WARRENSBURG, Mo. — The Delta State Football team fell on the road Saturday night, dropping a 59-10 decision to the University of Central Missouri at Audrey J. Walton Stadium.
The Mules struck quickly and never looked back, scoring twice in the opening quarter and building a 31-7 halftime advantage. Central Missouri totaled 674 yards of offense, including 460 through the air, while limiting the Statesmen to 146 total yards on the night.
Central Missouri quarterback Jordan Pachot led the offensive surge, throwing for 391 yards and four touchdowns, while adding a rushing score. Marlon Lindsey hauled in two touchdown receptions, both coming in the first quarter as the Mules jumped out to a 14-0 lead.
Delta State's biggest highlight came on special teams in the second quarter, when
Jekerious Williams returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown to put the Statesmen on the board. The score cut the deficit to 28-7, but the Mules answered before halftime with a field goal to extend their lead.
The Statesmen added their final points in the fourth quarter on a 44-yard field goal from
Price Nixon.
Defensively,
Rickie Davis Jr. led Delta State with 17 total tackles, while
Tavian Moore added 15 stops. Despite the effort, the Statesmen defense was on the field for much of the contest, as Central Missouri controlled possession for over 36 minutes.
Delta State will look to regroup next week as it continues non-conference play with the Delta Classic on the road at Mississippi Valley State next Saturday at 6 p.m. (CT).