The Marshall Rams achieved a significant milestone in their rebuilding journey by defeating the Southwest Dragons 35-28 on September 3, 2026, at Gustafson Stadium. This victory marks the first win for Marshall under the leadership of new head coach Paul Ortega, who took over a team that struggled last season with a 1-9 record.
Marshall's offense was powered by a formidable rushing attack, accumulating a total of 246 rushing yards. Senior running back Braylon Glover was a standout performer, rushing for 156 yards and scoring a crucial touchdown. Additionally, versatile wide receiver Ryan Hayes contributed significantly with two rushing touchdowns, demonstrating the Rams' ability to execute their game plan effectively.
In the first half, Marshall established an early lead, going up 28-7. The Rams scored on their first two drives, with Hayes finding the end zone on an 11-yard end around, followed by a touchdown from wide receiver Dominic Ponce, who recovered a fumble in the end zone. This quick scoring set the tone for the game, allowing Marshall to build a comfortable lead.
Despite the early advantage, Southwest fought back, led by their own standout running back, Dre Voss, who rushed for 211 yards on 18 carries. The Dragons managed to close the gap, with quarterback Julleus Castillo scoring on a 1-yard sneak to bring the score to 14-7. However, Marshall responded with a 20-yard touchdown run from Josiah Varela, followed by a successful onside kick that led to another touchdown, extending their lead to 28-7.
Southwest's resilience was evident as they mounted a comeback, scoring two touchdowns to tie the game at 28-28 in the fourth quarter. Blaine Chessher's 3-yard touchdown run was pivotal in leveling the score. However, the Rams were not to be denied, as they orchestrated a final scoring drive that culminated in Glover's game-winning 29-yard touchdown run with just under two minutes remaining.
Ortega expressed his pride in the team's performance, highlighting their hard work and the importance of overcoming insecurities on the field. He emphasized the lessons learned from their previous loss to Southwest Legacy, stating that executing their game plan at a high level was crucial for their success. Glover echoed this sentiment, noting the improved mentality and energy of the team compared to last year's squad.
With this victory, the Rams not only secured their first win of the season but also demonstrated their potential for growth under Ortega's guidance. Meanwhile, Southwest, now 0-1, will seek to regroup after suffering a setback in their opening game of the season. The Dragons previously faced an interrupted game against Victoria East, leaving them eager to bounce back in their upcoming matchups.
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