SAN ANGELO, TX — Sixth-ranked Angelo State returns home Saturday to host Western New Mexico in a Lone Star Conference clash at LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m., with coverage available on FloCollege, live stats, and local radio broadcasts.
The Rams (3-0, 1-0 LSC) are coming off a 31-20 road victory over Eastern New Mexico in which they capitalized on two turnovers and a perfectly executed onside kick to build a 17-point halftime lead. Chad Pharies rushed for 77 yards and two touchdowns, while Zeek Freeman provided a spark with an 88-yard kickoff return touchdown — the first in the LSC this season.
Angelo State holds a 7-2 all-time series lead over Western New Mexico. The Rams blanked the Mustangs 21-0 on the road last season, holding WNMU to 159 total yards while quarterback Braeden Fuller accounted for three touchdowns.
The Mustangs (1-2, 0-1 LSC) dropped their conference opener 28-7 to West Texas A&M last week. WNMU boasts a potent offense, averaging 488.7 yards and 39 points per game, but has struggled defensively, surrendering 49.3 points and 543.3 yards per game.
Quarterback Connor Ackerley leads the LSC in attempts (118), yards (1,080), and touchdowns (13). Defensively, Cole Lalama and Diego Diaz share the team lead with 15 tackles each.
Angelo State climbed to No. 6 in both the AFCA and D2Football.com Top 25 polls this week. The Rams also collected two LSC weekly honors, with Owen Seaver earning Defensive Player of the Week after an eight-tackle, two-sack performance, and Freeman taking Special Teams Player of the Week for his kickoff return score.
Stats
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Turnovers: Angelo State leads Division II with 10 forced turnovers (six interceptions, four fumble recoveries).
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Rushing Attack: Four players have eclipsed 100 rushing yards — Pharies (142, 2 TD), Jayden Jones (136), Kaeden Smith (130, TD), and Cameron Dischler (125, 2 TD).
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Defensive Standouts: Xavier Walton leads the LSC with five passes defended, and Seaver is tied for the league lead in sacks with two.
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Efficiency: The Rams own the top passing efficiency in the LSC (205.7) and lead the conference in kickoff return average (29.8 yards).
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