Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern Football team hosted their final home game of the season against the University of Nebraska Kearney Lopers on senior day. The Lions came out hot to overpower the Lopers and held them scoreless in the second and third quarter. Southern would take the senior day game 24-13 and move to 2-7 on the season and 1-7 in the MIAA.
Missouri Southern (2-8; 1-7) vs. Nebraska Kearney (5-5, 3-5)
Quarter 1: Missouri Southern 0 | Nebraska Kearney 7
The Nebraska-Kearney Lopers found the end zone on their opening possession, putting points on the board at the seven-minute mark to take a 7-0 lead. The Lions' defense, led by
Diego Oliver with three tackles, worked to keep the pressure on. In the final six minutes of the quarter,
Colton Bass broke up a key pass attempt, forcing the Lopers into a crucial third down. Despite the Lions' defensive efforts, Nebraska-Kearney held their 7-0 advantage as the first quarter came to a close.
Quarter 2: Missouri Southern 14 | Nebraska Kearney 7
The Lions wasted no time in the second quarter, evening the score on their opening drive. Quarterback
Luke Sampson connected with
Alex Martini for a 17-yard touchdown pass, and
Drake Reese added the extra point to tie the game at 7-7. Southern kept up the pressure on their next possession, orchestrating a 14-play, 87-yard drive capped off by a 1-yard receiving touchdown from
Trace Willhite. Missouri Southern's defense would hold the Lopers to a scoreless quarter with back-to-back six drive possessions stops.
Missouri Southern would head into the half leading the way 14-7.
Quarter 3: Missouri Southern 21 | Nebraska Kearney 7
Missouri Southern continued to build momentum in the third quarter, as Adyen Robinson-Wayne weaved through Lopers defenders on a thrilling 79-yard punt return touchdown, putting the Lions up 21-7. On the following Nebraska-Kearney drive, Stefen Black II intercepted a pass, giving possession back to the Lions.
Southern held their lead as they headed into the fourth quarter, maintaining control of the game.
Quarter 4: Missouri Southern 24 | Nebraska Kearney 13
Andrew Portillo forced a crucial fumble on Nebraska-Kearney's quarterback, which Stefen Black II recovered to regain possession for the Lions. With five minutes remaining,
Drake Reese drilled a 38-yard field goal to extend Missouri Southern's lead to 24-7.
On the ensuing kickoff,
Huston Rotich recovered the ball, giving the Lions another possession and further control of the game. Nebraska-Kearney managed to reach the end zone with just 14 seconds left on the clock, but it wasn't enough. Missouri Southern sealed a thrilling Senior Day victory over the Lopers with a final score of 24-13.
Missouri Southern Leaders:
Tackles: Diego Oliver – 7 (6 solo / 1 assist)
Receptions: Draper Parker /
Deontay Campbell– 4
Receiving Yards: Draper Parker – 57
Rushing Yards: David Bethune - 46
Passing Yards: Luke Sampson – 242
Up Next:
The Lions will be on the road for their final game of the regular season on Saturday, November 16 at 1:00 pm. Southern will travel to Warrensburg, Mo. To take on the University of Central Missouri Mules.
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