Angelo State Survives A Low Scoring Battle With Central Washington | Recap
Angelo State Survives A Low Scoring Battle With Central Washington | Recap
Angelo State survives a tight battle at home to remain the lone undefeated team in the Lone Star Conference.
Angelo State survives Central Washington and remains the lone perfect team in the Lone Star Conference.The Rams improve to 7-2 on the season while the Wildcats fall to 6-3.
Central Washington now falls to third place in the LSC with two losses, making their showdown with Western Oregon in two weeks just a little more important. Angelo State also has to play Western Oregon next week and a tough West Texas A&M team the week after, so while they remain atop the standings at the moment, the Lone Start title isn't quite theirs yet. The Rams will most likely enter the polls on Monday, and it will certainly be interesting to see how far Central Washington falls. Both teams are already in the Super Region Four rankings, something that shouldn't change after this close loss.
It was truly a heartbreaking loss for Central Washington who did everything right at the end of the game. They turned the ball over deep into ASU territory late in the fourth, but didn't quit then. The Wildcat defense promptly forced a three and out, giving their ball back to the offense with plenty of time and great field positioning. Kennedy McGill shook off his interception and put together his best drive of the night as he marched the Wildcats downfield. They scored with 35 seconds to spare, but a false start on the kick had them pushed back and kicker Cooper Britton unfortunately missed wide left.
This game came down to penalties, the turnover, and special teams in the end. Central Washington had 8 penalties for 57 yards as opposed to Angelo State's 3 for 30. Several of those penalties came at crucial times, allowing Angelo State to extend drives and capitalize. Angelo State's defense was an absolute wall, not allowing for many explosive plays, and obviously coming off with the lone turnover. While the missed PAT did stop the game from going into overtime, it was certainly not the only reason they lost the game.
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Angelo State simply played better on both sides of the ball when it mattered. While they had significantly less total yards, they were able to play clean and get the ball into the end zone. Their defense came up huge in their own territory and defended their end zone really well. It was a tight, low scoring game as expected that was decided by a few sloppy plays by Central Washington that Angelo State efficiently capitalized on.
The Rams have a huge matchup again next week at Western Oregon while the Wildcats have a chance to work things out and get back on track as they host Sul Ross State.
Scroll to read updates from throughout the game or click the link below for a replay of the game.
Final: Angelo State - 17, Central Washington - 16
Angelo State recovers the onside kick attempt and takes a knee just as time expired. Central Washington head coach Chris Fisk said that his team had to win the special teams battle to come up with a win, and just when they need it the most, they fall short in an absolute heartbreaker as Angelo State survives without needing to go into overtime.
Missed PAT Has Angelo State Hanging On To A One Point Lead
A false start has the Wildcats back up for the PAT, which Cooper Britton then misses wide left. Despite the nearly perfect two minute drill from the offense, they still trail by one with 35 seconds left in the game.
No Nerves For Kennedy McGill
Kennedy McGill takes a sack to start the drive, but then shows out as he methodically leads the Wildcats down the field. On 3rd and 9, he scrambles 21 yards to extend the drive and follows that up with an 11 yard pass to Marcus Cook on the next third down. A ten yard scramble sets up Tyler Flanagan to run it in from the 9 yard line. While Flanagan was credited for six, credit a lot of that drive to McGIll's poise and patience.
Wildcat Defense Comes Up Huge
The Wildcat defense has a crucial stop, forcing Angelo State 3 and out and giving the ball back to their offense with 5:48 to go. A 41 yard punt plus a short return by Marcus Cook gives the Wildcats offense the ball back close to midfield. If McGill can shake of the interception, this is a prime opportunity for Central Washington to score.
First Turnover Of The Game: Kenton Allen Comes Up Huge
Just when it looked like Central Washington was getting into an offensive rhythm, with Kennedy McGill coming up huge with a couple of passes that got them to the ASU 27, Kenton Allen picks off McGill on a pass intended for Marcus Cook for the first turnover of the game. While the end of the drive wasn't ideal, the Wildcats did look like they were in more of a rhythm and clicking offensively. The Rams now take over from their own 28 yard line.
Penalties Allow For Angelo State To Bleed Clock
Despite Angelo State not scoring, they were able to bleed plenty of clock towards the end of the third quarter as their drive extended 3 minutes into the fourth. When it looked like the Wildcats had forced a quick three and out, a roughing the kicker call allowed for Angelo State to keep driving. Two plays later Braeden Fuller scrambled for 31 yards to further extend the drive. A pass interference call on 3rd and 18 kept the drive going . Two sets of downs later, the Wildcats were finally able to put some pressure on Braeden Fuller, sacking him twice, before Cade Fuller punts it away for a touchback.
End Of The Third: Angelo State, 17 - Central Washington, 10
A scoreless third quarter has this game on track to being yet another nail biter, low scoring affair between these two top LSC teams. Angelo State has the ball and is currently driving as the fourth quarter begins.
Another Scoreless Drive
The Wildcats get one first drive with one run by Kennedy McGill before Angelo State stuffs the next three. Dan Stewart punts it 50 yards, pinning Angelo State deep at their 4 yard line again. If CWU wants to get on the board, it seems like they'll have to mix in some more passing plays as Angelo State has not let their run game create any super explosive plays so far.
Rams Unable To Add To Their Lead
Braeden Fuller kicks off the drive with a long 27 yard run, but the Rams are unable to get much more going as they punt away to start the third. The Wildcats take over at their own 18 after Cade Fuller boots one 50 yards.
ASU Defense Stands Tall
After Kennedy McGill completes an 8 yard pass on 3rd and 7 to prevent a 3 and out, the Angelo State defense brings the pressure. A pass breakup and a couple quarterback hurries have the Wildcats punting as Dan Stewart pins the Rams deep at their own 4 yard line.
Start Of The Second Half
Central Washington gets the ball first and attempts to tie the game as they start their drive from their own 25 yard line.
End Of The First: ASU, 17 - CWU, 10
In terms of yards, Central Washington only has 6 less than Angelo State, 206 vs 212, but the difference has really been red zone efficiency and explosive plays. Braeden Fuller has thrown some huge bombs and had a huge run that not only gave the Rams momentum, but got them deep into Wildcat territory. They had a fumble deep into Wildcat territory that was their only major blemish of the first half. Meanwhile, the Wildcats have really struggled to get the ball moving at times, stalling at at the five yard line on fourth down, and unable to move the ball at times. Only trailing by 7, if the Wildcats can control the big plays and get into a consistent offensive rhythm, they should have a successful second half.
Braeden Fuller!!
Fuller has looked a bit lost at times in today's game, struggling to use his les and almost panicked when running. But after a huge 3rd down conversion to Zorhan Rideaux followed by a massive 41 yard run down to the 1 yard line, he set his team up for success. Jayden Jones may get credit for putting up the points with his punch in from the one yard line, but that drive truly showcased the best of Braeden Fuller and his growth across this season.
Angelo State's Defensive Wall
The Rams have absolutely showed up every time the Wildcats have tried to get their run game going, and this time is no different. They force a three and out while only burning 20 seconds of clock, giving their offense just over two minutes to attempt to score again following a poor punt that gives the Rams the ball right around midfield.
Disastrous End To Rams Drive
What looked like a promising start to a drive with a good run by Cameron Dischler followed up by him hauling in a 22 yard pass at the CWU 29 ended in disaster. Dischler was able to get 8 yards on his next run, bringing them to the CWU 21, before a Braeden Fuller run went terribly wrong as he fumbled the ball, recovering it back at the 37 yard line on third down. Cade Fuller punts it away on fourth down and the Wildcats have two and a half minutes remaining to attempt tog et their first lead of the game.
Kennedy McGill Gets It Done
Two huge completions and two huge runs, including an 8 yarder to get in the end zone, and Kennedy McGill makes it a tied game. A huge forty yard completion on third down gave the Wildcats plenty of momentum as Marcus Cook reeled it in at the ASU 42, advancing it to the 31. A couple Tyler Flanagan rushes, a McGill scramble and another big third down completion, this time an 18 yarder to Jalen Grable put the Wildcats in the red zone before McGill ultimately punched it in to make it an even game.
The Wildcats tie it up!! @CWUFB | @LoneStarConf | #LSCfb pic.twitter.com/eW0oGI5YAp
— FloFootball (@FloFootball) November 2, 2024
Angelo State Answers
Despite some pressure and scrambling, Braeden Fuller is able to connect with Zorhan Rideaux from the ASU 31 to the CWU 40. Rideaux is only brought down at the CWU 29 which allows Angelo State to add 3 to the score with a 47 yard field goal despite the lack of offensive from the drive.
Central Washington Gets On The Board To End The First Quarter
Central Washignton drives downfield and makes a 22 yard field goal to make it a 4 point game. Despite Kennedy McGill's 13 yard scramble and some good runs, they were unable to connect offensively in the red zone. McGill has been able to get his run game going, but has really struggled finding his receivers, currently at 3-7 with only 18 passing yards.
Third Straight Three And Out
So far it looks like this will be another low scoring affair as the Rams also go three and out. Braeden Fuller completed his second pass attempt for five yards but an incomplete on the first and pressure on the third has his offense exiting the field again. Cade Fuller punts it down to the CWU 24 and the Wildcats take over trying to get something going offensively.
Penalties Stall The Wildcats' Drive
Despite a few successful rushing attempts, penalties put an end to the Central Washington Drive as the ball was brought back numerous times due to holding, illegal shifts, and more. They go three and out and hand the ball back to ASU who gets it at their own 34 yard line.
CWU Defense Gets Going
The Wildcats' defense is able to put some pressure on Braeden Fuller as he is forced to scramble around, throwing one incomplete pass, and getting a few rushing yards, followed by a negative rush that leads to a Rams 3 and out. A huge punt from Cade Fuller has the Wildcats pinned at their 8 yard line as they now look to get into more of an offensive rhythm.
Huge Fourth Down Stop For The Rams
Despite Kennedy McGill extending what looked to be a 3 and out with a 13 yard scramble, the Wildcats are unable to get their passing going with back to back incomplete passes, including one on 4th and 4 that gives the ball back to ASU on their own 35.
Angelo State Starts Hot
One of the keys for Angelo State to get going was to find success in their passing game early on and they do just that. Braeden Fuller launches one to Zeek Freeman who runs it in from midfield for ASU to go up 7-0 on the opening play of the game.
Angelo State strikes first😎 @AngeloStateFB | @LoneStarConf | #LSCfb pic.twitter.com/jeK5M1PK1S
— FloFootball (@FloFootball) November 2, 2024
Central Washington Football vs Angelo State Is Now Live!
Central Washington wins the toss and elects to defer as Braeden Fuller and the Angelo State offense take the field from their own 25 yard line.
Quarterback Battle
Arguably the top two quarterbacks in the Lone Star Conference, both Braeden Fuller and Kennedy McGill have been versatile and absolute rocks for their teams. Both of them have the ability to get it done with their legs and through the air. Today's winner very well may come down to which team is able to protect their quarterback more effectively or which quarterback is able to step up and shine under the most pressure they have felt all season, both of them facing aggressive, strong defenses.
National Recognition For Tanner Volk
Tanner Volk has been named the D2 football national defensive player of the week after a three interception, three solo tackle performance a week ago. He set the record for most interceptions in a game in the LSC and now is tied second in the conference for interceptions. He is a dangerous player who certainly could make a difference today, potentially picking off Angelo State quarterback, Braeden Fuller, for the first time.
What's Next For Central Washington Football
Central Washington returns home to host Sul Ross State in what should be an easy matchup for the Wildcats. They then welcome Western Oregon to Ellensburg in a huge LSC matchup that could have huge conference championship implications.
What's Next For Angelo State Football
Next week features an equally important matchup for Angelo State who gets zero rest as they go on the road to face a Western Oregon team that is hungry for a LSC championship. They finish out the season hosting West Texas A&M, a pretty tough team who they will need to take seriously.
Central Washington Football vs Angelo State Series History
The teams have only faced off three times as conference opponents from 2021-2023. Angelo State leads the series 2-1, though Central Washington won the matchup a year ago. Two of the three matchups have been absolute nail biters, being decided by five or fewer points. The largest margin of victory came in 2022, where Angelo State won 22-12, still only by two scores. A year ago, Central Washington pulled away in a 27-24 win, despite Angelo State making a late push. All three matchups have been low-scoring affairs, the lowest being Angelo State's 2021 victory of 14-9. It will be interesting to see if in matchup four, we get another close, low scoring game or if the offenses are able to rack up points for once.
Lone Star Conference Standings
Here's a look at the LSC standings as of November 2nd here.
Central Washington Football Roster
Fans can find the Wildcats' roster for the 2024 season here.
Angelo State Football Roster
Fans can find the Rams' roster for the 2024 season here.
Central Washington Football vs Angelo State Kickoff Time
The battle for the top spot in the LSC kicks off at 6:00 p.m. at LeGrand Stadium in San Angelo, Texas
How To Watch Central Washington vs Angelo State Football
The game is streaming live on FloFootball, FloCollege and the FloSports app. Replays of the game, highlights and breaking news will be on both platforms.
NCAA Division II Football Regional Rankings For Week Of Oct. 27
SUPER REGION ONE
- Ashland 6-2 6-2
- Assumption 5-2 5-2
- California (Pennsylvania) 7-1 7-1
- Charleston (West Virginia) 8-0 8-0
- East Stroudsburg 7-1 7-1
- Findlay 7-1 7-1
- Kutztown 8-0 8-0
- New Haven 5-2 5-2
- Slippery Rock 6-1 6-1
- Tiffin 6-2 6-1
SUPER REGION TWO
- Carson-Newman 6-1 5-1
- Emory & Henry 7-1 7-1
- Johnson C. Smith 8-0 8-0
- Lenoir-Rhyne 7-1 6-1
- Miles 6-1 6-1
- Valdosta State 7-0 7-0
- Virginia Union 6-1 6-1
- West Alabama 6-1 6-1
- Wingate 6-1 6-1
- Winston-Salem State 6-2 5-2
SUPER REGION THREE
- Central Oklahoma 6-1 6-1
- Emporia State 7-1 6-1
- Ferris State 7-1 6-1
- Grand Valley State 6-1 4-1
- Harding 7-1 7-1
- Ouachita Baptist 8-0 8-0
- Pittsburg State 7-1 7-1
- Saginaw Valley State 6-2 6-2
- Southern Arkansas 6-2 6-2
- UIndy 7-1 7-1
SUPER REGION FOUR
- Angelo State 6-2 6-0
- Augustana (South Dakota) 6-1 6-1
- Central Washington 6-1 6-1
- Colorado Mesa 6-2 6-2
- Colorado School of Mines 6-2 6-2
- Colorado State University Pueblo 7-1 7-0
- Minnesota State Mankato 6-2 6-2
- Sioux Falls 6-2 6-2
- Western Colorado University 8-0 8-0
- Western Oregon 5-1 5-1
AFCA NCAA Division II Football Rankings In Week 10
- Valdosta St. (Ga.) (18) 7-0 - Prev. 2
- Ferris St. (Mich.) (8) 7-1 - Prev. 3
- Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) (2) 8-0 - Prev. 5
- Kutztown (Pa.) 8-0 - Prev. 4
- Pittsburg St. (Kan.) (1) 7-1 - Prev. 6
- Harding (Ark.) 7-1 - Prev. 7
- Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 7-1 - Prev. 1
- Western Colorado 8-0 - Prev. 8
- Charleston (W.Va.) 8-0 - Prev. 11
- Colorado St.-Pueblo 7-1 - Prev. 12
- Emporia St. (Kan.) 7-1 - Prev. 14
- Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) 7-1 - Prev. 16
- Central Oklahoma 7-1 - Prev. 9
- Slippery Rock (Pa.) 6-1 - Prev. 15
- West Alabama 6-1 - Prev. 18
- Johnson C. Smith (N.C.) 8-0 - Prev. 19
- Central Washington 6-2 - Prev. 20
- Colorado School of Mines 6-2 - Prev. 10
- Indianapolis (Ind.) 7-1 - Prev. 21
- Augustana (S.D.) 6-2 - Prev. 25
- West Florida 5-2 - Prev. 23
- Minnesota St. 6-2 - Prev. 13
- California (Pa.) 7-1 - Prev. NR
- Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 7-1 - Prev. 17
- Findlay (Ohio) 7-1 - Prev. NR
Dropped Out: Southern Arkansas (22), Delta St. (Miss.) (24)
Others Receiving Votes: Angelo St. (Tex.), 46; Emory & Henry (Va.), 45; Wingate (N.C.), 35; Virginia Union, 31; Sioux Falls (S.D.), 28; Southern Arkansas, 20; Ashland (Ohio), 7; Davenport (Mich.), 7; Assumption (Mass.), 3; Colorado Mesa, 3; Fort Hays St. (Kan.), 3; Delta St. (Miss.), 2; Miles (Ala.), 1; New Haven (Conn.), 1; Saginaw Valley St. (Mich.), 1.
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