BELTON, Texas – Starting behind early in the first quarter against #1 the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, the East Texas Baptist University football team wasn't able to produce a comeback win in their American Southwest Conference opener, 34-14. ETBU is now 1-1 overall and 0-1 in the ASC.
ETBU was held to 205 yards (102 rushing/103 passing) as
Troy Yowman completed 10-of-24 passing for 75 yards.
Cornelius Merchant rushed for 96 yards on 11 rushing attempts while
Tariq Gray had four catches for 81 yards. Defensively,
Azaya Patrick led the team with 10 tackles while
Chase Thompson recorded a defensive touchdown on an 86-yard fumble return.
UMHB took their opening possession and converted a 38-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead. After holding ETBU to a three-and-out, the Crusaders posted a 56-yard punt return for a touchdown extending their lead to 10-0. UMHB scored for a third time iate in the quarter pushing the lead to 17 points.
With the ball to begin the second quarter, ETBU drove down to the UMHB 11-yard line looking to score but fumbled the ball to end the threat. ETBU's defense made a stop on the UMHB possession and then went right back a the Crusader defense. Once again they advanced into the redzone only to turn the ball over on downs. UMHB responded with a 79-yard drive resulting in their third touchdown of the game making it, 24-0.
The momentum continued to go UMHB's way as they executed their first drive of the second half with a 65-yard drive ending in a touchdown and a 31-point lead. ETBU continued to get their offense past mid-field but another drive stalled. The Crusaders came back going to the ETBU 14-yard line. It was at that point that ETBU's defense earned the first points of the game when Thompson picked up a Tommy Bowden fumble going 86-yards for the score making it, 34-7, as the third quarter came to an end.
The fourth quarter brought ETBU's only offensive touchdown of the game just as time was expiring.
Shane Noel pushed his way in from one-yard out with eight seconds left ending the game at, 34-14.
ETBU will be at home next Saturday hosting McMurry University at 6:00 PM in Ornelas Stadium.
