ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- A 50-yard Brandon Johnson fumble recovery for a touchdown fired up the Missouri Western crowd on Saturday, but unfortunately it would be the only highlight of the evening for the Griffons as MWSU dropped a 30-7 result to no. 2 Northwest Missouri State. The Griffons fall to 2-3 on the season (overall and MIAA) with the loss, while the Bearcats move to 4-0.
After being forced to punt on its opening drive, Missouri Western was finally able to get a strong pass rush on the sixth play of the Bearcats drive. C.J. Ravenell was able to push his blocker back into the path of Northwest Missouri's Mike Hohensee and the ball squirted loose and hit the turf. Johnson scooped it up and paused for a beat before taking off downfield after hearing no whistles. The freshman rambled untouched into the endzone for his first career touchdown.
The Griffons weren't able to capitalize on the momentum, however, as Northwest Missouri equalized on a seven-play drive then forced MWSU to punt on its next drive. Missouri Western mustered just nine first downs on the night and was forced to punt the ball 10 times.
Missouri Western heads to Nebraska-Kearney in a week's time looking to shake off this result. Kickoff against the Lopers is set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9th.