ST. LOUIS – [BOX SCORE] Missouri Baptist took a 7-3 lead into halftime against Concordia (Mich.) on Saturday, but was unable to get its offense going in the second half as MBU fell to the Cardinals 24-7 on Homecoming.
Missouri Baptist (0-9) weathered the storm on an early drive downfield by the Cardinals. Concordia drove 72 yards, worked out of a 4th and short jam all the way down to the MBU three yard line, and tried to go for it once more and was denied by the Spartan defense.
With time clicking down in the quarter, William Pratt had looked to have secured the game's first big play, but a holding call erased a 23 yard gain and stalled the drive for MBU.
The Spartans began the second quarter on defense, but quickly turned around on the ensuing drive and posted the first points of the game. MBU drove 80 yards on 14 plays, capped-off with an Austin Schultz touchdown, which game Missouri Baptist a 7-0 lead with just over six minutes remaining in the half.
Concordia made an attempt to respond late in the quarter, but a fumble erased an opportunity at a field goal. The Cardinals lined-up for a 47-yard field goal attempt, but a botched snap caused a fumble on the try, and MBU recovered.
The Spartan defense continued its solid play heading into the half. MBU held the Cardinals to a 39-yard field goal as the half closed with Missouri Baptist on top 7-3.
Spartan return man William Pratt got it going off the kickoff to begin the half. The freshman found daylight and returned the ball 46 yards to begin things in the third quarter.
Just as it looked as if MBU had gained the early momentum, the Cardinals responded. Girard Lewis capped-off a 44-yard drive with a five yard scamper into the end zone to give his team a 10-7 advantage midway through the third quarter.
Concordia extended its lead just minutes before the conclusion of the half. Kyle Oakley took the handoff and rushed for a four yard touchdown to make it 17-7 deficit for Missouri Baptist.
The Spartans began the first drive of the fourth quarter looking to get back on the board, but a costly turnover stopped the drive in the MBU zone. Jacob Hunt was picked-off by Taylor Lemanski, which led to another Concordia score, and the Cardinals took control.
Missouri Baptist struggled to get its offense going in the fourth quarter as MBU dropped its ninth game of the season.
William Pratt was outstanding for Missouri Baptist, along with Tristan Rosa. Pratt rushed 16 times for 98 yards and averaged 6.1 yards per carry.
Rosa, the sophomore from Desloge, Mo., recorded 11 total tackles, seven of which solo. Henry Epenesa also had a nice day from the defensive end position, filling-in for Maleek Ross. Epenesa recorded nine tackles, three solo, a sack and two tackles a for loss in the game.
MBU is now 1-1 in its history on homecoming. The team will have one final try for its first win of the season next week on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 against the No. 6-ranked University of St. Francis (Ind.). Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at CBC.
