ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist University Football secured their first victory of the Marc Lillibridge era in front of the home Spartan crowd against Peru State College, 21-14. After a game that would ultimately be decided by some excellent special teams' play on part of MBU, the Spartans even up at 1-1 on the season.
After winning the coin toss, Missouri Baptist differed to the half, meaning a Connor Meffen kickoff would open their 2026 home campaign. The Bobcats threw a punch on their first play from scrimmage, a 34-yard reception by Blake Durham, but the Spartan defense stiffened up immediately after to force a punt.
Punts would be a common theme in the first quarter, as the Spartans' Justin Sharkey and Bobcats' Cole Spahr combined for seven attempts during a stretch that saw just two first downs for either team, one coming by way of a penalty. PSC's final punt of the quarter, one that would have placed Missouri Baptist at their own 41-yard line, was advanced to the opposing 32-yard line instead due to an interference with the returner. A seven-yard rush by Elijah Stevens was enough to set Sharkey up for his first field goal attempt of the night, knocking the 42-yarder down to gain a 3-0 lead.
Peru State's following drive would be their most fruitful to this point, moving the chains three times. Within striking distance at MBU's 15-yard line, kicker Brandon Bartholomew was given a chance to tie the game but missed the kick wide right.
Writing a similar story, the Spartans conducted their most successful offensive drive shortly after, highlighted by a huge 18-yard rush by Kaesen McClain and a pair of scrambles by quarterback Grant Gibson to get down to the 19. Sharkey would again be called up, slicing his second kick through the uprights to create a 6-0 lead.
Each team would go three and out in their next possession. Sharkey was set to return the ball to his opponent, punting from MBU's 47. This time, however, he placed a perfect kick down the left sideline, the ball rolling closer and closer to the goal line. His gunners did exactly as taught, reaching the ball before it entered the end zone, pinning Peru State at the one-yard line. The Bobcats had no chance, attempting a rush to create space with their eventual pitfall, but being swallowed up by Cade Biedscheid, Talon Hance, and the rest of the Spartan defense for a safety. Now up 8-0, MBU would enter the half with the lead and receive the opening second-half kickoff.
The break would be much needed for both teams. Missouri Baptist opened their half with a methodical drive led by two Zae Hamilton receptions for 50 yards, setting up a third Sharkey field goal.
Peru State would respond with a long drive of their own, ending in a rushing touchdown by quarterback John Holcombe.
Kaesen McClain would get the call for Missouri Baptist next, scoring the team's lone touchdown on the night with a short run. Sharkey nailed a final field goal attempt as well, ending a perfect 4-4.
The Bobcats would also score once more to make the score 21-14. And, with the ball and just 1:49 on the clock, PSC had a chance to drive down the field and even up the game. However, Josiah Dye had other plans, intercepting a Peru State pass and sealing the victory for MBU.
Justin Sharkey finished his night scoring 13 points and punting for an average of 40.3 yards, including three inside the 20.
The Spartan defense showed up in a big way, especially Dye, who led the team with seven total tackles, half a tackle for loss, a forced fumble, an interception, and a pass breakup. Biedscheid was dominant as well, notching seven total tackles and one and a half tackles for loss.
Stevens was a work horse for the offense, carrying the rock 23 times for a total of 45 yards.
Sitting now at 1-1, Missouri Baptist has a tough matchup ahead of them as they travel to Oskaloosa, Iowa on Sept. 19th to face No. 13 William Penn at 6 p.m.
