JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern St. (1-0) defeated Midwestern St. (0-1) 33-19, with a strong rushing attack contributing three touchdowns at Fred G. Hughes Stadium on Saturday evening. This marked the first time Midwestern State played the Lions in Joplin, Mo. for the first time in program history.
 
Midwestern St. opened the first quarter with a quick strike, as Jakolby Longino connected with Demonte Greene on a flea-flicker 75-yard touchdown just 13 seconds into the quarter, giving the Mustangs an early 7-0 lead. After the Lions tied the game at 7-7 with a sustained drive, MSU responded with a methodical 14-play series, capped by a 2-yard rushing touchdown from Longino as time expired in the quarter, pushing the score to 13-7. The team displayed efficiency on third down conversions, completing three out of four attempts, and secured a total of 133 passing yards in the quarter.
 
The second quarter saw MSSU taking the lead with a methodical drive that culminated in a Drake Reese 33-yard field goal at 09:42, bringing the score to 13-10. The Mustangs responded with a precise passing game led by Longino, who connected with Cameron Thomas for an 18-yard gain and later found Greene for a crucial 16-yard completion down to the 8-yard line. This drive resulted in a 26-yard field goal by Joseph Carlson with 01:08 left, before the Lions' Reese hit a 43-yard field goal as time expired to take a 20-16 lead into halftime.
 
The third quarter began with a strategic kickoff by Carlson, resulting in a touchback for Midwestern St. Longino led a series of successful plays, including a 9-yard pass to Malakai Matthews and a significant 16-yard rush by Christian Olige, although the drive ultimately ended with a turnover on downs at the 7:43 mark. The quarter concluded without scoring, as a penalty on Mo. Southern St. negated an interception, allowing Midwestern St. to maintain possession deep in opponent territory.
 
The fourth quarter began with Midwestern St. securing three points after Carlson made a 30-yard field goal at 14:02, narrowing the score to 26-19. Longino facilitated a series of successful plays, connecting with Greene and Conner Dunphy for significant yardage, including a 27-yard pass to Greene. Despite a promising drive, the Mustangs was unable to capitalize in the red zone, with a fumble at the MSSU 4-yard line ending a critical opportunity. The Lions responded by extending their lead with a touchdown run by Victor Chionuma, bringing the final score to 33-19.
 
Longino led the Mustangs offense with 359 passing yards on 31-of-38 attempts, adding one touchdown through the air and another on the ground with 9 rushing yards from six carries. Greene was a standout target, hauling in six receptions for 143 yards and one touchdown. On the defensive side, Noah Bustard made significant contributions with a team-high 10 tackles. Ezra Davidson followed closely with nine tackles, while Jylun Spence added six tackles to the defensive effort.
 
Mo. Southern St.'s offense was highlighted by freshman quarterback Tillman Martin, who completed 17 of 22 passes for 164 yards and one touchdown. Senior running back Nathan Glades led the rushing attack with 93 yards on 15 carries and scored twice. Draper Parker, a senior wide receiver, added 63 receiving yards on four catches, including one touchdown.
 
On defense, senior linebacker Zach Bergmann was a standout, contributing a game-high 14 tackles. Junior defensive lineman Tugase Williams played a key role with three tackles and a fumble recovery.
 
In their next game, Midwestern St. will play their home opener as they take on #10 Western Colorado at home in Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for September 6 at 7 p.m. Read Full Article