(From Missouri Southern Sports)Jefferson City, Mo. - The Missouri Southern football team played on the road for the first time in a few weeks, taking on the Blue Tigers of Lincoln in a non-conference matchup.
It was an explosive day for the Lions, defeating the Blue Tigers 63-5 to improve to 4-4 (3-4 MIAA) on the year. Their 63 points scored were the most since 2019, racking up 455 yards of offense, with 6 recovered turnovers.
Lincoln won the toss and elected to receive, but Ian McSwain picked off the Blue Tiger quarterback on their third offensive play. On the very next play, Luke Sampson found Deontay Campbell for a 28-yard touchdown to take a 7-0 lead with less than 50 seconds taken off the clock. A few minutes later, Sampson connected with Jaedon Stoshak for a 57-yard touchdown to push their lead to two scores.
The Lion offense pulled a trick play out of their book for their next score, as Sampson threw to Jaedon Stoshak behind the line of scrimmage, who then found a wide open Nick Panella for a 52-yard touchdown. Trying some trickery of their own, the Blue Tigers attempted a reverse on the ensuing kickoff, but it was fumbled and recovered by the Lions. A few plays later, Luke Sampson plunged forward for the QB sneak touchdown.
With 9:43 on the clock in the second quarter, Ty Smith gave MSSU possession back with an interception. The drive was capped off with a 26-yard touchdown run by Nathan Glades. After a Lincoln field goal, David Bethune took the next kickoff 61 yards, with an additional 15 thanks to an LU penalty. Luke Sampson connected with Alex Martini on the next play for a 17-yard touchdown, giving Southern a 42-3 lead heading into the break.
The defenses were strong in the third quarter, keeping both teams off the scoreboard in the period. MSSU's highlight of the quarter was a blocked field goal by Dylan Wright. Scoring resumed on the first play of the fourth quarter, as Anthodius Ashley ran up the middle for a 1-yard touchdown.
Southern's defense went back to work, as they took interceptions to the house on back-to-back Blue Tiger drives. The first was taken back by Shadon Shannon for about 46 yards, and the second was returned by Mason Rumsey for about 51 yards. Lincoln had a shot at the end zone with just a few seconds left in the game, but Payden Allen stopped the Blue Tigers on fourth down for a turnover on downs. They did manage to record a safety on the final play of the game, ending with a 63-5 final score.
Kicker Drake Reese tied the single game record for most extra points made, a record set back in 1972. He was 9/9 on the day. Leading the Lion ground attack was Nathan Glades, recording 111 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries. Luke Sampson only completed 6 passes on the day, but 3 of those went for touchdowns and 162 yards. He also had a rushing touchdown in the win. No receiver had more than two receptions, but Jaedon Stoshak (68) and Nick Panella (61) each eclipsed 60 yards receiving.
Three Lions recorded 7 tackles for the team-high on the afternoon, and Brian Lively recorded the team's lone sack. Along with their four interceptions, the defense had five pass break ups and three quarterback hurries.
The team will return home for their next competition, hosting the Central Missouri Mules for the Hall of Fame game. Currently ranked #17 in the nation, the Mules have had one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. Kickoff for that contest is scheduled for 2:00 PM at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.
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