Missouri Western’s defensive line gave the 12th ranked Central Missouri Mules fits all night in front of 6,251 fans finishing with seven sacks and nine tackles for a loss in the 23-6 victory. Junior defensive end David Bass tied a MWSU single game record with four sacks as Josh Charles did it back on September 25, 1999 against Washburn. Ben Pister had two sacks while Austin Baska finished with one. The Griffons sit at 1-1 on the season and 1-1 in the MIAA.
The Griffons came out with something to prove against the Mules dominating the first quarter. Western had137 yards of offense with 110 coming on the ground. The Griffons took their first lead of the 2011 season when Partridge broke through the secondary for a 68 yard scoring run with 4:55 to play in the quarter.
Western continued the dominance into the second quarter scoring 10 more points taking a 17-0 lead after a 45 yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein with 9:19 to play in the half. Western’s second touchdown came with 12:46 to play in the second quarter when Partridge hooked up with Tarrell Downing from 14 yards out capping a six play 63 yard drive.
The Mules came alive the rest of the half gaining 85 yards on their next two drives. Western held the Mules out of the end zone holding them to an Aaron Jamieson 21 yard field goal. With under a minute to play in the half the Mules drove inside the Griffons ten but a batted ball by David Bass allowed Ben Pister to intercept his first career pass, helping Western to the 14 point half time lead.
Partridge led the charge on the ground rushing for 83 yards on three rushes. Michael Hill had 27 yards on nine carries. Partridge went 8-15 for 56 yards and a touchdown while Tyron Crockum had three receptions for 25 yards.
The Griffons continued to play well in the third quarter as Jeremy Weston recorded his first of two interceptions while Bass recorded back-to-back sacks on the UCM’s second drive of the quarter. The Mules were able to cut the lead to 17-6 after a 53-yard field goal by Jamieson with 5:02 to play in the third.
In the fourth quarter Western got their three points back when Zuerlein nailed a 51 yard field goal with 14:42 to play in the game. The next possession Pister sacked UCM quarterback Tommy Corwin on back-to-back plays. The Mules drove inside Griffon territory once again but Western recorded his second interception with 9:31 to play in the contest.
Western tacked on one more field goal late in the game when Taylor Anderson nailed a 21 yard field goal giving Western the 23-6 lead and victory.
Western finished the game with 347 yards of total offense with 238 coming on the ground. Hill rushed for 113 yards on 25 carries. This was his fourth 100 yard game in his career. Partridge had 92 yards on five carries while Dominic Thomas finished with 14 yards on seven carries.
Through the air Partridge had 109 yards connecting on 14-of-26 passes. Crockum finished with three catches for 25 yards. Scott Groner finished the night with three of his six punts inside the 20 yard line averaging 37.5 yards per kick.
Central Missouri had 178 yards with 158 coming through the air and just 20 coming on the ground. Camren Torneden had 20 yards on nine carries. Tommy Corwin finished the night going 18-of-36 with three interceptions and 158 yards. Taylor Dyer had 10 receptions for 101 yards.
Thomas Madget and Pister each had eight tackles while Patrick Lewis led the charge for the Mules with 11.
Western will return home for their first non-conference game of the 2011 season when they take on the Langston University Lions in St. Joseph, Mo. on Saturday, September 17. Kickoff is set for 11:00 am in Spratt Stadium.
— MWSU Sports Information —