The Washington Rams had a tough start in Friday night’s game against the St. Mary's Knights, ultimately falling 27-7 at Phoenix College’s Hogan Field to drop to 3-3 on the season. 

The big play of the night, however, was the Rams’ 85-yard touchdown. Shortly into the third quarter, after a completed pass from quarterback Gabriel Segovia, wide receiver Dae dae Zachery ran for 59 yards to score the Rams’ only touchdown.

St. Mary’s defense proved too difficult to overcome.

“They swarmed to the ball, wherever it went they were all there,” Zachery said. “They played as one. I think we could’ve done that a little bit better. They definitely outplayed us when it comes to playing as one.”

Thanks to Zachery, Segovia and running back Travion Hughes, the Rams had multiple strong rushes and passes, but couldn’t make a comeback due in part to many false starts and tackles in the back field.

Wide receiver and cornerback Steward Ziannie left the game during the second quarter after taking a face mask to the back. After taking a moment to recover on the sidelines, he returned to the game.

Shortly after his return and with just under three minutes left in the second quarter, Ziannie made an interception.

“My receiver stayed short, and I was right behind him,” Ziannie said. “And then I saw the quarterback was looking deep, so I just started to travel a little bit; then he threw it, and it was underthrown, and it went right to me.”

Zachery finished with 116 receiving yards, while Segovia had 191 passing yards.

The team’s top defensive players included defensive end Derrick Haynes Jr., with nine tackles, and Zachery with 12 tackles.

Despite the loss, special teams coach Steve Leonard said his crew played well.

“We actually tried to kick it the same way that they kick it to us, and it seemed to work, so we got the ball back twice,” Leonard said. “So that was a positive spot in the game.”

The loss was tough on the team. Following the game, Zachery consoled an emotional Ziannie.

“We are our biggest wall,” Zachery said when asked about the team’s biggest challenge during the game. “We need to overcome being scared of being successful. I think that’s more what it is, because when you are successful people expect more from you.”

*Stats provided by the Washington Rams’ statistician.