Mistakes Cost Choctaws in 35-12 Loss to #4 Mary Hardin-Baylor
CLINTON, MS - The Mississippi College football team outgained #4 Mary Hardin-Baylor in total yardage, 360-267, but could not overcome 11 penalties and 21 non-offensive points in a 35-12 defeat on Saturday night at Robinson-Hale Stadium.
The Cru (5-0, 4-0 ASC) scored touchdowns on two one-yard runs by quarterback LiDarral Bailey, a punt return, a blocked punt, and a fumble return in the victory. In the second half, the MC defense held UMHB to just 7:49 of time of possession and 39 total yards.
The MC defense was led by seniors Jarrad Craine, Sam Maze, and Jeremy Horton, who each tallied five tackles on the night. Senior Jarryn Bingham picked up 2.0 tackles for loss, while senior Bryce Brewer recorded a sack.
After a scoreless first quarter, senior running back Steven Knight got the Choctaws on the scoreboard with a two-yard touchdown run. Freshman Garrett Horst set up the scoring drive with his first career interception on the last play of the first quarter.
Bailey capped off a nine-play, 72-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run that knotted the game at 7-7. Junior running back Darius Wilson carried the load on the drive, rushing for 55 yards on five carries. On the night, Wilson rushed for 138 yards, but could only muster two in the second half.
Geoff Myles gave the Cru the lead for good with a 72-yard punt return touchdown to make the score, 14-7. Bailey rushed for his second score of the night near the end of the first half to give UMHB a 21-7 advantage.
The Choctaws drove the ball 43 yards on eight plays and cut the lead to 21-10 when junior Chris Campbell nailed a 36-yard field goal as the first half expired.
In the second half, MC got on the board first, recording a safety when Wilson recovered his own fumble in the end zone and cut the score to 21-12.
Opening the fourth quarter, senior linebacker Javicz Jones blocked a punt for UMHB and freshman Elijah Hudson recovered it in the end zone to extend the advantage to 28-12. On the night, Jones tallied 11 tackles, two interceptions, and the blocked kick.
Korey Steward recovered a fumble and took it back 52 yards to the end zone to give the Cru the final 35-12 advantage.
Steven Knight rushed the ball 27 times for 118 yards and a score, while Reyer tallied 62 yards on the ground on 21 carries. The Athens, AL native passed for 185 yards, while completing 21 passes on the evening.
The Choctaws will be back in action next Saturday when they travel to Marshall, TX to face East Texas Baptist at 3:00 p.m.
