WARRENSBURG, Mo. — Missouri Southern Football (2-2, 0-2 MIAA) fell at Central Missouri (2-2, 2-0 MIAA), 62-10, Saturday afternoon at Audrey J. Walton Stadium.
The Lions are now 2-2 overall and 0-2 in conference play. UCM improved to 2-2 on the season and remained undefeated in MIAA play at 2-0.
Tillman Martin connected on 10 of his 24 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown, while also being intercepted twice. On the receiving end,
Huston Rotich made his mark with a touchdown catch among his 11 receiving yards. Defensively,
Zach Bergmann led the charge with eight total tackles.
Diego Oliver contributed significantly as well, recording seven tackles from his position in the defensive backfield.
The Mules scored 35 points in the second quarter alone, with their rushing attack accounting for six touchdowns over the game. The Lions struggled with turnovers, throwing three interceptions.
The game commenced with the Lions receiving the opening kickoff, starting their drive at the 25-yard line. Martin efficiently moved the offense downfield with a series of passes, including a significant 25-yard completion to
Ayden Robinson-Wayne, augmented by a 15-yard face mask penalty against the Mules. However, the drive was halted by a MSSU fumble at the UCM 30-yard line, ending a promising series.
The Mules capitalized on the turnover, and after a series of short gains, Donovyn Omolo broke through with a 32-yard rushing touchdown, putting them ahead 7-0. The Lions responded with a determined drive, including a notable 36-yard rush by
Draper Parker, but they were unable to convert the opportunity, missing a 37-yard field goal attempt. As the first quarter concluded, the Lions trailed the Mules by a score of 7-0.
The second quarter began with the Mules capitalizing on favorable field position, scoring a touchdown early in the period to increase their lead. The Lions responded effectively, as Martin's 21-yard rush, aided by a 15-yard personal foul penalty on the Mules, set up a promising drive.
Nathan Glades' 22-yard rush further advanced the ball, culminating in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Martin to Rotich, closing the gap to 14-7.
The Mules quickly answered with a 63-yard touchdown run, regaining their two-touchdown advantage. The Lions encountered challenges on their next possession, unable to gain significant ground and ultimately punting. UCM extended its lead with another touchdown, making it 28-7. The Lions continued to struggle offensively, with an interception late in the quarter returned for a touchdown by the Mules, closing the half with the Lions trailing 42-7.
The third quarter began with the Mules maintaining momentum, as they advanced 75 yards on a methodical drive capped by a 3-yard touchdown run. Southern responded with a determined offensive effort. Martin connected with
Isaiah Padello for a 29-yard gain, propelling the team into scoring position. This drive culminated in a successful 36-yard field goal by
Drake Reese, narrowing the deficit.
UCM's offense remained consistent, adding a late field goal to extend their lead. Southern attempted to rally but faced a turnover in the closing seconds of the quarter. The period ended with the Mules holding a 52-10 advantage.
The fourth quarter began with UCM advancing from the Southern 16-yard line, resulting in a touchdown by Mac Harper on a one-yard rush, followed by a successful extra point, extending their lead.
Southern then mounted a response with
Chris Donohue connecting with
Dmitri Lloyd for 21 yards, driving deep into Central territory. However, the drive ended with an interception by Izziek Chandler in the end zone.
UCM maintained control for much of the remaining quarter, with a series of rushing plays by Jayden Lang, culminating in a 34-yard field goal by Will Peacock. Southern's final drive started with under a minute left and concluded with an eight-yard rush by
Allen Mitchell as time expired. The game closed with the Mules ahead, with a final score of 62-10.
MSSU next returns home to host Fort Hays State Saturday, Oct. 4 for Military/First Responder's Appreciation Day. Kickoff is 1 p.m., CT at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.
