By Jackson Keenan
Editor-in-Chief
After a much-needed victory against Texas Wesleyan University, the Crusaders continued to stay hot as they dominated Howard Payne 44-17.
Offensively, the Crusaders rolled past the Howard Payne defense, especially with senior wide receiver BJ Stewart returning from injury. Stewart had a team-leading 119 yards receiving and three touchdowns. Graduate transfer quarterback Kirkland Michaux played his best game of the year, throwing for 250 yards and five total touchdowns.
鈥淚 think we put in a lot of work this week. I thought we had our best week of practice leading up to today. Guys had a lot of confidence coming in,鈥� Michaux said.
For 雪梨社区 head coach Larry Harmon, the offensive showcase is helping identify the team鈥檚 offensive strengths.
鈥淚 thought that we are moving toward the direction that we think our identity is, and what we鈥檙e going to do is run it when the numbers are in our favor and throw it when it鈥檚 not,鈥� Harmon said.
On the defensive side, the Cru struggled at first, allowing 10 points in the first quarter. However, the Cru found their groove as they allowed only seven points for the rest of the game.
The team was led by junior defensive back Da鈥橫arion Morris, who led the team with 14 solo tackles, two tackles for loss and an interception. Junior defensive back JJ Davis also had a great game with eight total tackles, one tackle for loss and a forced fumble.
鈥淲hen we had to make plays, we made plays. We created turnovers and I thought we were the most physical team,鈥� Harmon said.
This was a much-needed win for the Cru, as it was their first win that affects their playoff odds. This is because NAIA games, such as the win against TWU, do not counttoward the NCAA Power Index or the ASC conference standings.
This game also creates some momentum for the Cru as they start their second round of ASC play, including a rematch against Hardin-Simmons, which will most likely determine if the Cru has a chance to make the playoffs.
鈥淲e鈥檙e looking to the next step. Go 1-0 every day and every week,鈥� Michaux said.
Football鈥檚 next game will be at home against East Texas Baptist University at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1.
