Western shuts out William Jewell 56-0

By Kyle Inman

September 8, 2012

Defensive Line David Bass attempts to sack the opposing William Jewell quarterback.

Missouri Western improved to 2-0 after a dominant 56-0 performance against William Jewell at Spratt Stadium in its only non-conference game of the season.

Defensive end David Bass broke the Western all-time record for career sacks with 31 when he brought down Sean Shelton in the second quarter. It was Bass’ second sack of the season.

“As far as the record I was happy to get it, but I was more concerned with us just winning,” Bass said. “I’m fortunate enough to have a good enough defense where they could help me out to get the record.”

Running back Michael Hill started off the scoring for the Griffons by breaking a 52-yard run for a touchdown less than a minute into the game. Hill later scored on a 26-yard reception and finished off his day by running past everyone for a 92-yard touchdown. He finished with 210 yards on 14 carries for an average of 15 yards per-carry. Hill has scored five touchdowns in two games this season.

“Michael Hill had a nice day,” coach Partridge said. “He’s got electric ability. He’s pretty good.”

“It was pretty easy actually,” Hill said. “If I get an opportunity I’m going to take advantage of it. I just try to do my best.”

Western showed its depth at the running back position behind Hill as explosive redshirt freshman Raphael Spencer ran for 81 yards and a touchdown on seven carries, while Dominic Thomas took five carries for 50 yards and a touchdown.

Tight end Reggie Jordan scored his third touchdown of the season on an outstanding 11-yard reception midway through the first quarter. It was the first touchdown pass by quarterback Travis Partridge, who threw for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Western’s total offense was 539 yards with the rushing attack responsible for 398 yards. The Griffons were up 35-0 at halftime and never looked back.

“We’ve been pretty accurate so far with a high percentage,” Jerry Partridge said. “I think we do a good job of managing football games here.

“[William Jewell] competed pretty good from the mid-first quarter to the early second quarter. I think we’re good, but every week I’ll take a victory however we can get it.”

Yomi Alli led the Griffons with 10 tackles including two tackles for a loss of a yards. Jeremy Weston and Kirk Resseguie both made interceptions with William Jewell deep in Griffon territory threatening to score.

Backup quarterback Zach Hibbits came in during the fourth quarter with the game out of reach, and scored a touchdown on a 3-yard run and connected with Andrew Molloy on a 12-yard touchdown.

“We expect to take care of business every week,” left tackle Colt Schulte said. “We’re definitely excited to move on to MIAA play next week. I think we have a pretty good team and we want to keep it rolling.”

The Griffons return to MIAA action against conference opponent Nebraska-Kearney at 6 p.m. Saturday at Spratt Stadium.