Angelo State Rams Hold Off Eastern New Mexico for First Win of Season

SAN ANGELO, TX — The Angelo State Rams needed a win Saturday, and it was their struggling offense that stepped up and delivered it.

Protecting a six-point lead, the Rams were able to run out the final 6:21 of the game with an 11-play drive that sealed a 26-20 win over Eastern New Mexico in ASU's home opener at LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field.

ASU was able to shake off back-to-back losses to start the year and open Lone Star Conference play with a win.

The Rams' offense, which managed only one touchdown in the first two games, had three TD drives Saturday and two others that ended with field goals.

Most importantly, ASU was able to move the chains in the fourth quarter to finish off a crucial win.

Sophomore quarterback Braeden Fuller had his best game so far, completing 14-of-23 passes for 171 yards and a TD.

Brayden Wilcox had 13 carries for 82 yards and a TD, while Jayden Jones had nine carries for 65 yards and a TD.

ASU led 20-13 midway through the third quarter when Andrew Pitts made a game-changing play, intercepting a pass and returning it 36 yards to the Greyhounds' 9-yard line.

It was the second INT in two games for ASU's standout cornerback.

The Rams cashed in with an 8-yard TD pass from Fuller to Hunter Wallis for a 26-13 lead.

After Eastern New Mexico scored to cut the deficit to 26-20, the Rams never let the Greyhounds touch the ball again.

Kenton Allen led ASU's defense with 13 tackles, while Stephen Woods and Eric Rascoe each had 10.

ASU (1-2 overall, 1-0 LSC) will play two more road games Sept. 21 at Western New Mexico and Oct. 5 at UT-Permian Basin before returning home.

The Rams will close out the season with four of their last six games at home. The next home game is Oct. 12 against Texas A&M-Kingsville.

Eastern New Mexico fell to 2-1, 0-1.