By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

NEW HOPE, Ala. — The Sylvania Rams defeated the New Hope Indians, 63-21 to win their fifth consecutive game this season and giving them a 6-1 for the 2019 football season thus far. 

Keenan Wilbanks took the opening kickoff and ran it in for the touchdown with just  :15 ticked off the timeclock. The extra point attempt was good, giving the Rams the early 7-0 advantage. After a Indian fumble, recovered by Styles Hughes, the Rams scored on a Brody Smith connection to Grant Atchley.  The Rams took the 14-0 lead with only two minutes into the first quarter. After a three-and-out for the Indians, the Rams scored on a 31-yard by Garreth Anderson, with 6:19 remaining in the first.

After two personal foul calls called on the Rams, the New Hope Indians scored to start the second quarter.  With 7:06 remaining in the first half, Sylvania answered back with a 33-yard connection from Smith to Jordan Johnson.  New Hope cut the Rams lead to 14, scoring on a 28-yard run with 2:46 remaining in the second quarter.  With 1:45 remaining in the half, Smith connected on a 70-yard pass to Wilbanks, to increase the Ram lead to 35-14.  After three-and-out, the Rams took advantage of :37 remaining in the first half, with a Smith connection to Wilbanks for the 13-yard touchdown pass.  The Rams took the 42-14 advantage, into the half. 

With 4:16 remaining in the third quarter, the Sylvania Rams scored on a 35-yard gallop into the endzone by Gareth Anderson.  At the end of the third quarter, Smith connected with Johnson on a 50-yard pass to broaden the Ram lead to 56-14. 

In the fourth, several underclassmen had the opportunity to see playing time for the Sylvania Rams. With 6:56 remaining in the ballgame, Freshman Braiden Thomas charged down the left side for 77 yards, for the  Ram touchdown.  With 2:01 remaining in the game, New Hope scored to make the final score of the night, 63-21. 

Jordan Johnson led the Rams with 5 catches for 153 yards and two touchdowns. 

 They will host the Pisgah Eagles in region play on Friday night.