BELTON — Texas Wesleyan University (4-3, 4-0) mounted a late comeback but fell short against Mary Hardin-Baylor (3-3, 1-1), 28-19, in a non-conference football game on Oct. 18, 2025, at Crusader Stadium. Despite a strong fourth-quarter effort, the Rams could not overcome an early deficit in front of 3,524 fans.

Mary Hardin-Baylor struck first, capitalizing on a 5-yard touchdown run by Asa Osbourn at 11:16 in the first quarter, taking a 7-0 lead. The Crusaders extended their advantage in the second quarter with two more touchdowns: a 2-yard run by Osbourn at 12:49 and a 49-yard pass from Kirkland Michaux to Kamerin Ferguson at 1:14, leading 21-3 at halftime. Texas Wesleyan managed a 33-yard field goal by Freddy Joya at 1:51 in the second to get on the board.

The Rams struggled offensively early, with quarterback Cole Francis completing 4 of 8 passes for 33 yards in the first half while being sacked twice. Mary Hardin-Baylor's defense, led by Gavin Brzezinski's 100-yard interception return for a touchdown at 2:49 in the third quarter, pushed the Crusaders' lead to 28-6.

Texas Wesleyan found momentum in the fourth quarter, sparked by Francis, who threw for 366 yards on 28 of 51 attempts with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Rams scored twice in the final period: a 9-yard touchdown pass to Parker Gleaton at 6:11 and a 6-yard touchdown pass to TJ Curtis at 1:37. However, a failed two-point conversion and a late interception by Denim Collins at the UMHB 10-yard line sealed the Rams' fate.

Mark Benjamin led Texas Wesleyan's rushing attack with 78 yards on 17 carries, while Paul Summers caught eight passes for 81 yards. For Mary Hardin-Baylor, Michaux threw for 226 yards and one touchdown, with Osbourn adding 55 yards and two scores on the ground. Luke Vidal led the Crusaders' receivers with 60 yards on two catches.

Despite the loss, Texas Wesleyan's late surge showcased resilience. The Rams converted 8 of 18 third downs and averaged 5.3 yards per play, but were hindered by 6 penalties for 54 yards. Mary Hardin-Baylor controlled the game early, converting 5 of 13 third downs and capitalizing on key defensive plays.

The Rams return home on Saturday for Homecoming and a game against conference rival Langston University at Crowley Multi-Purpose Stadium with kickoff schedukled for 4 p.m.