Box Score (HTML) | Season Stats
JOPLIN, Mo. -- Central Missouri rallied from a 31-16 fourth quarter deficit to beat Missouri Southern 34-31 in overtime on Saturday afternoon at Fred G. Hughes Stadium. The Mules forced an MSSU turnover in overtime and
Will Mondragon booted a 33-yard field goal for the win.
The Lions (2-3, 2-3 MIAA) took an early 14-0 lead as they controlled the line of scrimmage and time of possession in the first half. Giresse Forchu had touchdown runs of 12 and 22 to stake Missouri Southern to the early lead.
The Mules (3-2, 3-2 MIAA) got back into the game late in the first quarter when
LaVance Taylor rushed right, cut back left and out-ran the Lion defenders 62 yards to the end zone to pull UCM within 14-7. UCM forced a three and out on the next MSSU possession and on the punt, Lion punter Kyle Jaski dropped the ball and was tackled at his own 15. On the very next play,
Hayden Hawk hit
Cullen Rosine on a crossing pattern for an easy 15-yard touchdown. The PAT was no good and UCM trailed 14-13.
The Lions took their next possession 50 yards in nine plays and capped it off with a Brock Renken 39 yard field goal to extend their lead to 17-13.
The Mules got the ball back and drove deep into Lion territory, but Hawk's pass on second and 13 was intercepted to halt the drive. MSSU marched right down the field and Michael Nelson punched it in from four yards out and the Lions led 24-13.
The Mules turned the ball over on their next possession giving Missouri Southern the ball at the UCM 37 with just over a minute left in the half. The Mule defense held thought and forced a 52-yard field goal attempt that sailed wide left and UCM trailed 24-13 at halftime.
UCM took the opening drive of the second half and marched down to the Southern 29, but Hawk was intercepted by Michael Burks at the two-yard line and the Lions took over. Missouri Southern gave it right back, however, as Nelson fumbled and
Connor Smith recovered at the Lion 40 yard line.
The Mules cashed in on the turnover and Mondragon booted a 27-yard field goal to pull UCM within 24-16.
Missouri Southern quickly added to their lead as they drove 58 yards in 10 plays to add another touchdown, a two-yard plunge by Forchu, to lead 31-16 with just under a minute left in the third quarter. The Lions converted three third downs on the drive to extend their advantage.
The teams traded punts to start the fourth quarter before UCM got the ball back on the Missouri Southern 45 yard line after a 17 yard punt return by
Jaylen Zachery. UCM went all 45 yards in 10 plays, capped by a Hawk two-yard scramble for a touchdown. On the PAT the Mules were whistled for a false start and on the second try
Garrett Fugate ran it in for a two-point conversion to cut the deficit to seven at 31-24 with 8:13 to play in the game.
The UCM defense, which had been swarming late in the game, forced a three and out and after a 49-yard punt the Mules took over at their own 37 with 6:36 to play in the game. Taylore had runs of 13 and 12 and then a pass reception of 14 yards to give the Mules a first down at the Lion 24. Following a
Ray Harris six-yard gain, Hawk hit
Kyle Echols for an 18-yard score and UCM tied the game at 31-all.
Both teams had possessions late with a chance to win, but neither could muster any points and the game went to overtime.
The Lions went on offense first and after converting a third and seven from the 22, they faced a third and goal at the 10-yard line. MSSU fumbled the ball and
Kadarius Green recovered to keep the Lions off the scoreboard.
The Mules had rushes of six, one and two yards on their offensive possession setting up a 33-yard field goal attempt. Mondragon drilled the kick right down the middle and the Mules were victorious, 34-31.
It was the first overtime game for UCM during the
Jim Svoboda era and the first since 2007.
UCM finished with 342 yards of total offense compared to 392 for Missouri Southern. The Mules rushed for 140 yards and passed for 202, while the Lions ran for 305 and passed for 87.
Taylor finished the day with 120 yards rushing on 18 carries with a touchdown. He also added four receptions for 46 yards. Hawk was 20-of-33 for 202 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also added a rushing score.
Ricky Spratley led the Mule defense with a career-high 19 tackles, including two tackles for loss and a sack. Smith had 13 tackles with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery and
Alex Perlin also had 13 tackles.
Scott Lathrop led MSSU with 93 yards on 18 carries. Forchu had 89 yards on the ground and three scoring runs. Lathrop was 6-of-11 passing for 87 yards.Breon Matlock led the Lion defense with nine tackles.
The Mules return home next Saturday, Oct. 11 to host Washburn at 1:30 p.m. The game can be heard live on 1450 KOKO, 98.5 The Bar and warrensburgradio.com with Greg Hassler and Bill Turnage on the call. The Mules Tailgate Show will begin at 12:20 p.m. A student-run pay-per-view webcast will also be available from the UCM Media Network. The webcast can be access through UCM's Stretch Internet portal with links on UCMathletics.com.
