FORT WORTH, Texas — The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor football team earned a road victory over Texas Wesleyan University (NAIA) Saturday afternoon in Fort Worth. The win improved the Cru to 5-1 on the season.
Texas Wesleyan capitalized on an early UMHB turnover, driving downfield for a touchdown at the 11:48 mark of the first quarter. The Cru responded defensively, forcing a punt on the Rams' next possession before coming up with a stop on downs to keep the deficit to one possession.
UMHB found its rhythm in the second quarter, with Carson Horton connecting with Trace Meullion for a 28-yard touchdown at the 8:12 mark to even the contest. The Cru struck again at 2:40 as Horton found BJ Stewart for a 35-yard touchdown. Joey Johnson intercepted a Texas Wesleyan pass on the Rams' next drive, giving UMHB possession with 1:17 remaining in the half. Dax Dunham capitalized on the opportunity, connecting on a field goal with 12 seconds remaining to give the Cru a 17-7 lead at halftime.
The Cru totaled 249 yards of offense in the first half while holding the Rams to just 138 yards.
Scooby Carter opened the second half with a 15-yard interception return for a touchdown, extending UMHB's lead to 24-7. Brandon Washington followed with a forced fumble that Alyric Brown recovered to halt another Texas Wesleyan possession. Carter struck again on the Rams' next drive, returning another interception 35 yards for a touchdown just 3:40 after his first. Texas Wesleyan answered with a 17-yard touchdown pass at the 4:12 mark and converted the two-point attempt, trimming the Cru's lead heading into the final quarter.
BJ Stewart added to the Cru's scoring efforts with a 35-yard punt return for a touchdown at the 12:32 mark of the fourth quarter. Charlie Adamoli later connected with Sean Smith for a 44-yard touchdown for Texas Wesleyan, but the 38-22 score held for the remainder of the contest, sealing the road win for UMHB.
Horton finished with 16 completions for 227 yards and two touchdowns. Zeke Saldana led the receiving corps with 87 yards on four catches, while Meullion and Stewart each added a touchdown reception.
Johnson led the defensive effort with 14 tackles and one interception. Gavin Brzezinski added seven tackles, while Carver and Carter each recorded interceptions, including Carter's pair of interception-return touchdowns.
UMHB returns to action Saturday, October 24, traveling to Abilene for a 1 p.m. contest against McMurry University.
