BOLIVAR, Mo. — Missouri Southern (2-0) secured a 38-31 victory over Southwest Baptist (0-1) at Plaster Stadium, highlighted by a commanding 81-yard touchdown pass that contributed to their offensive dominance.
In just his second career start as a freshman,
Tillman Martin led the Lions offense with 446 passing yards, completing 18 of 27 attempts, and throwing four touchdowns.
Ayden Robinson-Wayne contributed significantly with 100 receiving yards on four catches, including one touchdown.
Draper Parker matched Robinson-Wayne's receiving effort with five catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side,
Zach Bergmann stood out with 11 total tackles and an interception.
The first quarter saw a dynamic start with Missouri Southern's defense holding firm after Southwest Baptist opened the scoring with a 21-yard field goal at 10:52. Martin quickly responded by orchestrating a potent offensive drive, connecting with
Isaiah Green for an 81-yard touchdown pass at 9:14. Martin then found
Nathan Glades for a 36-yard touchdown, pushing the visitors ahead 14-3. Bergmann's interception at 8:05 was a decisive defensive play that set up the Lions for a commanding lead as the first quarter concluded.
The second quarter began with the Lions swiftly extending their lead as Martin connected with Robinson-Wayne on a 28-yard touchdown pass at 12:15.
Drake Reese's successful extra point made the score 21-3. During this half alone, Martin amassed an impressive 344 passing yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his exceptional performance as a freshman starter. Later in the quarter, Martin orchestrated another scoring drive, finding Robinson-Wayne again, this time for a 28-yard touchdown with 1:13 remaining, pushing the lead to 28-10. Despite a late scoring response from the Bearcats and a 97-yard kickoff return touchdown, the Lions maintained a 28-17 lead at halftime.
The third quarter opened with a thrilling moment as the Lions'
Harold Trainer returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, only to see it nullified by a penalty. Despite this setback, Martin kept the momentum with an 11-yard rush and key completions, including a 32-yard touchdown pass to Parker at 2:16, extending the lead. The defense also made a pivotal play when
Brandon Mason forced and recovered a fumble at 3:12, setting up Reese for a successful 29-yard field goal that helped maintain a comfortable lead into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter began with the Lions' defense making a crucial stand, as
Noah Conner forced a fumble recovered at the 14-yard line at 13:20. Despite a couple of setbacks, including a holding penalty and two subsequent sacks on Martin, the Lions' Glades found success in the running game, rushing for 16 yards to the Bearcats' 24-yard line. As the clock wound down, the Lions controlled the tempo with strategic kneel-downs by Martin to close out the game, securing their lead with a final score of 38-31.
