WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State fell to Central Washington 56-13 in a conference matchup at Memorial Stadium. Central Washington secured the win with a strong rushing attack, totaling 390 yards and four touchdowns.
The game was delayed for nearly 90 minutes in the first quarter due to lightning in the area. Lightning brought the game to a halt for a second time in the third quarter and play resumed after a one hour delay.
The game started with Midwestern State receiving the kickoff and beginning their drive at their own 25-yard line. However, the offense was unable to gain significant ground, resulting in a punt after three plays. Central Washington took over but was also stymied by Midwestern State's defense, highlighted by
Jake Potucek's pass breakup, forcing them to punt as well.
Midway through the first quarter, Central Washington capitalized on good field position, advancing to Midwestern State's 22-yard line before Kennedy McGill connected with Ryder Bumgarner for a 22-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was converted, putting Central Washington ahead. Midwestern State responded with a drive starting deep in their own territory, where
Jakolby Longino threw a 90-yard pass to
Jaden Coulter, leading to a 9-yard touchdown pass to
Demonte Greene.
Kohen Maroney's extra point tied the score at 7-7, closing the quarter with both teams leveled.
The second quarter began with Central Washington extending its lead with a 17-yard touchdown pass from McGill to Andrew Molloy, bringing the score to 14-7. MSU quickly responded with a strong offensive drive. Coulter's 10-yard rush set the tone, and Longino's 28-yard pass to
Jamarion Carroll brought the team to the 3-yard line. However, a holding penalty negated a subsequent touchdown run. Maroney salvaged the drive with a 31-yard field goal, narrowing the gap to 14-10.
Central Washington countered with a quick score on a 58-yard touchdown rush by McGill, extending their lead to 21-10. The Mustangs' ensuing drive was halted by a potent defensive play from the Wildcats, resulting in a 90-yard interception return for a touchdown, increasing the visitor's advantage to 28-10. Central Washington scored again on a 37-yard rush by McGill, bringing the score to 35-10.
MSU closed the quarter with a 50-yard field goal from Maroney, bringing the score to 35-13. However, the Wildcats answered immediately with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, making the score at 42-13 as the half concluded.
Central Washington opened the third quarter with a strong offensive drive, culminating in a 24-yard touchdown run by Bumgarner at 12:42. The ensuing successful extra point extended their lead to 49-13. On the subsequent possession, the Maroon & Gold started deep in their territory on the 5-yard line. Longino provided a spark with a 15-yard run to start the drive, but the team was unable to capitalize further, resulting in a punt.
The Wildcats regained possession and moved the ball effectively into MSU territory. Defensive efforts by
Oliver Jack,
Kam'rin Devault, and
Davian Watson resulted in two crucial sacks that stopped the drive, leading to a missed 48-yard field goal attempt. MSU then took over with less than three minutes remaining. Despite a promising 5-yard run by
Reginald Williams, the offense turned the ball over on downs after failing to convert on fourth-and-one. The quarter ended with Central Washington maintaining the lead at 49-13.
The Wildcats opened the fourth quarter with a scoring drive, as Ki'Marree Washington rushed for a 25-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 56-13. The Mustangs responded with a drive from their own 2-yard line, highlighted by Longino's 23-yard pass to Greene, pushing the team to the Central Washington 46-yard line. However, the drive stalled, leading to a punt.
The defense held Central Washington on their subsequent possession, forcing a turnover on downs at the MSU 6-yard line with 3:17 remaining. Despite taking over in their own territory, the Mustangs' offense could not advance past their 8-yard line, resulting in a punt with under two minutes left. Central Washington then ran out the clock on the remaining plays, leaving the final score at 56-13.
Longino completed 11 of 24 passes for 236 yards and one touchdown, adding 45 rushing yards on 11 carries. Greene contributed with three receptions for 37 yards and one touchdown. Coulter led the team in receiving yards, recording three catches for 122 yards. On defense,
Noah Bustard made an impact with eight total tackles.
Central Washington's McGill showcased a dual-threat performance, completing 7 of 9 passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 174 rushing yards and two scores on 18 carries. Sophomore Bumgarner contributed significantly, rushing for 64 yards on eight attempts and catching three passes for 39 yards, each resulting in a touchdown. On the defensive side, Brett McCalla stood out with an interception returned for 90 yards and a touchdown, while also recording five tackles. Kicker David Weber was perfect on extra points, converting all eight attempts.
Looking ahead, MSU will face Western Oregon on Saturday, November 1st at McArthur Field. Kickoff is slated for 3:05 p.m. as they prepare to play on the road.
The Mustangs hold a record of 2-6 overall and 2-4 in conference play. The Wildcats stand at 7-1 overall and 6-0 in the conference.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
