The UCM Mules put the finishing touches on another successful Homecoming celebration last weekend. Central Missouri dominated in all three phases of the game, picking up a big regional win over Fort Hays State 48-3. UCM gave the Homecoming crowd of just over 9,200 a lot to cheer about from beginning to end.

Senior defensive back Randy Shepherd got the fireworks going early when he intercepted a pass to set up the Mules first offensive possession. This was the first of three forced turnovers that Shepherd was responsible for on the day. UCM converted that turnover into three points when freshman placekicker Aaron Jamieson knocked home a 22 yard field goal.

UCM (6-1, 4-1 in the MIAA) would force two more turnovers in the half, which would lead to 14 more points and a 17-0 halftime lead. The second half would be more the same as UCM would put the game away in the third quarter outscoring Fort Hays 14-3. UCM would add 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to put the icing on the cake.

Junior quarterback Eric Czerniewski threw for 303 yards and three touchdowns in the game. He spread the ball around to 10 different receivers. His favorite target was junior wide receiver Seth Mason. Mason caught five balls for 119 yards. Senior wide receiver Bobby Guillory contributed four catches. Junior running back Anthony Stewart paced the UCM ground game with 93 yards and one touchdown. Fellow junior Zain Gower added 90 yards and a touchdown.

I thought Mule defense played really solid all day. The defensive line got penetration and forced the Fort Hays State quarterback into three interceptions and numerous hurried throws. Junior linebacker Cody Scribner led the defense with nine tackles on the day
This was an important win for UCM. However, the challenge gets even bigger next week when the Mules travel to St. Joseph to take on Missouri Western in another huge regional match up.

Scouting Missouri Western
Missouri Western is led by Head Coach Jerry Partridge. Partridge is in his 13th year at the helm. The Griffons will feature a Multiple Spread Offense and a Multiple 4-3 Defense. Western returns a veteran offense with 10 starters returning. They return eight starters on defense and two specialists.

The Western (6-1, 4-1 in the MIAA) offense is led by junior quarterback Drew Newhart. He has thrown for 1,708 yards 18 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. Newhart has four receivers who have 15 catches or more on the season. Senior wide receiver Cedric Houston is the big-play threat in the passing game. He has 30 catches for 592 yards and 11 touchdowns on the year. He is also a serious threat in the kick return game.

The Western ground game is a two headed monster with junior Thomas Hodges and freshman Michael Hill. Hodges has rushed for 567 yards and eight touchdowns. Hill has contributed 409 yards and five touchdowns.

I think this is the best offense in the conference. The UCM secondary has to keep everything in front of them. They cannot get beat over the top and allow the Western receivers to make big plays

The Griffon defense is led by junior linebacker Sean Whiters with 44 tackles and two for loss on the year. Senior defensive lineman Daniel Atkinson provides a consistent pass rushing threat with four sacks this season.

This series is full of tightly contested games that usually come down to play or two. Western has had the edge in recent years winning six in a row. The Griffons are usually solid on defense and special teams. This game could be the game of the week in Division II football. This is another chance for UCM to make a statement and continue their climb in the regional rankings.

Keys to the Game
I see four keys to the Mules winning this game. The first two are the same as always. They must win the turnover battle and control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

Third, the Mules need to establish their running game. I think this would serve two purposes. The first being that the UCM offense would be able to be more balanced. Second, if the Mules are able to establish their running game, they would also be able to keep the high-powered Western offense off the field.

Finally, the Mule defense has to put pressure on Newhart. He cannot be allowed to sit in the pocket and pick his target.