Missouri Western built a 28-0 halftime lead on the way to a 35-14 victory, dropping the Mavericks to 0-2 on the year.

The visiting Griffons racked up 208 yards passing in the first half and finished the game with 451 total offensive yards.

MSC's first touchdown of the 2009 season was a 57-yard punt return by Griffin Chernoff with 6:53 remaining in the third quarter. The Griffons two offensive possessions in the third quarter resulted in Chernoff's punt return and an interception by Chad Simpson with 50 seconds remaining in the quarter. MWSU's 12-play, 66-yard drive ended when Simpson picked off his first interception of the season in the endzone.

MSC drove the length of the field for its first offensive touchdown on a 1-yard run by Will Halboth to pull to within 28-14 of the Griffons. Halboth led all rushers with 24 carries for 99 yards.

Missouri Western's only points in the second half came on a 45-yard touchdown pass with 2:30 remaining in regulation. MWSU quarterback Drew Newhart hooked up with wide receiver Cedric Houston on six receptions for 229 yards and 3 touchdowns. Seven different Griffon receivers caught at least one pass as MWSU finished with 373 passing yards.

MSC redshirt freshman quarterback Robert Felberg completed 8-of-15 for 84 yards and two interceptions, one of which was tipped and returned for a Griffon touchdown. Felberg gained 43 yards rushing on 10 carries.

Defensively the Mavericks were led by Adrian Abreau, Aaron Silverthorn and Bennett Newton; each recording double digit tackles. Abreau finished with a game high 13 total tackles. Newton and Nainoa Campbell each recorded a sack.

Junior punter C.J. Smith averaged 42.0 yards on six punts (252 yards) including four punts inside the 20-yard line.

The Mavericks open up Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action on the road next Saturday at New Mexico Highlands. The Cowboys enter the contest 0-2 with losses to Midwestern State and Washburn.

Box Score