FULTON, Mo. — William Woods (4-4, 1-2) built a 21-point fourth-quarter lead and held off a late Missouri Baptist (2-4, 0-2) rally to secure a 31-25 Heart of America Athletic Conference South Division victory Saturday at the North Campus Athletic Complex.
The Owls struck first with a defensive play, as Jeramiah Hurd returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown with 9:48 remaining in the opening quarter. Missouri Baptist answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Isaiah Jones to tie the game at 7-7.
William Woods regained the lead in the second quarter after recovering a Missouri Baptist fumble. Coleson Baum connected with JaQuieze Holland for a 1-yard touchdown pass to put the Owls ahead 14-7. Ryan Mendoza added a 25-yard field goal with 4:21 remaining in the half, extending the lead to 17-7. The Spartans answered with a 24-yard field goal in the final minute, sending the teams into halftime with William Woods ahead 17-10.
Neither team scored in the third quarter. William Woods defensive back Carter Holloway recorded an interception during the period, helping the Owls maintain their seven-point advantage heading into the fourth. For a moment, Holloway had a touchdown to his name on the return. After video review, it was determined he stepped out of bounce at midfield. Holloway's interception was his sixth of the season, leading the NAIA.
The Owls extended their lead with a 14-play, 70-yard drive that lasted 8:36. Baum capped the possession with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Desmond Wilkins, making it 24-10 with 9:21 remaining. On the ensuing kickoff, Craig Laughlin recovered a fumble giving the Owls the ball inside Spartan territory.
William Woods added another touchdown just 48 seconds later, as Jalen Proctor scored on a 1-yard run to finish a two-play, 30-yard drive and give the Owls a 31-10 advantage.
Missouri Baptist responded with a 3-yard touchdown run by Elijah Stevens and a successful two-point conversion to cut the deficit to 31-18 with 6:42 remaining. After William Woods punted, the Spartans put together a three-play, 56-yard drive capped by a 20-yard touchdown pass from Grant Gibson to Jeremiah Forde with 2:52 left, bringing the score to 31-25.
William Woods took possession with 2:44 remaining and ran out the clock, finishing the game at the Missouri Baptist 45-yard line to secure the six-point victory.
Baum finished 17-of-30 passing for 235 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, while rushing for 44 yards. Holland led the Owls with six receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown, while Wilkins added three catches for 45 yards and a score. Proctor rushed for 21 yards and a touchdown on seven carries. Mendoza made a 25-yard field goal and converted all four extra-point attempts.
The Owls hit the road next week to take on No. 3 Benedictine. Kickoff in Atchinson is set for 1 p.m.
