Final Box


SAN ANGELO – Dekkar Williams had an interception and a forced fumble to help lead Angelo State to its first shutout since 2002 in a 20-0 win over Central Oklahoma at San Angelo Stadium on Saturday.

The Rams (3-0) forced four Bronchos' turnovers, and limited UCO (0-3) to just 275 yards of total offense. Junior captain Alvin Johnson led Angelo State with eight tackles and a pass breakup, while defensive end Wayne Blackwell recorded 1.5 sacks.

”I think the defense played an awesome game,” said first-year head coach Will Wagner. “Coach (Mike) Walton really challenged them this week to not make so many mistakes. They rose to the challenge today.”
 
Angelo State struggled to establish anything offensively, as the Rams netted just 56 yards in the first quarter. Despite the offense idling for most of the half, sophomore quarterback Blake Hamblin put together a 10-play, 78-yard drive that resulted in a Jarred Martin field goal to end the first half.  ASU took a 3-0 lead into the break.   

In the second half, the Rams offense began to click, putting up 138-yards in the third quarter. Hamblin completed a 46-yard pass to Joey Knight to give ASU a 10-0 lead with 7:50 left in the quarter. Hamblin, a sophomore from Rowlett, finished the day 17-for-33 for 245 yards and a touchdown.

After another Martin field goal, ASU running back Tristan Carter punched in the Rams' final touchdown. The Tucker, Ga., native's 3-yard run gave Angelo State a 20-0 edge. Carter finished the day with a game-high 57 rushing yards.

Central Oklahoma quarterback Ethan Sharp went 29-of-52 for 263 yards and two interceptions. His favorite target was tight end Bryce Davis, who caught seven balls for a game-high 89 yards.

The undefeated Rams will face No. 3 Abilene Christian on Sept. 24, in Abilene for the Wildcats home opener.  




Coaches and Player Quotes:

Head coach Will Wagner
On the Rams' defensive performance against the University of Central Oklahoma:
I think the defense played an awesome game. Coach (Mike) Walton really challenged them this week to not make so many mistakes. They rose to the challenge today.
 
On the Rams' offensive performance against the Bronchos on Saturday:
The offense did great in the second half. The most impressive thing happened at halftime. Blake Hamblin got the guys together and really challenged them to come out in the second half and play better. That was good to see.
 
On the Rams playing at Abilene Christian next Saturday:
We are going to face one of the top teams in the country. It's going to be a big challenge for us. Hopefully we can carry the momentum from the first three weeks in there. We have to worry about ourselves though and clean up our mental mistakes.
 
On the Rams home opener which drew 4,800 people to San Angelo Stadium:
It was great to see everyone who came out to the game today. It was a great crowd for our first home game. I'm hoping that they make the trip next week to support us against Abilene.
 
Defensive coordinator Mike Walton
On the Rams' defensive effort against the Bronchos:
It was a great team defensive effort. Those kids understood what it was going to take against a team that throws the ball like they did. It is all about winning the series, almost like a boxing match where you are going to take some hits, but you try stopping them from knocking you out or getting in the end zone. We did a great job of not giving up the big play.
 
Blake Hamblin: Sophomore quarterback from Rowlett
On the Rams' slow start on the offensive side of the ball:
The past three weeks we have come out slow. That goes against everything we want to do as an offense. Going into next week, in Abilene, to get a win up there we'll have to do a lot better. We have been finishing good, but we have to pick it up in the first two quarters of our games.
 
On the Angelo State's tight ends who caught eight passes on Saturday:
Those guys are great route runners and always seem to be open. They have great hands. So obviously, when I get a chance I want to get them the ball.
 
Joey Knight: Sophomore receiver from Corinth
On the Rams' win over the University of Central Oklahoma
It started on Tuesday and we continued to prepare for this game all week. We came out slow, but we got a talk at halftime and were able to turn it around and get the win.
 
On his 46-yard touchdown reception to put the Rams up 10-0 in the game:
They were in man coverage and I beat my man inside. The ball came my way and I was able to get in the end zone for the touchdown.
 
Lance Williams: Senior defensive lineman from Houston
On the Rams' defense throwing a shutout against the Bronchos:
We have been preparing hard all week as a defensive unit. The d-line has been staying after, watching a lot of film. Today we came out and showed it. Four quarters strong.
 
Andrew Krutsinger: Junior offensive lineman from Houston
On the Rams moving to 3-0 on the season:
I think we are stepping up to another level where we haven't been in the past.
 
Antown Williams: Junior tight end from Austin
On the Rams' offense getting off to a slow start in their win over UCO:
We had our heads in our butts.  We had to fight the adversity and come out and do what we were supposed to do.
 
On ASU starting quarterback Blake Hamblin:
Blake is great leader and I'm proud for him to be our quarterback.
 
Dekkar Williams: Junior defensive back from Austin
On his interception against the University of Central Oklahoma on Saturday:
I stayed disciplined and kept my eyes on the No. 2 receiver. I saw the quarterback start scrambling out and I made a break on the ball. It was there and I caught it.
 
Nekechie Miller: Sophomore defensive back from Leander
On the Rams' holding the Bronchos scoreless on Saturday:
It feels real good. Our defense works hard every day in practice, so to have a shutout feels real good.
 
On the Rams starting the season with three wins:
Being 3-0 was one of our goals and try to stay undefeated at home. Abilene Christian is a really good team and we are going to get tested to see where we are.”
 
Kyle Patterson: Junior defensive tackle from Hemet, California
On the Rams' defensive effort on Saturday against UCO:
We ran the plays we were supposed to and had the best week of practice we've had all season. We were playing disciplined and got into our gaps. We weren't playing selfish and played as a team.
 
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