GOODWELL, OKLA. – The No. 17 OUAZ football team made a convincing final case to the NAIA playoff committee on Saturday afternoon, defeating Oklahoma Panhandle State 55-14 in the Sooner state. Big losses by teams in the western part of the NAIA should help the Spirit get closer to a playoff berth this season.

It was another big day for Luke Giron, as he finished with five total touchdowns. The junior threw for four touchdowns, and also ran in for the first score of the contest.

Da'Vicious Wilson was on the receiving end of three of his quarterback's touchdowns in another dominant performance for the wideout. Wilson finished with six total receptions for 132 yards, and all three of his scores were of 20+ yards.

The ground game was once again prevalent for OUAZ, as the team ran for 305 yards and three touchdowns. Jh'dhan Lester finished with 170 yards and a score, and the Spirit have had at least one rusher eclipse 100 yards on the ground in each game during the 2024 season.

The Spirit defense was just as successful, holding the Aggies to just 203 yards of total offense. The game only featured one turnover – an interception return for a touchdown by Tyler Faber to break the tie and give OUAZ a lead they would never relinquish.

Corey Floyd Jr. had six tackles, with five solo stops and 2.0 TFLs. Arvell Ferguson had a pair of sacks, with Floyd Jr. and Sione Latu each bringing down the quarterback in the backfield.

The Spirit will now await its fate in the NAIA FCS Playoffs, with the 20-team field being announced on Sunday. The selection show will be broadcast at 5 p.m. Arizona time, and the full show can be viewed here.