WARRENSBURG, Mo. (Oct. 29, 2016) -- The Mules shrugged off a slow start, rallying from a 14-point first quarter deficit before pulling away from Central Oklahoma for a 48-28 win on Saturday afternoon at Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field. The win was the fourth in a row for the Mules and improves their record to 7-2 on the season.

The Bronchos (2-7) jumped on the Mules early, scoring on their first two possessions to grab control. UCO converted a fourth down and eight from the UCM 31 with a 12-yard Chas Stallard run and on the very next play Stallard scored on a 19-yard run to put the Bronchos in front 7-0.

The Mules took just five plays to get to the UCO 32, but the drive stalled and Billy Greco's 49-yard field goal attempt hit the cross bar and was no good. Six plays later UCO found the end zone again as Clay McKenzie scored on a one-yard run and the lead was 14-0.

The UCM defense came up with a huge play early in the second quarter with the offense struggling. On 3rd and 9 at the UCO 13, Stallard was sacked by Jack Cronin and fumbled the ball. Triphinue Taylor recovered at the UCO five and two plays later Garrett Fugate scored on a three-yard run to get the Mules on the board. The PAT was blocked and the score was 14-6.



The Mules found the endzone again late in the first half. Jaylen Zachery scored on an 11-yard end around that capped a 10-play, 85-yard drive and pulled UCM within 14-13 at halftime. The big play was a 42-yard completion from Fugate to Tyler Jones that moved the ball from the UCM 19 to the UCO 42 on the second play of the drive.

The Mules took their first lead of the game on their second drive of the second half. Dylan Albertson intercepted Stallard at the UCO 43 and returned it 28 yards to set the Mules up in the red zone. On third and nine of the ensuing drive, Fugate found Zachery for a 14-yard score to put the Mules in front 20-14.

The Bronchos came right back to regain the lead. Josh Crockett returned the kickoff 43 yards to the UCM 46 and two plays later Stallard hit L'liott Curry for a 42-yard touchdown and UCO was back in front 21-20.

Nine plays later, the Mules were back in front 27-21 after a nine-play, 75-yard drive that saw Fugate score from a yard out. Personal foul and pass interference penalties against UCO accounted for 30 yards on the drive.

After the Bronchos missed a 43-yard field goal on their next drive, the Mules drove 74 yards in 10 plays to add to their lead. Fugate found Kyle Echols for a leaping 29-yard touchdown and UCM led 34-21 late in the third quarter.

UCO pulled to within 34-28 on a Jake Gandara 18-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter, but two drives later Fugate found paydirt again in the form of a 46-yard touchdown pass to a wide open Zachery and UCM led 41-28.

Albertson capped off the scoring when he returned an interception of Stallard 51 yards for a touchdown to make it 48-28. It was Albertson's second interception of the day.

Central Missouri finished the game with 397 yards of total offense, 136 on the ground and 261 through the air. Fugate was 19-of-33 passing for 261 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 91 yards and two scores on 17 carries.

Echols had a game-high six catches for 74 yards and a touchdown, while Zachery added 75 yards receiving and two touchdowns on four catches with another TD on the ground.

Tevin Teamer led the UCM defense with 14 total tackles, 11 solo stops, and a sack. John Embrey had eight tackles, while Albertson finished with six tackles, two interceptions a touchdown and a pass breakup.

Stallard was 15-of-28 passing for 157 yards and a touchdown for UCO, while T.J. Eckert was 2-of-4 for 19 yards and an INT. Stallard gained 108 yards and scored a touchdown on 17 carries, while McKenzie added 105 yards and a score on 13 rushes. Connor Pulley caught five passes for 66 yards.

Riley Galyon led the UCO defense with 10 solo tackles with two other Bronchos finishing with six apiece.

The Mules hit the road for the final time in the 2016 regular season next Saturday as they travel to Tahlequah, Okla. to take on Northeastern State. Kickoff at Doc Wadley Stadium is set for 2 p.m.