FORT HAYS, KS — The Angelo State Rams avenged a season-opening loss to Fort Hays State last year with a 28-7 win on the road Thursday to kick off the 2025 season.
ASU entered the year ranked No. 12 in the country by D2Football.com, and the Rams backed it up with a statement win over No. 20 Fort Hays.
Similar to last year’s blueprint that ASU followed to a 9-3 record and Lone Star Conference title, the Rams’ defense led the way Thursday.
ASU gave up a touchdown with 1:54 left in the first half to allow Fort Hays to pull within 14-7 at halftime, but the Rams pitched a second-half shutout to secure the win.
The Tigers were limited to 96 rushing yards and 172 passing yards.
Marquis Brown had a team-high 13 tackles and an interception for ASU.
Rams quarterback Braeden Fuller made the big plays when he needed to as he was 12-of-19 passing for 177 yards and three TDs. He also threw one INT.
Zeek Freeman had two catches for 72 yards, including a 60-yard TD for the Rams’ first TD of the season with 8:20 left in the first quarter.
Corey Sandolph had four catches for 46 yards and two TDs, including a 30-yarder with 1:56 remaining that put the finishing touches on the win.
ASU also scored when backup QB Kaeden Smith threw a 32-yard TD pass to Donny Bishop with 9:02 left in the third quarter that gave the Rams a 21-7 lead.
Jayden Jones led ASU on the ground with 11 carries for 79 yards.
ASU will play again when it hosts Emporia State at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field.
The Rams lost to Emporia State last year before shaking off an 0-2 start and winning nine games in a row.
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