On Oct. 4, the Texas Wesleyan Rams football program, after a four-game road stretch, will play their first home game at North Crowley High School against the Arkansas Baptist College Buffaloes.

Starting the season, the Rams played four away games that spanned from week one to week five (including their week two bye). With a [2 – 2] overall record, the Rams played valiantly against possibly the fiercest competition the program has faced since the reboot in 2017. In week three, the Rams’ “big kahuna” matchup was against the bigger and more electric University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros [13 – 61].  

“It was fun,” junior wide receiver, Paul Summers II said. “Losing was not fun, but the environment, being able to see the difference in the atmosphere of the game and the TV timeouts, it was fun.” 

Summers, a junior accounting major, had 7 receptions for 137 yards, impressive stats against a Division I opponent. Jaiden Jones, senior defensive back, who has recorded an interception every game, returned one for 65 yards and a touchdown against the Vaqueros.

“I’m trying to capitalize off of last season,” Jones said. “I’m trying to keep it going, trying to break the score record. That’s the plan.” 

Jones added his personal goal of how many interceptions he would like to rack up before season’s end. 

“I want 10 interceptions by the end of the season,” Jones said. 

The Rams have won and lost against the following opponents: 

Lindsey Wilson [10 – 45] L 

Texas College [52 – 13] W 

UTRGV [13 – 61] L 

Nelson University [37 – 21] W 

Against the Vaqueros, starting quarterback Carson Rodgers suffered an AC joint tear. Cole Francis, a junior reserve, assumed the starting role.  

“I prepare every week as if I was the starter,” Francis said. “So, when the situation arises, where I need to go in and play, I’m always ready to play.” 

Despite the quarterback change, Summers said the team dynamic hasn’t changed and that the tone remains business as usual. 

“It’s more or so being able to rally behind [Francis],” Summers said. “Not only myself, but as a team, being able to just know that we trust him.”

With Oct. 4 approaching, the Rams are more than excited to take care of business. Francis said the Fort Worth environment and the school spirit is what makes playing at home special. 

“It’s just the Fort Worth atmosphere,” Francis said. “Whether it’s the high schools that come to our game, all of our families, the city, the mentors, the sponsorships, like they say, ‘bigger and better in Texas.’”  

Jones said one advantage for the Rams’ defense playing at home is the roaring Ram Band and student section.  

“I feel like one of our advantages is the crowd,” Jones said.