The SXU Cougars viciously rebounded from two previous thrashings against rivals Marian University and ISU this past Saturday.
In true Cougar fashion, the team clenched their first win of the season and seventh home win in a row. As a result of the 2 previous tough loses, the Cougars came out swinging in their clash against the Spartans of Missouri Baptist University.
SXU’s defensive players brought an unmatched aggression and determination, while the offense held their own with grit and resolve.
Saturday’s game marked the one year anniversary of SXU’s victory against MBU 48-13 in St. Louis, and only the second match-up between the two schools. This game also marked the first use of the newly installed turf at Deaton Field. The new turf replaced the older field installed in 2006 with a redesigned center image. In its place, there is a large red X inscribed with a cougar, alongside the redone white SXU lettering in the endzones.
The SXU offense set the opening tempo of the game with a touchdown from a thirteen-yard run by Vance McShane. Ending with a good kick from Mike Iturbe, 10 minutes into the first quarter. The touchdown was a culmination of seven plays and sixty-five yards. This was the total of points scored in the first quarter.
The first score of the second quarter was in at the 10 minute, twenty-second mark via a thirty-six-yard field goal by Mike Iturbe. Total movement was four plays for thirty-six yards. This was followed by a sixty-six yard pass from Alex Martinez to Elliot Pipkin with a completed kick by Mike Iturbe. Total movement was two plays and sixty-six yards. This was followed by 7 plays and fifty-two yards of movement for a twenty-nine yard field goal by Mike Iturbe. The third quarter kicked off with a twenty-nine yard pass received by Nick Czeszewski for a touchdown. Followed by a good kick by Iturbe.
This was the result of 5 plays for forty-nine yards of movement. The fourth quarter saw the MBU Spartans’s Lucas Rockford score their first touchdown, a 2-yard run and the result of forteen plays for ninety-two yards of movement. Ethan Meltzer followed up by completing a good kick.
The Cougars responded with a thirteen play, ninety-five yard drive. Davis completed a twenty-five yard pass by Hunniford, with Iturbe kicking. The final score saw SXU bring home their first win 34-7 at Deaton Field. Total elapsed time was 2 hours and thirty-seven minutes. The keys to the Cougar victory this past Saturday lied in the aggressiveness and explosiveness of its players.
The Cougar offense was able to solidify their position against MBU’s defensive lines and give Junior QB Alex Martinez enough time to work his magic. The O-line established a firm holding, preventing excessive breakthrough from MBU, and stalling their drives. The defensive line threw everything they had against the Spartans, pushing out with rage and aggression.
They exploded and broke through the Spartan O-line for beautiful sacks, halting time and time against MBU’s drives.
Moises Reynaga
Sports Reporter
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