Nov. 27, 2004

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' third-ranked football team ended its season with a 42-28 loss to Mary Hardin-Baylor, Saturday afternoon in the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs at Shelton Stadium in Abilene.

The Crusaders fell behind 7-0 after the Cowboys' first drive and then scored 35 unanswered points to take 1 35-7 lead with 3:40 to go in the third quarter. The Crusaders showed off their powere running attack, converting 12-of-13 third downs in that 35-0 streak.

HSU got on the board first when Jordan Neal ran a draw for a 7-yard TD at the 12:06 mark of the first quarter. HSU did not score again until a 1-yard run by Lance Moore with :45 remaining in the third quarter.

In between the Cowboys two touchdowns true freshman quarterback Josh Welch, making his first start for the Crusaders, was splendid. He found Walter Sharp on a 1-yard TD pass and Austin Schrader for a 9-yard score, both coming on third down.

Josh Kubiak intercepted a Neal pass and ran it 35 yards for a touchdown. It was the second straight drive Kubiak had ended with an interception. Chad Starnes added a 2-yard TD run with :26 left in the first half and an 8-yarder with 3:40 to go in the third.

HSU tried to rally in the fourth after a P.J. Williams 38-yard TD pass on 3rd-and-12 made it 42-14. Moore scored on a 4-yard run at the 9:51 mark and the Cowboys forced a punt and drove quickly down the field again and Andre Washington scored on a 6-yard pass from Neal. HSU got another quick stop and drove down the field but the drive stalled at the UMHB 21 with 2:17 to go in the game and the Crusaders ran out the clock.

Chad Starnes ran the ball 26 times for 120 yards, Justin Bryson had 103 yards on 19 carries. Welch completed 10-of-17 passes for 147 yards and three scores. Jordan Neal was 20-of-45 for 300 yards and a score, but he threw four interceptions. Lance Moore was limited to 52 yards rushing.

UMHB controlled the ball for 38:48 and converted 15-of-20 third downs in the game. The Crusaders improved to 11-1 on the year and will advance to play Washington and Jefferson in the South Region Final. HSU is finished at 10-1.