JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern football (3-4, 1-4 MIAA) defeated Nebraska Kearney (5-3, 3-3 MIAA), 24-16 Saturday at Fred G. Hughes Stadium, highlighted by a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown by
RJ Hill.
MSSU improved to 3-4 overall and 1-4 in conference play following the victory. The Lopers moved to 5-3 on the season and 3-3 in MIAA conference competition.
Hill recorded two interceptions, one of which he returned 70 yards for a touchdown, to go with five tackles as the Lions picked up their first MIAA win of the season and surpassed MSSU's win total from 2024.
MSSU also beat the Lopers for the third-straight season.
Tillman Martin completed 10 of 15 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns.
Nathan Glades rushed for 64 yards on 17 attempts and added a 39-yard touchdown reception. On defense,
Colton Bass contributed with a team-high eight total tackles and an interception.
The game opened with MSSU deferring the kickoff, allowing UNK to start its drive at the Lopers' 25-yard line following a touchback. The Lions defense held strong, with notable tackles by
Zach Bergmann and
Kason Messenger, eventually forcing a punt that set MSSU up at its 11-yard line.
On offense, the Lions initiated a promising drive, marked by a 28-yard pass from Martin to
Trace Willhite and a significant 22-yard rush by Glades. This drive culminated in a successful 29-yard field goal by
Asher Huffman, putting the home team ahead.
As the quarter concluded, Southern maintained control, leading 3-0 after Huffman's field goal and a subsequent defensive stand that kept the Lopers from scoring.
The second quarter began with a significant play by MSSU when Hill intercepted a pass from Daron Bryden and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown. This play turned the momentum in favor of the Lions, with Huffman successfully converting the extra point to extend the lead.
UNK's subsequent drive was halted by a missed field goal attempt, keeping the visitors scoreless. MSSU capitalized on its defensive efforts with
Allen Mitchell rushing for a first down, though the ensuing possession ended in a punt. The half concluded with the Lions maintaining a 10-0 lead over the Lopers.
MSSU initiated the third quarter with a significant drive, highlighted by Martin's precise passing. The sequence included a key 42-yard completion to
Draper Parker, setting up Martin to connect with Parker again for a 1-yard touchdown pass at 11:04, expanding Missouri Southern's lead to 17-0 following Huffman's successful extra point.
UNK responded by advancing deep into MSSU territory, reaching the 3-yard line. However, the defense held firm, with
Shawn Smith and Bass making crucial tackles to stop UNK on fourth down, forcing a turnover at the 2-yard line. As the third quarter concluded, Southern maintained its 17-point advantage, successfully defending its lead through consistent defensive efforts and strategic play execution.
As the fourth quarter began, the Lopers quickly narrowed the gap with a touchdown pass from Bryden to Dae'vonn Hall, making the score 17-7. MSSU responded effectively with Martin connecting on a 39-yard touchdown pass to Glades, extending the lead to 24-7.
UNK mounted pressure, scoring through a safety and later a touchdown pass to Ryker Evans, adjusting the scoreline to 24-16.
However, the Lions' defense held firm, with Hill intercepting Bryden's pass at a critical juncture. Despite a safety conceded, MSSU maintained their lead, securing a 24-16 victory.
Saturday's contest was delayed over two hours due to lightning and inclement weather with kickoff moved to 3 p.m. from the scheduled 1 p.m. start.
MSSU next hosts Missouri Western State Saturday, Oct. 25 for the Lions' Homecoming. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m., CT at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.
