SAN ANGELO, TX – The Angelo State Rams (12-1) hosted the Colorado School of Mines (12-2) at La Grande Stadium in San Angelo at 1 p.m. Three turnovers by the Rams put too much pressure on their no. 1 ranked defense while the Orediggers capitalized on each one. The Rams’ 2022 campaign ended today in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Div II Football tournament, 42-24.
Colorado School of Mines scored early after the Rams’ RB Nate Omayebu III fumbled on Angelo State’s first drive. The Orediggers picked up the loose ball and returned it to ASU’s 14-yard line. Three plays later, QB John Matocha threw a 9-yard pass to RB Michael Zeman for a touchdown.
Down 7-0, the Rams responded midway through the first quarter. The Rams moved the ball mainly through the air on a 12-play, 85-yard drive. QB Zach Bronkhost hit Omayebu III for a 2-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7.
Both teams traded punts as the first half wore on, and Angelo State also missed a 43-yard field goal. However, CSM found the end zone twice more before halftime. First, the Orediggers marched down the field on an 8-play, 83-yard drive that Matocha capped off with a 10-yard pass to his receiver, Tristan Smith. Then the Ram's gave CSM another gift.
The Rams’ second turnover happened with 6:31 left in the half. After the defense forced a 4th down, Rams’ Andrew Pitts muffed the punt, and the Orediggers recovered at Angelo State’s 38-yard line. It took four plays to advance into the end zone. Matocha hit Smith in stride for 28 yards and Smith’s second touchdown.
The Rams added a field goal as the first half expired but headed to the locker room down 21-10.
It looked like the tides turned in Angelo State’s favor during the 3rd quarter. The Rams stonewalled CSM and forced a three-and-out. Then Bronkhorst hit a streaking Noah Massey for a 28-yard touchdown. The Rams pulled within four points with 10:23 remaining in the 3rd quarter, 21-17.
(Credit: Ryan Chadwick)
Rams’ DT Tre’Darius Colbert sacked Matocha on 2nd down on the ensuing possession to force the Orediggers into 3rd down and 19 yards to go. Usually, the Rams excel in these situations, and all the momentum built on Angelo State’s side. The crowd was deafening, and things looked bleak for CSM. However, Matocha dropped back on third down, avoided three different would-be tacklers, sprinted down the middle of the field, and broke two more tackles on his way to a 53-yard touchdown run. The gut punch from CSM left the score 28-17.
Bronkhorst came through for his team again on the next possession when he hit WR Kyle Bradford for another deep touchdown. The 31-yard pass brought the score within four points again, but the Rams could not get out of their own way. Perhaps overthinking his troubles earlier in the game, Andrew Pitts muffed another punt off of an ill-advised decision to try and catch the ball off a bounce. CSM recovered at Angelo State’s 10-yard line and scored three plays later. At 35-24 and running out of time, the Rams crumbled.
With ASU forced only to throw the ball, the Orediggers pinned their ears back and went after Bronkhorst. CSM sacked him four times on two different possessions to end the Rams’ chances at a comeback. A late personal foul sealed Angelo State’s fate, and the Rams fell 42-24.
OFFENSE
Passing: Zach Bronkhorst threw for 323 yards on 28-50 passing and 3 touchdowns. He finishes the year with 2845 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. The Senior stepped up in the last few weeks when Angelo State’s rushing attack was not as potent as it was during the regular season.
Rushing: Nate Omayebu II rushed 15 times for 85 yards. The LSC running back of the year was the backbone of this Rams’ offense all season. He finished 2022 with 1156 yards on 236 attempts and 7 touchdowns.
Receiving: Zorhan Rideaux led the Rams in receiving with 7 catches for 107 yards. Noah Massey led the Rams in receiving 52 catches for 684 yards and 4 touchdowns this season.
DEFENSE
Tre’Darius Colbert led the Rams with 8 total tackles, 5 solo tackles, and a sack.
The 2022 Rams’ defense was outstanding this season. Fans will not soon forget their performance on the field. The fact of the matter is that at the end of the day, turnovers and penalties will cost teams games no matter how good they can play. Angelo State was no exception. Despite Angelo State outgaining the Orediggers in the stat sheets, CSM soundly defeated the Rams. Look for Head Coach Jeff Girsh to use this game as a teaching opportunity for his team. The Rams will return many of this season’s players for the 2023 season and will be ready to make another run.
Full Game Highlights are in the Video Below.
(Credit: Ryan Chadwick)
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