By Bradley Melchor
The UMHB Crusaders traveled to Sherman on Saturday afternoon to take on the Austin College Kangaroos for their third American Southwest Conference game of the season, with the Crusaders looking to extend their winning streak while the ‘Roos hoped to stop a three game skid.
The game started disastrously for the Crusaders, as they fumbled on the return of the opening kickoff, with a ‘Roos defender scooping and scoring a touchdown to put Austin College up 7-0 in the opening 10 seconds.
The Crusaders bounced back quickly though, with sophomore quarterback Isaac Phe finding freshman tight end Christopher Gacayan on a 12 yard touchdown pass to cap off a 10 play, 75 yard drive on their opening possession.
The Crusader defense also started the day on the right foot, as they forced a quick three and out on the ‘Roos opening possession.
With a 37 yard punt return from senior running back Kenneth Miller setting the Cru up on the ‘Roos 27 yard line, the Crusader offense quickly found the end zone as Phe connected with Gacayan again for a 10 yard touchdown pass to give the Cru a 14-7 lead.
Both offenses stalled over the next couple of possessions, with each defense forcing multiple turnovers, but the ever opportunistic Crusader defense capitalized on a ‘Roos miscue as junior defensive back Trashawn Adams returned an interception 50 yards for a Crusader touchdown.
The Crusader offense would find its rhythm again before the end of the half, as Phe tossed another pair of touchdown passes to running back Ozias Wright and Gacayan to give the Cru a commanding 35-7 lead going into the break.
The Crusaders’ dominance carried into the second half, as senior safety Dorian Williams picked off the ‘Roos quarterback on the first possession of the third quarter. This turnover would lead to more points as senior running back Kenneth Cormier broke free for a 56 yard touchdown run to extend the Crusader lead to 42-7.
The offense would pile on another touchdown before the end of the quarter, as senior quarterback Jackson Tingler connected with senior wide receiver Romello Cook for a 24 yard touchdown to put the Cru up 49-7.
The Crusader defense would give up another touchdown in the fourth quarter, but the Crusaders would walk away from their conference matchup with the ‘Roos with a comfortable 49-14 victory.
The Cru will look to continue their winning ways and get one step closer to another ASC Championship and a national tournament berth when they travel to Abilene to take on the nationally ranked No.20 Hardin-Simmons Cowboys. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m on Saturday at Shelton Stadium.
Photo by Cristan Gutierrez (@shotbycristan) on Instagram
