Ramsay can score with most programs and its defense is starting to get in on the action as the Class 5A second-ranked Rams scored twice on defense and produced a pair of safeties in a 65-14 rout of Wenonah in a Thursday night Region 5 showdown at Birmingham’s Legion Field.

Ramsay (5-2, 4-0) produced 513 total yards of offense and conceded only 73 yards to the Dragons while forcing four turnovers, two safeties, collecting four sacks and eight tackles for loss. The Rams’ defense allowed a score in each of the first two quarters, but held Wenonah to only 15 yards in the second half.

Senior defensive back Fletcher Taylor had a 60-yard interception return for a score on the final play of the third quarter and freshman defensive end Karlos May returned a fumble 15 yards for a touchdown late in the first half.

“I didn’t even know (when it first happened),” May said. “I’m thankful for my teammates for making the play and allowing me to pick it up and score.”

Ramsay quarterback Kam Kennan was picked off on the third play of the game and the Dragons took their only lead of the game two plays later on a 6-yard touchdown run from QB Anthony Young. The Rams quickly tied the game on a 1-yard burst by Ashton Ashford and the defense sandwiched both safeties between a 49-yard touchdown pass from Kennan to Ashford for an 18-7 lead at the end of the opening quarter.

The Rams scored twice more before Wenonah was able to score its only other touchdown of the game, building a 31-14 advantage midway through the second period, and added another pair of scores for a 44-14 halftime lead on May’s fumble return and Kennan’s third touchdown pass of the game.

Wenonah (5-2, 2-2) was unable to muster any offense in the second half as Ramsay dominated throughout while adding to its lead on Kennan’s final touchdown toss, Fletcher’s pick-6 and a short rushing score in the waning moments. A running clock was initiated in the final quarter as the Rams cruised to their sixth straight win in the series.

Star of the game: Tremell Washington. The sophomore receiver hauled in 12 catches for 186 yards and added an 11-yard run. He had 10 catches in the first half. “My family members broke records and ever since I was little, I’ve wanted to break a record myself and join that tradition. I feel this year I can do it and it’s coming,” he said.

By the numbers: 7, the total number of sacks in the game. … 4, the number of turnovers forced by each defense and the number of pass attempts, all incompletions, by Wenonah in the second half.

Stat sheet: Ramsay – Kennan finished 18-for-29 passing for 336 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. Ashford had 60 yards and a TD to pace the rushing attack, while also bringing down two catches for 45 yards and a score. Stinson had three receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown, and Jacob Andrews and Jaquille Malone each caught a touchdown pass – Malone’s coming from Andrews. Wenonah – Young was 4-of-13 for 65 yards, a touchdown and an interception, and scored on a 6-yard run on the Dragons’ opening possession. Deionte Stevenson had 11 rushing attempts for 15 yards and Peterson pulled down two receptions for 42 yards. Holcomb scored on his only catch of the game.

Coachspeak: “We’re at midseason and have taken the punches from Hueytown, Parker, Pleasant Grove and Auburn. Playing those teams really built us up for the second half of the season. I loved the way our guys played today.” – Ramsay head coach Ronnie Jackson

They said it: “It’s all about the hard work that we put in at practice. We go through every situation and it shows up in the game.” – May on Ramsay’s dominant defense

“We stay ready. Coach puts us through the wringer at practice and it’s different from what everybody else does. We have the best people, but there’s always room to grow and things to improve.” – Washington on the Rams’ offensive performance

What’s next? Ramsay travels to John Carroll, while Wenonah returns home to host Hayden.