Rams fall to Eastern New Mexico University at first home game

Photo by Kaitlin Trujillo
Rams stampeed onto the field for the first home game of the season

The ASU Rams could not execute a win during their game against Eastern New Mexico University Sept. 24 at the LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field.

The Greyhounds took advantage of every opportunity and turnover ASU made and won 25-14. The Rams had a chance to score in the first quarter, but failed. Casey Eyman tried to put the Rams on the board with a 49 yard field goal kick, but the Greyhounds were first to score in the first quarter.

 Freshman quarterback Carsen Cook came in for two plays in the first quarter. Then Cook was back in the second quarter and stayed for the rest of the game. He had trouble getting the football in the right hands in the third quarter, but Markus Jones, sophomore defensive end, blocked a field goal attempt.

Cook found Jeremiah Baines, senior wide receiver, who on an 11 yard pass finally scored for the Rams in the second half.

“Having a ball called back is emotionally draining,” Head Coach Will Wagner said. “We keep shooting ourselves in the foot. They need to catch the ball better and not turn it over, but I’m proud of the way our defense responded in the second half.”

The two teams traded punts on the next four drives, but the Rams recovered a Greyhound fumble and drove down the field to score again. ENMU had two interference penalties. Ricky Pelzer caught a 30 yard pass, and the second touchdown of the night was thrown by Cook.

Connor Flanigan attempted an onside kick on the next play, but the Greyhounds recovered it and ran the clock out. ENMU started off with the ball and were three and out thanks to the Rams defense. The Rams offense could not convert on the play.

Cook had 102 yards and 17 throws in the game. He also had six completed passes for 76 yards and led the team.

“It’s tough to be really patient, and I know I’m going to get my shot,” Cook said. “We all just started moving the ball down field and we scored. I have a great line.”

Donovan Thompson had 78 yards on the receiving end with five catches. Running back Josh Stevens followed up with 56 yards.

Melvin Robinson, senior linebacker, had a career high with 19 stops. He also stopped a fumble during the game. Bright Ihegworo, freshman defensive line, and Willie Brown, senior linebacker, made 11 tackles for the Rams. The ASU Rams are 1-3, 1-2 in conference.

The Rams will play Texas A&M Kingsville Oct. 1 in Kingsville.