MARION, Ind. – The Spartans dropped another close game on Saturday losing 23-22 to the Wildcats of Indiana Wesleyan University. A big day from Chris Baldwin had the Missouri Baptist offense rolling early, but strong defense from IWU shut out the offense in the second half.
Landon Pickens kick-started the offense in the first quarter with a 26-yard field goal on the heels of an unsuccessful fourth-and-two rushing attempt by the Wildcats. Later in the quarter, IWU completed a touchdown pass with 3:33 remaining to put them up 7-3.
The lead stood until the end of the first quarter. On their first drive of the second quarter, MBU found success in the passing game that led to Chris Baldwin's six-yard touchdown run to put his team ahead yet again. IWU struck back fast with a touchdown of their own on the next drive.
Terrell Powell piled on to the second quarter scoring after returning a Zach Blair pass attempt to the end zone.
Strong defense prevailed again for the Spartans in the next drive forcing the Wildcats to go three and out. Ben Vongunten's punt was returned by freshman T.J. Rogers for 71 yards and put the Spartans on the opponent three-yard line. It only took one play from there for Baldwin to push across the goal line for his second touchdown of the day.
IWU made one final push at the end of the half and ended the drive with a field goal by Ben Vongunten to draw the game within five points before the intermission.
The second half was a completely different story for the Spartans. The Wildcat defense came out of the locker room ready to play and shut the MBU offensive attack down for good. The Spartan defense stiffened their necks as well, but two more successful field goal attempts gave IWU the win with a 23-22 final.
Baldwin had a strong showing with 121 yards on 24 attempts and two touchdowns. Kendall Davis touched the ball seven times for 28 yards en route to getting his 1,000th career rushing yard. Anthony Taele led the team in receiving yards for the second time this season with a seven reception, 71-yard performance.
The football season continues next week in Upland, Indiana against Taylor University. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
