The Rams take the In-State Title and the Governor’s Cup —

PROVIDENCE - It was a back and forth rainy affair between the Rhode Island Rams and Brown Bears and the Rams were able to come out on top and win the Governor’s Cup 34-30.

“I think the guys stepped up, there was no panic, there were things that happened in the game that we had to overcome and we did some very special things,” said URI Head Coach Jim Fleming.  “I couldn’t be more happy with the defensive performance, there were things that were really tight in that game where the kids executed and stayed in the game and made the plays.”

The winning touchdown came from Ja’den McKenzie at the end of the 3rd quarter where he was able to dominate the drive from start to finish. In just three plays, McKenzie was able to cover 73 yards including a 50 yard drive to the endzone putting the Rams up 7 with a quarter to go. 

The game was closed after Jake Willcox was picked off by Syeed Gibbs with just 6 seconds to go in the final drive for the Bears. And that wasn’t Gibbs only interception of the day, forcing Brown's first turnover of the season in the first quarter. 

“We came into this game knowing they didn’t have any turnovers, so we wanted to be the first team to make sure that happened. I just got lucky and got those two.” said Gibbs. 

The Bears kept themselves in the game with tough drives and the ability to get into the Red Zone, dominating possession time 36:31 compared to URIs 23:29. Because of this, the Bears were able to scrape up three field goals by Christopher Maron, his longest of the day, a 47-yarder. 

Although the Bears didn’t get the outcome they wished for, Head Coach James Perry was happy with his team's effort and grit. 

“Going into the game we knew they were a terrific team, and I was thrilled with how we practiced leading into today– I made sure that they know I was proud of them and I think they are proud of themselves, it was a good effort and hard fought game.. To see us get consistently better is a lot of fun.” said Perry.

Marquis Buchannan had a day in his hometown leading his team in receiving yards,  but more than anything, he was excited to bring the Governors Cup to his new home in Kingston. 

“I’m in my hometown, my city with my family here so it felt great to come out here and come out with a win and bring the [Governors] Cup back” said Buchanan. 

The Governor's Cup is now heading back to its home in Kingston as the Rams now will start to prepare for in conference opponent Richmond at home next Saturday while the Bears will welcome Princeton to Richard Gouse Field.