By Stephen Sherwood, Staff Writer

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders overwhelmed the Keystone College Giants during the Saturday night Touchdowns home game on Oct. 3. 

UMHB looked to redeem themselves following their loss versus Endicott. Keystone was looking for their second win of the season starting the Week 5 match up with a record of 1-3. The Crusaders came into the game with an average of 86 yards per game offensive rushing and 276.3 YPG offensive passing. The Giants maintained an average rushing and passing offense of 35.5 yards and 142.5 yards respectively. 

UMHB started off the first quarter with an interception by cornerback Nikk Williams during the Giants second possession. The Crusader offense capitalized with a touchdown run by running back Deuce Solomon. The Crusaders defense held the Giants to a punt, after a poor attempt, UMHB outside linebacker Joey Johnson recovered the ball in the endzone, 14-0 Crusaders.  “We wanted to get more physical… offensively and defensively,” Football Head Coach Larry Harmon said. 

UMHB quarterback Seth Mouser led the offense, he rushed for a touchdown, 21-0 Crusaders. Keystone saw their first successful drive of the game in the second quarter making their way down field and running for a touchdown, 21-7.  

The Crusaders continued to dominate throughout the first half. Defensively, Johnson blocked a punt which was recovered by outside linebacker Colin Craig and middle linebacker Gavin Brzesinski recovered a fumble for the Crusaders. Offensively, Solomon scored his second touchdown of the game and running back Maurice Moore scored a rushing touchdown. After a successful field goal attempt from kicker Dax Dunham at Keystones 38 the score soared to 37-7 UMHB at the end of the first half. 

UMHB continued to dominate for the remainder of the game. Dunham took a total of three field goal attempts, making all three. Ja’Quaylon Silas scored a touchdown and Mouser scored his second. The Crusaders won the game with a score of 64-14, “I thought we dominated both lines of scrimmage,” Harmon said.

The Crusaders kicking game struggled in the Week 3 matchup against Endicott. According to Harmon the team placed heavy emphasis on kicking proficiency, “We probably [did] 20 minutes everyday for 12 days.” Harmon continued, “After those 12 days Dax came out on top.”