BALTIMORE – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor football team closed its 2024 season in the NCAA DIII Football Playoff Quarterfinals after falling 17-10 to Johns Hopkins on Saturday, December 14^th in Baltimore.

Johns Hopkins scored the sole points of the first quarter with a field goal at the 3:20 mark. The Blue Jays then went up by 17 points with a pair of passing touchdowns in the second frame. The Cru closed the half 17-7 with a score on a pass from Jake Wright to TJ Rone with 0:36 remaining.

The Cru defense held strong through the second half, holding Johns Hopkins scoreless. However, the UMHB offense managed to only add a field goal from Edwin Lopez at the end of the third quarter.

Jake Wright threw for 228 yards for UMHB, going 21-35 with a 46-yard long. AJ Williams led the receiving effort with 75 yards followed by Kamerin Ferguson with 54 yards. Durand Hill led the Cru defense with 10 tackles including five solo followed by Mason Cavness with nine tackles. Marcus Taylor recorded an interception while Te’Ron Brown had a forced fumble and Hill had the recovery.

UMHB closed their season 8-4 after an incredible playoff run on the road. The Cru earned a win in San Antonio over Trinity in round one before claiming a second-round win in Abilene against Hardin-Simmons. The Cru then traveled to Oregon as they took a third-round victory over Linfield.