Sixth ranked Missouri Western outscored Central Oklahoma in every quarter as the Grirffons defeated the Bronchos 63-30 and won their eighth straight conference game Saturday night. With the win the Griffons improve to 5-0 (4-0 MIAA).
Just like the week prior, the Griffons fell behind 7-0 after the first drive. Bronchos’ running back Adrian Nelson dove into the end zone on a 1-yard run to take a one-touchdown lead with 12:49 to play. Five minutes later, the Griffons tied the game.
Travis Partridge rushed for his first of four touchdowns on the night to tie the game. Partridge’s four rushing scores was one shy of the single-game record. Dalton Krysa gave the Griffons the lead on their next drive after his 13-yard scamper moved Missouri Western to a 14-7 lead. The score came just 38 seconds after the Griffons tied the game thanks to Austin Baska’s interception.
Nelson shook off his early turnover and scored on a 7-yard run to tie the game at 14. Raphael Spencer sped in for an 11-yard score minutes later to end the first quarter with the Griffons ahead 21-14.
After a Broncho field goal from kicker Seth Hiddink, Krysa dove inside for a 1-yard score to put the Girffons ahead 28-17. The first touchdown that wasn’t on the ground came with 10 seconds to play in the half. Partridge found Josh Walker in the end zone on a 7-yard pass as Missouri Western went into halftime with a 35-17 lead.
In the third quarter, Partridge broke open the game even more with another touchdown run. Central Oklahoma answered with two more field goals to bring the game to 42-23.
Two more touchdowns runs by Partridge were intertwined with two return touchdowns as the game continued in the fourth quarter.
Marquez Clark’s 60-yarder came after Partridge ran a 5-yard touchdown to mark the game 49-30.
Partridge added his fourth score on a 1-yarder followed by Derek Libby’s 79-yard punt return to end the game with the Griffons winning 63-30. It was the second time this season the Griffons put up 63 points. The Griffons defeated Missouri S&T on Sept. 14 63-3.
In the past four weeks, the Griffons have averaged just more than 52 points compared to giving up just 18.
Partridge finished 17 of 27 with 203 yards and one touchdown and one interception. He also had 39 yards on the ground to go with his four rushing touchdowns. Spencer finished with 221 yards on the ground on 24 attempts for a 9.2 yards per carry average. Spencer also led the team with four catches for 41 yards.
Krysa added nine carries for 51 yards and his two touchdowns.
The Griffons continue MIAA play next week at Spratt Stadium against Northeastern State. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m as the Griffons take on the RiverHawks in their homecoming matchup.
— MWSU Sports Information —