WAXAHACHIE – Texas Wesleyan University (2-2, 2-0 SAC) used a strong first half and a stifling defensive effort to secure a 37-21 victory over Nelson University (1-3, 1-1 SAC) on Saturday afternoon at Lumpkins Stadium in Sooner Athletic Conference play.
Quarterback Cole Francis led the Rams with 190 passing yards and three touchdowns, sparking a balanced offensive attack that helped Texas Wesleyan build a 30-7 halftime lead. Francis connected with TJ Curtis on a 24-yard strike in the first quarter, then found Cameron Smith for a 34-yard touchdown early in the second. His final scoring toss came on a 5-yard pass to Darren White with just 29 seconds remaining in the half.
Running back Mark Benjamin added a 1-yard touchdown plunge late in the second quarter, while kicker Freddy Joya opened the scoring with a 38-yard field goal. Joya finished the day 4 for 4 on extra points and 1 for 1 on field goals.
Defensively, the Rams controlled the game with four interceptions and three sacks. Jaiden Jones picked off two passes, while Jaden Fisher returned an interception 33 yards and Jaylon Beasley added another takeaway. The defense held Nelson to just 48 rushing yards on 36 carries and forced three turnovers in the first half alone.
Special teams delivered the final blow when Darion Brown recovered a blocked punt in the end zone midway through the fourth quarter, pushing the lead to 37-14 and effectively sealing the win.
Nelson found most of its success through the air behind quarterback Judah Holtzclaw, who passed for 325 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Zach Fuller was the primary target, hauling in eight catches for 186 yards and all three of Holtzclaw's scores, including touchdowns of 15, 62 and 37 yards.
Despite holding a slight edge in total offense at 373-331, Nelson was undone by turnovers and special teams miscues. The Lions also lost two fumbles and had a punt blocked for a score.
Texas Wesleyan controlled time of possession, holding the ball for more than 43 minutes compared to Nelson's 27, and converted seven of 16 third-down attempts. Punter Tyler Strumila averaged 49.3 yards per kick, flipping field position on several occasions.
The win keeps Texas Wesleyan unbeaten in conference play as the Rams look to climb the SAC standings, and wil hold the first home game of the season next Saturday at Panther Stadium against Arkansas Baptist College..
