By Jackson Keenan, Editor

Crusader football kept its postseason hopes alive after an upset victory over rival No. 5-ranked Hardin-Simmons, 21-17. 

After a 34-7 defeat in their first matchup, the Crusaders looked like a completely different team this time around. 

One of the biggest differences showed up on the defensive line. In their first game, the Cru gave up 215 rushing yards and recorded only two sacks. In the rematch, the Cru held the Cowboys to 89 yards on the ground while putting constant pressure on the quarterback, earning five sacks. 

“The game plan we had on defense was something that they weren’t ready for, obviously, and they were playing lights out,” head coach Larry Harmon said. 

The Cru also recovered two fumbles and picked off the Cowboys once. Leading the charge defensively was junior defensive end Adian Ross, who recorded five tackles, including 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Senior cornerback Samuel Steffe also had a strong game with six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup, and one fumble recovery. 

“They made us look good as coaches, and we try to give them situations where they can be successful because they’re the guys that have to go do it,” Harmon said. 

On offense, the Cru saw more success compared to the first game but struggled with turnovers, giving the ball away four times. However, when they held onto the ball, the Cru’s offense looked sharp, finding success both through the air and on the ground. 

Senior wide receiver BJ Stewart continued his outstanding season with nine receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown. Senior running back Asa Osbourn also had a solid game, leading the team in rushing with 70 yards and a touchdown. 

Graduate transfer quarterback Kirkland Michaux struggled at times, turning the ball over three times with two fumbles and an interception. Even with those mistakes, when the offense needed him most, he delivered throwing for 212 yards and one touchdown. 

“I said, hey, remember, failure and success don’t affect us. It can’t. You just have to go on to the next one. And that’s the great thing about having a mature kid. He hasn’t played a lot, but he’s a very mature young man,” Harmon said. 

Even with the victory, the Cru sits on the outside looking in for the playoffs. For an at-large bid, the Cru would need several teams to lose, and the odds are slim. According to the Hansen rating, the Cru currently has just a 0.2% chance of making the tournament an at-large selection. 

However, the automatic bid is still in play. If Hardin-Simmons somehow loses to last-place East Texas Baptist, the Cru will win the American Southwest Conference and earn an automatic bid to the tournament. 

Even if the Cru misses the playoffs, it will still be an impressive season turnaround as they are playing significantly better than they did earlier in the year. 

“I think everybody can see the progress that these guys are making, and our kids don’t get enough credit for how hard that is,” Harmon said. 

The Cru’s last game will be Saturday at 1 p.m. in Brownwood against the Howard Payne Yellow Jackets.