Ravens Open Season With a Win

Running back Akeem Williams scored one of the two touchdowns in the Raven’s victory.
(Photo courtesy of Linda Salmon)

The Vermont Ravens opened the NEFL 2022 season at home Sunday with a tight hard-fought victory over the Boston Chargers 14-8. Vermont scored first just before the half when #25 RB/LB DeEric O’neal powered in from the 1-yard for the touchdown. The PAT attempt by #24 K/LB #24 Drew Lamb was no good due to a bad snap and the score at the half was 6-0 Ravens.

A big play defensively for Vermont in the first half was an interception and return of 28 yards by #9 DB Xavier Canty. Later in the game DL #0 Lloyd White Jr. shot the gap steamrolling the QB forcing an errant throw that landed in George Campbell III hands and he rambled 20 yards to inside Charger territory.

Also performing well for the Ravens were the defensive line of #91 DE/DT Michael Fulton, #0 DT Lloyd White, #10 DE/DT Brett Walton, #76 DT Jonathan Post, #55 Brandon Katon, and #21 DE Johnny Johnson who all routinely were in the Charger backfield giving pressure hurrying passes and making sacks. Fulton, Walton (2), Rose, Katon, and White all had sacks for the Ravens.

Vermont scored their second touchdown of the game in the 3rd at the 8:49 mark when #3 RB/DB Akeem Williams punched it into the end zone off the right side from 1-yard out for a 12-0 lead. The Ravens went for two with QB #2 Abdi Abdi rolling left away from the rush and heading towards the left corner pulled up and found a crossing Vermont receiver #22 WR/DB Sam Bigglestone open for the 2-pt conversion and a 14-0 Raven lead. The big play in the drive was a long pass from Abdi to #20 TE/LB Roy Rose who was interfered with on the 1-yard line bringing up a first and goal from the one.

Boston finally got on the board with 4:13 left in the 3rd quarter when QB #3 JT Buchanan completed a pass to a speedy receiver #4 Reginald Hobbs who cut diagonally across the field and outran everyone to the endzone for a 37-yard touchdown reception. The Chargers tried for two and Buchanan found an open #2 Nicky Leng for the completion and now the Raven lead was cut to 14-8 which proved to be enough as that was the last of the scoring on the day.

The Raven running game was firing on all cylinders Sunday with two touchdowns and 201 yards on 26 carries. The offensive line consisting of #77 Zach Heyer (who also playing defense had a blocked punt) #70 Izaak Bolduc, #63 Paul Dan Winters, #74 Kevin Keeling, #62 Michael Emmons-Lamell, #67 Chris Emmons, and #75 Allen-Michael Ashline did a great job of opening holes and creating lanes for the Raven backs. Williams led the team with 18 carries and 125 yards with one touchdown and one fumble. Abdi ran for 64 yards with the big one a 55-yard scramble off the right side and down the sidelines.

Report courtesy of Michael Salmon

Related Posts

• 
  The Cobras Are Back!
• 
  Greenjackets Join NEFL
• 
  2022 All-Star Game