MARSHALL, Texas - Unable to capitalize on its early momentum in the first half, East Texas Baptist University fell to #21 University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (2-2), 42-28, in the first American Southwest Conference game of the year. UMHB's four rushing touchdowns became the difference after ETBU held a 28-21 advantage at the half.
 
Kobe Chambers recorded 126 receiving yards on four receptions and scored two touchdowns. Shai Markajani completed 12 of 22 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns as Keegan Davis had one rushing touchdown. Paul Woodard led the ground game with 73 yards on 20 carries. Confessore intercepted two passes and Dominick Williams led the team with 10 tackles and had one sack and one forced fumble. Mason Stancliff added eight tackles and recovered a fumble.
 
After a strong offensive first half scoring 28 points and over 200 yards of offense, ETBU finished with 395 yards as 272 yard came in the air. UMHB finished with 572 yards of offense with 288 in the air and 284 on the ground.
 
ETBU opened the scoring in the first quarter with a methodical drive, highlighted by decisive rushing from Woodard and a crucial fourth-down touchdown by Davis, putting the them on the board first. The defense then made a key stop, forcing a punt after Mary Hardin-Baylor's initial possession gained minimal yardage.
 
Mary Hardin-Baylor responded with a touchdown drive of their own, bringing the score level. However, ETBU quickly regained momentum with a fumble recovery by Stancliff, leading to a 54-yard touchdown pass from Shai Markajani to Chase Walker one play later giving ETBU the 14-7 lead with 43 seconds left in the first quarter.
 
ETBU began the second quarter with a defensive stand as Torryan Hinton broke up a deep pass attempt, but Mary Hardin-Baylor eventually advanced into the red zone, culminating in a touchdown run at 11:46 to the game at 14. ETBU quickly responded on the ensuing drive as Shai Markajani connected with Kobe Chambers for a 38-yard touchdown pass putting the Tigers up, 21-14 with 8:24 left in the half. UMHB tied the game at 21 with 5:51 left in the second but ETBU's defense capitalized on a turnover, with Cole Confessore intercepting a pass from Kirkland Michaux with just over a minute and half left. This set up a pivotal moment as Markajani again found Chambers on the first play, this time for a 53-yard touchdown reception, pushing ETBU ahead 28-21 with 1:15 left. The period closed as ETBU took the lead into the half, as a strategic defensive effort halted Mary Hardin-Baylor's final advance inside the red zone.
 
The third quarter commenced with ETBU constructing a lengthy drive. Markajani connected with Bryson Ortega-Duplechain and Vontez Martin for key first downs, while Woodard contributed with a series of productive rushes. However, the drive stalled at the Mary Hardin-Baylor 31-yard line, resulting in a missed 48-yard field goal giving the ball to UMHB.
 
UMHB capitalized on their subsequent possessions with two straight touchdowns – one rushing and one passing. The Crusaders took their first lead of the game following a successful extra point, moving the score to 35-28 on their second possession of the second half. ETBU responded with a drive highlighted by a 27-yard pass from Markajani to Chase Walker, but a turnover on downs at the UMHB 19 halted the momentum. The period closed with the Tigers trailing 35-28 after Mary Hardin-Baylor's late scoring drive.
 
The fourth quarter began with UMHB extending their lead on a rushing touchdown, pushing the score to 42-28. ETBU's ensuing possession was halted after a series of short gains, culminating in a punt. UMHB continued to press offensively but was thwarted by a crucial interception by Cole Confessore in the endzone for his second pick of the day.
 
However, ETBU's subsequent drive was cut short by an interception. UMHB capitalized on their possession, maintaining control of the game despite being forced to punt after a sack by Williams. ETBU ran out the clock as they fell, 42-28.
 

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East Tex. Baptist Top Performers
Kobe Chambers 
- 4 receptions 
- 126 receiving yards 
- 2 touchdowns 
 
Shai Markajani 
- 12 completions on 22 attempts 
- 270 passing yards 
- 3 passing touchdowns 
 
Dominick Williams 
- 10 tackles 
- 1 sack 
- 1 forced fumble 
 
Cole Confessore 
- 3 tackles 
- 2 interceptions 
 
Paul Woodard 
- 73 rushing yards on 20 attempts