ABILENE, Texas - McMurry University said good-bye to the 10 seniors on its roster by battling No. 5-ranked Hardin-Simmons University strong, before eventually falling by a 28-0 score at Wilford Moore Stadium. The loss closed the War Hawks' 2017 books at 2-8 overall (2-7 ASC), while the Cowboys improved to 9-1 on the year (8-1 ASC).
Playing their final game in the Maroon and White were:
Jamir Bowser;
Treston Coleman;
Jacob Ferguson;
Kalieb Granger;
Brycen Homer; Jordan Pilot;
Ben Salazar;
Isaiah Santos;
Charles Smith, and
Jordan Washington.
McM was within two scores – 14-0 – at halftime and through the fourth quarter versus its nationally-ranked crosstown rival. Hardin-Simmons tallied a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns – on following a War Hawks fumble – to extend its advantage late.
McMurry was out-gained in total offense – 421 to 207 – for the contest. But the War Hawks' defense had several key stops and a pair of takeaways to keep things close.
Linebacker
Josh Smith had a game-leading 11 tackles – eight solo – for the McM defensive unit. Smith also had 1.5 sacks for six yards of losses to his credit.
Fellow linebacker
Michael Green Jr. and Washington each contributed nine tackles. Freshman defensive back
Kasey Dean – an Abilene High School product – had eight tackles (all solo) and also pilfered a pass.
Offensively, the bulk of the War Hawks' offense against the stingy HSU defense came via the arm of quarterback
Kevin Hurley Jr. Hurley completed 12-of-25 passes for 144 yards.
Eriel Dorsey had three catches for 30 yards and
Daveron Turner a 49-yard grab, as McM's top receivers.
The War Hawks ground game was limited to 55 yards.
Wade Barthelemy Jr. had 26 yards on 12 carries. The McM rushing total was hampered by four HSU sacks, resulting in 38 yards of losses.
HSU won the time of possession battle, 32:38 minutes to 27:22 minutes. The Cowboys rolled up 23 first downs to 11 by the War Hawks.
