The Missouri Southern Lions football team went to Topeka on Nov. 15 looking to break a seven-game loosing streak in a game against the Washburn University Ichabods.

The Lions went into the locker room at halftime down 14-7. Southern would go on a 28-17 run in the second half, giving the Lions the 35-31 lead late in the fourth quarter.

With 1:26 left in the game, the Ichabods’ Trent Hearn ran for a 12-yard touchdown, giving WU the 38-35 win and dropping the Lions to 1-10 on the season, and 1-8 in the MIAA. The Lions finished ninth in the conference.

The Lions racked up 418 yards of offense in the game, including 187 rushing yards.

“It seemed like our offense was clicking from the first play,” said sophomore running back/wide receiver Darvin Willard.

“The offensive line was opening some big holes for me.”

“It was good to have some momentum on offense,” said offensive line coach Andy Schneider. “Going into last week we had given up the most sacks, but Northwest gave up eight on Saturday to Pitt. State, and we didn’t give up any, so we moved up a spot, and that is a position that we were glad to give away.”

The Lions’ defense forced five Ichabods’ turnovers, including an interception each by senior defensive back Ryan Burpo and by junior cornerback Robert Spinks.

On Nov. 17, the All-MIAA was released, and the Lions had five representatives.

Burpo, who finished his senior campaign with 118 tackles, including five for a loss, two interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and six pass defenses, was elected to the second team of the All-MIAA.

The Lions also had four members of their squad receive honorable mentions. Sophomore offensive lineman Jason Stumbo, who helped man an offensive line that paved the way for 2,811 total offensive yards for the Lions this year.

Senior linebacker Seth Austin had 57 tackles, including two for a loss.

Junior cornerback Robert Spinks contributed 29 tackles and four interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, to the Lions. Junior wide receiver DeMarcus Mathes received an honorable mention as a kick returner, with a 22.2-yard average and one return for a touchdown.

“I think that it’s an honor to at least have some guys on there representing your team,” Willard said. “I feel like there could have been others to make the team, but it’s nice to have those guys honored.”

“It’s big,” Mathes said. “It was one of my goals this season.”

The success of the game against Washburn is one the Lions think will give them momentum to carry over into the next season.

“It allows the seniors to feel some success,” Schneider said. “And it shows the underclassmen that if we put four quarters together, we can play with anybody.”