ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western football team got back on the winning track Saturday with a 26-16 victory over Central Oklahoma in the team’s first home game of 2015.

Western got its running game going early after just 37 rushing yards last week in an 18-17 loss at Central Missouri, the Griffons rushed for 201 yards against UCO, including 113 from Raphael Spencer and 129 from Josh Caldwell. Spencer averaged 6.4 yards per carry and Caldwell averaged 10.6 with one touchdown. Overall, the Missouri Western offense racked up 453 yards of offense and outgained UCO by 103 yards.

The Griffons jumped out to a 26-0 lead on a 76-yard touchdown catch by Dee Toliver on the team’s first play of the second half. UCO had chances late after scoring 16 unanswered points in the second half but the Griffon defense held, getting a key interception from Michael Jordan, his second of the game, with 14 seconds remaining and the Bronchos driving in Griffon territory. The Griffons hauled in three interceptions in the game with Sam Brown adding another in the end zone on a UCO scoring opportunity.

Skyler Windmiller finished the day nine of 23 for 252 yards a touchdown and an interception. Caldwell had 16 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown. Spencer had 19 carries for 113 yards. Dee Toliver caught just three passes, but all big ones, as he totaled 162 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Missouri Western faces another Oklahoma opponent next week when they travel to Northeastern State for the MIAA TV game of the week on Saturday, September 19 at 2:30 p.m.  The game will be broadcast on 680 KFEQ and here on StJosephPost.com.

— MWSU Sports Information —