ROLLA, Mo. – Missouri S&T football closed out its 2026 season in impressive fashion, routing the Lincoln Blue Tigers 56-28 at home on Military Appreciation Day.
The Miners' offense got off to a fast start, scoring on a six-play drive capped by a 21-yard rushing touchdown from AJ Harris (Wentzville, MO/Lutheran-St. Charles). The Blue Tigers found the equalizer early in the second quarter when quarterback Antwon McKay Jr. connected with Ron Lunz for a 17-yard touchdown. Lincoln had an opportunity to take the lead later in the quarter, but its 24-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Cristian Escobedo (Palm Desert, CA/Xavier College Prep).
On the ensuing drive, Eli Scott (Louisville, KY/Eastern) connected with Tyler Gioia (Huntington Beach, CA/Edison) for a 28-yard gain to set up another rushing touchdown by Harris, putting the Miners ahead 14-7 with less than two minutes remaining in the first half. Just two plays later, McKay Jr. threw an interception on a tipped pass, which Marshall Storm (Branson, MO/Branson) returned 40 yards for his first career touchdown. The Miners' defense then forced a three-and-out, giving the offense another opportunity to score before halftime. Scott capitalized, connecting with Reid Weber (St. Charles, MO/Francis Howell) for a 50-yard touchdown to extend S&T's lead to 28-7.
The Blue Tigers struck first in the second half, scoring on a 2-yard rushing touchdown to cut the deficit to 14. Lincoln nearly recovered an ensuing onside kick, but the play was nullified by an offsides penalty. The Miners responded by leaning heavily on their ground game, with Harris and Gioia each finding the end zone on the next two drives to extend the advantage to 42-14.
Lincoln added another touchdown late in the third quarter, but S&T answered immediately on its next possession. Gioia broke free for a 58-yard touchdown reception, pushing the Miners' lead to 49-21. McKay Jr. later connected with Kymani Clary for a 23-yard touchdown to make it 49-28, but the Miners' defense came up with another key stop on the ensuing possession, forcing a turnover on downs. S&T capitalized once again, as Aidan Talley punched in a rushing touchdown to cap the scoring and secure the 56-28 victory.
Gioia finished the game with 133 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns while Harris found the end zone thrice. Jalen Hill (Mayo, FL/Lafayette) led the team in tackles with eight and six solos. Mana Faagutu (Overland Park, KS/Blue Valley) recorded two tackles for loss while Cale Preston (Bettendorf, IA/Assumption) recorded his first career sack.
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