Lions prepare for first home game since 2019

JOPLIN, Mo. – The Missouri Southern Lions will be in action at home this weekend, hosting the Northeastern State Riverhawks.

Both teams are searching for their first win of the season. Missouri Southern fell on the road in their season opener last Thursday 38-0 to Nebraska-Kearney.

For Missouri Southern, Saturday’s game will be their first home game since November 9th, 2019. The team is excited to play in front of their home crowd for the first time in nearly two years – and they’re expecting a loud and fun atmosphere.

“I’m pretty excited. For us seniors, it’s been two years,” says senior tight end Keandre Bledsoe, “To actually be able to play on our home field feels good. We’ve been looking forward to it and looking forward to showing out for the fans.”

“I think it’s going to be a great crowd,” says head coach Atiba Bradley, “I think there’s going to be a lot of energy and I think it’s going to be a fun time.”

“It’s been two years. We’ve all been working and sacrificing time, in the weight room, on the field and off the field as student athletes,” says junior defensive lineman Solomon Garcia, “We’ve been working a lot to show everybody what we got.”

While the team is excited to be back on the field at Fred G. Hughes Stadium – playing at home also comes with a little added pressure.

“There’s that added sense of pressure, when all of the sudden some of your peers are sitting in the stands,” Bradley says, “Your mom and dad come to watch the game, your girlfriend or your co-worker. Everybody that you see on a daily basis is now saying “Hey, we’ll be at the game.” The thing we’ve been preaching for these guys is to understand is they just have to go about their business the same way. Don’t get too high and don’t get too low. It’s another game and another opportunity to go out and showcase our talents.”

Saturday’s game will begin at 2 PM.

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