ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Quarterback
Zach Zebrowski threw for 385 yards and five touchdowns leading the University of Central Missouri Mules football team to a 45-38 victory over the Missouri Western Griffons in the 2023 season opener for both teams Thursday, August 31, at Spratt Memorial Stadium.
The Mules (1-0, 1-0 MIAA) are scheduled to host Central Oklahoma (1-0, 1-0 MIAA) for their 2023 home opener at Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field in Warrensburg Saturday, Sept. 9, at 1 p.m. The contest will also be the annual "Get the Red Out" game and Military Appreciation Day.
A redshirt junior from Woodbury, Minn., Zebrowski converted 29 out of 39 pass attempts for his 385 yards through the air in his debut with Central Missouri.
Arkell Smith added 136 yards on 11 catches and reeled in a 58-yard touchdown pass while
Michael Fitzgerald II tallied six catches for 101 yards with a touchdown.
Zion Perry,
Price Morgan and
Jack Pospisil also each compiled touchdowns through the air.
Marcellous Hawkins ran for 66 yards with a touchdown, pacing UCM on the ground.
Defensively for the Mules,
Curtis Appleton II tallied a team-high seven tackles and recovered a fumble while
Cale Miller,
Noah Blair and
Wyryor Noil each had interceptions. Noil's interception with 51 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for the Mules.
Central Missouri outgained Missouri Western (0-1, 0-1 MIAA) for the game, 599-362, including a 486-247 advantage in passing. The Griffons narrowly bested UCM in rushing yards, 115-113.
Armani Edden went 15-for-23 with a touchdown and 180 yards, leading the Griffons in the contest.
