WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State (1-0) secured a 30–23 victory over Missouri Southern State (0-1) on Saturday evening at Memorial Stadium. The Mustangs capitalized on three red zone opportunities, converting them all into touchdowns.
The Mustangs began the game with an interception at MSU's 44-yard line, allowing Missouri Southern State to take over on offense. MSSU capitalized with a 43-yard field goal, taking a 3–0 lead.
After a failed offensive effort that saw a sack and a brief punt, MSSU extended its lead with a touchdown pass to Isaiah Green. However, the Mustangs responded with a blocked extra point, which
Ethan Dishman returned 88 yards for a defensive PAT, narrowing the gap to 9–2. Maroon & Gold ended the quarter on a high note, with
Kaden Brown connecting on consecutive passes to
Dalton Bailey and
Dexter Stigall IV, advancing the ball to MSSU's 5-yard line as the period concluded, with the team trailing 9–2.
Kaden Brown led the Mustangs with a 4-yard touchdown run at 14:55, quickly followed by
Kohen Maroney's successful extra point, tying the contest. Later, Brown connected with
Tyler Brown for a 62-yard touchdown pass at 10:58, extending the lead to 16–9 after another Maroney PAT. Despite a turnover on downs and penalties, MSU maintained its defensive pressure, with
Oliver Jack and
Tre'Von Bates contributing key sacks, as the Mustangs led 16-9 at the half.
The Mustangs opened the third quarter with a strong offensive performance. Brown's passing precision was evident as he completed a series of key throws, including a 13-yard pass to
Joseph Dodds and several completions to Cox, which moved the team steadily down the field.
Jaden Coulter capped off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, extending the team's lead.
Later in the quarter, Dodds and Brown continued to power the offense, with Dodds making significant rushing gains. Brown connected with Bailey for a 16-yard touchdown pass to further solidify their advantage. The period concluded with MSU leading 30–9 over the Lions, which held through the end of the game.
In the fourth quarter, Maroon & Gold maintained its lead despite a surge from MSSU. After allowing an early touchdown and extra point, MSU responded with a determined drive. Brown connected with
Aanjay Feliciano for a crucial 12-yard pass on third down, setting up a series of successful plays that steadily moved the ball downfield. Key completions to Cox and Bailey helped sustain the drive, although it later stalled with a turnover.
The Lions capitalized on an MSU fumble, narrowing the gap with another touchdown and extra point. Despite this pressure, the Mustangs effectively managed the clock with strong running from Dodds, limiting the Lions to make a comeback. MSSU had one last chance with one second remaining at the Mustangs 26-yard, but a floated pass in the endzone was knocked down by
Fabian Baez to secure the victory.
Kaden Brown led the offensive effort with 390 passing yards and two touchdowns, completing 32 of 38 attempts.
Dominic Cox contributed significantly with 10 receptions for 81 yards. On the ground,
Joseph Dodds carried the ball 13 times for 70 yards. Defensively,
Trevor Brooks secured an interception, adding a critical play to the team's performance.
Isaiah Green led the Lions with a standout performance, hauling in seven receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns. His scoring contributions were pivotal for the team. Sophomore quarterback Tillman Martin threw for 210 yards, completing 21 of 38 passes and adding two touchdowns. On the ground, Messiah Smith found the end zone once and rushed for 25 yards on six carries. Defensively, Noah Conner was instrumental with five tackles and an interception, while Riley Hammons contributed seven tackles to the team's effort.
In their next game, the Mustangs will travel to face (RV) Michigan Tech on Saturday, Sept. 5 at noon. The match will take place in Houghton, Michigan.
