A heartbreaking ending on the gridiron and a week of rainy weather couldn’t dampen the MSSU spirit sweeping across Joplin, as Lions young and old showed out for Homecoming Week 2025. Events across campus dominated the week of Oct. 20 as “Once Upon a Pride” brought fantastical whimsey and spirit to campus.
While the mood was dampened with the weather cancellation of Downtown Joplin’s Homecoming Parade, spirits were still high going into the homecoming matchup that afternoon at a soggy Fred G. Hughes Stadium. Following a tight contest against Missouri Western University, the Lions (3-5, 1-5 MIAA) ultimately fell short with a 19-12 loss to the Griffons (2-6, 1-5 MIAA). Still, spirits were high as a pair of self-described “underdogs” took home the honors as Homecoming King and Queen.
Vanquish the Villains
Homecoming week kicked off with a bang with the “Vanquish the Villains!” festival held on Oct. 21 on the MSSU Oval.
This event allowed participants to show off their archery skills against cutouts of popular villains from superhero movies, with the top three high scores earning special rewards. Additionally, free popcorn and “potions” (dirty sodas) were given out right outside the event, which added to the festive atmosphere.
Sophomore student Kaylee Bethards shared her excitement about kicking off the week with the event.
“I’m excited for Homecoming and thought this was a fun way to start things off,” Bethards said. “It definitely adds to the energy of the week!”
“[I’m most looking forward to] the football game! It’s always the highlight of Homecoming,” Bethards said.
The “Vanquish the Villains!” event brought students together for a lighthearted start to the spirited week of Homecoming celebrations. The Homecoming Week at Missouri Southern is always a special time for students and helps foster a sense of community. It is a celebration of Lion pride and the shared traditions that unite the campus.
A Fair Faire for Lion Fanfare
Following various spirit events including a pumpkin-themed drinks bar for students, and a bonfire, things roared back to life Oct. 24 at the Homecoming Renaissance Faire. Originally scheduled to be held in the Oval, events were moved into the Beimdek Rec Center due to the weather.
The faire transported students and community members back in time for a lively festival of fun, food, and activities. The rec center transformed into a medieval festival, which included performers, games, themed food, and merchandise in the spirit of the Middle Ages.
All across the campus, activities organized by the Campus Activity Board were dedicated to to blend in with the homecoming theme “Once Upon a Pride”. It also showed off this year ‘s homecoming 2025 homecoming candidates.
This year, the homecoming crown was awarded to Homecoming Queen Alexeous Hall, with Mansour Alaql crowned Homecoming King, both representing MSSU E-Sports. Hall, a Joplin native, is a member of the MSSU Campus Activities Board and is pursuing a degree in clinical psychology. Alaql, a native of Ha’il, Saudi Arabia, is studying in MSSU’s Emergency Medical Services Program.
Football Falls to Invaders from Western Missouri
Once the festivities were done, there was only the battle against the Griffons to be decided.
Missouri Southern football (3-5, 1-5 MIAA) was edged out by Missouri Western (2-6, 1-5 MIAA), 19-12, Saturday afternoon at Fred G. Hughes Stadium, despite MSSU scoring a safety and blocking a punt over the Homecoming game.
MSSU now holds a record of 3-5 overall and sits at 1-5 in MIAA conference play. The Griffons stand at 2-6 overall, with a matching league record of 1-5.
Isaiah Green contributed with two receptions for 23 yards and added a touchdown.
Sophomore Isaiah Padello was a key target in the passing game, finishing with five catches for a career-best 134 yards. It marked the first career 100-plus yard receiving game for the Mililani Mauka, Hawaii, product.
Freshman quarterback Tillman Martin completed 11 of 18 passes for 87 yards and threw one touchdown. On defense, redshirt senior linebacker Zach Bergmann recorded a team-high eight total tackles and intercepted a pass.
Chris Donohue took over at quarterback after Martin took a hard hit and finished 9-for-15 for 133 yards.
MSSU began the first quarter by receiving the kickoff, but its initial drive stalled after Martin’s pass to Ayden Robinson-Wayne was broken up. Nathan Glades was tackled for a 1-yard loss, followed by a 6-yard sack on Martin, forcing a punt. MWSU capitalized with a 25-yard field goal by Spencer Sprenger after a series of successful plays, taking a 3-0 lead.
On the subsequent drive, the Lions struggled to gain yardage, resulting in a punt. Missouri Western extended its lead to 10-0 with a 7-yard touchdown run by Rickie Dunn.
However, Southern responded as Martin connected with Green for a 9-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 10-7 to conclude the opening period.
The second quarter began with a challenging series for MSSU, as Martin faced pressure resulting in a sack deep in their territory, followed by a strategic 61-yard punt by Mitchell Cory to shift field position. The Griffons capitalized on the turnover that followed, with Brandon Hall rushing for a 4-yard touchdown, though the extra point attempt failed. MSSU responded with a promising drive, where Martin connected with Padello for a significant 28-yard gain, but the drive ended on a turnover on downs.
Late in the quarter, the defense made a crucial stand, holding Missouri Western to a missed 36-yard field goal attempt. The Lions then advanced to midfield, aided by Glades’ 12-yard rush and a subsequent personal foul on the visitors. However, the drive concluded abruptly with an interception by Brecken Manus as time expired. The quarter ended with Mo. Southern St. trailing 16-7.
The third quarter began with a significant momentum shift as MSSU earned a safety, thanks to a blocked punt by Hayden Sink, narrowing the deficit to 16-11. Following the safety, the Lions capitalized on the change in momentum with a drive that culminated in a 24-yard field goal by Asher Huffman, further cutting the Griffons’ lead to 16-12.
Southern’s defense maintained pressure, highlighted by Kendall Huston’s sack that forced a Griffons’ punt. Despite the defensive strength, the period concluded without additional scoring from either side, as both teams traded possessions. As the quarter closed, the score remained tight with Missouri Western holding onto a slim 16-12 lead.
The fourth quarter opened with Missouri Western extending its lead through a 45-yard field goal by Mason Grove, pushing the score to 19-12. MSSU attempted to respond, but a pass by Donohue was intercepted by TreVon Holmes, stalling the momentum.
Despite a defensive interception from Bergmann, the Lions struggled to capitalize on the turnover. A 23-yard completion from Donohue to Padello provided a brief spark, but the drive ended without additional points. The Griffons maintained control and ran out the clock, securing the 19-12 victory.
MSSU next takes on rival Pittsburg State Saturday, Nov. 1 at Carnie Smith Stadium in Pittsburg, Kansas. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m., CT.
