Pregame: You really can’t draw up a better matchup. Linfield has not faced an opponent with the statistical numbers the Crusaders have put up in 2009. Mary Hardin-Baylor comes in averaging 460 total yards of offense per game. This is a very physical team that should provide a tough test for the Wildcats.
Quincy Daniels gashes the ‘Cats defense for a 24-yard touchdown run. Big play gets the Crusaders up 7-0. This is as athletic of a team Linfield has seen all year.
Field goal from Kunioka from 22-yards out cuts the MHB lead to 7-3. A small victory from the Crusaders, holding the ‘Cats to a three-and-out at the 11.
Kyle Noack takes a bootleg in from five-yards out. Pretty quiet crowd this Saturday at Maxwell Field. 14-3
At the end of a quarter its 14-3 Mary Hardin-Baylor. For the first time this season the Wildcats may be facing a team that is as big and as fast as them.
‘Cats settle for another field goal. Linfield has struggled in the red zone. Very impressed right now by the Crusaders defense. 14-6.
What a break. Trevor Patterson fumbles at the one yard line after a completion but Buddy Saxon recovers it in the end zone. To win a championship you need to get some breaks and the ‘Cats surely got that.
14-13 at the half.
This is a great playoff showdown with two excellent teams. Linfield has not played its best football and are right there, down 14-13. Mary Hardin-Baylor has looked good. A very solid defense with athletes on both sides of the football. If Linfield can win the battles up front then look for the ‘Cats to have success. So far the Crusaders have controlled the line of scrimmage and gotten more pressure on Boehme then the ‘Cats are used to seeing. It will be interesting to see the adjustments each team makes in the locker room. Regardlesss, this should be a great finish.
An interception by Taylor Skore sets up a Boehme rushing touchdown from eight yards out. Linfield is up 20-14.
Linfield has opened it up big. 33-14. Eric Hedin picks up a fumble for a touchdown and then Boehme hits Saxon for a score.
Another touchdown for the ‘Cats defense. 40-14. This one is wrapped up with the Crusaders having no passing game.
A punt signals the end of the day for the Crusaders. What a third quarter. One that will be talked about for some time. While the regular season was much about the offense, Linfield’s defense has made a clear statement that they are the heart of the Wildcats success. Eric Hedin gets the game ball
53-21. It’s a final here in McMinnville. Look to see you all here next weekend when Linfield plays host to St. Thomas of Minnesota.
