ABILENE, Texas — In the final game of the 2025 season, East Texas Baptist University fell on the road in West Texas, 63-14, to No. 12 Hardin-Simmons University. ETBU ends their season at 4-6.
Shai Markajani went 20 of 39 for 259 yards and a touchdown. On the ground,
Paul Woodard led the rushing attack with 109 yards on 14 carries.
Kobe Chambers had two catches for 86 yards and one touchdown, and
Eric Stovall recorded a touchdown. Defensively,
Logan Hudson led the team with nine tackles and
Tory Jacobs and
Elijah Sims had sacks. Sye Stroman recorded an interception.
ETBU opened their first quarter with a strong offensive display, equalizing after Hardin-Simmons' initial touchdown. At 13:25, Markajani connected with Chambers for an 82-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 7-7. Later, at 6:52,
Jordan Woodard's 31-yard pass to Stovall reached the end zone, again tying the match at 14-14 following another Hardin-Simmons score. Despite a missed field goal attempt late in the quarter, the Tigers remained competitive, trailing Hardin-Simmons, 21-14.
The Tigers faced significant challenges in the second quarter. After Hardin-Simmons extended its lead with a touchdown at 12:45, Markajani's pass was intercepted on the ensuing drive, returning possession to Hardin-Simmons. Despite a strong defensive effort, including a sack by
Tory Jacobs, ETBU struggled offensively. Stroman provided a late spark with an interception at 00:13, but Hardin-Simmons maintained control, ending the half with a 35-14 lead.
ETBU faced a challenging start in the third quarter when Chambers' fumble led to a turnover, setting up Hardin-Simmons' touchdown for a 42-14 lead. Despite this setback, the Tigers mounted a response with
Bryson Ortega-Duplechain rushing for 10 yards and later catching a 12-yard pass from Markajani, contributing to a drive that stalled on downs at the Hardin-Simmons 3-yard line. HSU ended the third quarter led, 42-14
The Tigers opened the fourth quarter with a promising drive as Markajani connected with
Kyler Paul for a crucial first down at the Hardin-Simmons 40-yard line. However, the drive stalled, resulting in a turnover on downs, and Hardin-Simmons capitalized shortly after to extend their lead. Later, ETBU's offense showed resilience with a 31-yard completion from Markajani to
Jace Roberts, pushing into Hardin-Simmons territory. Despite their efforts, turnovers hampered their progress, including an interception in the final minute that sealed their fate as Hardin-Simmons took the 63-14 victory.
East Tex. Baptist Top Performers
Kobe Chambers
- 2 receptions for 86 yards
- 1 touchdown
Paul Woodard
- 109 rushing yards on 14 attempts
Shai Markajani
- 20 completions on 39 attempts
- 259 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
Eric Stovall
- 2 receptions for 38 yards
- 1 touchdown
Logan Hudson
- 9 total tackles
