Box Score Box Score | Season Stats

TAHLEQUAH, Okla., - The No. 5 Missouri Western football team improved to 6-0 for just the second time in program history (1981) with a  45-31 victory over Northeastern State. Missouri Western's defense surrendered first quarter points for the first time in 2012 and the Griffons faced their first deficit of the season after falling behind 3-0 early.

The Griffon offense rolled up 466 total yards and the defense gave up 436 yards to the RiverHawks. Michael Hill rushed for 195 yards on 31 carries and rushed for one touchdown. Travis Partridge completed 17 of 28 pass attempts for 229 yards and four touchdowns. Partridge also threw two interceptions, the Griffons' only two turnovers on the day. Tarrell Downing and Reggie Jordan each hauled in four passes, with Jordan hauling in two TD catches and Downing adding one of his own. Kyle Knox caught three passes for a team-high 71 yards.

Drew Patton put the RiverHawks on the board first with a 29-yard field goal with just over 9 minutes remaining in the first quarter. Hill answered with a 72-yard TD run that put the Griffons up for good. Missouri Western extended the lead to 21-3 in the second quarter after a 14-yard TD strike from Partridge to Downing. A Joel Rockmore 20-yard TD scamper brought the RiverHawks within 11. Northeastern State would never get closer than that, trailing 28-17at the half .

Ben Pister stood out defensively, collecting six total tackles, with five tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a sack and broke up three passes. Nick Williams led the Griffons with seven solo tackles. Austin Baska added a sack and Dan Ritter collected his first career interception in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

The Griffons return to Spratt Stadium for a homecoming matchup with Missouri Southern (4-2, 3-2 MIAA) Saturday, Oct. 13.  Missouri Western can tie the program's best start in school history (7-0, 1981) with a victory against the Lions.