ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist opened the 2025 season with a 38-35 win over St. Ambrose on Saturday night at Spartan Field, racking up 449 yards of total offense behind quarterback Jacob Jones.
Jones threw for 275 yards and a touchdown and added 60 yards on the ground with two rushing scores, completing 26 of 43 passes. Running back Calvin Griffin contributed 93 all-purpose yards, rushing for 76 yards and two touchdowns, while receiver Gavin Claud led the Spartans with nine catches for 125 yards and a score.
On defense, Jaylon Williams recorded nine tackles and returned an interception 65 yards, while Javon Huff added eight tackles, a fumble recovery and two pass breakups.
"I am really proud of how our guys played," head coach Jason Burianek said. "I thought we played pretty clean for the most part. Not a lot of dumb penalties. I was really impressed with how our guys played overall."
First Quarter
Jones connected with Claud for a 13-yard touchdown late in the first to put MBU on top 7-0. SAU answered when Alec Ponder found Joseph Spauldin for a 10-yard score with 33 seconds left, tying the game 7-7.
Second Quarter
The Bees went ahead 14-7 on an 11-yard run from Tre Jenkins. MBU quickly responded when Williams' interception and 65-yard return set up a 12-yard Griffin touchdown run. Jones later added a 1-yard keeper to regain control, and Ian Zohner's 30-yard field goal at the horn gave the Spartans a 24-14 halftime lead.
Third Quarter
MBU marched 80 yards on 17 plays to open the second half, capped by Jones' 13-yard touchdown run for a 31-14 advantage. SAU answered with a short scoring run from Maximo Vasquez to cut the margin to 31-21.
Fourth Quarter
The Bees pulled within 31-27 on a Zaire Wilcox touchdown run, but Griffin broke loose for a 34-yard score to restore a two-possession lead. Ponder hit Spauldin on a 46-yard touchdown with 1:26 remaining, but MBU recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to seal the victory.
Up Next
MBU (1-0) travels to face defending NAIA national champion and top-ranked Grand View next Saturday in Des Moines, Iowa. Kickoff is set for noon.
