The Texas Wesleyan Rams football team defeated the Wayland Baptist University Pioneers in Sooner Athletic Conference play for the final home game at Crowley ISD Multipurpose Stadium on Nov. 15. 

On Senior Day, the Rams secured one last victory at home before clinching a spot in the 2025 NAIA playoffs. Before it was announced that the Rams had a chance to continue their season, the mood was bittersweet seeing the seniors leave it all on the Crowley ISD turf. 

“It’s always emotion,” Rams head football coach Bradley Sherrod said. “A little bit of sadness to see those guys go because they’ve done a lot here at TXWES and won championships.” 

Cole Francis, junior redshirt quarterback, took over as he threw for 14 completions, 196 yards, and two touchdown passes. After a 74-yard touchdown reception to junior wide receiver, Ronnie Schneider, the Rams struck first blood and never lost the lead.  

“It was so awesome to all come together, all three phases, offense, defense and special teams, and just come out here and execute,” Francis said.  

For some seniors, the mentality on Senior Day was to focus on the opposing player across from them. Jaiden Jones, senior defensive back said the feeling after the game was mixed with the possibility of the Rams heading straight into the offseason. 

“I was just mainly focused on the game, getting a win,” Jones said. “But now it’s all over you know—bittersweet.” The Rams were able to make the 2025 NAIA championship series thanks to the Louisiana Christian University Wildcats (LA) defeating the Ottawa University Spirit (AZ) [48 – 13]. As a result, the Rams finished No.3 as Sooner Athletic Conference Tri-Champions [No. 2 Wildcats and No. 1 Spirit]. The Rams will play on the road against the No.13 William Penn University (IA) Statesmen on Nov. 22.