ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Despite the Griffons best efforts to eliminate a double-digit deficit and tie the game late, Washburn left Spratt Stadium on Saturday night with 38-31 overtime victory.
Down 31-24 with 4:48 left in regulation, Missouri Western quarterback
Reagan Jones led the Griffons (2-2, 2-2 MIAA) 60 yards down the field in just under four minutes to tie the game on a 13-yard scoring strike to
Cooper Burton. Washburn (3-1, 3-1 MIAA) bled out the final 45 seconds on the clock and sent the game to OT, where MWSU won the coin toss but chose to defend first. One play later, Washburn running back Taylon Peters rushed 25 yards untouched up the gut to give the Ichabods the 38-31 lead.
The Griffons converted a critical third-down-and-eight on an eight-yard pass to tight end
Cam Grandy but eventually faced a game-deciding fourth-and-seven from the Washburn 12-yard-line. With an empty backfield and quick pressure, Jones' final pass to Burton was broken up by Braylon Alexander in the back corner of the end zone.
NOTABLES
- Jones set a new career-high with three passing touchdowns: a 36-yard rope to Caleb Martin; a 20-yard throw to Burton; and a 13-yard game-tying needle to Burton.
- Running back Jonas Bennett set a new career-high in rushing yards with 76 and a long run of 41. He also tied the game at 24-24 in the fourth quarter on a plunge from eight yards out.
- Running back Jared Scott's 20 carries also marks a new career-high for the Griffon junior.
- Four MWSU receivers recorded 40 or more receiving yards.
- Washburn WR James Lecther, Jr. recorded two career-highs with 12 receptions for 180 yards. He also had two touchdowns.
UP NEXT
Griffon Football prepares for Bearcat week, as the Battle of Highway 71 takes place against Northwest Missouri (3-1, 3-1 MIAA) next Saturday on Oct. 1 at 1:30 p.m. in Maryville, Missouri. Northwest lost to Central Oklahoma this Saturday afternoon, 23-14.
