JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern Football (2-1, 0-1 MIAA) was edged by Northwest Missouri State (3-1, 2-0 MIAA) Saturday afternoon at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.
MSSU now holds a 2-1 overall record and is 0-1 in MIAA conference play. The Bearcats improve to 3-1 on the season and are 2-0 in conference action.
Tillman Martin completed 14 of 25 passes for 238 yards with a touchdown.
Nathan Glades carried the ball 18 times for 60 yards and scored a touchdown.
Draper Parker caught two passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. On defense,
Zach Bergmann led the team with nine total tackles.
The first quarter opened with a series of drives marked by strategic plays from both sides.
The Lions capitalized on a strong start, as Glades rushed for a total of 18 yards on the opening drive, setting an early tone. A notable moment came at 7:06 when Martin connected with
Harold Trainer on a 17-yard pass, followed by a 10-yard completion to
Ayden Robinson-Wayne, advancing the ball with precision. Despite a missed 35-yard field goal attempt by
Drake Reese, the Lions maintained significant possession time, ending the quarter with 65 passing yards and 27 rushing yards.
The second quarter began with a strong defensive stand as
Briar McIntire tackled Quincy Torry for a loss, leading to a Bearcats turnover on downs at 13:35. Glades sparked the Lions' offense with a crucial 10-yard run, but the drive was stalled by penalties. A pivotal moment came with 2:56 remaining when
Kendall Huston intercepted a pass in the end zone, momentarily halting Northwest's momentum. However, the Bearcats found the end zone with 24 seconds left, as Te'Shaun Porter scored a 1-yard touchdown, followed by a successful extra point, concluding the half with the Lions trailing 7-0.
The third quarter began with Northwest Missouri building momentum, advancing deep into the Lions' territory before the home team defense tightened, resulting in a turnover on downs at the 3-yard line. The Lions capitalized on this defensive stand, orchestrating a 97-yard drive highlighted by a 32-yard pass from Martin to
Isaiah Green and a series of strategic rushes by Glades. This effort culminated in Glades punching in a touchdown with 3:38 left in the quarter, and Reese's successful kick tied the game at 7-7 as the quarter concluded.
The fourth quarter began with the Bearcats extending their lead to 14-7 following a 1-yard touchdown by Porter at 14:20. The Lions responded with a significant passing play as Martin connected with Parker for a 62-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 21-14 with 2:06 left in regulation. Despite the Lions' efforts, including a strategic timeout at 1:55, the Bearcats maintained control and secured the win with a final score of 21-14.
MSSU honored the life and legacy of former head coach
John Ware Saturday on the 20th anniversary of his passing.
The Lions next head to the University of Central Missouri Saturday, Sept. 27 to continue MIAA play. Kickoff is 1 p.m., CT at Walton Stadium in Warrensburg, Missouri.
