Plainview, Texas – The OUAZ Spirit ran their way into the record book Saturday night, piling up a program-record 419 rushing yards en route to a 56-14 victory over Wayland Baptist in their Sooner Athletic Conference opener. The win improves OUAZ to 1-1 overall and 1-0 in SAC play as the Spirit bounced back in dominant fashion on the road.
After falling behind early, OUAZ took control behind a relentless ground attack that accounted for eight touchdowns and produced explosive plays throughout the contest. The Spirit scored once in the first quarter, added four touchdowns in the second quarter, and put the game away with three more scores in the third quarter.
Leading the record-setting rushing effort was Mohamed Nyangamukenga, who rushed for a pair of touchdowns, including OUAZ's first score of the night and the Spirit's final touchdown in the third quarter. Isaiah Dickerson added two rushing touchdowns of his own, while Luke Giron and Tay Wheat each found the end zone as part of the offensive explosion.
Giron was effective directing the offense, contributing both through the air and on the ground. The quarterback threw a touchdown pass to Marques Reese in the third quarter and added two rushing scores as OUAZ consistently moved the football against the Pioneer defense.
The Spirit defense provided plenty of momentum-changing plays throughout the evening. Early in the second quarter, Kenny White intercepted a Wayland Baptist pass to set up an OUAZ touchdown drive. Later in the half, Duke Cosner came away with an interception near the goal line to halt a Pioneer scoring threat and preserve the Spirit's advantage.
OUAZ's defense continued to shine after halftime. Corey Floyd Jr. recorded a sack and recovered a fumble in the third quarter, giving the Spirit possession deep in Wayland Baptist territory. A short time later, Jermaine Stewart forced another fumble with a sack, and Brye Lighon recovered it to set up another OUAZ scoring drive.
The Spirit controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, receiving strong defensive performances from Deandre Jones, Cooper LeDuc, Dakote Doyle-Robinson, Jaden McCray, Jordan Anderson, and Floyd Jr. as OUAZ secured its first victory of the season.
By the Numbers
- 419 rushing yards, a new OUAZ program record.
- Eight rushing touchdowns by the Spirit offense.
- Four takeaways, including interceptions by Kenny White and Duke Cosner and fumble recoveries by Corey Floyd Jr. and Brye Lighon.
- 1-0 record in SAC play following the conference-opening win.
OUAZ returns home next Saturday, Sept. 12, for its 2026 home opener as the Spirit welcomes SAC foe Nelson (Texas) to Surprise. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Spirit Field.
