FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan University (0-1) suffered a decisive 59–7 defeat to the University of Central Oklahoma (1-0) at Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium on Thursday. Despite the loss, the home team managed to score a rushing touchdown in the third quarter.
Texas Wesleyan began the first quarter with a strong kickoff return by
Sean Smith, setting them up at their own 46-yard line. The offense moved efficiently with
Cole Francis completing key passes to
Ian Jernagin and Makhi Whitney, advancing into Central Oklahoma territory. However, the drive stalled at the UCO 23-yard line, resulting in a missed 35-yard field goal attempt by
Christian Munguia, leaving the scoreboard unchanged.
Central Oklahoma capitalized on their subsequent possession, executing a swift drive highlighted by a 31-yard touchdown pass from Jett Huff to Tahkari Bethel. The visitors continued their scoring momentum with another drive culminating in a 3-yard touchdown run. As the first quarter concluded, the Rams were trailing 14–0, despite a promising start and effective rushing from Jernagin.
Central Oklahoma opened the second quarter by extending its lead with a scoring drive, culminating in a 2-yard rush by Andrew Carney for a touchdown and a subsequent successful extra point. The Rams began their drive at their own 9-yard line, advancing to the 21-yard line, but were unable to sustain momentum, leading to a punt. Central Oklahoma capitalized on its next possession, driving from the Texas Wesleyan 22-yard line and adding another touchdown with a 3-yard rush by Dev Mathews, followed by a successful point-after attempt, increasing its lead.
In the closing minutes of the second period, the Rams worked to gain ground, highlighted by
Maurice Griffin's 11-yard rush, but faced challenges in sustaining drives.
Charlie Adamoli connected with
Sean Smith for a 17-yard gain, pushing the team forward. However, a 49-yard field goal attempt by
Christian Munguia was blocked by Cooper Snyder as the clock expired. The quarter ended with Central Oklahoma ahead 35–0.
The third quarter began with a pivotal defensive play for the Rams as
Ryan Seymour sacked Jett Huff, forcing a fumble recovered by
John Rector at the UCO 16-yard line. This turnover quickly translated into points, with
Ian Jernagin scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run, narrowing the deficit to 35–7 after
Christian Munguia's successful extra point.
Defensive resilience continued as
Jaden Fisher recovered another fumble, this time forced by
Billy Sanford, halting a Central Oklahoma drive and providing another opportunity for the Rams. However, a mishap on offense led to a fumble returned by Bryant Coley for a touchdown, extending Central Oklahoma's lead. As the quarter concluded, the score stood at 49–7 in favor of Central Oklahoma.
Central Oklahoma opened the fourth quarter with a strong drive, moving the ball 53 yards in nine plays, which culminated in a 32-yard field goal to extend its lead to 52–7. The Rams then took possession but struggled to gain momentum, resulting in a three-and-out.
Texas Wesleyan initiated a more sustained drive on its next possession, highlighted by
Charlie Adamoli's passing to
Ronnie Schneider, which moved the team 66 yards downfield. However, the drive ended with a fumble by
Maurice Griffin, recovered by Central Oklahoma.
Central Oklahoma capitalized on the turnover with a touchdown pass from Clayton Creasey to Tahkari Bethel, pushing the score to 59–7. The Rams' final drive showed promise as
Ian Jernagin rushed for multiple first downs, but time expired with the score unchanged.
Jernagin led the offense with 90 rushing yards on 16 carries and scored a touchdown. On defense,
Jaden Fisher contributed with five tackles and recovered a fumble. Jemari Seals topped the defensive efforts, recording seven total tackles.
Ryan Seymour added to the defensive pressure with three tackles and a sack, while also forcing a fumble.
The Rams travel to Lake Charles, LA to take on McNeese State on Saturday, September 5 at 6pm.
