SAN ANGELO, Texas – West Texas A&M suffered its first loss of the season Saturday, Sept. 26, with a 21-10 defeat to Angelo State at LeGrand Stadium in San Angelo.
Nick Gerber completed 19 of 33 passes for 189 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Jarrod Compton had a career-high seven receptions with Devin Neal and Chase Sojka contributing four receptions a piece. Brandon Blair was one of six players to rush the ball finishing with a team-high 31 yards on seven carries.
Hayden Dennis was one of three linebackers with double digit tackles with a game-high 14. Chris Thomas also added a career-high 13 with Eric Collins chipping in 11. Cleon Jackson and Joseph Radke recorded the Buffs only sack on the night.
After forcing a three-and-out on the Rams first offensive drive of the game, WT drove 66 yards on 12 plays to take a 7-0 lead on a 3-yard touchdown pass from Gerber to Kenneath Redd Jr. The Buffs converted all four third downs on the drive, two of those coming on runs from Brandon Blair.
WT was able to force another Ram punt on the ensuing possession but came away empty handed on their offensive drive. Gerber connected with Neal on a 46-yard completion on 3rd-and-4 to keep the drive alive but Mauricio Gonzalez's 48-yard field missed wide right. ASU would tie the game in the opening minutes of the second quarter on a 2-yard run from Carl Odom, capping off a 10-play, 69-yard drive.
The Buffs would see themselves down for the first time of the season following Aaron Coash's third punt of the season as ASU capped off another long drive with a Nathaniel Omaye rushing touchdown. WT responded on the ensuing kickoff with Neal breaking off a 56-yard return to put the Buffs in ASU territory. Chase Sojka put the Buffs in the red zone for the second time of the half on a 34-yard reception. Two negative plays including sack made the Buffs settle for a 33-yard field goal from Gonzalez.
Neither team scored in the third quarter as Josiah Pennington made a big play for the Buffs with the Rams threatening to make it a two-score game. The senior read the jet sweep perfectly on fourth down to stop ASU's Alize Thomas for a two-yard loss in the red zone and get the ball back for the Buffs.
ASU extended their lead on the second play of the fourth quarter with a two-yard run from Alfred Grear. WT was unable to get anything going on offense to spark as ASU defense held the visitors to 52 yards on 19 plays including two sacks and an interception.
The Buffs continue their three-game road trip on Oct. 3 with a showdown against Stephen F. Austin in Nagadoches. It will be the first meetings between the programs since 1997.
