'Necks can't finish off Bears
Missouri State converts a game-winning field goal to defeat Western Illinois 17-16 at Hanson Field
Bill Welt
Issue date: 10/19/09 Section: Sports
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The Bears (4-3, 2-2) began their final drive trailing 14-16 with 2:24 left on the clock at their own nine-yard line.
Senior quarterback Cody Kirby shredded the 'Necks' secondary with a 53-yard bomb to senior tight end Clay Harbor, putting the Bears at the Western 38-yard line.
Kirby scrambled for another first down on the following play to put the Bears in field goal range.
After three consecutive rushing plays, Hottelman came on the field for his second field goal attempt.
"I was just hoping for a chance to redeem myself after that first blocked kick," Hottelman said. "But this one felt great to get out there and get another chance. My holder did an awesome job to put the ball down. He had some tough snaps today, and he got the ball down and gave me a chance to kick it. It felt great."
The 'Necks' (1-5, 0-3) defense dominated the first half, giving up only 102 total yards by halftime.
The defense placed Western ahead 16-0 when senior cornerback Patrick Stoudamire recovered a forced fumble by junior linebacker Kyle Glazier and returned it down the sidelines for a 88-yard touchdown return.
"Glazier made a big play," Stoudamire said. "When I saw the quarterback rolling out, I saw Glazier chasing him, and we always practice strip drills in practice and scoop and score. I saw the opportunity when he (Glazier) was wrapping up the quarterback. I just came forward, and I saw the ball on the ground. It was an amazing feeling."
Western went into halftime up 16-7 after Kirby found sophomore running back Chris Douglas wide open behind the secondary on a blown coverage assignment for a 33-yard touchdown reception.
"Overall, we played well," said head coach Mark Hendrickson. "The first drive we drove down the field and of course we didn't come up with the field goal, which was frustrating. Of course, then we missed another field goal that was added to that frustration. So that's obviously something we need to get down. But overall in the first half, we played well."
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