Lions seem to be giving up
Several Missouri Southern offensive players look on from the bench with the blank faces inside Fred G. Hughes Stadium on Oct. 8, 2016 against Washburn on Homecoming. Southern would go on to lose that game marking their third straight homecoming game loss.
The Missouri Southern football team gave up a season-high 63 points in route to 63-45 defeat against Central Oklahoma last Saturday in Edmond, Okla., inside Wantland Stadium.
Southern (1-7, 1-7 MIAA) suffered their third consecutive loss this season and third consecutive loss to Central Oklahoma (2-6, 2-6 MIAA). After opening the season with a 22-10 loss to Fort Hays State on Sept. 1, 2016, the Southern defense has given up 51 points per game in their last six losses. During that span, Southern is giving up nearly 600 yards of offense per game.
Teams are lining up and getting what they want against this Kenny Evans led defense. Long drives, big plays, you name it, this defense is giving it up.
Southern did score 42 points against the Bronchos, a season high. Backup sophomore quarterback Brayden Scott entered the game in the second quarter as the Lions trailed 28-0. That was the second time this season the Lions have trailed 28-0 in the first half.
Scott had a career day completing 20 of 32 pass attempts for 287 yards and four touchdowns. Scott would also find the end zone with his feet. Scott accounted for five of the Lions six touchdowns on the day.
“We kinda saw the quarterback we thought he could be,” said head coach Denver Johnson on Scott’s performance last Saturday.
“Ultimately, quarterbacks are judged on how you can move the team and if you can get the ball in the endzone. Scott did that on Saturday so we hope that continues.”
Junior starting quarterback TJ Fleeton was benched again as he continues to show he cannot get this offense up and down the field consistently.
Scott will start tomorrow night’s game.
“He’s earned that opportunity,” said Johnson.
“I expect TJ [Fleeton] to be ready if it doesn’t work. But certainly Bradyn has more than earned the opportunity to start this ballgame.”
“Each and every week I put in hard work and now its being rewarded,” said Scott.
Southern takes the field tomorrow afternoon as they play host to Northeastern State University. Kickoff from inside Fred G. Hughes Stadium is set for 2 p.m.
“It would mean a lot to me to get a win on that field [Fred G. Hughes] because it will be my first start but then again it’s not about me, it’s about us. We’re all looking forward to this game. We’re all anxious to get out there and play,” said Scott.
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