Lions football set to clash with Emporia State in hall of fame game

JOPLIN, MO — Entering their seventh game, Missouri Southern football is still eyeing its second win of the season.

This Saturday, the Lions will host their hall of fame game against Emporia State, and will have another opportunity in front of a strong crowd. Last time out, the Lions fell to Central Oklahoma 59-24, struggling against the pass.

Southern allowed over 350 yards through the air and five touchdowns on the day, but there were some encouraging numbers on offense. When it came to the ground game, running back LaRandion Dowden had his strongest game with over 100 yards and a touchdown. In facing an equally tough Emporia, head coach Atiba Bradley said the positive moments against UCO will translate to a better performance.

“The first couple of weeks we really struggled,” said Bradley.

“It was like one of those things where if the offensive line missed it, the tailbacks hit it or vice versa. I think right now we’re starting to get into where both groups are really working well together, and that’s a great sign.”

MSSU freshman running back Victor Chionuma, who split a tally of two rushing touchdowns with Dowden on Saturday, said that he’s locked in when it comes to building on the ground game.”

“They’re going to look at film and they’re going to see our flaws,” said Chionuma of Emporia State. “But, that’s what also brings out the good in us too, because we saw what we did throughout the entire game. We have to just take that and build on it throughout the week.”

Chionuma’s teammate, sophomore defensive back Daimond Casseus, praised the efforts of the coaching staff in prepping the team. Casseus said it now falls on his group executing.

“Our coaches do a pretty good job with the game plan and making sure that we’re well prepared. We just have to go out there and execute. We have a great game plan every week, now we just have to go out there and execute it,” said Casseus.

The Lions will host the Hornets on Saturday, October 12 at 1:00 p.m.

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