Lion’s Den: Lindenwood 28, Jewell 16, Lions Claim 1st Win of 2019

Nathan Tucker
nrtucker@lc.edu

 

Lindenwood seemed to have a bit of a chip on their shoulder following a tough loss at Hunter Stadium last week to Midwestern State University. The Lions missed an extra point late in the game, and fumbled the ball away on their last possession when they had a chance to win as the clock expired. Whether it be hard feelings from the week prior, or truly finding their game, they looked to be on a mission against the William Jewell College Cardinals in week three. 

The Cardinals come to St. Charles trying to correct their own mistakes, having lost 49-21 in last week’s contest with West Texas A&M on William Jewell’s home turf in Liberty, Missouri. Unfortunately for the Cardinals efforts to right their ship, Lindenwood came out and smacked them in the face early. Lindenwood’s defense forced a quick three and out on the first drive of the game, and on their own offensive drive quarterback Cade Brister connected with Erik Henneman for a 70-yard touchdown pass. Lindenwood was ahead in less than 150 seconds of game time. 

The Lions never looked back in the first half. Three more touchdowns for Cade Brister, two through the air (including one you can watch here) and another via a short run on 3rd and goal, put the game virtually out of reach for the visitors. Lindenwood was marching toward a fifth touchdown when a Cardinal defender forced a fumble from the Lindenwood ballcarrier. Jewell found the scoreboard as the final seconds ticked off the clock, making a roughly 40-yard field goal to close out the first half. 

Lindenwood began to struggle to find the endzone starting in the second half. Jewell started to find answers for the balanced Lions attack, and Cade Brister’s offense stagnated. LU attempted to keep the ball on the ground more, feeding tailback Dalton Grohler more in an attempt to work minutes off the clock and defend their lead. Jewell began to chip away as they finally found the endzone in the third, and once more at the start of the fourth quarter. After a missed extra point, Lindenwood’s lead had dwindled from 28-0 to 28-16. 

The remainder of the game became a punting/clock management contest, with Lindenwood clinging to their 12-point lead. William Jewell’s attempts to climb within one score were futile, with their last drive ending with the final whistle. 

The win gives Lindenwood their first victory on the young season, but also was Head Coach Jed Stugart’s 100th career coaching win. The Lions improve to 1-2 on the season, as William Jewell falls to 1-2. A few weeks on the road including a big matchup with McKendree on October 5 are next up for LU. For more information on Lindenwood football and other sports, visit LindenwoodLions.com.

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