FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan University (7-4, 7-1 SAC) secured a 24-13 victory over Wayland Baptist University (6-3, 5-3 SAC) at Crowley ISD Stadium.  

The game between Texas Wesleyan and Wayland Baptist began with a solid defensive effort from the Rams. They forced a missed field goal by the visitors early on, halting their progress after a 41-yard drive. The Rams' defense set the tone by preventing the Pioneers from capitalizing on their advance.

Later in the period, Texas Wesleyan capitalized on the offensive end with a standout play. Cole Francis connected with Ronnie Schneider on a 74-yard touchdown pass, giving Texas Wesleyan the lead. Freddy Joya's successful extra point extended the lead to 7-0. As the quarter closed, Texas Wesleyan maintained its advantage, with the scoreboard favoring them 7-0.

The second quarter opened with the Pioneers in possession, but their drive stalled at the Rams' 19-yard line after a missed 37-yard field goal attempt. Texas Wesleyan then took control, with Ashton Mitchell and Francis contributing significant yardage on the ground. The drive advanced into Wayland Baptist territory but was ultimately halted by a holding penalty, culminating in a punt.

Wayland Baptist's subsequent drive was contained by the Rams' defense, highlighted by a tackle for loss by Zeno Marcheselli. Texas Wesleyan regained possession and advanced efficiently with a 16-yard completion from Francis to Schneider, later connecting with Paul Summers for another 16 yards. However, the drive ended with a missed 53-yard field goal attempt by Max Luna as the half closed, with the score remaining tied.

Texas Wesleyan capitalized early in the third quarter with a well-executed drive, culminating in an 11-yard touchdown rush by Francis, followed by a successful extra point by Joya. This score extended their lead. Wayland Baptist's ensuing possession was quickly halted when Nikk Williams intercepted a pass, returning it 10 yards to set the Rams up in favorable field position.

Continuing their momentum, Texas Wesleyan pushed forward with Mark Benjamin's rushing, contributing to field advancement. Francis connected with Schneider for an 8-yard touchdown pass, further solidifying their advantage after another successful PAT by Joya. Wayland Baptist managed to respond with a touchdown run by Jaylon Broussard, but the Rams maintained control as the quarter concluded with a 21-7 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Texas Wesleyan began with possession but faced a blocked punt at their 34-yard line, shifting momentum to the Pioneers. The defense responded with a significant sack by Izack Villasenor, pushing Wayland back 11 yards. Despite a 33-yard rush by Wayland's Damon Ford, the Rams' defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs later in the drive.

The Rams' offense regained momentum with Francis connecting on a 13-yard pass to Schneider, followed by a strong 18-yard rush from Benjamin. Consecutive runs by Charlie Adamoli set up Joya for a successful 45-yard field goal, extending the lead to 24-7.

The Pioneers mounted a response with a 75-yard drive capped by a touchdown pass from Khalon Davis to Marques Hall, closing the gap to 24-13. Texas Wesleyan recovered the ensuing onside kick, allowing them to maintain possession and run out the clock, securing the victory with a final score of 24-13.

Francis threw for 196 yards and two touchdowns on 14-of-19 passing attempts while also rushing for 31 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Schneider was a key target, recording six receptions for 129 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Joya contributed by converting a 45-yard field goal and successfully making three extra points. On defense, Derrick Agu led with 10 total tackles, providing a strong presence on the field.

Ford led the rushing attack for Wayland Baptist with 118 yards on 14 carries, showcasing his ability to gain significant ground. Quarterback Davis threw for 125 yards and a touchdown on 14-of-30 passing attempts, while he also recorded one interception. Hall contributed to the scoring with a touchdown reception, totaling 26 receiving yards on five catches. On defense, Donovan Henry was the standout player, accumulating 12 total tackles to anchor the defensive efforts.

The game concludes the Rams' regular season, who now must wait to see if Louisiana Christian can beat Ottawa University, Arizona, and keep the Rams' hope of another playoff birth alive.