Lions challenge rival at home

Dustin Bromley, senior wide receiver, makes a move around a Bearcat defender during the Sept. 10 game at Hughes Stadium.

Dustin Bromley, senior wide receiver, makes a move around a Bearcat defender during the Sept. 10 game at Hughes Stadium.

Coming off its loss to Harding University last week, the Missouri Southern football team opened its conference schedule at home.

The Lions defeated the Southwest Baptist University Bearcats 42-7.

Adam Hinspeter, freshman quarterback, recorded his first start for the Lions and completed 20 out of 30 passes. His attempts earned him 290 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

“I think he’s got some things he’s got to work on,” said Keith Matheny, offensive coordinator. “But, boy, he sure made some nice plays too.”

John Ware, head football coach, said Hinspeter is a talented young man.

“I think he has the opportunity to be a very good quarterback for us,” Ware said.

On the receiving end, senior wide receiver Dustin Bromley caught five passes for 119 yards. Bromley also earned a touchdown for the Lions in the fourth quarter.

Tedaryl Mason, senior wide receiver, caught four passes for 50 yards. Travis Brown, junior wide receiver, also caught four passes for 45 yards.

Jamison Hummel, junior wide receiver, caught Southern’s other touchdown pass.

Brown also returned a punt 66 yards for a touchdown the last minute of the second quarter.

On the ground, Dartangan Johnson, junior running back, had 18 carries for 113 yards and one touchdown.

Ronnell Newman, freshman running back, carried the ball four times for 12 yards, and Hinspeter ran eight times for 17 yards.

Defensively, Moses Manga, junior cornerback, and Jordan Chapman, junior free safety, both earned six tackles.

Matt Crane, senior linebacker; B.J. Russow, sophomore defensive end, and Atiba Bradley, senior linebacker, all had five tackles. Russow also intercepted one pass for a 24-yard gain.

The Lions’ next challenge will be Saturday at home as they take on the Pittsburg State University Gorillas in the U.S. Cellular Miner’s Bowl VIII.

PSU has a 28-8-1 all-time advantage over Southern in the series and has won the last 11 matches.

“Anytime you play the eighth-ranked team in the country, it’s a big game for you,” Ware said.

He said the players have put the past behind them and every year is a new year.

“We’re really approaching it as another football game,” Ware said. “I think that our guys will be plenty emotional and fired up with just the fact we’re playing Pittsburg State here at home.”

Matheny said the Lions’ offense will try to be as balanced as possible and not try to depend on rushing or passing alone.

“I think the key is to be balanced and try to keep them guessing,” he said. “In a game like this, you’ve got to go out and have fun.

Brian Ward, co-defensive coordinator, said PSU is an “awesome” challenge for the Southern defense.

“We’re definitely up for any challenge,” Ward said.

Williams, who did not play in last year’s Miner’s Bowl, said last year was a learning process for the Lions.

T.J. Onstott, senior strong safety, said the Lions are ready to get things going.

“When you’re 30 miles apart, it’s a very highly motivated game,” Onstott said.

Kickoff will be at 6 p.m. in Hughes Stadium. Fans wanting to donate to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts will have the opportunity to do so at the game.