The Griffon News

The Western football men pulled from behind to secure a 30-20 victory over Central Missouri State last Saturday afternoon in Warrensburg, Mo.

This victory marked the fourth consecutive season the Griffs have managed to defeat the Central Mules.

Western is now 5-1 overall, and 3-1 in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. The Mules fall to 3-3 overall, and 1-3 in the MIAA.

Coach Partridge feels that this is a great victory for the team because it sets the team with a good record.

“We’re in position to do some good things,” Partridge said.

Although the team was one starting wide receiver short, the Griffs came together to dig up the win.

Senior Jarrett Brooks was unable to participate in Saturday’s game because of a Sept. 28 arrest in Maryville, Mo. Brooks was charged with driving with a suspended license, improper registration and having an open container in a vehicle. Brooks watched his team struggle through the first half, and felt the repercussions of his incident.

“It’s stressful because you want to be out there so bad helping your teammates,” Brooks said.

Partridge feels that the team really stepped up their game even though they were short a star starter. Brooks is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 17, at 1:30 p.m. Brooks may have been suspended from last Saturday’s game, but Partridge confirms his future playing days.

“When Jarrett Brooks doesn’t play for you it’s a huge loss,” Partridge said. “As far as I’m concerned, he’ll be back next week.”

Despite the loss, Western came out and put points on the board. Freshman Andrew Mead was able to score in the first quarter from 24 yards out.

Senior Michael Burton started as quarterback for the Griffons first half, while Senior Matt Landess finished up the second half. The dynamic duo went 13-of-27 for 173 yards.

Senior All-American Jeremiah White felt both quarterbacks complimented each other and got things done.

“They both get the job done,” White said.

White also helped compliment the offense by stomping through the Mules defense to pick up 147 total yards on 25 carries with two touchdowns.

Western ended the first half with a ten-point deficit, but came back after the half and dominated the field. The Griffs did not allow the Mules to score for the rest of the Game.

The defense shut down the Mule offense by holding them to only 13 rushing yards through out the second half.

Junior Jacob Schoonover led the defense with a total of nine tackles, while junior J.R. Graham picked up eight tackles. Senior Leon Douglas did his part by collecting six tackles including two sacks.

Western appears to have found a winning alignment within the offense and defense, and will continue tweaking it until the season ends in a national victory.

On Oct. 14, Western will pack up to travel to Joplin, Mo., for a 2:00 p.m. scuffle against Missouri Southern who have a 3-3 overall record, and 1-3 in MIAA play.

Video of the win over Central Missouri: Multimedia