In a thrilling NAIA football showdown, Missouri Baptist took on Culver-Stockton (MO) at Spartan Field in St. Louis, MO. Despite the warm 84°F temperature and partly cloudy skies, the stands were packed with energetic fans. The Spartans found themselves in a 28-7 deficit at halftime but delivered an incredible second-half performance, rallying to a 44-37 victory.
Quarterback Jordan Simpson led the charge, going 19 for 41 with 275 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and a 126.8 passer rating. On the ground, Lionel Banks was unstoppable, rushing 18 times for 99 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.
After a challenging first half that left the Missouri Baptist University Spartans trailing by three scores, they mounted an incredible comeback to defeat Culver-Stockton in overtime, 44-37.
The game began with the Spartans struggling to gain momentum, as Culver-Stockton jumped to an early 20-2 lead, with MBU’s only points coming from a blocked PAT return. The Wildcats added to their lead in the second quarter, making it 27-2. With less than five minutes left in the first half, Missouri Baptist finally showed signs of life. The offense marched 66 yards down the field on a 14-play drive, capped off by a Lionel Banks touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 27-8 heading into halftime.
Coming out of the break, the Spartans struck first with a huge 41-yard pass from quarterback Jordan Simpson to Joseph White. Banks followed it up with another 18-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 27-15. Culver-Stockton managed to hit a 31-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, extending their lead to 30-15. After forcing a Spartan punt, the Wildcats scored another touchdown, giving them a commanding 37-15 lead with less than 10 minutes remaining.
With time running out, the Spartans had no choice but to score quickly, and they did just that. Simpson led a lightning-fast, 4-play, 65-yard drive in just 58 seconds, culminating in a four-yard touchdown pass to Julian Williams. A successful two-point conversion brought MBU within 14 points. The Spartan defense then stepped up, forcing a three-and-out. White returned the ensuing punt 64 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 37-29 with six minutes left.
Missouri Baptist’s defense continued to rise to the occasion, forcing another punt with just under three minutes remaining. Simpson took advantage, methodically leading the offense down the field. He fired a 26-yard touchdown pass to Nick Watkins, and Jonah Cox’s PAT tied the game at 37 with 1:21 left. Culver-Stockton responded with a drive of their own, but the Spartan defense held firm, forcing a 30-yard field goal attempt. With the game on the line, MBU blocked the kick, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, MBU needed just two plays to find the end zone, with Simpson connecting with Kaden Solverud on a corner route at the pylon to give the Spartans a 44-37 lead. The defense held strong once again, preventing Culver-Stockton from scoring, sealing the remarkable three-score comeback.
The win moves MBU to 2-1 as they head into their first road game next Saturday against Peru State.
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