The dream of a run similar to the 2004 squad will continue for Mary Hardin-Baylor after the Crusaders used two long touchdown runs and a stout defense to defeat Linfield 28-18 in the third round of the NCAA Division III playoffs in McMinnville, Ore.
UMHB will travel to play Johns Hopkins in the quarterfinals next Saturday. The Crusaders are embarking on a run reminiscent of the 2004 squad, which won four consecutive road games on its way to the Stagg Bowl. This year’s team and the 2004 squad opened the playoffs with wins over Trinity and Hardin-Simmons. However, the Crusaders lost to Linfield in the national championship game.
The Cru's rushing attack worked against the Wildcats this year, with Kamerin Ferguson racing 51 yards to give UMHB a 7-3 lead early in the second quarter. The Cru added to its lead with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Jake Wright to Ranius Daramola two plays after the defense recovered a fumble at Linfield’s 19-yard line.
Asa Osbourn gave UMHB some breathing room on the second half's opening drive with a 68-yard touchdown run. However, The Wildcats scored the following 11 points in the contest to pull within three early in the fourth quarter.
Linfield threatened to take the lead on its next drive. The Wildcats advanced to UMHB’s 25-yard line before Da’Marion Morris intercepted his second pass and raced 71 yards to the Linfield nine-yard line. Wright scored a 7-yard rushing touchdown two plays later to secure the victory for the Cru.
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