Rams fall short in conference opener

Photo by Marsalis Mahome
Donovan Thompson, senior wide receiver, flies over Tarleton. Thompson received 121 yards in the game.

The Ram football team fell short to Tarleton State Saturday night in their Lone Star Conference opener putting them 2-1 on the season and 0-1 in the LSC play.

The team had three touchdowns each from Charlie Rotherham, Josh Stevens and Jalyn Judkins and a total of five turnovers with a final score of 24-30.

Head coach Will Wagner said they are working on their turnovers but unfortunately had some in the game.

"Ill-advised throws, one off tipped pass, Charlie being stripped twice; that’s going to be the difference in the game for us to be able to compete week in and week out in the Lone Star Conference. We can’t afford that," Wagner said.

Rotherham had his first career start tonight and Wagner said he did a good job.

"He’s a great leader and he gets those guys going but we have to find a way to protect the ball," Wagner said.

"It starts with our quarterback play and then it goes to anyone else but our guys know they’ll accept a challenge and be ready to go next week."

The Rams had a chance towards the end of the game Wagner said.

"I thought that throughout the game we would score and then all of a sudden they would hit us with a big play whether it be a turnover or a long play on defense," Wagner said.

Wagner said their defense was on the field way too much in this game.

"They were gassed and didn’t really have anything in their tank," Wagner said.

Wagner said the team did some really good things despite the loss such as limiting the amount of point off of the turnovers when their defense was on the field.

"I think we saw some kids make some big time plays today but there’s got to be consistency on both sides of the ball for us to still battle," Wagner said.

The Rams will be on the road for next week’s game against Eastern New Mexico University on Sept. 23 and be back at home the following week to face Texas A&M University - Kingsville.

"In years past we’ve played very well on the road and hopefully that’ll be the case maybe give our kids time to get away and kind of think and be together a little bit more," Wagner said.

Wagner said either way, it doesn’t matter if they are at home or on the road, they will be prepared.

"Our kids are resilient and have great character and I know they’ll be ready to go," Wagner said.