Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Box Score Georgetown, Texas—On October 11, 2014, the Oklahoma Panhandle State University football team traveled to Georgetown, Texas and dominated the Pirates of Southwestern University, 59-7. The Aggies have won four games in a row and have advanced to a 4-2 record. By outscoring their opponents 279 to 123 on the year, the Aggies' offense has proven their ability to move the ball. Defensively, the Aggies have caused 14 turnovers in six games and played a big role in the victory against Southwestern University.

The Aggies jumped out to an early start after a 9-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Holbrook to Deandre Perry. The Pirates failed to answer by missing a 43-yard field goal and allowed the Aggies to add to their lead with a 5-yard touchdown rush by running back Chris McClendon. The ensuing drive was short for the Pirates as they coughed the ball up to the Aggie defense. Wide receiver Zacari Lavender made the Pirates pay for their mistake with a 12-yard touchdown rush to make the score 21-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Aggies continued to show their dominance by running the ball in the second quarter with a 30-yard rush for a touchdown from running back Rod Moore. Defensive back Dominique Johnson showed his instincts to find the end zone with his 36-yard interception return to make the score 35-0. Later in the quarter, both teams traded turnovers; the Aggies would give up a fumble to the Pirates, but would answer right back with an interception by Gabriel Robinson to regain possession of the ball. Just before the half, the Aggies would capitalize on the turnover with a 24-yard pass from Holbrook to Devonte Jackson to make the lead 42-0.

The Pirates would succeed in moving the ball in the second half, but were unable to reach the end zone or the uprights as Traray Givens blocked the attempted field goal. OPSU kicker Gabriel Ortega was put to the test and managed to convert on a 32-yard field goal after missing his first of the game.

Robinson would create another spark early in the fourth quarter by picking off the Pirates for the second time. The Aggies failed to convert on a 38-yard field goal attempt, and the Pirates would capitalize by scoring their first touchdown of the game with a 36-yard rush from D. Wilburn to make the score 45-7. Another Pirate fumble would allow the Aggies to start a short drive at the seven yard line. Beau Avila would connect with Perry on the very next play for a 7-yard touchdown pass. Near the end of the game, Lavender would show some great athleticism by blocking a Pirate punt, recovering the ball, and returning it for a 20-yard special teams' touchdown to make the final score 59-7.

The Aggies have been of fire for the last four straight weeks and have been making solid plays in every aspect of the game. Head Coach Russell Gaskamp has specifically broken down his thoughts about the team's performance; offensively, defensively, and special teams. "Really proud of how well our defense played; five turnovers, six sacks and 18 tackles-for-loss shows the strides we are continuing to make. They are starting to believe that we can be a dominant defensive unit. Offensively, it was a 'tale of two halves.' We were very good in the 1st half and then played poorly in the 2nd. We have to be more consistent in our execution. Top offenses don't have bad halves. We will have to play much better verses a good Bacone defensive unit. I was proud of our special team units. It was the most physical and complete game we have played in that area; that bodes well for us the rest of the year."

The Aggies piled up 399 total yards by throwing for 219 and running for 180. Defensively, the Aggies showed their domination by sacking the quarterback six times, snagging three interceptions, and causing 2 fumbles for a combined 5 turnovers. Linebacker Tanner Hallford and defensive back Dominique Guest had monster games as they led the team in tackles with nine a piece. Guest also had three of the six team sacks.

The Aggies will host the Bacone College Warriors Saturday, October 18 at Carl Wooten Field. The game will start at 2 p.m. and everyone is welcome to support their team; admission will be free this week so Coach Gas is expecting to see the Aggie Nation in full force. WEAR RED! GET ROWDY! REV IT UP!