MBU Athletics

ST. LOUIS – Despite the inconsistencies at quarterback, Missouri Baptist Football battled William Woods University to the final whistle, ultimately losing 31-25. 

The loss to the Owls would be the first in the short history of the rivalry, with MBU holding a 2-1 all-time record. 

After the coin toss, Woods was the squad set to receive the opening kickoff. The Owls took their time to get down the field, totaling 11 plays (six pass, five rush), two penalties, and one timeout. The result was a missed field goal from 18 yards out, allowing MBU the chance to strike first. 

Freshman quarterback Mikey Gow was under center to begin the Spartans' first offensive drive. An experience that has seen both highs and lows thus far, the young play caller began his Saturday in a less-than-ideal fashion, throwing an interception returned 50 yards for a William Woods touchdown. 

Yet, Gow's response was strong, showing advanced leadership for a young player. Highlighted by a 34-yard completion to wide receiver Aamir Banks, Missouri Baptist drove 59 yards to even the score. Tight end Isaiah Jones had his number called, crossing the goal line for a one-yard rushing touchdown. 

After forcing a punt, both sides would remain at seven entering the second quarter. 

The next drive would be Gow's last, resulting in a Justin Sharkey punt after just three plays. Redshirt freshman quarterback Cody McMullen was the next man up, seeing his first real action commanding the MBU offense. Similarly to Gow, his start only allowed for things to get better, fumbling on his first play, giving the Owls the ball at MBU's 26-yard line. 

William Woods took advantage, scoring a touchdown off the short field. WWU added a field goal after a quick three-and-out for the Spartans, creating a sizable 17-7 lead. 

McMullen's third drive finally saw some success, including a rush by the young signal caller for 18 yards, and a fake punt taken for 31 yards by Sharkey. At the end of it, Sharkey would put a field goal attempt through the uprights to cut the lead to seven entering halftime. 

To open the second half, McMullen took the offense to the WWU 39-yard line before throwing an interception, bringing MBU's turnover total to three. After driving the other direction into the red area, William Woods' quarterback Coleson Baum gave the ball back to the Spartans, Jaylon Williamson coming up with the takeaway in the end zone. 

The ensuing drive would be commanded by quarterback number three, Grant Gibson, the season starter for Missouri Baptist. Gibson connected with Zay Hamilton for a big 22-yard gain before the drive stalled, forcing another punt. 

With a total time of possession of 8:36, William Woods methodically drove the field while winding the clock during their next series, scoring a touchdown with 9:21 left in the contest and increasing their lead to 14. 

As if the turnover woes were not enough already, Missouri Baptist fumbled the following kickoff, allowing their opponent to score in just two plays. Facing a 31-10 deficit, the Spartans were entering times of desperation. 

That desperation struck something within the Spartan offense. Running back Elijah Stevens found pay dirt from three yards out and Gibson hit Tommy Gibbar for a conversion attempt, cutting the lead down to 13 with 6:42 left in regulation. 

Forcing a punt, Gibson got the ball back with 3:42. A quick strike to Jayden Hines for 25 yards and a touchdown to Jeremiah Forde from 20-yards out brought the game within one score. 

Unfortunately, William Woods was able to run the remainder of the clock out, cutting the Spartans' late efforts just short. WWU would earn the win, 31-25. 

Of the three passers, Gibson led the group with 92 yards and a touchdown. Hamilton led the receivers with five receptions for 72 yards. 

Josiah Dye led the defense with eight tackles. Six different Spartans tallied a tackle-for-loss, and Brach Carrington had the team's lone sack. 

Sitting at 2-4, Missouri Baptist University Football is set for a challenge on Spartan Field against No. 23 Baker University on Saturday, Oct. 24th at 6 p.m.