Football | 9/19/2018 2:26:00 PM

Goodwell, Okla.—Even after a fourteen-hour road trip, the Aggies were energized and eager to get their first Sooner Athletic Conference win under their belts, and they did just that. A back-and-forth of dynamic play ended in a game-winning field goal by Panhandle's Eduardo Villarreal to put the Aggies up 38-35. With a victory behind them, Aggies will focus on the week three contest ahead, as they are set to take on Wayland Baptist in another SAC matchup on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m.

Head Coach Russell Gaskamp acknowledged the quality match-up in Arizona, saying, "[OUAZ] is the best first year program I've seen since I've been coaching here, they have a lot of talented players and will undoubtedly be great going forward." Gaskamp is proud of the maturation of his team over this lengthy trip and being able to come away with an SAC win on the road. The Aggies doubled the rushing yards against the OUAZ Spirit, with freshman running back RJ Stevens coming away with a 100-plus yard game. Gaskamp also noted his satisfaction of both freshman kickers Villarreal and Javier Medina. "They tried to ice Eddie a couple times but he remained calm and focused," said Gaskamp, "Javier is a huge upgrade for us and I am really pleased with both of their performances as freshman; they have greatly improved our special teams." Villarreal received SAC Special Teams Player of the week following the win over the Spirit.

Going into week three holds excitement across multiple aspects for the Aggies as they are able to move forward with momentum after the win against OUAZ and look to face Wayland Baptist this weekend. The team is also eager to get back on their home turf to face off against the Pioneers, and this game will also preface Oklahoma Panhandle State's homecoming weekend. "This is a great time to be a college football player," says Gaskamp, "I want them to enjoy this week and all the festivities that come along with it, but when it comes down to our business we need to focus on what our jobs are and hone in on this game."

The coaching staff has held good progress in continuing to switch up playing time in the quarterback position, and will continue to do so against the Pioneers. Gaskamp spoke on the matter, saying, "We will run play calls for what gives us the best chance to win and we will continue the QB rotation and play guys to their strengths and give time to whoever puts us in the best position for success." The trio of seniors Brandon Ramon and Jesse Robbins Jr., and sophomore John Polston all saw the field against OUAZ.

Looking to this week, Gaskamp affirmed, "We are getting healthier and getting guys back on both sides of the ball." Speaking to the challenge ahead, he continued, "This is the best Wayland team I have seen in my seven years coaching here. They have a good defensive line and they have the potential to be explosive on offense. We are going to have to evaluate ourselves and play better defensively than we did last week."

This week's game is sponsored by TCEC and Gaskamp and the Aggies hope to see the largest crowd thus far for this exciting homecoming weekend. The team kicks off against the Wayland Baptist Pioneers on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m., but there will be plenty of action on campus throughout the entire day. Alumni registration opens at 9 a.m. in the McKee Library with tours of campus available to those who request it. The Homecoming Parade is set to begin at 11 a.m. and will make its way through campus to the Tailgate Zone which also opens up at 11, A free Alumni BBQ takes place at noon near the tailgate area, and there will be a plethora of pre-game activities enjoyable for students and community fans alike.

Homecoming royalty will be crowned on the field inside Anchor D Stadium at 1:30 p.m. with a special recognition of this year's Honored Family, the Stedje Family, immediately following. At halftime the National Champion Panhandle State Rodeo team will be honored and guests will enjoy a special performance by the Aggie Marching Band and a mass band routine including groups from throughout the area.

Tailgate tent space is still available on a per-game basis, and may be reserved online through Ticket Roar, via the Fan Central tab on the opsuaggies.com website. Free live video streaming and stats of the game will also be available on the website for those wishing to keep up with game day at home.