BELTON, TEXAS – A 34-point scoring run by host Mary Hardin-Baylor was the difference in the 2023 American Southwest Conference opener for McMurry University and their hosts Saturday, Sept. 23.
A gritty defensive effort throughout 60 minutes in front of a Homecoming crowd at Crusader Stadium spotlighted the game from the War Hawks prospective. Assistant head coach/defensive coordinator
Will Snyder's unit pushed back against the Crusaders at many turns, allowing the Maroon and White to remain within striking distance in the first half. The final numbers for the group weren't indicative of a 50-9 UMHB triumph.
Eight tackles for losses, two sacks, four pass break-ups and a quarterback hurry gave the Maroon and White clad fans in attendance plenty to get on their feet about. Junior lineman
Markeis Williams (Spring, Texas) led the charge with a half-tackle for loss and half-sack among his six total tackles, while senior defensive back
Christopher Baker (Arlington, Texas) broke-up two home aerial attempts and tallied seven tackles. Sophomore lineman
Dorian LeBlanc (Beaumont, Texas) also tallied a sack on his night's resume.
Head coach
Jordan Neal's squad didn't allow many easy home side breaths to be drawn over the first 30 minutes. McMurry trailed only 13-3 in the final moments before the break when a critical turnover deep in its own end allowed a quick Mary Hardin-Baylor score. That touchdown opened the doors towards the 30-point second half.
The War Hawks offense did find the end zone in the late stages. Freshman quarterback
Tray Walton (Dallas, Texas) led an eight-play, 74-yard scoring march concluded by a 12-yard toss to senior wide receiver Malachi LeCadre-Grey (Fort Worth, Texas) for paydirt. Walton wound up a strong evening, going six-for-nine for 86 yards off the bench. Senior wide receiver
Kristopher Martin (El Paso, Texas) registered his second 75 yards-or-more outing with six catches for 84 yards.
McMurry steps on its home FieldTurf for the first time in 2023 Saturday, Sept. 30. Kickoff against Lyon College of Arkansas is 1 p.m. at Wilford Moore Stadium.
