Aggies Go Out with a Bang

Aggies Go Out With A Bang!

By Trever Czubinski on 11/09/2014

Plainview, Texas-On November 8, 2014, the Oklahoma Panhandle State
University football team set out for Plainview, Texas to play their last
game of the season against the Wayland Baptist University Pioneers at
Bulldog Stadium. The Aggies ended their season by shutting out the Pioneers
55-0, and with a 7-3 record on the year.

The game rested on a slow pace in the beginning until running back Chris
McClendon punched in the first score from two yards out to give the Aggies a
7-0 lead. Within less than a minute of the second quarter, quarterback Caleb
Holbrook fired a 39-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Timothy
Hollingshed. The Aggies continued to pile on points as defensive back
Dominique Guest scooped up a fumble for a 32-yard defensive touchdown. Just
before the half, Holbrook took action with his legs for a four-yard dash
into the end zone off of a read option to give the Aggies a convincing lead
of 28-0.

The second half turned out to be another slow start for the Aggies; however,
when it rained, it poured. As the third quarter dwindled, McClendon found
his second touchdown with an 18-yard reception from Holbrook to make the
score 35-0 Aggies. McClendon continued to rack up points for the Aggies in
the fourth with a nine-yard touchdown early in the fourth. The talent of the
double-headed monster backfield was proven as running back Rod Moore broke
the plain with a five-yard touchdown run. With the victory well in hand,
freshman running back Terell Miles packed on a 20-yard touchdown run as the
clock ticked down. The field was cleared with one minute left on the game
clock due to an altercation between the teams; the final score was 55-0
Aggies.

Offensively, the Aggies gained 597 total yards; 346 passing and 251 rushing
and managed to secure 30 first downs to the Pioneers’ six. Quarterback Caleb
Holbrook threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns, running back Chris
McClendon rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns, and wide receiver Zacari
Lavender caught six passes for 131 receiving yards. Defensively, the Aggies’
"Dark Side" had their way with the opposing quarterback with six sacks for
42 total yards. The Aggie defense also held the Pioneers to 1 of 15 on third
down conversions. Middle linebacker Tanner Hallford led the defense with
eight tackles and two sacks.

The Aggies set a goal at the beginning of the 2014 season to win at least
seven games; a goal that was rarely met in the past. Bound and determined,
they reached their goal and have pushed OPSU Football to another level for
the future. Seniors, quarterback Caleb Holbrook, wide receiver Jamal White,
defensive back Domonique Johnson, wide receiver Timothy Hollingshed,
defensive back Dominique Guest, linebacker Andrew Dougherty, offensive
lineman Cole Wills, and tight end Spencer Grijalva are all starters for the
Aggies and will be missed next season. Each senior helped contribute to a
winning season for OPSU and has set a great example for the underclassmen to
continue the trend.

Quarterback Caleb Holbrook shared his insight after winning his last game
for OPSU. "I’m just thankful we were able to overcome adversity after the
Langston loss and couldn’t be happier how we finished." The Aggies have
plenty to be proud of after working together through a very successful
season. Linebacker Andrew Dougherty spoke of his team-family saying "We’re
all we’ve got; we’re all we need." In light of his successful team, Head
Coach Russell Gaskamp showed his pride. "I’m very proud of this team. There
will be a time to reflect on this season historically, but for now we just
want to enjoy this win for our seniors."

The Aggies wish to thank their fans for a great year of support as they
shift into the off-season. With the pride from the Aggie Crew, anything is
possible.

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Justine Gaskamp