WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- Central Missouri built a 23-6 third quarter lead against No. 3 Northwest Missouri, but a late rally by the Bearcats culminated with the game-winning touchdown with just 34 seconds left. The loss drops UCM to 1-2 on the season.
The final drive covered 73 yards in just five plays as Bearcat quarterback Brady Bolles went 3-for-4 for 66 yards before he called his own number on a seven-yard quarterback draw that proved to be the game-winner.
The Mules led by 10, 30-20, with just over nine minutes to play in the game following a 28-yard
Garrett Fugate to
Ian Toalson touchdown pass on fourth down. Toalson caught the ball running toward the UCM sideline, stiff-armed a defender to the turf and trotted in to the endzone for the score. Northwest answered right back with a 66-yard Bolles to Shawn Bane touchdown pass on the second play of the ensuing drive to pull NWMSU within three.
The late game fury of points was a far contrast from the first half when both defenses seemed to have the upper hand.
After a three-and-out to start the game for the Mules and a short punt, Northwest (3-0) drove to the UCM 26 before stalling. A 43-yard Simon Mathiesen field goal put the Bearcats in front 3-0. The Mules answered back with a 31-yard
Billy Greco field goal with under five minutes to play in the opening quarter to tie the game at 3-all.
The Bearcats went back in front on a 33-yarder from Mathieson with just over five minutes to play in the first half. That lead stood until late in the half when Fugate hit
Jordan Keeney for an 11-yard score to put UCM in front. The extra point was blocked, the second of three special teams blocks for the Bearcats, and the Mules led 9-6 at halftime.
UCM struck first in the third quarter. On the second play of the half
Kadarius Green picked off a Bolles pass to set UCM up at their own 32. Four plays later Fugate hit
Jaylen Zachery for a 28-yard touchdown pass to extend the UCM lead to 16-6. Zachery made a great leaping, twisting catch in the endzone for the score.
Two drives later, following a Bearcat fumble, Fugate rushed in from three yards out and the Mules led 23-6.
The UCM defense held on the next possession and Northwest's 33-yard field goal attempt was wide right. On the first play of the ensuing drive UCM fumbled and the Bearcats took advantage. Two plays later Bolles found Clayton Wilson for an eight-yard score and it was 23-13 Mules.
UCM spoiled a long kickoff return by
Jackson Newman by going three and out on their next possession. The resulting punt was blocked and finally went out of bounds at the UCM five yard line. Bane took a handoff on the first NWMSU play from scrimmage and ran it in for a touchdown to cut the lead to 23-20. The game stayed that way until early in the fourth quarter when Toalson's touchdown gave the Mules that 10-point lead.
Both teams finished with 346 yards of total offense in the game. The Mules had 280 through the air and 66 on the ground, while NWMSU finished with 287 passing and 59 on the ground.
Fugate was 20-of-41 for 280 yards and three scores. Zachery caught five passes for 75 yards and a score, while
Andrew Bakker caught three balls for 48 yards.
Markel Smith was held to 45 yards rushing on 14 carries.
Bolles finished the day 22-of-44 for 287 yards with a pair of scores and three interceptions. Bane caught six passes for 105 yards and a TD, while Cameron Wilcox was held to 27 yards rushing on seven carries.
Austin Miller led the Mules defensively with 10 tackles, a tackle for loss, half a sack and a fumble recovery. Jacob Vollstedt led the Bearcats with 13 tackles and a sack. Brock Sherman had three tackles for loss, a sack, forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
The Mules look to rebound next Saturday when they travel to Kearney, Nebraska to take on the Lopers of UNK at 3 p.m. at Cope Stadium at Foster Field. The game can be heard live on 1450 KOKO, 98.5 The Bar and warrensburgradio.com with Greg Hassler on the call.
