By james art Winston-Salem State prepares for one of its biggest games in a long time against freshman Johnson C. Smith.
The Rams, who play Saturday at 1 p.m. at Bill Hayes Field at Bowman Gray Stadium, haven’t been in contention for a CIAA Championship berth this late in the season since 2016, and coach Robert Massey is excited.
“Coach Massey preaches every week that this is big because it’s next,” Rams offensive lineman Keith Quick said. “We have a historic rivalry with Johnson C. Smith, but we have to come out and get that win.”
The Rams will face the undefeated Golden Bulls on Saturday at Bowman Gray Stadium
Quick says the offensive line is consistent.
“We have a very talented offensive line, and even though we have some guys injured, we’re deep, so we just plug in and play, so we’ll be fine,” Quick said.
Jasan Rankin, a linebacker, isn’t playing down how big Saturday’s game will be.
“It’s for all the marbles,” Rankin said. “We know Johnson K. Smith is a great team, but we know what they bring and we’ve been preparing for that all season.”
The Golden Bulls are 7-0 overall and 4-0 in the CIAA, tied with Virginia Union for first place. The Rams are 6-2 and 4-1 and will have an open week next Saturday before their final home game against Fayetteville State on Nov. 9.
Winston-Salem State head coach Robert Massey reacts to a call in the first half of a CIAA football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. The Winston-Salem State Rams defeated the Shaw Bears, 34- 14.
Alison Lee Isley, Journalist
Massey’s condition
Since Massey was an NFL rookie during his playing days, he dealt with contracts. He’s also dealt with contracts in his nearly 30 years as a college coach, so he’s not worried about what could happen.
The Rams are having their best season under Massey, who is in his fifth season. His contract, which he signed three years ago, is for four years and expires after the 2025 season.
Etienne Thomas, the director of athletics, did not want to talk about Massi’s contract, but said how well this season has gone.
“Every year we evaluate our goals with each of our head coaches,” Thomas said. “We’re talking about recruiting, staffing and all those pieces, and contracts to me are very much a staffing thing.”
The winner of the Rams and Golden Bulls will advance to the CIAA championship game.
Thomas came to WSSU just before COVID-19 hit, and Massey, who was the interim head coach at the time, led the Rams through it. He was the interim head coach for two seasons before being given the job permanently ahead of the 2022 season.
In 2022 and 2023, the Rams had just four wins in each of those seasons.
“‘Protecting the legacy’ came from Massey during the interview process, and he built that with the student-athletes, the staff around that plan,” Thomas said. “We’ve added some scholarships that he talked about and the summer school where guys can come to classes.”
Winston-Salem State’s Trevor Willard (5) and Winston-Salem State’s Khamari Gadson (94) raise their helmets during the alma mater game following the Rams’ 34-14 victory over the Shaw Bears in a CIAA football game Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Alison Lee Easley
Thomas said summer school paid for by athletics will continue next summer and more will be added to the 28 scholarships Massey now has.
“It’s great to see his plan come to the surface and he’s moved this program forward,” Thomas said. “I’m not surprised by that. I didn’t hire Massey and I didn’t say just add water and stir. I hired him to build a program and maintain it.
The Rams and Golden Bulls will play Saturday at 1 p.m. at Bowman Gray Stadium
Day of the elderly
While it’s a big game in the standings, it’s also a chance Saturday to recognize a lot of senior players for the Rams.
There will be more than 20 seniors who will be recognized with their families before the game. While the Rams have one more home game on Nov. 9, which is a home game, this weekend allows the seniors to get recognition.
Rankin, a Reidsville native who has been with the program for five years, has seen it improve.
“I’ve got three games left,” Rankin said, suggesting his final games will include the CIAA championship game. “We want to keep this thing going so it’s exciting and I like the way the defense has come together this season.”
Winston-Salem State’s Red Sea of Sound Marching Band performs during the second half of a CIAA football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. Winston-Salem State Rams defeated Shaw Bears, 34-14.
Alison Lee Easley
Justin Fleming
Greensboro senior defensive back Justin Fleming was selected to play in the HBCU Legacy Bowl in February in New Orleans.
Fleming, who is a candidate for the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year, is invited to the game as part of the NFL, offering HBCU players a chance to make an appearance.
The game, set for Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. and airing on the NFL Network, is presented by the Black College Football Hall of Fame.
Fleming has three interceptions this season, returning one for a touchdown. This season he has 59 tackles and 3.5 sacks with a blocked punt. He has nine interceptions for his career.