The Fordham Rams dropped their sixth straight Patriot League game last Saturday Oct. 5, by a score of 28-23. The Rams, who came to the field looking to win their first game, now find themselves at 0-6 in league play, making their worst start in recent memory.
So far, the season has not gone as planned, but there’s still hope. “The goal obviously is always to win the Patriot League,” Head Coach Joe Conlin said.
Leading up to game day at Moglia Stadium, Conlin thought this goal to still be reachable despite having yet tallied a victory this season. It was the first game of Patriot League play of the campaign, which meant a fresh start for the Rams.
Starting quarterback Jack Capaldi, Gabelli School of Business at Rose Hill (GSBRH) ’26, shared that the team had a strong week of practice and have made strides to improve their operation.
The Rams came out strong against the Leopards, but in the end, weren’t able to pick up a victory to gain their momentum for the season.
Capaldi said that the Rams need momentum. “We got off to a rough start against Bowling Green and the following few games didn’t make it much better,” Capaldi said. “We have a really good team and a lot of good players, we just have to get into a groove.”
The Rams came out strong against the Leopards, but in the end, weren’t able to pick up a victory to gain their momentum for the season.
The third-seed leopards, who were crowned Patriot League Football Champions last year, dominated the first quarter against the Rams, whose injury list almost spelled tragedy. With key players like quarterback CJ Montes, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’26; offensive line Cooper Lafond, FCRH ’28; and linebacker James Conway, GSBRH ’25, sidelined, the Rams needed a miracle early into the game.
Fordham’s response, led by Capaldi, nearly turned the tide. A 50-yard pass attempt to wide-open wide receiver Cole Thornton, Gabelli Graduate School of Business (GGSB) ’25, just missed its mark.
Lafayette wasted no time in taking advantage of the situation. Four minutes into the first quarter, at first-and-15, Leopards’ quarterback Jason Penza, Lafayette College (LC) ’28, delivered a 28-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ethan Hosak, LC ’27, capping off an efficient opening drive and giving the Leopards a 6-0 lead on its opening possession. Followed by a successful kick for the extra point, the highest scoring team in the Patriots League led the game 7-0.
Fordham’s response, led by Capaldi, nearly turned the tide. A 50-yard pass attempt to wide-open wide receiver Cole Thornton, Gabelli Graduate School of Business (GGSB) ’25, just missed its mark.
At second-and-11, the Leopard’s momentum surged again as wide receiver Chris Carasia, LC ’25, hauled in for a touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0 by the end of the first quarter.
The Rams came back during the second quarter, determined to cut the lead. On a critical third-and-8, Capaldi connected with wide receiver Garrett Cody, GGSB ’25, to set up first-and-goal deep in Lafayette territory.
At the eight-minute mark, kicker Bennett Henderson, FCRH ’28, nailed a career-long field goal, giving Fordham a three-point lead. The Rams led for the first time, scoring 17 unanswered on the reigning champs.
On the ensuing play, Capaldi handed the ball off to running back Julius Loughridge, FCRH ’25, who powered into the endzone for a 9-yard touchdown. The Rams cut the deficit in half and put their first points of the game on the board in the Bronx.
Fordham’s offense did not end there. Back-to-back rush attempts by Capaldi allowed the Rams to move inch-by-inch down the field. In the next play, Capaldi faked a handoff and darted into the end zone, delivering Fordham’s second touchdown and tying the game. The Rams’ defense found their footing while its offense found the endzone twice. Fordham entered halftime with momentum on their side, having outgained Lafayette in passing yards, rushing yards and time of possession.
The Rams, who have kept the high-powered Leopards in check, entered the third quarter looking to take the lead. At the eight-minute mark, kicker Bennett Henderson, FCRH ’28, nailed a career-long field goal, giving Fordham a three-point lead. The Rams led for the first time, scoring 17 unanswered on the reigning champs.
But Lafayette responded. Nearing the end of the third quarter, quarterback Dean DeNobile, LC ’26, throws a pass to Elijah Steward, LC ’26, securing a first down. The Rams’ defense fought to keep the Leopards from reaching the end zone, but Troy Bruce, LC ’27, punched in a 1-yard touchdown, putting Lafayette back on top, 21-17.
With the lead slipping away, Capaldi threw a costly interception late into the third quarter. This fumble immediately led to a touchdown by Dallas Holmes, LC ’26, widening the lead to 28-17 and wrapping up the third quarter.
As the pressure mounted and the fourth quarter began, the uphill battle for the Rams became even steeper.
With their backs against the wall, the desperate Rams’ offense finally woke up. About halfway into the fourth, Loughridge found the end zone once again, bringing Fordham within striking range at 28-23.
As the game clock ticked down, the Rams tried desperately to take the lead, but their prayers were not answered. Despite their efforts, Capaldi’s desperate pass in the final moments nearly resulted in another interception, and the Rams’ hopes slipped away.
The Leopard’s defense held firm in the final minutes of the game and escaped with a 28-23 victory. While this loss could potentially drop Fordham to the bottom of the league standings, the Rams showed promising performance, especially given the absence of several key players.
The Rams face another tough opponent next Saturday as they take on the Holy Cross Crusaders, hoping to take home their first win this season.