By Thomas Grant Jr.
Former Gray Collegiate and Clemson quarterback Hunter Helms is headed to the second round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.
The senior led Rhode Island with a 21-17 victory over Central Connecticut State in the opening round. It was the Rams’ first postseason win in 39 years.
Helms put Rhode Island (11-2) on the board in the first quarter. He threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Tommy Smith.
He finished 18-28 passing for 208 yards and two interceptions. Helms also surpassed 1,000 passing yards on the season in his fourth start.
After trailing 14-0, the Blue Devils rallied to tie the game entering the fourth quarter. After a 23-yard punt return by Shawn Harris Jr., the Rams scored six plays later on a 6-yard touchdown run by Smith.
Central Connecticut State added a 32-yard field goal with 4:47 left. Helms and the offense ran off four minutes before punting the football back to the Blue Devils.
The game ended with an interception by Westley Neal Jr. Rhode Island now travels to Mercer College for the second round.
