Box Score SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – The Notre Dame Falcons put up a strong fight in the first half against the unbeaten Rams of Shepherd University on Saturday afternoon, but Shepherd used a strong second half to pull away, in a 57-17 victory.

The Falcons (3-4, 2-3 MEC) have now lost five in a row on the road dating back to last season, and the Rams (7-0, 6-0) with the victory remain the only unbeaten team in the Mountain East Conference. 

Early on, Notre Dame went toe-to-toe with the Rams, who were able to come away just three points in the first quarter, despite a large advantage in field position.  Ryan Earls kicked a 23-yard field goal with 1:51 left in the first quarter to snap a scoreless tie. 

The Rams took advantage of a big punt return to setup their next score, as they went eight yards in two plays, scoring on Jebre Lolley's two-yard touchdown run to take a 10-0 lead just five seconds into the second quarter. 

Notre Dame's special teams unit made some noise on Shepherd's next drive, which resulted in a three-and out.  George Berry blocked the Shepherd punt on fourth down, giving NDC great field position.  Notre Dame took advantage and got on the board, on Kyle Kaplan's 31-yard field goal. 

With less than six minutes remaining, the Rams blocked a Notre Dame punt and took over at the Notre Dame 30-yard line, before the NDC defense came up with a huge play.  Three plays into the drive, running back Allen Cross fumbled the ball at the Notre Dame 20-yard line, and Mo May scooped up the loose ball, returning it 74-yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 10-10. 

However, the Rams scored a pair of touchdowns inside the three-minute mark in the second half to take a 24-10 lead.  Jeff Ziemba hooked up with both William McKenzie and Robert Byrd for scores to give the Rams the advantage. 

Notre Dame was not able to make up the deficit in the second half.  On their first drive of the second half, the Rams converted on a third and 22 situation on a 36-yard pass to tight end Lue Sokoya, and finished the drive on Cross's 10-yard touchdown run. 

NDC's next possession went three and out, and CJ Davis returned the ensuing punt 66-yards for a touchdown to give the Rams a 38-10 lead. 

The Falcons would get their final seven points on their next drive.  They finished a 10-play, 72-yard drive when Ray Russ found Mitchell Shegos on a 10-yard touchdown pass with 4:22 left in the third quarter, but NDC was not able to get on the board after that. 

Shepherd used a pair of rushing touchdowns, a safety and a field goal to add to their lead in the fourth quarter to come away with the win. 

Russ completed 21-of-40 passes for 175 yards a touchdown an d a pick, while Pedro Powell rushed for 74 yards on 18 carries.  NDC netted 61 yards on the ground against a defense that was allowing just 27.2 rushing yards per contest.  Shegos led all NDC receivers with 11 catches for 92 yards and a touchdown. 

The Falcons are in action next Saturday, Oct. 26, when they return home to take on the Pioneers of Glenville State at Mueller Field.  Kickoff is schedule for 1 p.m.