Football | 10/17/2018 1:58:00 PM
Goodwell, Okla.— Coming off an aptly-timed and well-earned win last week in Fort Worth, the Aggies look forward to keeping the momentum going this weekend as they return to their home turf for a contest against the Arizona Christian Firestorm on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m.
True freshman
Martez Vrana proved his strengths in the role of starting quarterback as he carried the team with 17 completions for 296 passing yards and three touchdowns against Texas Wesleyan. Vrana also showed his quick-footed flexibility as a dual-threat by tacking on 89 rushing yards himself. "Some of those plays were designed, but some was him improvising," expounds Gaskamp, "We are so proud of his development and we are committed to seeing where he can take us." Vrana will need to keep his steady escalation in improvement to keep the Aggies on the path to win the league.
Junior RB
Carlos Ransburgh led the team on the ground with 142 rushing yards and played his best game yet, says Gaskamp. Ransburgh has stepped up in his new role to fill the void of downed backs Haymon and Stevens who were lost to injury early in the season. Ransburgh's rise has been a process, but his aptitude in the position has finally come to fruition. "He ran the ball physically and did a lot of good things in that game," commends Gaskamp.
As per their sensibly habitual outlook, the coaching staff is taking it one game at a time and focusing on the upcoming contest against Arizona Christian. "They are a great team," acknowledges Gaskamp, "They have been near the top in the last five years and they got off to a good start this season."
"They have the best defensive line we will face all year," continued Gaskamp, recognizing the challenge ahead for the Aggie offense. Defensive linemen Jaron Green and James Bagley of ACU have been outstanding for the Firestorm, with the additional presage of their four starting defensive lineman topping the charts in SAC defensive stats.
This match will be a pivotal point for both the 3-4 Aggies and the 5-2 Firestorm. "Our offensive key will be to stay out of the third and long," says Gaskamp. The Firestorm also boasts a dual-threat QB, and Gaskamp stresses the need to impel tackles and for the defensive backfield to sustain heightened awareness, especially of ACU's short passing game. The Aggies' reoccurring encumbrance this season has been falls to penalties, which Gaskamp hopes to subside this game. "Last year this game came down to the wire," he noted.
Sure to be an exciting game on many fronts, the Aggies are also looking forward to hosting the annual Guns 'N Hoses event in honor of first responders. "These men and women do so much for our campus, especially our football team; they are all truly great to work with," says Gaskamp. Open at 11 a.m., the Tailgate Zone will be filled with activities for all to preface the game. Coming from all across the Texas and Cimarron County areas, members of the police and fire departments and emergency medical technicians will take part in a friendly face-off in an obstacle course competition. There will be emergency vehicles on hand for children and guests to take pictures in and the Goodwell Fire Department will have a Bunker Race planned for kids in the Tailgate Zone. The Guymon Fire Department Honor Guard will present the colors for the National Anthem at midfield just before kickoff, and fans will be treated to a special delivery of the game ball by prior to the coin toss.
This week's game is sponsored by Great America Ford and Lincoln in Guymon and will also showcase the Little Aggies Cheer Camp with special pre-game and halftime performances from the spirited young group of cheerleaders. Fans unable to attend in person can keep up with the action via live stats and video links available online at opsuaggies.com.
