Excelsior Springs Dominates Ground Game in Win Over Moberly

The Excelsior Springs Tigers defeated the Moberly Spartans 34-14 Friday.

After a stalled drive from both offenses to start the game, the Tigers took advantage of a blocked punt and good field position to strike first late in the first quarter.

Brandon Monty with the call on KWIX and centralmoinfo.com. The Tigers got the ball right back after recovering an onside kick and marched down the field to extend their lead to two scores.

Excelsior Springs found the endzone two minutes later on a 39-yard run by Amani Robinson. With 2:53 to go in the first half, Shelton broke off another big gain on a 51-yard run to the house to make it 28-0. Excelsior Springs finished the game with 359 rushing yards on 49 carries. Shelton led the way for the Tigers with 16 carries for 216 yards and two touchdowns. Moberly head coach Cody McDowell said the Tiger offense executed well.

The Spartans got on the board late in the first half to make it 28-7 Tigers going to halftime. Following a Martez Nabors interception, the senior wide receiver quickly turned defense to offense on a pass from quarterback Collin Huffman.

Huffman finished the game 15-for-24 for 192 yards and two touchdowns. Moberly head coach Cody McDowell said Huffman has improved throughout the season.

Neither team scored in the second half until 4:10 remaining in the fourth, where Huffman found Dakotah Courtney for a 23-yard touchdown to make it 28-14. Moberly regained possession on an onside kick, but a 57-yard interception return for a touchdown by Kolt Willis with 2:45 to play sealed the win for Excelsior Springs.

The Spartans fall to 0-3 with the loss, while Excelsior Springs improves to 2-1. Moberly begins North Central Missouri Conference play next week with a matchup against Kirksville.

Moberly Head Coach Cody McDowell: