Box Score

Oct. 9, 2010

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Missouri Western's senior quarterback Drew Newhart posted a career high in passing yards as the Griffons broke open a 13-7 halftime score and defeated the Truman Bulldogs 29-7 on Saturday afternoon.

Newhart completed 25 of his 35 pass attempts for a school record 412 yards and two touchdowns as Missouri Western improved to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in the conference.

The Bulldogs were able to move the ball on the ground as they gained 184 yards but struggled through the air with just 61 passing yards.

Phil Davis led the team with 54 yards on the ground on 16 carries while Will Comsquera added 48 on six and Harnish Ayora 40 on 11.  Anton Bernard was the fourth ball carrier with 35 yards on eight attempts.

The Griffons took the opening drive down the field but the 'Dog defense were able to keep Western out of the endzone and forced a 23-yard field goal by Brad Beckwith.

Michael Hill scored on a six-yard touchdown to cap off an eight-play 80-yard drive early in the second quarter to put the Griffons up 10-0.

However, the Bulldog defense got a big turnover as Patrick Blackwell forced a fumble on Newhart that was recovered by Adam Reynolds in Western territory.  Phil Davis scooted in from two yards out to cut the deficit to three with 3:38 left in the half.

At the end of the half, the Bulldogs were forced to punt with just over 16 seconds left to play but Terrell Downing returned the ball 23 yards to Truman's 34.  Two plays later the Griffons were knocking on the door but had to settle with a 24-yard field goal by Beckwith to extend the lead to 13-7 at the break.

The teams exchanged possessions to start the half but Western got the big play when Newhart found a wide open Andrew Mead for a 73-yard touchdown pass at the 7:06 mark of the third quarter for a 19-7 Griffon lead.

The Griffons would tack on another 32-yard field goal by Beckwith and a 31-yard touchdown reception by David Fowler in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.

Davis converted on his first three pass attempts for 35 yards but finished the game 4-of-19 for 36 yards and an interception.

Mead was Newhart's top target with nine catches for 166 yards.

Truman falls to 2-4 overall and 0-4 in the MIAA and will host Missouri Southern for Homecoming next Saturday at 2:00 p.m.