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SAN ANGELO – Josh Neiswander threw for a season-high 385 yards and hit four different receivers for scores as Angelo State snapped a four-game losing skid and collected the second-highest point total in school history in a 61-17 win over Incarnate Word at San Angelo Stadium Saturday.
It was a good homecoming indeed for the Rams (3-4, 3-4 LSC, 1-4 LSC South) who notched their first Lone Star Conference South Division win, and first ever win over the Cardinals (2-6, 0-4 LSC) in the teams' first meeting. Neiswander completed 24-of-34 passes to move within two completions of tying ASU's career completions mark, but was lifted in the fourth quarter with the Rams ahead. The 61 points scored were second only to the 69 points scored by ASU against Fort Lewis (Colo.) in 1993.
Angelo State scored three times in the first quarter and built a commanding 45-10 lead by the half. Neiswander threw all of his touchdown passes before the break, hitting
Excelle Osborne,
Nate Bayless, CJ Akins and
Tristan Carter. Angelo State fullback
John Norcott and wildcat-back
Garrett Tidwell both found the end zone on the ground in the first half.
The Rams added three more scores – a field goal, a punt return for a touchdown and another rushing touchdown – in the second half to push the margin to its largest point early in the third quarter and led 65-10. Incarnate Word added a late, 44-yard touchdown run by Trent Rios to finish the scoring.
Angelo State out-gained Incarnate Word 650-to-270, including a 471-to-136 advantage in passing yards. The Rams were four yards shy of tying the school's single game record.
V'Keon Lacey was the Rams leading receiver with eight catches for 96 yards.
Michael Connor led ASU with 59 yards on 14 carries in his first major action of the season.
Rios' late scamper helped him to a game-high 76 yards rushing for Incarnate Word. Dominic Hamilton caught six passes for 91 yards and a score in the second quarter. Paden Lynch led the Cardinals by completing 10-of-18 passes for 73 yards.
Angelo State will travel to league-leading Abilene Christian next weekend for the State Farm Big Country Concho Valley Shootout. The Cardinals continue Lone Star Conference South Division play against West Texas A&M on homecoming in San Antonio.
