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Rhode Island
Historic Afternoon: Rhode Island Defeats Central Connecticut in Epic Playoff Battle – Newport Buzz
In a cold and raucous Meade Stadium, No. 10 Rhode Island snapped a 39-year postseason drought with a gritty 21-17 victory over Central Connecticut State in the opening round of the FCS playoffs Saturday. A record-breaking performance from Malik Grant and a suffocating defensive effort sent the Rams (11-2) to the second round, earning a date with No. 7 Mercer.
The Rams dominated early, taking a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback Hunter Helms connected with Tommy Smith on a 38-yard touchdown strike to open the scoring. Moments later, Emmanuel Gomes intercepted CCSU quarterback Brady Olson and returned it 42 yards for a pick-six.
Central Connecticut State, the NEC champions, clawed back into the game. Olson threw touchdown passes to Isaac Boston in the second and third quarters to tie the game at 14.
In the fourth quarter, Rhode Island regained control. A 23-yard punt return by Shawn Harris Jr. set up the Rams at the CCSU 32-yard line. Six plays later, Smith took a direct snap in the Wildcat formation and powered through the right side for a 6-yard touchdown, which proved to be the game-winner.
Rhode Island’s defense was stifling throughout, holding CCSU to just 271 total yards and forcing three interceptions. Gomes’ pick-six was a game-changer, while lineman Westley Neal Jr. sealed the victory with a late interception after Carson Primrose tipped a pass at the line of scrimmage.
Running back Malik Grant led the offensive charge for the Rams, rushing for 223 yards on 30 carries. His performance set a new single-season rushing record for the program with 1,390 yards and marked his second consecutive 200-yard game.
The win marked Rhode Island’s 11th of the season, a program record. The Rams now turn their attention to No. 7 Mercer for a second-round matchup on Dec. 7. With a balanced team effort and momentum on their side, Rhode Island looks poised for a deep playoff run.
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Related
RI’s Verdi Productions films ‘Bad News On The Doorstep’ in Providence
Verdi Productions wrapped filming of Tom DeNucci’s “Bad News On The Doorstep” early on May 23 in Providence.
Verdi Productions’ secret horror movie, “My Boyfriend is a Demon,” now filming in Rhode Island, is no longer a secret as Chad A. Verdi, the East Greenwich production company’s president, has announced the cast and given an outline of the movie’s plot.
The ensemble cast comprises veteran actors and rising young talents. The story follows Mary, a lonely, small-town girl who creates a fake Instagram account that pretends to be boyfriend, a guy too perfect to be real. Mary puts so much effort into making him “real” that he shows up at her door one day.
The cast includes:
- Mattias Ferrell, son of comic actor Will Ferrell and known for “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” and “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.”
- Coco Arquette, daughter of Courteney Cox and David Arquette and known for “Cougar Town.”
- David Arquette, known for his work in the “Scream” film franchise.
- Rosanna Arquette, David’s sister and Coco’s aunt, known for “The Moment.”
- Bailey Sloan, known for “Ragamuffin.”
- Jack Champion, known for “Avatar.”
- Ever Anderson, known for “Peter Pan & Wendy.”
- Vinnie Hacker, known for “Euphoria.”
- Josephine Reitman, known for “Juno.”
- Savannah Lee Smith, kown for “Tunsel Town.”
- Lisa Yamada, known for “Elle.”
- Ty Law, known for “Friday Night Lights.”
“My Boyfriend is a Demon” is written and directed by first-time director mishka.
“My Boyfriend is a Demon” is filming in Providence
The movie began filming in Rhode Island in April and has rented Providence’s Cranston Street Armory for the month of May to use as a studio.
The producing team for Verdi Productions includes Chad A. Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr., Paul Luba, Michelle Verdi and Sera Verdi. Executive producers include Ketchup Entertainment and Kinolime.
Good morning! Happy Thursday! Today will be pretty unsettled with the chance for showers and t’storms. Friday will still be damp with showers and drizzle, but the weekend still looks amazing!
The one good thing with the rain, for allergy sufferers at least, the pollen levels will be lower. In fact, both today and tomorrow, the tree pollen counts will be low locally. Do expect a spike in the pollen count for Saturday and Sunday with the dry weather.
INTERACTIVE RADAR: Live Pinpoint Weather 12 Radar »
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” FLIGHT TRACKER
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” POWER OUTAGES
TODAY
Hour-by-hour forecast for today…
We’ll have some showers around during the morning commute today, but the greatest chance for showers and t’storms will be after 9AM and before 5PM.
Showers and thunderstorms could slow travel around mid-day. Rain could fall heavily at times.
A line of showers and t’storms will be sweeping across the area through the afternoon as a slow-moving weather systems moves through the region.
Highs today will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s with southeast to east winds of 5-15mph.
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” BEACH AND BOATING FORECASTS
TONIGHT
Showers are still possible this evening; although they won’t be as numerous.
TOMORROW
That low center will be nearby Friday morning, and we’ll be stuck with a damp, cool windflow. Expect drizzle and showers in the morning and possibly some lingering showers in the afternoon.
Highs Friday will only be in the 50s. The average high this time of year is in the upper 60s.
LOOKING AHEAD
Then…there’s the weekend. Saturday looks amazing with lots of sunshine and dry weather. It’ll be warmer, too, with highs in the 70s.
-Meteorologist T.J. Del Santo
T.J. Del Santo (tdelsanto@wpri.com) is the weekday morning and noon meteorologist for 12 News. Connect with him on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and Threads and BlueSky.
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The Rhode Island Department of Health issued an overdose spike alert for Johnston and North Providence.
Health officials said over the past week, five Johnston and North Providence residents received medical care for a drug overdose.
According to RIDOH, these municipalities have historically lower overdose rates than the statewide average.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Residents can visit Prevent Overdose RI connect with community harm reduction organizations and find treatment.
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