Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern football team traveled to take on the Northeastern State University Riverhawks. The Lions defeated the Riverhawks, 27-20 and move to 1-4 on the season
Missouri Southern (1-4) vs. Northeastern State (0-4)
Quarter 1: Missouri Southern 0 | Northeastern State 8
The Lions'
Mitchell Cory recorded three punts, totaling 92 yards.
Holt Chappell led the defense with six tackles, followed by
Colton Bass followed with five.
Northeastern would get on the board first with one touchdown and a two-point conversion.
Quarter 2: Missouri Southern 3 | Northeastern State 12
The Riverhawks would add to their lead early in the second quarter. The Lions'
De'Shawn Larson carried the ball five times for 33 yards.
Drake Reese hit a 44-yard field goal to put the Lions on the scoreboard, but with 5:34 left before halftime. Missouri Southern trailed heading into the half.
Quarter 3: Missouri Southern 7 | Northeastern State 0
Missouri Southern came out strong after halftime, igniting their fire.
Luke Sampson led a 99-yard drive, highlighted by running back
De'Shawn Larson's 5-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 20-10.
The Lions defense would hold Northeastern State scoreless in the third quarter.
Quarter 4: Missouri Southern 17 | Northeastern State 0
In the fourth quarter, Missouri Southern continued to build momentum.
Drake Reese connected on a 27-yard field goal, bringing the Lions within a touchdown, 20-13. On their next possession,
Luke Sampson connected with wide receiver
Alex Martini on an 18-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 20-20. The Lions defense held strong, forcing another Riverhawk punt, setting the stage for Sampson to throw a 13-yard touchdown to
Draper Parker with 5:16 left on the clock, completing the 27-20 comeback.
Missouri Southern's defense sealed the victory with a late-game interception by
Marco Collins, preserving their seven-point lead.
Missouri Southern Leaders:
Tackles: Holt Chappell – 9 (4 – solo / 5 – assists)
Receptions: Draper Parker – 4
Receiving Yards: Akeem Gilmore – 53
Rushing Yards: De'Shawn Larson – 111
Passing Yards: Luke Sampson – 153
Up Next:
The Lions will be back on their home field on Saturday, October 5 when they host the University of Central Oklahoma on homecoming. Kick-off is set for 2:00 PM.
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