A Homecoming Shutout for OPSU

A Homecoming Shutout for OPSU

By Trever Czubinski on 10/05/2014

Goodwell, Okla.-On October 4, 2014, the Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Aggies hosted their Homecoming game against the Sul Ross State Lobos at Carl
Wooten Field. The Aggies took control of the game from start to finish by
shutting down the Lobos 56-0.

The Aggies began the game with a solid drive and finished strong on a 3-yard
touchdown plunge up the gut of the Lobo defense by running back Chris
McClendon. Following a quick three-and-out caused by the Aggie defense,
quarterback Caleb Holbrook showed his accuracy by finding Rod Moore for an
18-yard touchdown pass. For the rest of the first quarter, the Aggies and
Lobos created plenty of excitement with a defensive battle. The Lobos
managed to block an Aggie punt to start a possession only one yard from the
end zone; however, the Aggie defense created an impenetrable wall. Failing
to capitalize on the great field possession, the Lobos attempted an easy
field goal, but the Aggie defense denied it as well.

At the beginning of the second quarter, McClendon put the Aggies back on the
board with a 12-yard touchdown run. Holbrook and wide receiver Jamal White
made the next connection with a 30-yard touchdown pass, creating a
comfortable 28-0 lead. Prior to halftime, the Lobos added salt to the wound
allowing the Aggie defense to block a punt. Jamal White showed his special
teams skills by scooping up the live ball and returning it in for the score
to make it 34-0 at halftime.

The Lobo defense created a rocky, second-half start for the Aggies with an
interception, but failed to capitalize once again. On the next offensive
drive for the Aggies, Holbrook made up for the mistake with a 63-yard
touchdown pass to tight end Spencer Grijalva, making the score 41-0.
McClendon made a third end zone appearance later in the fourth quarter with
a 79-yard run up the sideline. The Lobos continued to dig themselves a
deeper hole by throwing an interception to defensive back Gabriel Robinson.
When the game looked like it could not get any worse, it did with an 85-yard
touchdown run by Moore, and an Aggie safety to make the final score 56-0.

The Aggies put on a great, warm-welcoming performance for their Homecoming
crowd as they topped the game off with the OPSU ritual of reciting the
Alma-mater and school fight song. The Aggie offense was successful gaining
607 total yards; 319 on the ground, and 288 through the air. Holbrook
provided the bulk of the passing yards by throwing for 262 yards, and
McClendon gained 160 yards on 17 carries for the Aggie backfield. As a unit,
the Aggie defense caused a safety, three sacks, an interception, and a
numerous amount of three-and-outs. Neptune Joseph and Tanner Hallford led
the Aggie defense with ten tackles each.

Head Coach Russell Gaskamp had a lot to say about how his team prepared for
the game. "We executed today. It was our best overall game of the year, but
still too many silly penalties; we have to clean that up. We talked to our
guys about having laser-like focus this week, and for them to do their job
for sixty minutes." Coach Gaskamp also shared his approaches for next week
by mentioning that they will focus on one game at a time. "This season is
not about being 3-2, it’s about being 8-2. I’m not worried about our team
right now. We still have a lot to improve on and we will take that approach
this week in practice."

The Aggies will go on the road Saturday, October 11, to face the
Southwestern University Pirates in Georgetown, Texas. The game will start at
1 p.m. and the Aggie Nation is expected to come out and support their team.
Fans can also keep up with the game via live stats link available on the
OPSU Aggie Athletics website, football schedule page.

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Justine Gaskamp