EDMOND, Okla. — Missouri Southern State fell 44-17 to Central Oklahoma in a conference matchup at Chad Richison Stadium, with Central Oklahoma (5-5) dominating with 471 total yards of offense.
Missouri Southern holds a record of 3-7 overall and 1-7 in conference play. Central Oklahoma stands at 5-5 overall with a 5-3 record in conference games.
Quarterback
Tillman Martin completed 15 of 34 passes for 125 yards and threw one touchdown without an interception.
Isaiah Padello caught three passes for 61 yards and secured two touchdowns. On defense,
Shawn Smith contributed with six total tackles and recovered a fumble for eight yards.
Colton Bass led the team with eight tackles and also forced a fumble.
Missouri Southern State's first period began with a strategic but challenging start. After receiving the kickoff, the drive stalled with three incomplete passes from Martin, leading to a punt. The defense responded promptly, with
Zach Bergmann executing a tackle for loss on Central Oklahoma's initial play, but the opponent capitalized on a penalty to extend their drive. Missouri Southern's defense held firm in the red zone before Central Oklahoma crossed into the end zone, establishing an early 7-0 lead. Missouri Southern capitalized on special teams with
Ayden Robinson-Wayne's 24-yard punt return setting up excellent field position. However, the offense managed only a short gain, resulting in a successful 42-yard field goal by
Asher Huffman to put Missouri Southern on the board. The quarter concluded with Missouri Southern down 7-3.
The second quarter began with a momentum shift as Missouri Southern halted Central Okla.'s advance at the 3-yard line, resulting in a turnover on downs. Despite being pinned deep in their territory, the Lions struggled to capitalize, eventually punting after a series of short gains and a sack. Central Okla. then broke through with a touchdown pass from Jett Huff to Hagen Hacker, extending their lead. Missouri Southern responded with
Nathan Glades leading a determined drive, gaining crucial first downs. However, a fumble by Martin was quickly recovered by
Alex Curry to maintain possession. This resilience set up a dramatic end to the half as Martin connected with Padello on a 31-yard touchdown pass as time expired, narrowing the deficit. The first half concluded with Central Okla. leading 21-10.
The third period began with Missouri Southern kicking off to Central Okla., setting the stage for a defensive challenge.
Nyjahl Vaughn and
Da'Marion Brownlee contributed significant tackles early, including a tackle for loss by Brownlee that momentarily disrupted the opponent's offensive momentum. However, Central Okla. capitalized on a sustained 73-yard drive culminating in a rushing touchdown by Dev Mathews, extending their lead to 28-10. Missouri Southern sought to respond with Glades gaining a modest two yards on the ground, but the drive stalled, leading to a 48-yard punt by
Mitchell Cory that temporarily shifted field position. Despite a subsequent 11-yard pass completion from Martin to
Huston Rotich, Missouri Southern could not maintain the drive, and Central Okla. added a field goal with under a minute remaining in the quarter, closing the period at 31-10.
The fourth quarter commenced with Central Oklahoma building on their lead with a 1-yard touchdown run by Dev Mathews, extending their advantage early in the period. The Lions responded defensively when
Riley Hammons blocked a point-after attempt, a momentum shift furthered by Smith's recovery of a fumble forced by Bass on Central Oklahoma's subsequent possession. This turnover set up a 23-yard touchdown pass from
Chris Donohue to Padello, narrowing the deficit to 37-17 after a successful PAT by Huffman. Despite the defensive effort, Central Oklahoma regained control, moving down the field on their next drive and capping it with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Clayton Creasey to Braden Turner. Southern's subsequent drive stalled after a turnover on downs and a series of incomplete passes. Central Oklahoma maintained possession in the final minutes, employing a series of kneel downs to secure the 44-17 victory as the game concluded.
The Lions will close out the regular season at home next Saturday against Washburn, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. as they celebrate Senior Day at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.
