ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist's offense went to work early in the first quarter against the No. 1 team in the nation, Marian (Ind.). The Spartans tied the game at seven early, but the big-play Knight's offense took over as the game progressed and led the team from Indianapolis to a 70-10 win in St. Louis.
Missouri Baptist (0-4) began the day in a hole as big plays ruled the first quarter. Just over five minutes into the game, Florida International transfer Jakhari Gore busted-off a 44 yard touchdown run to put the No. 1 Knights on top 7-0. Just over a minute later, however, the Spartans responded.
Big play threat Isaiah King grabbed a pass from starting quarterback Jordan Norwine and continued his stellar play in 2016. The freshman made the catch-and-run from the MBU 31 yard line and took it all the way back to the house to tie the game at 7-7.
The Knights piled the offensive pressure on as the Spartans looked for answers for big receiver Krishawn Hogan. The Marian receiver posted his first touchdown of the day on a 78-yard reception to give the visitors the lead right back. Then, on the ensuing Marian drive, Maurice Woodard capped-off a four-play, 67-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run to make it a 21-7 game.
Missouri Baptist pushed forward in the second quarter, however. With Marian driving in a fourth-and-long situation deep in the Spartan territory, the Spartans held the Knights on a fourth-down pass to the end zone.
As the second quarter rolled, the Spartans came-up with their first turnover of the game with 12:56 left in the half. Defensive end Maleek Ross forced a fumble by quarterback Lucas Johnston on a run and put Missouri Baptist at the Knights' 15 yard line. The end result was a 27-yard field goal by Alex McGlassion to put the Spartans within 11.
Before the end of the half, however, the Knights's quick strike offense ratcheted it up again to the tune of two touchdowns in the final three minutes. Two consecutive drives for pay dirt, both courtesy of long pass completions by Robert Gibson, made it 35-10 at the half.
In the third quarter, Marian's Gore continued his impressive play. The senior out of Miami, Fla., busted-out for another big touchdown run, a 45-yard scamper to the end zone to extend the lead to 42-10.
The Knights tacked-on another at the beginning of the fourth quarter on a 10-yard touchdown rush by Ethan Darter, and posted another on the kickoff thanks to a fumble recovery before finalizing its 70-10 victory.
The Spartans were led by freshman up-and-comer Isaiah King. The Belleville East product had another nice day after picking-up 123 yards. Missouri Baptist will return to action in a week's time when the team will head to Upland, Ind., to take-on the Taylor Trojans. Game time is scheduled for 12:00pm CDT.
