg State 35-0 this afternoon in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action at Elliot Field.

THE BASICS:

- Score:         Framingham State 35, Fitchburg State 0

- Records:     Framingham State (4-2, 3-0 MASCAC), Fitchburg State (0-6, 0-4 MASCAC)

- Location:     Fitchburg, Mass. – Elliot Field

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• The Rams offense racked up 416 yards of total offense in the game including 282 yards passing, while the Rams defense held the Falcons to just 105 yards of total offense including just 48 in the air.
• In the first half alone, the Rams amassed 251 yards including 172 passing, while holding the Falcons to just 64 yards in the first half.  The Rams had 19 first half first downs, while the Falcons moved the sticks just four times in the opening frame.
• Nicolas Goffredo completed 21-of-37 passes for the Rams for 282 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.  Goffredo also rushed for 17 yards and a score.
• Devaun Ford rushed for 50 yards on 10 carries with two scores, while also making six catches for 92 yards and another score.
• On the defensive side of the ball, Nick Ashley led the way with nine tackles, seven solo, with a fumble recovery.
• Anthony Behonick added seven tackles including on for a loss, while Gerell Boyce recorded five stops with a sack.
• Moise Nazaire forced a fumble in the game to go along with his two stops and Tishay Johnson Jr. added two tackles and an interception.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Rams got on the board on their first possession of the game as Ford capped a 14-play, 99 yard drive with a three yard touchdown run.
• Ford and Goffredo connected for a 30-yard touchdown with 11:11 remaining in the half extending the lead to 14-0.
• The Rams extended the lead to 21-0 with just over a minute remaining in the second quarter when Ford found the end zone for the third time in the game. This time on a one yard run capping a 12 play drive.
• The Rams added another touchdown in the third quarter on a 20-yard pass from Goffredo to Nicholas Gordon pushing the lead to 28-0.
• Goffredo found the end zone early in the fourth quarter on a two yard scamper to reach the final margin.

UP NEXT:

The Rams are back in action next Saturday when they host Western Connecticut State for a MACAC contest at 12 p.m.