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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Joplin, Mo. - Two second-half touchdown runs led the Missouri Western Griffons over Missouri Southern, 17-3 today in MIAA football action at Fred G. Hughes Stadium. Both teams picked up a field goal in the first half as Southern's (4-5, 2-5 MIAA) Brian Malette hit from 32 and Western's (4-5, 3-4 MIAA) hit from 20 to tie the game at three apiece at the half. The Lions would get the ball on a Western turnover late in the first quarter. Western quarterback Drew Newhart completed a pass to Thomas Hodges, but Jared Brawner forced a fumble and Justin Cowper picked up the loose ball. The Lions drove to the Western 29 yard line, but a 47 yard attempt from Malette was just short Between the two teams, 71 plays took place in the first half, but neither offense could find the end zone. The Griffons out gained Southern 156-121 in the first half. The Lions went three and out in their first possession of the third quarter and the Griffons made Southern pay, scoring on a two yard run from Zach Walker. The drive lasted nine plays and 72 yards and took nearly four minutes off the clock. Southern would benefit from another Western turnover on the next possession when Ian Harrison lined up for a punt from his own 18 yard line. The ball sailed through the air and went off the back of the Griffons' Jack Long and Southern's Jordan Schultz recovered, giving the Lions the ball at their own 45 yard line. Southern drove the field and Malette lined up for another attempt at a field goal, this time from 38 yards out, but the kick was wide left. Western added a one yard score from Hodges for the game's final score. The Griffons out gained Southern 368-252, but the Lions held a 181-169 advantage in the air. Renard Johnson and Toderick Hunt had 46 and 31 yards rushing. Adam Hinspeter and Colin Howard split time behind center today as Hinspeter was 12-25 for 115 yards and an interception, while Howard went 7-16 for 66 yards and a pick. Mark Henderson caught nine passes for 81 yards. Malette had the Lions' lone points connecting on a 32 yard field goal. Corderial Collier had a career high 12 tackles with one forced fumble to lead the Lions' defense. David Benham and Dusty Bratzler had 10 tackles each, while Skyler Vandiver added eight. Cooper and Schultz picked up fumble recoveries, while Brawner forced a fumble and had a pass break up. Southern will head to Kirksville next weekend taking on Truman State at 2 pm. |