Bolivar, Mo. - The SBU Bearcats football team had a tough match-up against the team who received the 26th most votes in nation, Missouri Western, and came up just short in the contest, dropping the thrilling SBU homecoming game 31-24. Dan Connors had two touchdowns passes, and Thad Everson had one rushing touchdown, but it wasn't enough for the Bearcats to overcome the Griffons.

SBU was able to jump out to an early 7-0 lead off of a rushing touchdown by Thad Everson from the four yard line. The 31 yard drive was set up by a fumble recovery by the SBU defense. Missouri Western responded by scoring back-to-back touchdowns to take a 14-7 lead early in the second quarter. However, SBU responded when Dan Connors hit Charles Johnson from three yards out to tie the game up at 14-14. Missouri Western would add a 23 yard field goal before half, giving them a 17-14 halftime lead.

SBU was able to come out of the locker room and put up three more points, tying the game at 17-17 with 8:00 left in the third quarter. However, Missouri Western responded by scoring two more touchdowns to take a 31-17 lead late in the third quarter. The SBU offense wasn't done though, when Dan Connors hit Marcus Sullivan 20 yards out for an SBU touchdown at the 9:53 mark, pulling SBU within 7, 31-24. The Bearcats defense came up big with a huge interception by Austin Otwell, but the Bearcats couldn't find the endzone to tie the game up.

Connors threw for around 200 yards, and two touchdowns, hitting four different receivers during the game. SBU had two players in double digit tackles, with Zach Moore and Chris Hawkins both collecting over 10 tackles. Moore also added one sack in game.

"Our kids came out and played very hard against a very good Missouri Western team," head coach Keith Allen stated.  "Our defense kept us in the game with three take aways and our offense was able to score on the short field.  Unfortunately we made too many mistakes to be able to win the game.  We had our opportunities on both sides of the field, but didn't get it done.  Credit Western and their players for making enough plays to win the game."

The Bearcats will be back in action on Saturday, November 5 when they host Emporia State. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. from Plaster Stadium in Bolivar.