ST. LOUIS – [BOX SCORE] After a big offensive explosion in week one, the Spartan offense sputtered in game two in the season opener against Siena Heights (Mich.). Missouri Baptist entered the half tied with the Saints, but struggled with turnovers in a 38-10 loss on Saturday.
Missouri Baptist (0-2) posted the first touchdown of the game after incurring a three point hole late in the first quarter. The Spartans responded, however, and looked as if it had its' offense back on track. Billy Ritchey connected with his favorite receiver, Isaiah King, for a 54-yard score on the next possession to make it a 7-3 lead for MBU.
The Spartan defense held its ground in the first half. Missouri Baptist held the Saints to a late touchdown on a six yard run by Garrett Schaller to tie the game at 10 apiece. It was the second half, however, that Siena Heights' offense got rolling.
The Saints, aided by five turnovers for the Spartans on the day, came roaring back in the second half. Siena Heights recorded 28 unanswered points, including a late touchdown with 3:04 remaining by Tony Addison to ice the game and secure a 38-10 win.
The lone Spartan touchdown on the day came on a long strike from Ritchey to King once again. A holding penalty from Siena Heights saved the drive on third and 10 from the Spartan 25. The penalty bumped Missouri Baptist up to the 46, and put King on the receiving end of another big pass play. The touchdown was the third of the year for the Freshman from Belleville East High School. King recorded two receptions for 57 yards and led the receiving corps on the day.
Nick Gilliam got the start at quarterback for the Saints as an injury to projected starter Lucas Barner shifted the depth chart for Siena Heights on Wednesday. Gilliam, who threw three touchdowns and three interceptions a season ago against Missouri Baptist in Ann Arbor, went 13-24 on the day.
Edwardsville High School standout Kendell Davis saw time at running back on Saturday and looked good on three carries. Davis busted out for 53 yards as the elusive back was one of nine ball carriers for Missouri Baptist on the day.
The second half began as both teams' drives were stalled, but back-to-back turnovers were the story for the Spartans on Saturday. Turnovers on consecutive drives in the third quarter led to 14 points for the Saints and sealed the fate for the home squad.
Missouri Baptist will return to the gridiron on Saturday, September 17 when they play the second of a three-game home stand against No. 14-ranked University of St. Francis (Ill.) Game time is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at CBC Field.
