Written by Jackson Keenan, Editor

After lighting up the scoreboard to open American Southwest Conference play against East Texas Baptist, the Crusader football team faces off against cross-state rival and top-10-ranked Hardin-Simmons. 

This key matchup will play a major role in deciding the conference championship, as either team has won the title every year since 1998. 

For the Crusaders, they are coming off a much-needed 42-28 win over ETBU in which the offense came ready to play. Senior running back Asa Osbourn led the charge on the ground with 130 yards and three touchdowns, while senior running back Kamerin Ferguson also had a strong game, rushing for 100 yards and a touchdown. 

Graduate transfer Kirkland Michaux also had a solid outing, throwing for 195 yards with a touchdown and an interception. However, he did not play in the second half due to bruised ribs, as sophomore Seth Mouser took over and threw for 95 yards with a touchdown and an interception. 

On the defensive side, the Cru struggled in the first half, allowing 28 points before halftime. They came out strong in the second half, keeping the Tigers out of the end zone and helping propel the Cru to victory. Junior Izeal Jones led the team with 13 tackles, and senior Samuel Steffe grabbed an interception. 

Looking at the upcoming matchup, the Cru defense will have a tall task ahead as the 4-0 Cowboys are led by Kyle Brown, who is having a stellar start to the season, throwing for 1,080 yards, 11 touchdowns, and only one interception. Brown’s favorite target, Wes Douglas, has also been lights out, leading the ASC with 375 yards and five touchdowns. 

To find success in this heated matchup, the Cru will have to get to the quarterback by winning in the trenches, according to head coach Larry Harmon. 

“We know we have a great opponent and know what we have in front of us,” Harmon said. “They’re very, very good up front on both sides of the ball. We’re going to have to mix it up on defense to get some pressure on the quarterback.” 

Along with putting pressure on the quarterback, the Cru will need to stay consistent on offense, especially through the rushing attack, which has been the key to both Crusader wins this season. 

The game against Hardin-Simmons will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Shelton Stadium. Cru fans can also watch online at hsuathletics.com/watch.