Fast start sparks Lions past Northeastern State 27-21

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Globe/T. Rob Brown Missouri Southern running back Travis Hurd is ackled by Northeastern State's David Lewis during Saturday's game at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.
Globe/T. Rob Brown Missouri Southern's Landon Zerkel catches a pass over Northeastern State defensive back Vernon Jones.

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September 9, 2012

Fast start sparks Lions past Northeastern State 27-21

By Anvil Welch Globe Sports Writer The Joplin Globe Sun Sep 09, 2012, 12:09 AM CDT

Missouri Southern opened its home football schedule by holding off Northeastern State 27-21 in an MIAA game on Saturday night before 5,287 in Fred G. Hughes Stadium.

The Lions, who scored touchdowns on their first three possessions, rushed for 325 yards in claiming their second MIAA victory.

The RiverHawks, in their first season in the MIAA, fell to 0-2 under former Missouri Southern assistant Kenny Evans.

Senior slotback Ne’Ronte Threatt rushed for two of the Lions’ four touchdowns on the ground.

Said Lions coach Daryl Daye: “Overall, our kids showed a lot of heart. We had several mistakes during the game that really could have cost us the game and we had chances to put away the game. But the bottom line, when we had to get it done, we did it.

“This is what builds character and belief,” Daye said. “The players are enjoying this win.”

Said Threatt (a 175-pounder from Texarkana, Texas): “Everyone did their part. The defense was so tough in the second half. (Linebacker) Aaron Hall had a big interception.”

Threatt said he scored both times off the toss sweep (three and 14 yards) in the second period that helped the Lions lead 21-7 at the half.

Said Lions quarterback Kellen Cox: “The second half was a bit of a struggle. They (the RiverHawks) made adjustments at halftime after we’d played our best half of the season. The defense stepped up in the second half. Hall, of course, made a great play.”

Hall’s interception and 12-yard return came in the fourth period and set up the final Southern score on a 19-yard run by Bryant Venson at 3:17 on second-and-9. The Lions began their drive on the NSU 37 after a personal foul. That made it 27-14 to withstand the RiverHawks’ quick answer directed by quarterback Johnny Deaton — a 69-yard scoring pass to Jermaine Sherman.

Said Daye: “They (the Riverhawks) came up swinging (after falling behind). They have guys who can score and who can score fast.”

Hall and Alex Wong. another linebacker, each totaled eight tackles.

Deaton finished 23 of 38 for 287 yards. He also hit Terrance Dixon for an 8-yard scoring pass and Dixon added a 3-yard scoring run.

Cox’s 1-yard scoring run capped a 17-play, 86-yard scoring drive on the Lions’ first possession. Cox, thanks to one carry of 70 yards, finished with 108 on eight carries.

“This team is gelling,” Cox said. “We have great chemistry.”

Added Daye: “We’ll put it (the victory) away and be ready for Lincoln.”

The Lions visit Lincoln at 2 p.m. next Saturday in Jefferson City. Northeastern is at Washburn in Topeka at 6 p.m.