BELTON - - Saturday afternoon at Crusader Stadium had a little bit of everything. Two fierce rivals, two outstanding defenses, star players on each side, big special teams plays, playoff implications with controversy and redemption in the end.

When the final buzzer sounded, and the officials sorted out the remaining on-field issues, No. 1 Mary Hardin-Baylor escaped No. 14 Hardin-Simmons, 15-14, with a 43-yard field goal as time expired to extend its regular-season home winning streak to 66 games.

“To get the win is amazing, but it’s a real testament to the resilience of this team,” said UMHB head coach Pete Fredenburg.

“We knew that all three phases working together was what it was going to take to get it done and we had a few miscues that ended up costing us,” said Hardin-Simmons head coach Jesse Burleson.

The Cru has won 25 consecutive games overall and six and 21 of the last 23 games against the Cowboys. The Cru defense has not allowed an opponent to score more than 18 points in their last 27 games.

KEY SPECIAL TEAMS

The play of the special teams units is usually a deciding factor when rivals play. Saturday was no exception as the entire game was filled with big special teams plays along with special teams errors.

UMHB muffed the first punt of the game and HSU recovered the ball. However, the Cowboys were unable to take advantage of the solid field position in what became the first of many big moments.

After UMHB quarterback Jase Hammack found Jonel Reed in the end zone for a 32-yard touchdown pass, kicker Anthony Avila missed the extra-point attempt when the ball hit the right upright.

Avila would also miss a 45-yard field goal attempt wide right as time expired in the first half which led to the Cru entering the locker room with a 7-6 deficit.

The Cowboys would take a 14-6 lead in the third quarter when holder Gatlin Martin converted a fake field goal attempt with a two-yard touchdown run.

An 18-yard punt by HSU would prove costly as it set up the Cru at the Cowboys 47-yard line with 1:17 remaining in the game.

Hammack completed four passes on the final drive to set the Cru up with one final opportunity to win the game.

COVERING THE CONTROVERSY

After Hammack completed an 11-yard pass, the Cru rushed their field goal unit on the field. Avila would split the uprights with a 43-yard field goal as time expired.

“Coming into half all the guys were telling me to keep my head up and that it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish so I appreciate all the support,” said Avila. “I wanted it. I needed that chance to overcome adversity.”

The final play of the game was not without controversy as Burleson questioned whether his team had enough time to substitute his players to attempt to block the field goal.

“I want to see it on film because there was a lot happening in a short amount of time with substitutions,” said Burleson. “Our guys were ready to go and did exactly what we told them to do so I’ll just wait to see it on film.”

“The umpire in that situation should’ve been over the ball and not let it snap,” said Fredenburg. “(Jesse Burleson) had an argument. I don’t know really what the official said, I’m just glad he didn’t reverse (the play) on us.”

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS

The rivalry game this year had a bit more on the line this year for Hardin-Simmons. The Cowboys were defeated at home by Texas Lutheran earlier this year and this loss most likely eliminates HSU from one of only five at-large playoff berths.

“It’s going to be real hard for the next 24 hours and then after 24 hours we’re going to turn the page and be on to whoever we have next,” said Burleson.

This was also a great test for UMHB as there was a definite playoff atmosphere with a large homecoming crowd and an intense game from start to finish.

“If we can survive the heart issues, I think we’ll be good,” said Fredenburg. “That was an incredible step for our football team.”

“I have a big trust in my team and playing in big games last year helps and you could tell everybody was really calm,” said Hammack. “We stepped up when we needed to.”

TURN THE PAGE

Each team must quickly turn the page from this game as UMHB will go on the road to play Louisiana College in Pineville, La. next Saturday at 1 p.m.

Hardin-Simmons returns home to play another rival with crosstown foe McMurry entering Shelton Stadium for a 1 p.m. start.