MBU Football – Recap of Last Three Home Games

The Spartans battled all season and showed some resilience in the majority of the games. Although a new program, the Spartan football team will be building to make a run in their third season of existence in the Mid-States Football Association in the Mideast league. With a new facility, new recruits and another year of experience, the Spartans will certainly improve in the 2016 season.

Photo by Ryan Rerich

__________________________________________________

Oct. 10 – 42-21, LU Belleville Lynx

Missouri Baptist University vs. Lindenwood-Belleville University

The Spartans struggled throughout the game against their close rival. After falling behind 14-0 early, the Spartans used a fumble recovery on defense to spark an offensive drive that led to their first 7 points of the game. The game was in reach, but unfortunately the Spartans gave up two more touchdowns before the half and went to halftime down 28-7. In the second half, the Spartans showed no quit as they rallied back with three touchdowns, and only surrendering two touchdowns to their opposition. Quarterback Jacob Hunt and noseguard Michael Luna both crossed the goal line in the second half, Hunt on a quarterback rush and Luna on an 83-yard fumble recovery. The Spartans played hard, but did not have enough in the end, falling to the Lynx, 42-21, moving to 0-6 on the season.

Shawn Calhoun, sophomore from Chicago, returns the kick.

Marshall Willingham, freshman from Columbia, Mo., reaches across the goal line for a rushing touchdown.

Dalton Barcom, junior from St. Louis, goes up for the pass.

Jaron Mickles, junior from Kansas City, stares in at the Lynx pre-snap.

Kevin Gude, sophomore from Murphysboro, Ill., reaches for the tackle.

Michael Luna, senior from Los Angeles, returns a fumble for a touchdown.

Oct. 17 – 52-45, ONU Tigers

Missouri Baptist University vs. Olivet Nazarene University

By far the most heartbreaking defeat in MBU’s two years of football existence was the game played against the ONU Tigers in mid-October. After a quick pass and catch downfield opened the game for the Spartans on the second drive, they were up 7-0. Immediately on the next drive, a pick-6 by MBU defender Jaron Mickles sent the Spartans to a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter of play. Olivet Nazarene responded early in the second quarter with 14 points of their own and took the lead, 21-14, with less than seven minutes before half. Again the Spartans responded with a touchdown pass to Quinton Kornegay, freshman wide-out, and another touchdown was recorded from a turnover on defense. The Spartans led at the half, 24-21.

The game continued its back-and-forth swings, and before a deep breath could be taken, it was 45-45 with a few minutes left in the fourth. Desperately, ONU drove down the field. A fumble rolled onto the turf, but was picked up by a Tiger to continue their game-winning drive. On fourth down, with 1:30 left to play, Tiger quarterback Matthew Wray hooked up with one of his wide-receivers, Adam Glanders, to pick up a first down inside the red zone to continue the Tigers’ push for victory. ONU eventually scored the game-winning touchdown and defeated the Spartans, 52-45. Although the Spartans lost, records were set for both passing and receptions by Jacob Hunt (passing yards and touchdowns thrown) and Quinton Kornegay (reception yards and reception touchdowns).

Jordan Norwine (right) and Jacob Hunt celebrate a touchdown pass thrown by Hunt.

Dalton Barcom receives the handoff from Hunt.

Sophomore punter Tyler Hach from St. Louis punts the ball, while Malik Kern, freshman from St. Louis, is in pursuit.

Brendan Ike, freshman from St. Louis, avoids the defenders during his run after the catch.

Maleek Ross, sophomore from Woodbridge, Mo., scoops up the ball before returning it for a touchdown.

Connor Bomstad, sophomore from Dardenne Prairie, Mo., congratulates Ross after the touchdown.

Tyler Hach barely gets the punt off before he is hit by the Olivet Nazarene defender.

A gang of Spartans try to bring down the Tiger running back.

This catch proved to be the dagger in the Spartans in the red zone late in the fourth quarter. Shortly after, the Spartans were scored on, resulting in a 52-45 loss.

Spartan teammates show their grief after the tough loss.

Nov. 14 – 64-6, USF Cougars

Missouri Baptist University vs. University of St. Francis (Ind.)

The Spartans battled until the last whistle blew, but the Cougars proved to be just too much for MBU. The Spartans struggled to get the ball into the end zone all game and did not scratch a single touchdown by the conclusion of all four quarters. At halftime the scoreboard read 27-3, Cougars. MBU field goal kicker Alex McGlassion added another field goal, resulting in the only 3 points the Spartans tallied in the second half. St. Francis crossed the goal line seven times in the game and also blocked a punt for a safety. The score of the final game of the season was 64-6.