ST. JOSEPH – The newly renovated Spratt Memorial Stadium opened with a bang as the Missouri Western football team ran away with a 44-21 victory over Nebraska-Kearney Thursday night.
 
The Griffon defense forced three Nebraska-Kearney turnovers – two interceptions by Donte Watkins --  and held the Lopers to just 20 yards rushing. Meanwhile, the Griffons ran wild for 329 yards, including a career-high 168 yards by Josh Caldwell, besting his previous high of 151 at Nebraska-Kearney last season. The sophomore carried the ball 23 times and had one touchdown carry. He was one of four Griffons with a rushing touchdown. Kendall Short , Derek Gray and backup quarterback Corey Bertini each had TD carries as well.
 
The Griffons lead was just 9-7 with 8:28 to go in the second quarter after Nebraska-Kearney scored on a 2-yard rush, but the Griffons scored the next 28 points, 14 more in the final three minutes of the second quarter to take a 23-7 lead to halftime. Six different Griffons scored touchdowns, the four rushing scores plus Patrick Bolton with a 16-yard catch from Skyler Windmiller and Dijuan Ussery with a 55-yard scamper through the Loper defense off a catch from Windmiller.
 
The junior quarterback was 11-20 for 160 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Bertini led the offense for one series in the second quarter. He was 1-1 for nine yards and rushed three times for 18 yards and a score. Bolton caught three passes for 36 yards and a score. Ussery caught two for 69 yards.
 
Watkins led the defense with 10 total tackles, seven solo, the two interceptions and a pass break up. Tyrell Robison had six tackles, one for loss. Brandin Dandridge had the other interception for the Griffon defense.
 
Next week, Missouri Western plays the only Saturday game in the MIAA with a trip to Missouri Southern. The Lions lost 22-10 at Fort Hays Thursday night. The Griffons have won their last three games in Joplin. Kickoff next Saturday is set for 6 p.m.