KINGSVILLE, TX - Rome wasn't built in a day. Taking on their toughest opponent since resurrecting the football program in 2017, Texas Wesleyan (0-2) was topped by NCAA Division II power, Texas A&M Kingsville (1-1) 52-10 Saturday night.
 
After a touchdown for Kingsville on its opening drive, and a three-and-out for the Rams offense, the Texas Wesleyan defense stood tall. Jaylen King jumped in front of an intended receiver in the slot for an interception, setting the Rams up in scoring position - at the Javelina 28. On the very next play, quarterback Avery Childs swung a pass out to Le'Mant Monroe who scampered down the sideline for a 28-yard touchdown, tying the game at 7 with 8:07 to play in the first quarter.
 
From there, Texas Wesleyan struggled to produce. The Rams managed just three first downs and 67 total yards of offense, just unable to find a rhythm against a stout Kingsville defense. The Rams had eight yards on 31 rushing attempts. The defense got worn down as the night wore on, on the field for 72 Kingsville offensive plays to Wesleyan's 47. The Rams punted 12 times and were 0-for-14 on third down.
 
Despite the tough night, the defense was active, forcing three turnovers, including two second-half fumbles. With nine minutes to go in the third frame, Tristen Blake got a fist on a carry by Nick Pelrean, recovered by Diamon Williams. It was the only time against Kingsville the Rams offense didn't manage points out of the ensuing drive, going three-and-out and punting it away.
 
In the fourth quarter, Wesleyan found a chance to capitalize. Chijoke Iwuagu got after Javelina quarterback Cade Dyal, chasing him out of the pocket then eventually forcing a fumble, which was recovered by Ryan Leichus who rumbled all the way down to the Kingsville 16. While the Rams once more went three-and-out, the defense helped the offense get close enough to boot in a 28-yard field goal by Kade Dixon with 8:44 to play.
 
Williams led the defense with 11 tackles, the fumble recovery and a pass breakup. King had 10 tackles to go with the INT. Josh Phillips had 5.5 tackles, three of which went for a loss. Byron Tate managed three quarterback hits. Kingsville had tremendous field position all night, averaging drive starts at the Wesleyan 42-yard line.
 
RAMBLINGS:
It's the third time in modern-day TXWES football history the defense has forced at least three turnovers and in eight of the program's 11 games since returning, the Ram defense has recovered a fumble.
 
WHAT'S NEXT:
Texas Wesleyan fans can enjoy getting back to competition at the NAIA level when Sooner Athletic Conference play begins next week. Up first is Texas College at Farrington Field next Saturday at 7 p.m. The Rams nearly topped the Steers in Tyler last year, losing 21-11.