Lebanon, IL - McKendree University Football's late push wasn't enough to erase an early deficit on Sunday afternoon, as the Bearcats (3-4, 3-2) dropped a 29-10 decision to Missouri S&T (4-4, 2-3) at Leemon Field. Despite posting 352 yards of total offense and holding the ball for over 30 minutes, the Bearcats were unable to overcome the Miners' big-play ground attack. 

OPENING MOMENTS AND EARLY BATTLES
Both defenses came out with energy in a brisk, windy afternoon that hovered in the upper-50s. Missouri S&T seized the first break of the day after a opening kickoff return that set the Miners up on their half of the field, but near midfield. Six plays later, running back Kai Martin powered through for a two-yard touchdown, putting the visitors ahead 7-0 with 12:38 left in the first. 

McKendree responded with measured resolve. Ty Michael and the Bearcats offense began to find rhythm on routes to Jaylen Ford and Daryle Jones Jr., while the defense held firm on a fourth-down stop courtesy of Khalid Stewart's fumble recovery midway through the quarter. Linebackers Logan Turbyfill and Nick Bova anchored the middle, combining for 16 tackles as the opening period turned into a field position chess match. 

A promising Bearcat drive late in the quarter advanced deep into Miner territory, but a fumble near the goal line ended the threat - a sequence that loomed large as the game unfolded. 

SECOND QUARTER - MINERS CAPITALIZE
Momentum swung toward Missouri S&T early in the second. Quarterback Jake Farrell efficiently managed an 85-yard march capped by a nine-yard strike to Brennen Taranto to double the lead at 14-0. The Miners leaned heavily on a run game behind their offensive line, finishing the half with 166 rushing yards. 

McKendree again drove across midfield on its next possession, using short completions to Ford and Brylan Apholone to move the chains, but pressure from S&T's front line stalled the series. The Miners then pieced together another scoring drive - an eight-play, 72-yard trek capped by a two-yard Wells run and a successful two-point conversion - giving them a 22-0 cushion at the half. 

The halftime deficit masked the Bearcats' statistical edge through the air. Michael had already completed passes to seven different receivers. Ford eclipsed the 100-yard mark on the day with consistent gains on curls and crossing routes, while Jones Jr.'s 47-yard connection down the right sideline provided one of McKendree's longest plays. 

THIRD QUARTER - SIGNS OF LIFE
McKendree regrouped after the break with renewed precision. On their first sustained drive of the half, the Bearcats executed 13 plays covering 72 yards, featuring timely third-down completions and strong protection from the offensive line that kept Michael upright all day. The drive stalled inside the 10, but Chase Reeves split the uprights from 25 yards out to put McKendree on the board, trimming the deficit to 22-3. 

Defensively, the Bearcats held the Miners to just 52 yards in the quarter and forced a missed 40-yard field goal. Tanner Hollerich added a quarterback hurry and Johnnie Robinson broke up a critical third-down pass to end another Miner possession. The energy on the McKendree sideline rose as the defense had begun to dictate the tempo. 

FOURTH QUARTER - THE COMEBACK ATTEMPT
Early in the fourth, Michael steered another methodical drive - 13 plays and 77 yards - highlighted by completions to David Richard and Eddie Clark, whose balance and toughness kept chains moving. Facing third-and-goal from the four, Philip Shaw bounced off contact and crossed the goal line to pull McKendree within 22-10 after Reeves' extra point. 

With momenntum swinging, the Bearcat defense forced a quick S&T punt, setting up another chance midway through the quarter. Yet the Miners delivered the decisive blow moments later. Pinned at their own one-yard line, Wells found daylight up the right sideline and dashed 99 yards for the touchdown. 

That run effectively sealed the outcome, but credit to McKendree, who continued to battle until the final seconds, stringing together one last 54-yard series that ended on an interception at the Miner 34, giving Missouri S&T a few snaps to occupy the rest of the clock. 

BEARCAT STATISTICAL LEADERS
Offensive
Ty Michael | 30/49, 284 yards
Jaylen Ford | 10 receptions, 109 yards

Defensive
Logan Turbyfill | 9 tackles (6 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 pass break-up
Nick Bova | 7 tackles (6 solo), 0.5 tackles for loss

Special Teams
Chase Reeves | 25-yard field goal, 5 punts for 189 yards (37.8 yards per punt), 3 kickoffs for 165 yards (55 yards per kickoff)
Jerry Richardson | 19-yard kickoff return

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
2025 Homecoming Game + "Purple Out"
vs. Lincoln (MO) Blue Tigers (2-5, 0-4)
Saturday, October 25th - 1:00 PM
at Leemon Field - Lebanon, Illinois
Watch Live ($) (GLVCSN)
Live Stats (Sidearm Sports)
Tickets (UniversityTickets)