Bolivar, Mo. – The SBU football team opened GLVC play Saturday evening against William Jewell College, falling 27-17 inside Plaster Stadium. The Bearcats led by seven at halftime before the Cardinals used a strong second half to take control. The loss moves SBU to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
SBU struck first behind the leg of Kaleb James, who connected on a 49-yard field goal midway through the opening quarter. The Bearcats extended their advantage early in the second when Tyrone Scyrus punched it in from three yards out, giving SBU a 10-0 lead. William Jewell added a 50-yard field goal late in the half, sending the Bearcats into the locker room ahead 10-3.
The Cardinals found their rhythm after halftime, scoring touchdowns on consecutive drives in the third quarter to take their first lead of the night at 17-10. William Jewell added another touchdown early in the fourth to extend the advantage to 24-10.
SBU continued to battle, responding with a 12-play, 75-yard drive. Jobe Smith finished the drive with an eight-yard touchdown run, bringing the Bearcats back within one score at 24-17 with 7:29 remaining. William Jewell answered with a field goal on its next possession and held on for the 27-17 victory.
The Bearcat defense created opportunities throughout the night, forcing three turnovers. Evan Buchanan and Maxwell Kates each recorded an interception, while Finn Smith forced a fumble that was recovered by the Bearcats. SBU also brought down William Jewell quarterback Charlie Loose three times, with sacks from Buchanan, Smith and Cirron Harrison.
Ricky Woodhouse led the defensive effort with a game-high 18 tackles, while Chucky Sutton added 13 and Hayden Wolfe finished with 12. Harrison recorded 1.5 tackles for loss to go along with his sack.
Offensively, Jaron Saunders completed 24 passes for 163 yards. Peyton Rasmussen led the receiving corps with seven catches for 62 yards,
The Bearcats will hit the road next Saturday, September 26, traveling to Rolla to take on Missouri S&T at 6 p.m.
