FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 7, 2006

Lions come back from two 14-point deficits, but fall at Truman, 35-28

Box Score

Kirksville, MO -- Missouri Southern fought back from deficits of 14 twice, but a late touchdown pass from Truman State's Matt Ticich lifted the Bulldogs to a 35-28 win over the Lions today.

Southern (3-3, 1-3 MIAA) fumbled the opening play and the Bulldogs' Chandler Terry returned the ball 21 yards for the game's first score. Truman added another touchdown late in the first quarter to go up 14-0.

Sophomore quarterback Adam Hinspeter threw the first of his career-high four touchdowns in the game as he hooked up with Carthage native Jonathon Terry on a 49 yard score. The play capped off a six play, 69 yard scoring drive. With nine minutes left in the half, Hinspeter hit freshman Isaac Norman on an amazing catch in the corner of the end zone for an eight yard reception to tie the game at 14.

Neither team scored as the game was tied at 14 heading into the half.

Truman (2-4, 2-2 MIAA) started the second half much like they did the first, scoring twice to go up by two touchdowns and leading 28-14. Ticich ran for one TD and threw for another in the third quarter the second coming with just two minutes to go in the third.

The Lions would tie it back up with back-to-back touchdown passes from Hinspeter in the fourth. The first came on a one yard pass to tight end Korie Henry and the second on a 15-yard strike to junior Colin Bado.

Ticich hooked up with Albert Coker for the game-winner with just under six minutes remaining.

Hinspeter passed for 253 yards on 26-40 passing and four touchdowns, one off the school record of five, set by Matt Cook in 1993 against Truman. Ronell Newman rushed for 72 yards, while Bado had 98 yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions. Brandon Hawkins had five punts for 181 yards.

Defensively, Jake Long led the Lions with seven tackles. Ben Augustin had six and a pass break up, while Elbert Johnson had four tackles, 1.5 for a loss. The Lions were out-gained by Truman 364-334. Southern had an overwhelming time of possession advantage holding the ball for just over 37 minutes. The fumble on the first play turned out to be the difference in the game.

Southern will be back in action next Saturday when they play host to Missouri Western at 2 p.m. in Fred Hughes Stadium. The game is part of Homecoming weekend and the Lions will induct five individuals into the school's Hall of Fame.