From staff reports

sports@joplinglobe.com

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Truman State relied on the running game in the first half, then took to the air in the second half as the Bulldogs whipped Missouri Southern 38-7 Saturday afternoon at Stokes Stadium.

The Bulldogs (4-5, 3-5 MIAA) gained 200 yards on the ground while building a 10-0 halftime lead. Quarterback Matt Ticich, who had only two completions for 12 yards in the first two quarters, passed for 138 yards and three scores in the second half as the Bulldogs pulled away.

The Bulldogs matched their season high with 429 yards total offense — 265 rushing and 164 passing.

Anton Bernard rushed for 122 yards on 16 carries, becoming the first Bulldog to post a 100-yard rushing game this season. Ticich finished 11 of 21 through the air for 150 yards and touchdown strikes of 21 yards to Ryan King and two yards to Tyler Fenton in the third quarter and 18 yards to Kendrick Blue early in the fourth period.

Missouri Southern (4-6, 2-6) gained 380 total yards, including 303 yards passing by Adam Hinspeter, who completed 29 of 46 passes but was intercepted three times.

Johnny Johnson caught nine passes for 130 yards, and Isaac Norman, slowed by a knee injury, had seven catches for 80 yards, including a six-yard touchdown reception with 9:17 remaining. Mark Henderson, the Lions’ leading receiver this season, did not make the trip because of a hand injury suffered last week.

After Norman’s touchdown, Brian Malette converted the extra point for his 39th consecutive PAT, breaking the school record he shared the last two weeks with Rick Lairmore. Malette hit his final 11 PATs last season and all 28 this season. Larimore had 38 straight from late in the 1989 season through early 1991.

Missouri Southern inside linebacker Jared Brawner, a Kirksville High School graduate, made a game-high 12 tackles. Defensive back Corderial Collier had 10 tackles, one more than lineman Brandon Williams.

The Lions began their first series in Truman State territory as Fred Smith returned the opening kickoff 49 yards to the 46-yard line. But on second down, Hinspeter was hit as he threw, and Robert Massop made the interception at the 39.

“That one was on our tailback (for missing a block),” Lions head coach Bart Tatum said on his postgame radio show. “Adam got hit under his armpit as he was delivering the ball.

“We had possession on their side of the 50, and two plays later they have the ball. That’s the story of our season. We’re not making the plays and other people are. We have to keep building.”

The Bulldogs turned the takeaway into points as Phil Kenney scored on a 15-yard run, capping a nine-play, 61-yard drive with 10:29 left in the period.

Penalties — eight in the first half and 10 for the game — and dropped passes also played the Lions’ offense.