Griffons’ rally falls short in 17-16 loss to Central Oklahoma

riggertST. JOSEPH – A 17-point halftime deficit was too much for the Missouri Western football team to overcome on Homecoming Saturday at Spratt Stadium. The Griffons (4-3) lost for the first time in a month, 17-16 to Central Oklahoma (4-3).

Missouri Western dominated the stat sheet, but 10 points off two first half interceptions helped UCO to the advantage on the scoreboard. Down 17-14 with 1:49 left, the Griffons drove 52 yards on 11 plays to set up a potential game-tying field goal for Sam Aviles from 45 yards out. The reigning MIAA Special Teams Athlete of the Week left the kick a little short and allowed UCO to take over and run the clock down before running it out by taking a safety on a fourth and 16.

NOTABLES

Central Oklahoma led 17-0 at halftime, but the Griffons stormed back in the second half, scoring on two Dom Marino rushing touchdowns
Missouri Western outgained UCO 418-229 on offense. The 229 yards by UCO were the second fewest given up by the Griffons this season
The Griffons had 300 yards rushing and limited UCO to 135 on the ground
Central Oklahoma managed just 94 yards passing on the Griffon defense, only 36 in the second half. The 94 yards passing were the fewest by a Griffon opponent this season.
Missouri Western averaged 6.1 yards per play while UCO averaged 3.8
The Griffons punted just three times, once a pooch punt while UCO punted five times
UCO stayed away from the Griffons’ dangerous punt return duo, holding the Brandin Dandridge and Carlos Thompson to a total of two yards on two punt returns
After throwing just two interceptions through the first six games, UCO picked off Dom Marino twice in the game, setting up a touchdown and a field goal in the first half

LEADERS

Dom Marino rushed for a career-high 121 yards with two touchdowns on top of his 118 yards passing
Derek Gray Jr. also had a career rushing day, going for a career-best 82 yards
Keylan Mack led the team with four catches and 56 receiving yards
Kobe Cummings led the team for a third-straight week with nine total tackles
James Huskey had eight total tackles and 1.5 sacks

UP NEXT

MWSU travels to Emporia State (4-3) next Saturday for a 2 p.m. kickoff
Emporia State has won its last two, including a 41-23 victory at Central Missouri, Saturday

— MWSU Athletics —