ROLLA, MO -- The Miners took down the William Jewell Cardinals 24-17 today, going ahead with 2:27 left on a 60-yard rushing touchdown by
Evan Wells (Roxana, IL/Roxana).
The Miners looked like the would take an early lead in their first drive of the game, marching down to the redzone in nine plays before an underthrown ball by
Jake Farrell (Scottsdale, AZ/Notre Dame Prep) led to the first interception of the contest. The Cardinals picked up three first downs in the following drive, leading to a 45-yard field goal that gave them a 3-0 lead halfway through the first quarter.
Jewell's lead would be short-lived though, with the Miners marching down the field in 13 plays to take their first lead of the game on a 1-yard rushing touchdown by
Gage Hershberger (Mountain Home, AR/Mountain Home). The Miners offense would get another opportunity less than a minute later, getting the ball back after a 3-and-out by the Cardinals. S&T made it to mid-field on their next drive before an errant pass led to the Cardinals' second interception of the game. The Miner defense made up for the error though, holding Jewell out of field goal range and forcing a punt.
The Miner offense responded with another lengthy drive, marching 88 yards in 16 plays to extend their lead to 14-3 after Farrell connected with
Brennen Taranto (Weston, FL/Western) in the middle of the endzone. Jewell had an opportunity to put some more points on the scoreboard at the end of the half, attempting a 30-yard field goal that would be blocked by
Christian Kemp (Madison, AL/Bob Jones).
Jewell got the ball coming out of halftime, but would turn the ball over two plays in after
Robert Martin (Chicago, IL/Stevenson) forced a fumble (recovered by
Kam Richardson (Kirkwood, MO/Kirkwood)). The turnover set S&T up in Jewell territory, leading to a 24-yard field goal attempt nine plays later that would be blocked. The Cardinals answered with their best drive of the game, taking the ball 93 yards in 14 plays and scoring a touchdown on a 22-yard reception by Reece Thomas. The Cardinals got two chances at a two point conversion, with S&T picking up a personal foul on the first attempt, but fail to convert either of them to make it a 14-9 game.
S&T would find their first points of the half in the final minutes of the third quarter when
Layne Ryals (Louisburg, KS/Louisburg) hit a 30-yard field goal. Jewell would move the ball into Miner territory quickly in their next drive, but came up empty after Richardson picked of the Cardinals' QB at the S&T12. S&T's offense failed to come away with any points after the pick though, giving Jewell the ball back just over ten minutes left. A 57-yard reception by Jewell set up their second touchdown of the day, with the Cardinals successfully picking up the two-point conversion to tie the game at 17-17.
The Miners had an opportunity to retake the lead in the ensuing drive, but missed a 36-yard field goal to keep the score tied. Jewell was only able to pick up a pair of first downs in their drive, punting the ball back to S&T with 2:39 left to play. Wells provided the big play that the Miners needed to retake control of the game, taking the ball up the middle and breaking free for a 60-yard touchdown run on the first play of the drive. The Miner defense held up late, forcing a three-and-out to secure the victory.
Wells led the Miners in all-purpose yards with 151 (all on the ground) and a touchdown on the day. Farrell ended the day with 215 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions.
Bentley Hart (Brookland, AR/Brookland) picked up 2 sacks and 2 tackles for loss, while Richardson contributed with a fumble recovery, an interception, and a pass breakup.
What's Next
The Miners conclude their regular season with a trip to Jefferson City for a game against Lincoln.
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