KEARNEY, Neb. – The University of Central Missouri Mules Football team capped its 2025 season with a 38-24 win over the Nebraska Kearney Lopers on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 15, at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium at Foster Field.
The Mules (5-6, 5-4 MIAA) jumped out to a 14-3 lead in the first quarter.
Donovyn Omolo found a wide-open
Jake Weber for a 79-yard touchdown pass at the 6:53 mark before
Keyon Butler sprinted into the end zone from eight yards out with five seconds to go in the quarter for UCM's opening 14 points.
Central Missouri increased its lead to 21-3 early in the second quarter when Omolo connected on a 14-yard touchdown pass to
Morgan Pearson and went up 24-3 at the half after
Will Peacock made a 34-yard field goal.
The Mules continued their offensive surge in the third quarter, building their advantage to 31-6 on a 14-yard touchdown reception from Omolo to
Marlon Lindsey, Jr. with just over eight minutes to go on the clock.
Nebraska Kearney (6-5, 4-5 MIAA) trimmed the lead to 31-13 after an interception return for a touchdown, but UCM answered, pushing the advantage to 38-13 when
LaAngelo Bell scampered into the end zone for a one-yard rushing touchdown with 1:18 remaining.
The Lopers trimmed the Central Missouri lead to 38-24 with a touchdown and field goal early in the fourth quarter, but the Mules'
Isaac Montgomery came up with a key interception at the 5:57 mark, getting the football back and ending the UNK threat.
Omolo went 27-of-40 for 394 yards with three passing touchdowns, while Weber had 106 receiving yards on three catches with a touchdown, pacing UCM offensively.
Lindsey Jr., Pearson, Butler, and Bell each tallied touchdowns, respectively.
Drew Kaufman,
Talon Sanders, and
Kyan Franklin each had five tackles, while Montgomery compiled an interception, leading Central Missouri defensively.
For the game, the Mules outgained the Lopers, 476 yards to 339 yards, including a 394-285 passing yards advantage and 82-54 rushing yards advantage. UCM also bested UNK in first downs, 22-17, and time of postseason, 35:25 to 24:35.
Daron Bryden went 18-of-36 for 251 yards and a touchdown, leading Nebraska Kearney.
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