BATESVILLE, Ark. – Despite holding the Scots to just one touchdown without the aid of a turnover, Missouri Baptist was unable to get rolling on Saturday night. Six turnovers marred the evening for the Spartans in a 28-7 loss to Lyon (Ark.).
Missouri Baptist (0-1) opened the season on the road and hoped to grab its first win in a season opener in team history, but things went south as interceptions became a key factor.
Tim Brennheisen, a highly-touted freshman out of Springfield, Ill. (Sacred Heart Griffin) got the nod, but ran into trouble early. The underclassmen tossed four interceptions in the first half, three leading to Lyon scores on the other end.
At the half, Coach
Jason Burianek went to veteran
Gunnar Griffin to right the ship, but just as the Spartans again began to drive down the field, an early interception changed the momentum toward the Scots yet again.
Missouri Baptist found success in the run game as Edwardsville product Kendall Davis led the attack. The sophomore continued to find similar success that he had achieved in camp with 15 rushes for 77 yards.
Austin Schultz provided a spark in the power run game as well. The senior rushed seven times for 26 yards, many of which in critical situations.
Devin Michael Griffin was to top receiver on Saturday for the Spartans as
Isaiah King and
D'Ante Cox were not able to get into a groove.
On the whole, Missouri Baptist outgained the Scots on the ground and in the air, but could not come up with key plays as the evening continued.
Lyon was led by big, bruising running back Joe Mahe. The 6'1" senior out of Hawaii rushed for nearly 60 yards on 14 carries.
As the game wound down, with just over a minute remaining, a slight fracas ensued on the field which led to the ejections of three players. Griffin, along with
Austin Schultz will sit for the next game due to their ejections by NAIA rule.
Missouri Baptist will now enjoy its bye week over the Labor Day holiday before hosting Saint Xavier (Ill.) in the 2017 home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at CBC Field.
