The MSSU Lions faced off against Fort Hayes State University Tigers at Fred G Hughes stadium on Saturday, Oct. 4. Despite a close battle that kept the game tense and the fans energized, The Lions (2-3, 0-3 MIAA) fourth quarter comeback bid fell short, resulting in a 21-28 MSSU loss. 

The Lions struck early with a touchdown by sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Green, who finished the game with one score and 90 yards on just two receptions. The Tigers (4-2, 3-1 MIAA) made sure to keep a tie on with the Lions during the first half, and then right before halftime, sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Padello scored his lone touchdown of the day, earning 83 yards on 5 receptions. The Lions entered halftime down 17-14 following a Tigers field goal to close out the half. 

The third quarter began on a down note as a fumble by freshman quarterback Tillman Martin set the Tigers up to score a field goal, leaving the score 20-14 by the end of the quarter. A fourth quarter featuring the Tigers padding their lead to begin with looked like the final nail in MSSU’s coffin, but a comeback sparked by senior running back Nathan Glades for 13 yards led to a Tillman touchdown and a field goal by kicker Drake Reese, allowing MSSU to pull within a score.

It was not meant to be, however. Despite a late blocked Tigers punt, the Lions were unable to pull even before time expired.  

Senior wide receiver Huston Rotich,  said that the team plans to watch the film and “figure out how we can do better, and leave [the game] in the past, and focus on next week’s game.” 

The Lions hit the road next week to take on the Emporia State Hornets (2-3, 1-2 MIAA). The Hornets are coming off of a 50-14 road win against Missouri Western. Kickoff at Francis G. Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kan. is set for 1 PM Saturday, Oct. 11.