Asbury Rams Football Moves Into a New Stadium

During the 2012 season, the Asbury Rams will make a huge step forward as they move into a new state-of-the-art stadium and enter a new chapter in their history. The Rams will host the New Jersey State Football Championships this season, and we can’t wait to see how the new facilities will help them compete.

Stadium

Located in Marshall County, the new Asbury, Ala., High School football stadium is the brainchild of the school’s athletic director and football coach. The facility is slated to open in time for the school’s home opener on Friday, August 24. It’s touted as the state’s first football stadium and features seating for over 2,500. It’s a state-of-the-art facility with a fully functional track and field program as well.

The stadium boasts an array of features, including a varsity field hockey team and an impressive track and field program, both of which have already garnered some headlines this year. Unlike last year’s season, the school has not added any junior varsity or freshman teams, but the program is still in good standing. The varsity football program will compete in the Shore Conference, which is a respectable league in its own right. The football program’s varsity roster boasts a roster that looks more like that of a high school. Despite its small enrollment, the team has been competitive in the past, finishing in the top half of its division in the past. The athletic department has also been active in the community, leading the charge in many local athletic endeavors. The school has an active alumni program as well.

The Asbury High School football program is in its first year of existence. The Rams, as they are affectionately known, had a dismal 0-10 season last year. The team has five games on the road this season, with the most important contests scheduled for the week of August 15. The field is currently under construction, but it won’t be long before it’s ready for action.

Rushing game

Despite a season-high 195 yards rushing, Asbury Park squandered several opportunities in the rushing game. The Rams failed to score on two field goals and lost five fumbles.

A fumble by Asbury Park junior receiver Javon King gave the Rams a first-and-goal at the 10-yard line. Javon King then scored on a 40-yard return. But, the extra point failed and left the score at 22-16.

After a punt, the Rams scored again. A long touchdown pass from MJ Brown to Carter was negated by a penalty, leaving the score at 41-6.

Asbury Park squandered several chances in the rushing game, but the defense held up. The offense managed 115 passing yards and 80 rushing yards. The defense held Westbrook to 86 yards on defense and 181 yards in total offense.

Woodbury’s offense was led by quarterback Bryan Johnson, who completed 8 of 11 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns. The defense held the Red Devils to 146 yards on the ground.

Pitman rushed for 84 yards on seven carries, led by Chase Rollins. Chase Rollins also scored a 70-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. In the first half, Pitman led 27-0 after a fumble recovery on the Rams’ opening drive. The offense failed to convert on three fourth-down attempts and squandered an opportunity to add an extra point.

In the third quarter, the Rams’ offense was held to 86 yards on the ground and 102 yards in total offense. The defense sacked Ra’Zahn Howard four times for 42 yards. Asbury Park’s defense also threw four interceptions.

The offense failed to score on the final two drives of the game, but the defense kept the Red Devils in the game by holding them to two passing yards and two rushing yards on one completion. The defense also recovered a fumble for a score.

In the first half, Asbury Park scored eight times on the ground. Chandler Powell rushed for 91 yards on 11 carries. He finished with two touchdown runs, the first two offensive touchdowns in the school’s history. He also added a 10-yard scoring run with 1:17 left in the game.

Comeback win over Brindlee Mountain

Having said that, the Asbury Rams managed to eek out a 41-28 win over a less than talented Hueytown squad. The game was played at the historical Legion Field and the Rams benefited from a number of stellar performances by a variety of players. For example, Andrew Hunter managed a 77-yard touchdown run and two pass completions, while Zander Peterman registered two quarterback sacks and a pair of fumbles of his own.

Not to be outdone, the Rams also managed to put up a respectable number of points in the second half. The Rams threw a surprisingly strong defensive line that allowed just three first downs and no touchdowns in the final quarter. The Rams’ defense also managed to sack the hapless Peyton Beard in the final minutes of the game, putting them in the perfect position to score the game-winning touchdown.

In the end, the Rams hung on to a slim one point lead by the midway point of the fourth quarter. They then used the following three quarters to put the pedal to the floor, racking up a whopping 57 points. The Rams also managed to produce a few big plays in the final minute of regulation, including a slant pass to Drew Puccio for the game’s longest touchdown run. It was a solid game for both teams, although the Rams’ defense was the stingiest of the bunch. Nevertheless, the Rams managed to win in the biggest of the biggest games of their young careers. The win puts them in prime position to secure a spot in the upcoming Region 7 playoffs and reclaim the title of champs. The Rams now turn their attention to the feisty Cordova Tigers who are 0-4 on the road.

Ownership

Almost a year after the Los Angeles Rams moved to Los Angeles, Asbury Rams football is ready to begin its fourth season. A few players from last year’s team graduated, including Austin Bloodworth. But the Asbury head coach expects to field a good number of underclassmen this fall. The Rams will open up their season with a scrimmage game against Holly Pond at Jacksonville State on May 13. They will also play Gaston on August 20. It will be the team’s third season under coach Chris Williams. He hopes to get the best out of the team with a combination of young players and experienced veterans.