Fresh off of a 50-7 setback at the hands of Central Missouri State University, the Lions will look back on the positive side of things against Missouri Western State College.

Although giving up 43 unanswered points before getting on the scoreboard in the third quarter, the Lions still fought hard to stay in the game.

“I thought that our seniors stepped up and led. We challenged them to take it one play at a time,” said Bill Cooke, head football coach. “That’s the only way that you can get back into a game like that.”

The Lions did have some success against the Mule’s defense, which was allowing -0.6 yards per game rushing heading into the contest. Part of that success can be attributed to running backs Darvin Willard and Nate Proctor, with Willard getting the call to start against the Mules.

“In our offense, we have a lot of starters,” said Rob Green, offensive coordinator for the Lions. “We have four starting wide receivers, and two starting tight ends, and Darvin is listed as number one, but they (Willard and Proctor) basically split time.”

“It was a situation where we needed more help at running back,” Cooke said.

“It was an experiment last spring, and he (Willard) did very well, so coach (Green) just put him back in the mix, and really he’s elevated everybody’s game around him.”

As far as the upcoming game against the Griffons goes, it should be exciting.

“They (the Griffons) can play with anybody in this league,” Cooke said. “It’s going to be a dog fight, there’s no doubt.”

Last year the Lions fell to MWSC 28-7 in a game that was played in Hughes Stadium.

This year both teams come into the show down with identical 1-1 conference records.

The two teams are similar when it comes to the statistics.

“Statistically were close in a lot of areas,” said Cooke.

“But I think that we match up real well with these guys, and it’ll be a good game.”

The Lions will be in St. Joseph for a 1 p.m. kickoff against the Griffons Saturday.