EDINBURG – Texas Wesleyan University (1-2) showed flashes of big-play ability but could not slow down the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (4-0) high-powered offense, falling 61-13 on Saturday night at Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium in front of a crowd of 12,447.
The Rams produced two second-half touchdowns, highlighted by a 65-yard interception return from defensive back Jaiden Jones in the third quarter and a 7-yard scoring run from Ashton Mitchell-Johnson in the fourth. Despite the late spark, Wesleyan was unable to recover from a slow start that saw UTRGV build a 40-0 halftime lead.
Texas Wesleyan moved the ball effectively through the air, throwing for 287 yards against the Vaqueros' secondary. Quarterback Cole Francis completed 15 of 31 passes for 217 yards, connecting with wideout Paul Summers, who hauled in seven catches for 137 yards, including a 69-yard reception in the third quarter that set up Jones' defensive score moments later. Backup quarterback Carson Rodgers added 70 yards on 5-of-9 passing, while running back Jacody Miles caught six passes for 63 yards out of the backfield.
Mitchell-Johnson capped Wesleyan's night with a 7-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, finishing with 10 yards on four carries. Overall, the Rams managed just 38 rushing yards on 37 attempts, with UTRGV's front seven registering three sacks and forcing three fumbles.
Defensively, the Rams were led by Jewett Hill, who collected a team-high eight tackles, while Daniel Aigbogun added a sack and Jaden Fisher chipped in with a tackle for loss. Jones' interception return was the defensive highlight, giving Wesleyan its first touchdown of the game.
UTRGV controlled the contest from the start, scoring on its opening possession and building momentum with a balanced attack. The Vaqueros finished with 530 yards of total offense, including 283 on the ground. Running back Broderick Taylor broke free for a 78-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, while Fabian Garcia, TJ Dement, Brennan Carroll and Djouvensky Schlenbaker also scored on the ground.
Senior quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger guided the Vaqueros with efficiency, throwing for 223 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score. Receiver Tony Diaz caught six passes for 76 yards and a touchdown, and Xayvion Noland contributed 103 receiving yards.
The Vaqueros' defense played a key role in keeping Texas Wesleyan in check, forcing three turnovers and returning an interception 52 yards for a touchdown by freshman defensive back Alijah Prosser. UTRGV also recorded a safety in the second quarter to extend its early lead.
Wesleyan held the ball for more than 30 minutes and converted 8 of 18 third downs, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
The Rams will return to conference play on the road Saturday against rival Nelson University with kickoff scheduled for 2 p.m.
