Angelo State Rams Open Season With Rematch at Fort Hays State

SAN ANGELO, TX — The Angelo State football team had a memorable season last year with an undefeated run through the Lone Star Conference.

The season began, however, with a frustrating 21-7 loss on the road to Fort Hays State in Kansas.

The Rams will return to Fort Hays for a rematch to kick off the 2025 season 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28.

ASU is ranked No. 12 in the D2football.com national rankings, while Fort Hays is No. 20.

ASU head coach Jeff Girsch said he’s anticipating another hard-fought game between the two programs.

“It’s a great matchup, no doubt, with two top 20 teams going at it. I’m excited about it,” Girsch said. “They’ve got a great football program. They’re coached extremely well, and they’ve got a lot of returning guys as well. I think it’s going to be a really good football game.”

Last year, Fort Hays State finished 8-3 with a perfect 6-0 record at home. Despite three wins over Top 25 teams, including ASU, the Tigers were left out of the playoffs.

ASU went 9-3 last year but lost its first-round playoff game 24-14 at home to Bemidji State.

Both teams had elite defenses last year with ASU allowing only 13.1 points per game and Fort Hays giving up 16.9 points.

Both teams return their quarterbacks. Fort Hays’ Caleb Heavner started the last six games last year and threw for 1,649 yards and 13 touchdowns with two interceptions, while adding 353 rushing yards and five TDs.

ASU is led by Braeden Fuller, who was named the LSC Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 2,318 yards with 19 TDs and two INTs, along with 678 rushing yards and 10 TDs.

Girsch said he believes the Rams’ receivers may be the strongest position on the team, led by returner Zeek Freeman, who had 14 catches for 312 yards and two TDs last year.

Running backs Cameron Dischler and Jayden Jones both return to lead ASU in the backfield.

Girsch said he feels the offensive line depth is as good as it’s ever been with 12 players he feels can be a part of the traveling squad.

The Rams’ defense graduated six first-team all-LSC selections, but they return the LSC Defensive Lineman of the Year, Owen Seaver.

Girsch said he’s excited about emerging linebackers Nathan Morcom and Alex Bouloubasis.

ASU will host Emporia State at 6 p.m. next Saturday, Sept. 6, for its home opener at LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field.