Lopers Edge Lions, 16-13, for First 2026 Win
The offense scored two first half touchdowns and the defense and special teams made big plays down the stretch to help Nebraska Kearney beat Missouri Southern, 16-13, Saturday afternoon at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium.
The Lopers (1-6, 1-4) snap a seven-game losing streak, dating back to last season, and earn its first win over the Lions (1-6, 0-5) since 2022.
"Well, this was an old NFC East or NFC North, Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers in the snow game. Minus the snow,” said UNK head coach Ryan Held. “We knew it was going to be tough, and our guys have just persevered and stayed the course. It’s not easy when you’ve lost so many close games and some people are down on you, but these guys have always kept their heads high. We battle and as head coach that’s all I can ask.”
Things started off well for UNK as they got out to a 14-0 lead by the 3:04 mark of the second quarter. Touchdown drives of 63 and 59 yards were capped by scoring runs from true freshman back Calin Arndt (Overland Park, Kan.) and junior quarterback Devin Tate (Oxnard, Calif.). The second drive was a 13-play, 59-yard march with the first highlighted by a 15-yard unsportsmanlike call on the Lions.
MSSU’s first four drives resulted in two punts and two interceptions, but they finally got going and went 75 yards in eight plays to make it a one-score game right before half. A 40-yard completion from veteran QB Tillman Martin to junior Isaiah Green, the MIAA’s second-ranked receiver, was the big gainer. FCS-transfer Allen Mitchell capped things with a four-yard rumble.
UNK punted five times and had had a turnover on downs – a low snap led to punter Marty Mormino (Omaha Westside) having his knee touch the ground – in the second half. Meanwhile, Mitchell continued to run well and that led to field goals of 18 and 41 yards, respectively, from sophomore Asher Huffman. However, the Loper defense stopped MoSo on 1st & Goal from the three. Two runs netted two yards with a Tillman shovel pass going nowhere either and resulting in that 18-yarder to make it 14-10.
“Defense played lights out today and it was enough offensively. We needed to do a few more things, but it was another game where we didn’t turn the ball over,” said Held.
With just 3:17 left, Mormino had a 51-yard punt that pinned the Lions at their own three. On 3rd & 6, Martin was sacked by lineman Cole Luetdke (Lincoln SW) for a safety. UNK started the ensuing drive at midfield after Huffman kicked the ball out of bounds. While the Lopers punted again, MSSU’s final drive stalled at its own 34-yard line with Luedtke and end LaDainian Blackwell (Boys Town) combining for sack on the final play.
“We kept fighting and found a way to get it done. We hadn’t beaten Missouri Southern since I’ve been here (2023) so I’m glad that’s been put to bed,” said Held. “It’s a good feeling and there’s been some stress. You just see the fight in these guys; when I wake up in the morning, I’m excited to coach them because I know they’ll give everything they got.”
MSSU out gained UNK by a 216-186 but had those two INT’s, muffed a punt that pinned them at their own eight, and was 2 of 15 on third down.
Tate finished 11 of 15 for 65 yards with Arndt tallying 73 yards on 18 totes. Next, senior tight end Mufasa Stallings (Magnolia, Miss.) had four grabs for 28 yards with Mormino at a 42.4 average in eight attempts. The nation’s fifth ranked punter, four of his efforts landed inside the Lions 20-yard line.
“That goal line stand where we held them to a field goal turns out to be very big. We always tell them to play the next play because that play can be the difference. Holding them to a field goal when they had it at the one is a hard deal to do,” said Held. “Changing field position in a game like this is important so Marty’s efforts were huge."
For the Lions, Mitchell had 13 carries for 108 yards with Martin 9 of 25 for 67 yards. UNK limited Green to 54 yards on four catches with All-MIAA receiver Isaiah Padello at three receptions for only 10 yards. Senior Mitchell Cory did have a 59-yard punt and averaged 43.4 on the day.
Defensively, senior Eddie Whipple (Daytona Beach, Fla.) and sophomore Gunnar Lym (Gretna) had their first picks with Blackwell, Luetdke and ends Timarcus Grayson (Ralph, Ala.) and Koren Conrad (Kearney Catholic) each having at least a half sack with MSSU led by backer Briar McIntire (11 tackles)
UNK hosts nationally ranked Northwest Missouri next Saturday. The Bearcats were at Fort Hays State Saturday night.