Travis Partridge engineered a come-from-behind victory against Missouri Southern, topped by a record-breaking 99-yard touchdown pass — the longest play from scrimmage for Missouri Western — as the Griffons won 35-21.

The Griffons fell behind 21-17 at halftime but came back for the win. The momentum switched sides as Missouri Western took a 28-21 lead with 3:15 left in the third quarter. Behind by a point, Partridge nailed Stephon Weaver on a six-yard pass for the score. Reggie Jordan caught the ensuing two-point conversion to move the Griffons ahead by a touchdown, 28-21.

Two drives later, the Lions moved all the way down to the goal line, but Abranas Elliott forced a Giresse Forchu fumble at the 1-yard line. John Oglesby recovered the ball instantly, and on the next play, Partridge and the offense made the Lions pay with a history-breaking play.

Partridge hit Josh Walker for a 99-yard touchdown pass to give the Griffons their longest play from scrimmage of all-time. The touchdown put the Griffons ahead 35-21 and they left Joplin with a victory for the second straight time.

The game started with Partridge hitting Daylon Haper in the end zone for six. Raphael Spencer followed that score with one of his own, a 1-yard rush after Southern’s Terrance Allen fumbled on the Lions opening play from scrimmage. The quick 14-0 lead helped the Griffons early on. But the Lions came back and went on a 21-3 run to end the half ahead 21-17. The Griffons didn’t allow another point and scored 18 of their own.

Partridge finished the day going 15 of 28 with 244 yards and three scores. He had zero turnovers on the day as well. Spencer added 20 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown.

John Schmiemeier made both of his field goals with a long of 41 yards. The Lions were led by running back Chris Barnwell, who had 21 carries for 128 yards.

MWSU returns home for a matchup with Pittsburg State Saturday afternoon. The game starts at 1:30 p.m. at Spratt Stadium.

— MWSU Sports Information —