Thomas Parsons

Junior Redshirt Quarterback, Cole Francis, avoids the rush and throws on the run as the LCU defender draws near.

The Texas Wesleyan Rams football program handed the Louisiana Christian University Wildcats (LCU) their first conference loss at Crowley ISD Multipurpose Stadium in a Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) matchup on Oct. 11. 

The Rams defeated a Wildcats squad that was unbeaten [3 – 0] in SAC play. But for the second week in a row, the Rams remained unified to defeat a highly potent LCU team at home.  While they weren’t ranked in the NAIA national poll, the Wildcats had a frustrating offense that occasionally moved the ball downfield. 

“What we try to talk about is how to win a football game,” Rams Head Football Coach Bradley Sherrod said. “This might be the second week in a row that all three phases have come together… When that happens, you have a better chance than not of winning the football game.” 

The match began as a shootout between both offenses with a score of [38 – 21] going into halftime. Jaiden Jones, senior defensive back, said the Wildcats offense looked organized, making plays they did not see when studying film.   

“They definitely hit us with plays that we weren’t seeing on film,” Jones said. “But I feel like we were just paying attention to detail more than they were. We’re just a better team all around.” 

Sherrod added that the LCU offense made the Rams defense work for every stop while the Wildcats defense displayed astonishing athleticism.

“[LCU] does a lot of traditional run games, different formations to make you work and account for everyone,” Sherrod said. “Defensively, they’re athletic. They’re going to run around and make you do some things.” 

Unlike the defense, the Rams’ offense wasted no time making an impact. In the second half, the Rams sealed the victory as the offense continued to score only punting three times. Cole Francis, junior redshirt quarterback, said the coaches did a great job helping the team prepare for LCU’s defensive schemes.  

“I think [the coaching staff] schemed it really well all week, and we knew the holes we’d be able to take advantage of,” Francis said.  

In the end, Francis finished the game with 27 completions for 500 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jones recorded two interceptions and ran one back for another pick-six. 

“I tied the school record [6 INTs by Elijah Hall, 2021],” Jones said. “I’m looking to break the school record within the next couple of games.” 

The Rams bumped their record up to [4 – 0] in SAC play and [4 – 2] overall. Their next game is against Division III opponent, Mary Hardin Baylor University, on the road in Belton (TX) on Oct. 18.