Missouri Western started its season out with a 38-26 victory over Central Missouri Thursday night at Spratt Stadium.
MWSU moved the ball efficiently early on after a personal foul penalty returned the ball to the Griffons on their second drive of the game. The Griffons took full advantage of the penalty; driving 49 yards on five plays that concluded with a Travis Partridge 8-yd touchdown pass to tight end Reggie Jordan that put MWSU on top 7-0.
After Central Missouri’s drive stalled out, the Griffons steadily drove to the 21-yard line, setting up Michael Hill’s first rushing touchdown of the season. Hill’s 21-yard touchdown put Missouri Western up 14-0 with 3:25 to play in the first quarter.
MWSU continued to improve its score, taking a 21-0 advantage early in the second quarter after Hill’s second touchdown run, this time from 17-yards out. The Mules were soon intercepted by Yomi Alli, whose 18-yard return set the Griffons up with great field position at Central’s 13-yard line.
The Griffons jumped ahead by four scores when Travis Partridge connected with backup tight end Alek Ferbet for a 5-yard score, giving MWSU a comfortable 28-0 lead with 7:19 to play in the first half.
MWSU’s defense harassed Central in the first half, making the Mules switch to backup quarterback Colter Smith. The change benefited the Mules, as he led them down the field for their first score of the game, hitting Ronrei Lloyd for a 16-yard touchdown.
The Griffons still led 28-7 heading into the half.
MWSU took a 35-7 lead midway through the third quarter when Tyron Crockom caught his first touchdown of the season. Crockom’s six-yard score came one play after he caught a strike from Partridge but was out of bounds.
Central Missouri kept the game close with a 52-yard fumble recovery and score with 34 seconds left in the third. Taylor Anderson gave the Griffons three more points with a 20-yard field goal to give Missouri Western a 38-13 lead with 11:17 left in the game.
The Mules scored two more times pushing the score closer, but time ran out as MWSU took the game 38-26.
David Bass’ first sack of the season came in the first minute, putting him just a ½ sack away from tying the all-time record at MWSU which is held by Kinney Redding with 30.5.
Hill continued to his push toward a Missouri Western record. Coming into the night’s game, Hill was 596 yards away from the career rushing total record. He ended the night with 169 yards on 28 carries.
Partridge finished the first game of the season throwing 14 completions on 20 attempts for 126 yards. He connected on three touchdown passes for the third time in his career.
MWSU was 5-1 last season when scoring first and 1-0 this year. The Griffons have won six straight home games against the Mules, while winning nine of the last 10 in the series.
The Griffons take on William Jewell at 6 p.m. next Saturday, September 8th in Spratt Stadium.
— MWSU Sports Information —