Angelo State Rams Fall to Fort Hays St. in Season Opener

HAYS, KS — The Angelo State Rams were stifled in a 21-7 season-opening loss to Fort Hays State on Friday afternoon.

ASU, which had a top 10 defense in the nation last year, allowed two 90-yard touchdown drives in the first quarter.

It set a bad tone, and the No. 24-ranked Rams never fully recovered.

ASU managed to get within 14-7 on a 28-yard TD run by Kaeden Smith early in the second quarter, and the defense kept the Rams in the game from there.

A critical fumble on the first play of the fourth quarter, however, set up Fort Hays State on ASU’s 14-yard line.

The Tigers scored a few plays later for a 21-7 lead.

ASU’s offense was forced to punt eight times, and the Rams had two turnovers. They had a first-and-goal at the 9 midway through the fourth quarter, but they couldn’t punch it in, effectively ending the game.

ASU began the game with Braeden Fuller at quarterback, and he went 8-of-11 for 48 yards. He was sacked three times.

Smith started the third drive of the game, and the two saw sporadic action from there. 

Smith was 9-of-13 passing for 75 yards and was sacked once. He also had eight carries for 37 yards, including the 28-yard TD run.

Former San Angelo Central quarterback Tyler Hill also briefly saw the field, and the freshman had three carries but didn't attempt a pass.

ASU’s defense was led by Xavier Walton, who had 11 tackles and recovered a fumble. Jordan McKinney had seven tackles and an interception.

The Rams will return to Kansas next week when they take on Emporia State at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. ASU’s home opener is 6 p.m. Sept. 14 against Eastern New Mexico.