DAVENPORT, Iowa – Missouri Baptist University Football opened their 2026 campaign against the newest full-time Heart of America member, Saint Ambrose University. In MBU's first game under the leadership of Head Coach Marc Lillibridge, the Spartans fell short, 23-7.
Despite a scoring difference of –16, Missouri Baptist was a more successful offense than the Fighting Bees in most metrics. Quarterback Grant Gibson had a higher completion percentage (58.5) and yards (246), and less interceptions (1) than the opposing quarterback. Similarly, running back Elijah Stevens tallied more yards on the ground (82) than the entire Saint Ambrose team, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. The Spartans even punted less with a total of four compared to SAU's six.
Nonetheless, it was the Fighting Bees that were able to find the endzone more often, the first of which came on a nine-yard reception during the team's second drive. A second first quarter touchdown for Saint Ambrose put SAU up 14-0 over MBU early.
The second period saw zero scores from either side, a display of stout defenses. Jakobe Smith acted as a catalyst for the MBU squad, intercepting the opposing quarterback for the first of three times on the night. Unfortunately, the Spartan offense was left with just 35 seconds on the clock, ultimately forcing Missouri Baptist to enter the locker room for half time yet to find pay dirt.
The third quarter saw both an Evan DeWilde interception, as well as another score by SAU, extending their lead. To begin the fourth, Smith intercepted a second pass from the Fighting Bees' quarterback, this time setting the offense up for a proper drive, and a successful drive it would be. After a pair of plays, the Spartans faced a 3rd and five situation. Gibson turned to his receiver, Aamir Banks, for a first down and the chance to continue the drive. Banks had other plans, however, running 41 yards before finally being pushed out of bounds at Saint Ambrose's 13-yard line. Now within striking distance, Gibson was able to find Jordan Johnson, notching Missouri Baptist's lone score. A Justin Sharkey extra point left the score at 21-7.
The rest of the game would see little action from either side. Aamir Banks was the leading receiver for the Spartans, grabbing seven receptions for 95 yards. Justin Lehn led the defense with seven tackles, while Talon Hance and Jacob Raines each tallied half a sack.
Missouri Baptist Football will look to earn their first win during the squad's 2026 home opener against Peru State College on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.
