SAN ANGELO, TX — The No. 19 Angelo State Rams hosted the University of Texas Permian Basin Falcons for homecoming at LeGrand Stadium in San Angelo for a Lone Star Conference matchup on Saturday, October 21. Angelo State’s defense adopted the bend, but don’t break philosophy in this one as Permian Basin outgained the Rams on the offensive side of the ball. However, that changed in the second half when Angelo State’s defense failed to get off the field on third down. The Rams lose this one at home, 28-23.
Angelo State kicked a field goal early in the first quarter and led by as much as ten points throughout the first half.
Gerald Gardner finished the night with only 122 passing yards on 17-29 attempts. The Rams’ quarterback threw zero touchdowns and two interceptions. While these stats might say that Gardner had an off night, both interceptions came on last-gasp chunk plays at the end of the game.
The Rams finished with 158 rushing yards, with Brayden Wilcox leading the way with 80 yards on 10 attempts. Gardner scored the lone offensive touchdown on the night with an 8-yard quarterback scramble for the score.
Angelo State Homecoming Night 2023
(San Angelo LIVE! Photo/Ryan Chadwick)
The highlight of the night for Angelo State was in the first half when the Rams blocked a field goal attempt by UTPB, and Andrew Pitts scooped the blocked kick up and returned it 59 yards for a touchdown to put the Rams up 10-0.
The Rams led 20-14 at the half but never found the end zone in the final two frames. UTPB, on the other hand, proved to be too much for a tiring Rams defense. The offense’s failure to keep UTPB on the sideline and the Rams’ inability to get off the field on third down caused Angelo State to lose the lead early in the second half. The Rams took the lead back with a field goal, but a quick strike touchdown by the Falcons made the score 28-23, and the Rams never overcame the deficit.
Angelo State had one final gasp as time expired, and after a short scuffle for the ball, UTPB intercepted the final pass of the game. The Rams fell 28-23. Watch the final play here:
Angelo State falls to 4-2 in Lone Star Conference play and now needs some help from other teams if the Rams want to get back into the playoff race.
The Rams hit the road next week and play West Texas A&M on Saturday, October 28.
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