FAYETTE, Mo. - Missed opportunities were the story of a heartbreaking loss for Missouri Baptist Football against Central Methodist University.
The Spartans received the opening kick, attempting to put the first score on the board. At first glance, it appeared the squad would do just that. Back in the starting role, quarterback Grant Gibson used a plethora of MBU skill players to move the ball down the field. Gibson's back-to-back connections with Jeremiah Forde for 20 and eight yards were especially important in driving into Eagle territory. The drive would end on Central Methodist's 17-yard line, where the Spartans attempted a field goal that hit the left upright and missed. After over six minutes, Missouri Baptist was left without a score.
CMU responded rather quickly, using less than half the time Missouri Baptist had to score a touchdown, coming on a 43-yard rush. What could have been a four-point lead was now seven after the game's first score.
MBU took their next opportunity to punch back, conducting a drive into the second quarter that included a 32-yard Jayden Hines reception. Tommy Gibbar was the running back whose name was called to punch the ball in from two yards out, and the junior did just that. An extra point from Justin Sharkey tied the game at seven.
The remainder of the second period would be considered less-than-ideal for both sides. The drives went as such: turnover on downs (CMU), missed 50-yard field goal (MBU), punt (CMU), punt (MBU), punt (CMU), fumble (MBU), fumble (CMU), punt (MBU), punt (CMU).
The teams entered the locker rooms at halftime tied at seven a piece.
Quarter three played out similarly to its predecessor, witnessing 10 possession changes and zero scores. About halfway through the period, Missouri Baptist made a change at quarterback, giving Mikey Gow signal calling responsibilities.
Central Methodist scored their second touchdown of the day on an interception thrown by Gow and returned 87 yards. A successful extra point put the Eagles up seven a third of the way through the final quarter.
Both Gow and Gibson would have a shot to tie the game for Missouri Baptist. Gow's first drive ended after five plays and a punt, and he began MBU's final drive of the game before leaving after a two-yard rush. Gibson took over finishing the drive with a 19-yard strike to Forde for a touchdown. However, during the extra point attempt to tie the game, Central Methodist broke through the protection, blocking the kick and leaving the score at 14-13 in their favor.
With just 2:42 left on the clock, the Eagles were able to run the time all the way down, leaving the Spartans heartbroken after a game that could have gone in a different direction.
Gibson ended as the squad's leading passer, completing 15 attempts for 167 yards. Gow was close behind, completing just seven passes for 164 yards.
Connor Meffen led the team in rushing after a fake punt garnered 43 yards. Elijah Stevens led the running backs with 40 yards on seven carries.
Zay Hamilton was the top receiver, providing a reliable presence with six catches for 88 yards. Forde added five receptions for 58 yards and the touchdown, and Hines notched 53 yards as well.
Dominic Bentrup commanded the defense with nine tackles, including half a sack and 2.5 tackles-for-loss. Bentrup also added five quarterback hurries and forced two fumbles, one of which was recovered by Nick Stepney Jr. Josiah Dye and Dylan Foster each added a sack.
Missouri Baptist Football returns home for the remainder of the year, first for the penultimate game against No. 3 Benedictine College next Saturday at 1 p.m.
