By Stephen Sherwood, Staff Writer

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders extended their four-week win-streak against the Schreiner University Mountaineers in a 66-7 win.

The Cru celebrated its 16 senior athletes prior to the start of the game. Football Head Coach Larry Harmon said, “We have some pretty important seniors who contributed a lot to Mary Hardin-Baylor football.” Some of the seniors honored were wide receiver BJ Stewart, wide receiver Isaiah Nesmith, linebacker Joey Johnson, middle linebacker Gavin Brzenzinski and quarterback Carson Horton.

The Crusaders set the tone for the game with a quick touchdown pass to tight end Will McClintock. The UMHB offense piled on with scores from Stewart, wide receiver Ja’Quaylon Silas and running back Jet Hayes. The Crusader defense prevented the Mountaineers from capitalizing on their possessions during the first half. They were sacked twice and threw two interceptions to the Crusader defense in the first quarter alone. 

The second interception was returned by Johnson to the endzone for a defensive touchdown. Stewart caught a long pass of 51 yards for his second touchdown of the game, closing out the first quarter, 42-0 Crusaders. 

The second quarter saw the continued domination by UMHB. The defense earned another sack and two more interceptions, as Brzenzinski secured his second of the game. After a rushing touchdown by quarterback Seth Mouser and scoring reception by Nesmith, UMHB extended their lead, ending the first half 59-0 Crusaders.

The second half of play continued in much the same way with the Crusader defense keeping any possessions by the Mountaineers short. However, the UHMB defense gave up a single touchdown towards the end of the third quarter. The offense for UMHB slowed after heavier opposition by the Schreiner defense, failing to replicate the Crusader domination of the first half. Putting more points on the board UMHB added its final score with a rush from wide receiver Ty’Zavion Hafford. The Crusaders defense came away with four sacks, four interceptions and three forced fumbles with one recovered. The final score was 66-7.

“We knew they [Schreiner University] had the second fastest tempo of any offense in Division III,” Harmon said “So that’s what we prepared for. Our defense is pretty good.” The Crusaders will compete next Saturday, Nov. 7 at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas.

Photo by Ashlynn Anthony/ The Bells

Three SU defenders attempt to tackle wide receiver Zeke Saldana, ripping his helmet off in the process.