Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern football team hosted the No. 17 University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos on homecoming. The Lions were defeated by the Bronchos, 59-24 and moved to 1-5 on the season and 0-4 in the MIAA.
Missouri Southern (1-4; 0-4) vs. Central Oklahoma (5-0; 4-0)
Quarter 1: Missouri Southern 7 | Central Oklahoma 21
Central Oklahoma would get on the board first. The Lions would respond with 12-play, 75-yard drive capped by
Luke Sampson's 3-yard touchdown pass to
Trace Willhite, cutting the deficit to 14-7, and
Drake Reese's extra point was good.
Mitchell Cory punted twice in the opening quarter, with a long of 43 yards, and pinned Central Oklahoma once inside their own 20-yard line.
Quarter 2: Missouri Southern 0 | Central Oklahoma 10
In the second quarter,
Mitchell Cory continued to showcase his punting skills with a 75-yard punt, flipping the field.
Quarter 3: Missouri Southern 0 | Central Oklahoma 7
David Bethune opened the second half with a 32-yard kickoff return. The Lions would hold Central Oklahoma to end their first drive of the half with a punt, with tackles from
Colton Bass,
Holt Chappell (two),
Jalen Toussant, and
Jermaine Young Jr. The Lions would have defensive lineman
Andrew Portillo recovered a fumble to give the Lions another possession.
Quarter 4: Missouri Southern 17 | Central Oklahoma 21
The Lions mounted a spirited comeback in the final quarter.
LaRandion Dowden found the end zone on a 3-yard run, narrowing the score to 38-14.
Victor Chionuma rushed for. 4-yard touchdown at the 6-minute mark. Missouri Southern's
Drake Reese would add a 24-yard field goal to push the score to 59-24.
Central Oklahoma would hold their lead for a 59-24 victory.
Missouri Southern Leaders:
Tackles: Mason Rumsey – 7 (4 – solo / 3 – assists)
Receptions: Isaiah Padello – 4
Receiving Yards: De'Shawn Larson – 60
Rushing Yards: LaRandion Dowden – 101
Passing Yards: Luke Sampson – 265
Up Next:
The Lions will be back on their home field on Saturday, October 12 when they host the Emporia State University Hornets. Kick-off is set for 1:00 PM.
-Lions-
