The Rams moved to 5-0 on the season with a composed and clinical performance against the Merseyside Nighthawks, running out 28-0 winners in Skelmersdale.

The Nighthawks started with some success on the ground, but a fumble recovered by Kelvin Newsome handed the Rams a short field. However, the drive ended with an interception by the Merseyside defense. On the following series, a broken punt snap saw the Nighthawks punter scramble for a surprising first down, and another Rams penalty gave the hosts a new set of downs. Despite that, the defense stood firm, forcing a turnover on downs to end the threat.

As the first quarter ended, the Rams began to find rhythm in the run game, with Elliot Jackson and Jono Bell-Davis combining effectively. Bell-Davis capped the drive with a 27-yard touchdown, and Faheem Hasan added the PAT to give the Rams a 7-0 lead.

A fourth down offsides penalty extended a Merseyside drive, but they again fumbled the snap, and Lewis Young recovered for the Rams. Bell-Davis converted a key 4th down as the clock ticked toward the half, but the Rams’ field goal attempt fell short just before halftime. A quick stop from the defense allowed the Rams to take a 7-0 lead into the break.

The Rams came out running in the second half, but couldn’t finish the drive, turning the ball over on downs. After a holding penalty stalled the Nighthawks’ next possession, they were forced to punt. That set the stage for a game-breaking play, as Jackson burst through for a 59-yard touchdown run. Hasan converted the extra point to make it 14-0.

The defense continued to dominate, and after both teams exchanged punts, the Rams turned to the ground game again. A long drive was capped by a WR screen to Dionte Watson that brought the ball to the 1-yard line, and a Taylor Umland sneak was marked just short. Jackson punched it in on the next play, and the PAT was good to extend the lead to 21-0.

The final score of the day came on defense. Tyler Broad jumped a pass and returned it 90 yards for a touchdown, following a key block from Oscar O’Connor to break him free. Hasan was perfect again with the kick to make it 28-0.

A brief moment of confusion saw the Rams recover a kickoff, only for a penalty to give the ball back to Merseyside. But it made little difference, as the defense held firm once more and the game ended in another Rams shutout.

The win maintains the Rams’ perfect start to the season. With all three phases contributing — and another strong showing from the run game — the team now looks ahead to the second meeting with the Nighthawks.