JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Lincoln football team forced a fumble, recorded a safety and intercepted a pass, but the Blue Tigers fell to Missouri Southern on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 21). The Lions took advantage of 28 first quarter points to beat the Blue Tigers, 63-5.

The safety occurred on the final play of the game, as Missouri Southern (4-4), backed up to its own three, tried a running play out of the end zone. JayDan Trotter burst through the line and wrapped up the running back before he could break the plane, giving Lincoln (0-8) its first defensive points of the season.

Mo Alwaely kicked a 33-yard field goal in the second quarter for LU's others points of the afternoon and averaged 56.5 yards on kickoffs while Clayton Winkler averaged 34.4 yards punting with two kicks landing inside the 20. Xzavier Vaughn completed 12 passes for 106 yards while Damon Bell finished with five completions for 41 yards.

LaMarco Yates paced the running game with 67 yards and Omar Allen rushed for 28 while Vaughn was next with 22. Allen caught three passes for a team-high 44 yards, Blayden Brown led Lincoln with four receptions and gained 36 yards, and Dawan Lomax gained 20 yards on his only catch of the day.

Ke'Ron Blankumsee broke up two passes and recorded Lincoln's interception, and Ishaq Robinson had a hurry and a deflection, both on the same play. Jordan Batts blocked a field goal and tied Woodens PierreLouis with four tackles. Cory Macon had a team-high seven tackles while Elijah Juarez and Ethan Garnett added five apiece. Wes Hollie was credited with a hurry, Michael Harrison recorded a fumble on a muffed punt return and Vez Carter provided three tackles.

Lincoln will play for the second in less than a week on Thursday (Oct. 26) as the Blue Tigers host Eastern New Mexico at 7:00 p.m. CDT. Prior to the game, beginning at 5:00 p.m. CDT, Lincoln, the LU Campus Activities Board and the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City will host a Trunk or Treat at The LINC. Lincoln's football, men's basketball and women's basketball teams will be on hand to greet guests, who are encouraged to remain in their best Halloween costumes at the game, as a costume contest will be held. There will also be a raffle at halftime of the game, sponsored by Rusty Drewing Automotive, with prizes including memorabilia autographed by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs.