Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern Football team traveled to take on the University of Central Missouri Mules. The Lions worked to overcome the Mules, putting up 27 points in the second quarter. During the heated battle,
Luke Sampson broke. the MSSU single-game record for passing touchdowns with six and totaled 418 passing yards. Southern would fall to Central Missouri in the final regular season game.
Missouri Southern (2-9, 1-8) vs. Central Missouri (8-3, 6-3)
Quarter 1: Missouri Southern 7 | Central Missouri 21
The Mules opened the game scoring back-to-back touchdowns to take an early lead. However, at the four-minute mark, the Lions responded with a 10-play, 73-yard drive, capped off by
Luke Sampson's 8-yard touchdown pass to
Draper Parker.
Southern would trail 21-7 heading into the second quarter.
Quarter 2: Missouri Southern 34 | Central Missouri 35
The Lions came out firing in the second quarter, quickly finding the end zone on their first possession.
Draper Parker broke free from his defender for a 64-yard touchdown reception from
Luke Sampson. Moments later,
Jermaine Young Jr. applied pressure to force a fumble, which was recovered by
Hayden Sink to put the ball back in Sampson's hands. Southern capitalized on the turnover when
Luke Sampson connected with
Isaiah Green, who powered his way to the Mules' end zone for a 25-yard touchdown.
Drake Reese's extra point was good, tying the game at 21-21.
The Mules responded with a 2-yard touchdown of their own. Southern answered with a 12-play, 65-yard drive, capped by
Victor Chionuma's 1-yard rushing touchdown. Central Missouri entered halftime with a 35-28 lead with a touchdown in the final minute of play.
Quarter 3: Missouri Southern 40 | Central Missouri 48
On their first possession of the second half, the Mules extended their lead to 41-34. However, the Lions quickly responded as
Isaiah Padello sprinted to the end zone after hauling in a pass from
Luke Sampson, narrowing the gap to just one point at 41-40. The Lions trailed the Mules as the game entered the fourth quarter.
Quarter 4: Missouri Southern 47 | Central Missouri 62
At the 11-minute mark, the Mules extended their lead with a 1-yard rushing touchdown. The Lions answered with a quick four-play, 38-yard drive, highlighted by
Luke Sampson's 14-yard touchdown pass to
Ayden Robinson-Wayne. With the touchdown, a new MSSU single-game record for passing touchdowns was set by Sampson with six.
Despite the Lions' efforts, Central Missouri maintained their lead and secured the victory.
Missouri Southern Leaders:
Tackles: Diego Oliver – 17 (7 solo / 10 assist)
Receptions: Draper Parker - 8
Receiving Yards: Draper Parker – 102
Rushing Yards: Victor Chionuma – 51
Passing Yards: Luke Sampson – 418
-Lions-
