Central Missouri football denies Washburn comeback on Homecoming

Published 1:41 am Sunday, October 18, 2026

WARRENSBURG — Each week, Central Missouri football’s defense hones in on defending potential game-winning drives.

After Washburn posted a touchdown, 2-point conversion and onside kick recovery inside the final 10 seconds, the scenario came into play. The Mules thwarted an attempted Ichabods’ Hail Mary, closing Homecoming with a 49-43 win Saturday, Oct. 17, at Walton Stadium.

“Our prevent, or victory formations, we go to that at least two to three times a week,” said Central Missouri fifth-year defensive back Abe Hoskins, who led the Mules with six tackles. “We try to get a look at it in pads on our fast Friday and in walkthroughs as well. It’s just being prepared for those moments. You don’t usually want to be in those moments, but you have to be prepared for them. We executed our job.”

UCM (5-2, 4-1 MIAA) held a three-possession lead with 7:13 remaining. Washburn went on to score at the 5:44 and 10-second marks, setting up an onside kick they recovered.

The Mules used their final timeout with nine seconds remaining and received a look of what the Ichabods (4-2-1, 3-2 MIAA) could potentially present.

Washburn put up an 11-yard pass from Logan Madden to junior wide receiver Dwayne Moorehead, who went out of bounds with six seconds left. Madden threw it deep on a Hail Mary try after, with Iosefa Toia breaking the pass up 10 yards away from the end zone.

“We try to be really strategic on when we take (timeouts),” Central Missouri head coach Josh Lamberson said. “When you challenge, and at the end of the day, it adds up. We took the timeout right before the play, just so everyone could be on the same page with what we wanted to do. These guys executed. That’s where I think the common thing has happened when the chips are in the middle of the table, whether it’s offense, whether it’s defense, whatever the case is.”

The Mules, who scored on their opening possession of the game, never trailed the Ichabods.

They got on the scoreboard after capping a nine-play, 66-yard possession with an 8-yard touchdown from fifth-year quarterback Jordan Pachot to fifth-year wide receiver Jake Weber.

Pachot completed 41-of-50 passes for 339 yards and three touchdowns. All three passing scores arrived before halftime, when UCM led 28-14.

“We throw 50 passes in practice, and going 41-of-50 in practice is a really good day,” Lamberson said. “To do it against, that was the No. 2 defense in the league in scoring and total defense … JP has so much trust in these guys because they are where they are supposed to be when they’re supposed to be there. You don’t do that if you don’t trust those guys. He was really dialed in today. Not in a bad way where he was tight. He just knew he was gonna let it rip and take what the defense gave him.”

Washburn came within 28-21 in the opening minute of the second half following a 19-yard touchdown pass from Madden to senior wide receiver Nathan Lewis Jr.

UCM and Washburn proceeded to exchange punts, leading into a four play, 54-yard drive that ended with a 22-yard touchdown from Mules fifth year running back DJ Brown.

Brown also had a 23-yard touchdown run within the first five minutes of the fourth quarter, putting UCM ahead 42-21 after Hoskins intercepted Madden at the Washburn 38.

Brown ran for 112 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. He also had seven catches for 40 yards and a touchdown. Fifth-year running back Tank Young had six catches for 41 yards.

“It’s such a well-rounded running back room,” said fifth-year wide receiver Jack Pospisil, who had a season-best 111 receiving yards on 13 receptions — including a 20-yard touchdown reception. “Being able to run the ball inside and outside, you can pass it to them. It just truly makes us a two-dimensional team that you have to stop all 53 yards sideways and 100 yards deep. It just opens up everything for our offense.”

Washburn brought it back within 42-28 before the Mules answered with a 90-yard kickoff return from senior wide receiver Marlon Lindsey, making it 49-28 with 7:13 left. Lindsey also had a 9-yard touchdown run in the first half.

The Ichabods went on to produce a four-play, 69-yard possession that ended with a 48-yard pass from Madden to senior wide receiver Emeka Ogbonna.

They also had a four-play, 99-yard drive that ended with a 37-yard pass from Madden to sophomore wide receiver Tre Calhoun with 10 seconds left.

Washburn outgained UCM 503-488. Madden completed 28-of-51 passes for 441 yards and three touchdowns.

“Overall, there’s some really good things, and obviously things that we need to correct and fix, but what I told the guys in the locker room is – there aren’t style points for this thing. That’s gonna go in the left-hand column where it says wins,” Lamberson said. “We’re gonna enjoy this one, especially on homecoming.”

The Mules visit Emporia State on Saturday, Oct. 24, in Emporia, Kansas. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.

OTHER MIAA RESULTS

No. 8 Emporia (7-0, 5-0 MIAA) 23, Central Oklahoma (5-2, 4-1 MIAA) 16

No. 12 Northwest Missouri State (4-1, 3-1 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (3-3, 2-2 MIAA), 7 p.m.

Nebraska-Kearney (1-6, 1-4 MIAA) 16, Missouri Southern (1-6, 0-5 MIAA) 13

Pittsburg State (2-5, 2-3 MIAA) 45, Missouri Western (3-4, 2-3 MIAA) 42

Joe Andrews can be reached at 660-747-8123.