JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern football (3-5, 1-5 MIAA) was edged out by Missouri Western (2-6, 1-5 MIAA), 19-12, Saturday afternoon at Fred G. Hughes Stadium, despite MSSU scoring a safety and blocking a punt over the Homecoming game.
MSSU now holds a record of 3-5 overall and sits at 1-5 in MIAA conference play. The Griffons stand at 2-6 overall, with a matching league record of 1-5.
Isaiah Green contributed with two receptions for 23 yards and added a touchdown.
Sophomore
Isaiah Padello was a key target in the passing game, finishing with five catches for a career-best 134 yards. It marked the first career 100-plus yard receiving game for the Mililani Mauka, Hawaii, product.
Freshman quarterback
Tillman Martin completed 11 of 18 passes for 87 yards and threw one touchdown. On defense, redshirt senior linebacker
Zach Bergmann recorded a team-high eight total tackles and intercepted a pass.
Chris Donohue took over at quarterback after Martin took a hard hit and finished 9-for-15 for 133 yards.
MSSU began the first quarter by receiving the kickoff, but its initial drive stalled after Martin's pass to
Ayden Robinson-Wayne was broken up.
Nathan Glades was tackled for a 1-yard loss, followed by a 6-yard sack on Martin, forcing a punt. MWSU capitalized with a 25-yard field goal by Spencer Sprenger after a series of successful plays, taking a 3-0 lead.
On the subsequent drive, the Lions struggled to gain yardage, resulting in a punt. Missouri Western extended its lead to 10-0 with a 7-yard touchdown run by Rickie Dunn.
However, Southern responded as Martin connected with Green for a 9-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 10-7 to conclude the opening period.
The second quarter began with a challenging series for MSSU, as Martin faced pressure resulting in a sack deep in their territory, followed by a strategic 61-yard punt by
Mitchell Cory to shift field position. The Griffons capitalized on the turnover that followed, with Brandon Hall rushing for a 4-yard touchdown, though the extra point attempt failed. MSSU responded with a promising drive, where Martin connected with Padello for a significant 28-yard gain, but the drive ended on a turnover on downs.
Late in the quarter, the defense made a crucial stand, holding Missouri Western to a missed 36-yard field goal attempt. The Lions then advanced to midfield, aided by Glades' 12-yard rush and a subsequent personal foul on the visitors. However, the drive concluded abruptly with an interception by Brecken Manus as time expired. The quarter ended with Mo. Southern St. trailing 16-7.
The third quarter began with a significant momentum shift as MSSU earned a safety, thanks to a blocked punt by
Hayden Sink, narrowing the deficit to 16-11. Following the safety, the Lions capitalized on the change in momentum with a drive that culminated in a 24-yard field goal by
Asher Huffman, further cutting the Griffons' lead to 16-12.
Southern's defense maintained pressure, highlighted by
Kendall Huston's sack that forced a Griffons' punt. Despite the defensive strength, the period concluded without additional scoring from either side, as both teams traded possessions. As the quarter closed, the score remained tight with Missouri Western holding onto a slim 16-12 lead.
The fourth quarter opened with Missouri Western extending its lead through a 45-yard field goal by Mason Grove, pushing the score to 19-12. MSSU attempted to respond, but a pass by Donohue was intercepted by TreVon Holmes, stalling the momentum.
Despite a defensive interception from Bergmann, the Lions struggled to capitalize on the turnover. A 23-yard completion from Donohue to Padello provided a brief spark, but the drive ended without additional points. The Griffons maintained control and ran out the clock, securing the 19-12 victory.
MSSU next takes on rival Pittsburg State Saturday, Nov. 1 at Carnie Smith Stadium in Pittsburg, Kansas. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m., CT.
