The Mules improved to 5-2 on the season while dazzling a packed homecoming crowd Saturday during their 71-22 victory over Missouri Southern at Walton Stadium Kennedy Field.
The Mules not only walked away with a victory, but they also powered their way into the UCM record books. They made history as they amassed a staggering 726 total offense.
While a brief glance the score and offensive production suggests a merciless domination on the part of the Mules, the first quarter told a different story. A homecoming crowd of 9,937 watched in near disbelief as the Mules trailed the winless Missouri Southern Lions 14-10 in the closing minutes of the first quarter.
The Lions torched the Mules defensive with 37-yard and 61-yard touchdown passes in the first quarter. In just his second start this season, Lions quarterback Scott Brayden completed both touchdowns to former starting quarterback and now wide receiver, Davante Vandeven.
With 2:38 remaining in the first quarter, the Mules marched down the field in exactly a minute and took a 17-14 lead. A pair of runs from Koby Wilkerons and a pass to Seth Herbert set the Mules up on the Lions 23-yard line. Brook Bolles broke out of the pocket and covered the remaining distance to the end zone.
Bolles’ touchdown prompted what would become 55 unanswered points from Mules. Both the offensive and defense operated seamlessly as the Mules scored a total of 71 points, their highest score of the season.
Devante Turner was an essential component to this spurt. The redshirt running back led the team with 133 yards rushing. He rushed for two touchdowns and had a touchdown receiving.
Redshirt freshmen Koby Wilkerson and Sharvon Gunn each added a touchdown rushing as well. Gunn’s 45-yard yard touchdown was the first of his career.
Brook Bolles completed 15-of-25 passes and threw for 337 yards and a touchdown. His sole touchdown pass sailed 10 yards and found Wesley Thomas in the end zone.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Kyle Bradley replaced Bolles late in the game. Bradley’s 10-yard touchdown rushing was the Mules’ final touchdown of the game.
The Mules defense and special teams also made their presence felt. The Mules defense held the Lions to just eight points in the final three quarters of the game and redshirt senior punt returner Diaron Rhodes returned a punt 37 yards for a touchdown.
The Mules hope to ride this momentum to Topeka Kansas next week as they take on the 5-2 Washburn Ichabods. The game will take at 1 p.m. Oct. 21 at Yager Stadium.