SURPRISE, AZ—The Texas Wesleyan Rams (1-0) travel to Arizona for a Saturday night showdown against the No. 16 Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ) Spirit at 9 PM CT. The Spirit will be looking to defend their home turf, while the Rams will be seeking a statement win on the road.
The Spirit is trying to win its fifth SAC Conference Championship in seven years, while the Rams are looking to secure their third in a row.
The Spirit brings back key returners and new talents to a squad that led numerous categories in the Sooner Athletic Conference and NAIA last year.
In 2023, OUAZ averaged 55.2 points per game, the highest in the NAIA by nearly nine points, scoring 66 touchdowns in nine games—most in the conference. The Spirit also led the NAIA in yards per game, averaging 526.1, becoming the only team to surpass 500+ yards per contest while accumulating over 2,000 yards both passing and rushing.
Offensively, OUAZ returns standout players, including Sooner Offensive Player of the Year, quarterback Luke Giron, who threw for over 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns. He'll connect with All-Sooner receiver Da'Vicious Wilson, who achieved nearly 700 yards and eight touchdowns on just 32 catches. The offensive line remains solid, led by All-Sooner guard Zach Woltz.
Defensively, the Spirit allowed 16.0 points per game and under 100 rushing yards per contest. The unit forced 27 turnovers, scored six defensive touchdowns, and finished in the NAIA's top 10 for interceptions. Linebackers D'Angelo Jackson, Isiah Cotton, and Matteo Alicea lead a defense determined to replicate last season's success.
Last week, TXWES opened their season with a 34-24 win over #20 Lindsey Wilson College. Lindsey Wilson led early with a field goal, but TXWES responded with a touchdown by Ernest Ceasar. The Rams extended their lead in the second quarter with two interception returns for touchdowns by Deylon Rodgers and Jaiden Jones.
Lindsey Wilson narrowed the gap with a kickoff return touchdown and tied the game at 24. In the second half, TXWES took control with a touchdown by Ceasar and a field goal by Diego Chavarria. Strong defensive plays and a balanced offense sealed the Rams' victory.
