ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Missouri Western scored 10 points in the final three minutes of the second quarter to take a 10-7 lead at halftime, but Washburn (1-3, 1-2 MIAA) reeled off 17 unanswered points to start the second half and the Ichabods ultimately held on for a 24-16 win over the Griffons at Spratt Stadium on Military and First Responders Appreciation Day Saturday.

The Griffons (2-3, 1-3 MIAA) mustered only 24 yards in the third quarter, and fell behind 24-10 with 13:54 left in the game. Washburn scored on each of its first three drives of the second half, including a 10-play, 99-yard drive that put the Ichabods up by 14.

Missouri Western's defense still got some key stops late. TreVon Holmes recovered a fumble with 7:56 left, and Brandon Johnson blocked a FG with 4:11 remaining, but Missouri Western added just two field goals to its total in the second half - both coming in the fourth quarter.

Missouri Western found success running the ball early with 103 yards on the ground in the first half. The Griffons, though, finished with just 95 net rushing yards. Western was limited to 129 total yards in the second half after putting up 232 in the first.

Cody Watson had a great day, accounting for 10 of Missouri Western's 16 points. He was 3-for-3 on field goals, including a career-long 51-yarder in the second quarter. His final FG, a 30-yard attempt, went through the uprights with 1:34 to go. Watson's ensuing onside kick attempt was recovered by Washburn, and the Ichabods were able to run out the remaining time.

Kody Kirk got his first start of the season at quarterback for Missouri Western, completing 27-of-58 passes for 266 yards. Kirk threw an interception, lost a fumble and was sacked four times.

Keller Hurla completed 19-of-28 through the air for Washburn for 218 yards and an interception. He also scrambled for a team-best 66 yards and a touchdown. Washburn won the time of possession battle 34:48 - 26:12. The Griffons were 6-of-17 on third down and 1-of-3 on fourth down.

Jonas Bennett had a career day for the Griffons, setting new career benchmarks with 11 catches for 147 yards. Marrell Fountain carried the ball 10 times for 69 yards and a touchdown - his first as a Griffon.

TreVon Holmes, Kienen Gaskin and Jaden Brown each had seven tackles to lead the way defensively. Desmond Green had an interception in the first half, while Brandon Johnson finished with a solo sack. 

Missouri Western goes back on the road for a fourth time this season on Saturday, October 5 when they face No. 10 Pittsburg State (3-1, 3-0 MIAA). Kickoff from Carnie-Smith Stadium is set for 2 p.m. Pregame coverage starts at 1 p.m. on the Varsity Network App and GoGriffons.com/listen.

Pitt State had a bye week Saturday.