FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2006

Defense steps up and leads Southern to 30-27 win at Harding
Box Score

Searcy, AR. -- The Missouri Southern offense mustered just 210 total yards, but they made them count and the defense backed it up with several key plays, leading the Lions to a 30-27 non-conference win at Harding tonight. Southern is 2-0 for the first time since the 2002 season when the team started 4-0.

Southern (2-0) fell down in an early 7-0 hole when Harding's Kyle Wess took a screen pass from quarterback David Knighton for a 73 yard score just about seven minutes into the game.

The Lions responded, however, as deep within Harding territory, Ben Augustin blocked a punt from Harding's Ryan Ferrell and Southern's Josh Walker picked up the ball, running it back 18 yards for a touchdown and tying the game at seven apiece less than two minutes into the second quarter. Both teams would add another tally with short runs in the second quarter, leaving the game tied at 14 going into halftime.

Harding (1-1) started the second half with a score, as Wess took another pass from Knighton, this time for 14 yards to give the Bisons a 20-14 lead after the extra point failed.

After a 31-yard punt return from Colin Bado, Adam Hinspeter tucked the ball and ran for a seven yard touchdown, his third of the season, giving Southern a 21-20.

The defense kept the pressure coming and after a bad snap between Harding's center and quarterback the ball was hiked over Knighton's head, and the Bisions were left with the ball at the 1 foot line. Instead of risking another blocked punt, Harding chose to step out of the end zone and give Southern the safety.

Freddie Colbert put the Lions up 30-20 just eight minutes into the fourth quarter, taking the ball six yards deep for a touchdown, his second of the game.

Harding got another touchdown pass from Knighton, this time connecting with Devin Link for a 47 yard score.

Rudy Mascaro picked off a Knighton pass with 2:15 left to seal the victory for the Lions. Jordan Chapman had an 18 yard interception return earlier in the quarter.

The Lions held Harding to 318 total yards, just a week after the Bisons set a school record with 632 against Southwest Baptist. Southern's defense had two interceptions, a blocked punt and a safety on the night. Colbert rushed for just 17 yards on seven carries, but had two touchdowns. Bado had seven receptions for 99 yards, including a long of 27.

Augustin had five tackles including one for a loss and a punt block. Devin Ruttledge had two sacks, while Elbert Johnson added another.

Southern will start MIAA play next Saturday, September 16 when they play host to Southwest Baptist at Fred G. Hughes Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.